Charlie Swan is returning to the political fold after being rolled out for the One Bermuda Alliance.

Mr Swan, a former United Bermuda Party MP, and his brother Michael, were unveiled as the OBA’s candidates for Southampton West and Sandys North Central respectively.

They were joined by fellow new candidates, swimming coach Ben Smith, former senator Georgia Marshall and former West End Development Corporation chairman Ray Charlton, at an OBA press conference at Somerset Bridge yesterday.

Describing himself as a “man of few words but a lot of action”, Charlie Swan said he was very pleased to be back in the political circle.

Mr Swan was one of only two UBP MPs who refused to join the OBA when it was formed in 2011, opting to run as an independent at the last election.

He stated at the time that “Bermuda’s issues today herald a call to be addressed in a non-partisan way; a way that respects as many views as possible with fairness and equity”.

Along with former UBP leader Kim Swan, he was a central figure in obtaining a court injunction that delayed the formation of the OBA, after they claimed colleagues had acted against the UBP’s constitution in failing to consult with party members over merger talks with the Bermuda Democratic Alliance.

Introducing Mr Swan, Michael Dunkley said: “I’m certainly delighted today to have Charlie Swan back as a colleague of mine. Charlie has a rich history in politics — he has represented the Southampton area for many years.

“He has a deep-seated passion for Bermuda and as a business owner and someone who is ingrained in the community, Charlie certainly brings a measure of the pulse of the community back to the table of politics.”

Mr Swan will be running against Scott Simmons of the Progressive Labour Party in the constituency held by veteran PLP MP Randy Horton, the Speaker of the House.

Political newcomer Mr Smith will be considered to have the most likely chance of winning a place in the House of Assembly, as he will run for the Southampton West Central seat that Shawn Crockwell secured for the OBA at the 2012 General Election.

“As the national swimming coach of Bermuda, I’ve had a great opportunity to work with young people over many years, developing what I see as the future of Bermuda,” Mr Smith said.

“I’d love to take the opportunity now to work with a great team from the OBA to help us to continue to move Bermuda in the right direction.”

Ms Marshall will contest Sandys South, the constituency where she lost a by-election to Jamahl Simmons in November, 2014.

Mr Dunkley pointed out that unlike the incumbent MP, Ms Marshall lives in the constituency and has continued to work there since losing in the by-election.

Asked why she was confident this time around, Ms Marshall said she had “forged relationships, reintroduced myself to this community, made sure that my neighbours know me as the multifaceted person that I think I am”.

“Through that I have made many connections with the neighbours, the constituents, my friends in this community and the reception that I am receiving at the door is a very positive one.”

Michael Swan, described by Mr Dunkley as a “first-class candidate”, will run in the seat held for many years by Dennis Lister, a PLP MP since 1989.

Mr Swan, who spoke about his and his family’s ties to the area, said he had considered entering politics ten years ago but decided to run now because he “was so impressed with what the current government has done with our economy.”

“For me this election is not about OBA, PLP, black, white, one Bermuda, two Bermudas, three, four,” he added, “its really about your pocketbook.

“The only way to improve the bottom line of your pocketbook is to have an economy that works. Right now our economy is working, the economic train has left the station. We now have to get more people on that train to benefit from the direction we are heading.”

Mr Charlton will make a second attempt in Sandys North, which he lost by just eight votes to the PLP’s Michael Scott five years ago.

Although Mr Charlton had considered moving away from politics, Mr Dunkley said he made the decision to move forward “because he deeply cares and loves Bermuda”.

Highlighting his work as Wedco chairman, he added: “Ray’s record speaks for itself.”

And Mr Charlton, who said he was “blessed to be born in Bermuda and raised in Somerset”, added: “At the end of someone’s journey, I think you will be judged not on what you’ve acquired but on what you’ve given back. “Now is my time, because I’ve been so blessed, because I love my family, because I love my community, that I do want to give back and I’ve been working towards that goal for 4½ years.”

Nobody was put forward for Sandys South Central, the seat held by Kim Wilson of the PLP.