new MPs following the resignations of former Premiers David Saul and Sir John Swan. In the second in a five-part series, Raymond Hainey profiles Craig Walls, who is running for the Progressive Labour Party in Paget East.

Craig Walls has all the credentials -- professional profile, smart suit and a business-friendly attitude in line with the new image the Progressive Labour Party is painstakingly trying to build.

But that will not be nearly enough to guarantee a good showing in the rock-solid United Bermuda Party seat of Paget East -- even though, in many ways, he fits the profile of a UBP candidate.

For young father-of-two Mr. Walls, 35, is a good candidate -- but in entirely the wrong constituency.

And there is more than a suspicion that the Paget East contest is just a dry run for the political newcomer, who is undoubtedly going to be seen again, probably in his native St. George's in a far more winnable seat.

But Mr. Walls -- although admitting he would "definitely'' be interested in a run in St. George's South -- is taking the current fight seriously.

He said his approach to the PLP two years ago was "somewhat voluntary'' and brought about by worries over the future.

The financial portfolio manager at Olympia Capital (Bermuda) Ltd. has already outlined his personal manifesto -- with an emphasis on young people, education and the environment.

Mr. Walls explained: "Personally, I feel like I've achieved some personal things that I wanted to do. I own my own home, my own real estate, and I did it many years ago so I'm not in this for any personal gain.

"It's more to help the Country -- I'm disenchanted with some things which are going on right now and I don't see it changing any time soon.'' Mr. Walls said the Base lands, could have been used to create more opportunities for Bermudians and that the lands were still largely cordoned off.

But he appeared to back off from polarisation politics, saying politicians "should appeal to all sectors of the community''.

And he described fears over how the PLP might govern -- especially in relation to international business -- as "a scare tactic driven by the UBP''.

Mr. Walls said: "Any sound political group realises that they have to appeal to everyone.'' And he has an obvious concern for the young and guaranteeing their futures.

Mr. Walls predicted: "If something doesn't happen to alter the course we are going on, we will all be packing up -- those that can.'' He admitted he could have been a UBP candidate under other circumstances. But he said: "It goes back to need -- I don't think they need me. I think they have plenty like me.'' And the children's soccer coach drew on a sporting metaphor to explain why he picked his side of the political divide.

"It's like watching a game where the other team's getting licked -- it's not fun to watch.

"I think it would be a little more exciting if we can make the two sides a little bit more even.

"If I can get the message out there by knocking on a few doors, speaking to people and appealing to them in a favourable way, we may have a chance.'' Mr. Walls' interest in young people also extends to coaching youth soccer, so a sporting metaphor may be in order.

He is likely to hear the final whistle in Paget East as a loser -- but he would be in with a chance in a rematch at a more favourable ground.

Tomorrow: Paget East United Bermuda Party candidate Kim Young.

FACT FILE Age: 35 Profession: Financial portfolio manager Political history: Joined the PLP two years ago.

"If something doesn't happen to alter the course we are going on, we will all be packing up -- those that can.'' PLP CANDIDATE Craig Walls