at the next election.

And the move could allow Senator Terry Lister to step in and fight for the seat for the opposition.

Yesterday Mr. Roberts, who was first elected to the House of Assembly exactly 35 years ago today, at first refused to confirm the rumour that he was standing down. But he later hinted that his retirement is imminent.

"The idea is that I would like to let my constituents know what the situation is before I make any official announcement,'' he said.

"But if I am to stand down it has nothing to do with any dissatisfaction with the party. The PLP has my full support but there comes a time when you have to pass on the baton.'' Mr. Roberts, 64, went on to thank his constituents for their support throughout his political career.

"I have had the greatest group of voters and they have always given me their support -- they have been very strong,'' he said.

"I have had some wonderful times and I'm still having a wonderful time.'' Mr. Roberts declined to speculate on who his successor would be, saying that any decision would have to be made by the Sandys branch of the party.

But The Royal Gazette understands that Senator Terry Lister has been pencilled in to fight for the seat.

Speculation that Mr. Lister wants to focus on his political career increased yesterday with the news that he is to leave his post with accountants Deloitte and Touche at the end of the month.

Senior partner David Boden confirmed that the senator had handed in his resignation "because he has other things he wants to do''.

Last night Mr. Lister, who is currently off the Island, could not be contacted to comment on his political future.

And PLP insiders were also remaining tight lipped about the future of the seat.

Mr. Roberts' running mate Walter Lister, who is also Terry Lister's uncle, confirmed that Mr. Roberts is to stand down.

And, although he refused to confirm if his nephew would be a candidate in the election, he said that "an announcement will be made in the very near future''.

"There is speculation about who's going to be coming in,'' he said.

"You know what I know and I know what you know. A day is a long time in politics and I know that we will be making an official release soon. But I would respect the press if you would allow us to make that decision from a party standpoint.'' Mr. Lister also paid tribute to his Sandys South colleague.

"Mr. Roberts has made a valuable contribution and I will miss him as my running mate,'' he said.

"He has been a good role model for myself when I was a young politician and he has also been a positive role model for the community.'' Terry Lister