David Burch was yesterday formally announced as the ruling party's election candidate for Warwick North Central, constituency 27.A press conference held at the Lorraine Rest Home, in the constituency, was attended by a host of supporters and branch officials.Premier Paula Cox thanked outgoing MP El James for his service and described Lt Col Burch as someone who is “no stranger to hard work. And he cares. He cares about Bermuda”.“He doesn't mince his words and that is probably one of the things that is most endearing. Because he calls it as he sees it, he is a straight shooter.”The Premier added that Mr Burch had a “kind and compassionate” side that he tended to “camouflage” from the wider public.“He is someone I have a tremendous respect for and we can sometimes agree to disagree. But it doesn't change my respect and acknowledgment of what he adds to this PLP team. And I see it as a PLP winning team that is about putting Bermuda first,” the Premier said.“I have no doubt that he will stand and deliver not just for the people of Bermuda but for the next PLP Government.”In his prepared statement, Mr Burch paid tribute to the current MP El James and party officials.“The Progressive Labour Party is a grassroots, people's party and our branches are full of dedicated men and women who do much of the leg-work in constituencies while we as candidates sometimes are required to do other things,” he said.“The Warwick North Central Branch is a perfect example of that dedication and commitment. I am humbled by their vote of confidence and by the warmth of the welcome they have extended to me as their candidate.”He said constituents had voiced their concerns and support for his candidacy and the PLP during his canvassing.“I'm not waiting for an election to be called to get to work,” he said. “I will continue to be on the doorstep, connecting with the people and providing them with the best representation I can offer.”Last year Mr Burch resigned as a Senator and National Security Minister. He never explained why.Asked whether he would serve in Ms Cox's Cabinet again, he said he would serve in any capacity.“We had a disagreement. Certainly, I don't have a crystal ball but I've indicated that I would serve wherever the party needs and asks me,” he said.“It's just like a family. You have disagreements. I'm still PLP. I was PLP before and I remain PLP.”The Premier said: “I have every confidence in the ability of the Honourable Lt Colonel David Burch.”Mr Burch told this newspaper later that crime and the economy were key constituency concerns.He said he was encouraged by the fact that voters had ideas for addressing problems.“As a result of canvassing we have been able to get some work done in the constituency,” he said.“If I had a personal priority, it's trying to knock on every single person's door. Because we are in an area where we have won consistently and some of those people tend to be taken for granted. And I quite enjoy canvassing even for the people who have complaints, because you are then able to feed them into the system. We have, as a result of canvassing, been able to get some work done in the constituency.”Mr James beat Wayne Scott, then of the United Bermuda Party, for the seat in 2007, receiving 535 votes after campaigning for just six months. Mr Scott, who scored 418 votes, is contesting the seat again — this time as a candidate for the One Bermuda Alliance.