as the PLP showed a creditable growth in its share of the vote.

The constituency opted for party rather than personality by rejecting PLP campaign co-organiser Mr. Terry Lister and Mr. Michael Scott, the only candidate who was standing in the constituency for a second time.

The PLP took 39.1 percent of the total vote contrasted with the UBP's 57.6 percent share.

NLP's Mr. Matthew Lindo failed to secure the Portuguese vote, winning only 90 votes, a mere three percent, contrasted with the previous NLP candidate Mr.

Raymond Whitecross's 202 votes in 1989.

Both PLP candidates rigorously denied the late addition of Mr. Lister had robbed the PLP of one seat. "It would not have increased if I had gone alone,'' said Mr. Scott. "This is proved by the fact that Lister topped the PLP partnership in the poll, which is a clear mandate for the decision to bring him in late.'' Mr. Lister came in third with 549 votes. Fledgling MP Mr. David Dodwell came in second with 755 votes.

The UBP's Ms Pamela Gordon, the most popular candidate with 802 votes, 29.7 percent, said the UBP had been warned by the electorate while she and Mr.

Dodwell canvassed that once given the mandate the party would have to prove its worth to the constituency.

"The voters said we have forgiven your sins of the past by giving you an opportunity to prove yourself,'' she said. "They said they previously felt ignored. But the people are willing to give us a chance.'' Mr. Scott, who increased his share of the local vote to 507, from 399 in 1989, said he had "no sense of disappointment,'', but felt the PLP had made progress in Southampton West since the last election.

It proves Southampton West is a true marginal, he said.

Mr. Lister said he was surprised and disappointed by the outcome. "I find it extremely disappointing to think that my personal record couldn't stand on its own merits, as opposed to being judged by standing in someone's house,'' he said.

"The UBP ran scared in this district and did everything to get people out,'' he said. "We are disappointed that our young people did not get to vote because they are overseas at university.'' "I am not surprised by the increase in the PLP vote,'' said Ms Gordon, who together with Mr. Dodwell replaces Independent Mr. Harry Viera and veteran UBP MP the Hon. Ralph Marshall. "We are all new faces and unknown quantities apart from Scott,'' she said.

RESULTS Pamela Gordon (UBP) 802 David Dodwell (UBP) 755 Terry Lister (PLP) 549 Michael Scott (PLP) 507 Matthew Lindo (NLP) 90 Void ballots 8.

OCTOBER 1993 ELECTION