in taking over former Premier Sir John Swan's rock-solid United Bermuda Party seat.

And Maritime Museum director Ed Harris -- who lost out to Sir John's running mate Dr. Grant Gibbons in a 1994 by-election primary also indicated he might be prepared to stand.

Sen. Milligan-Whyte said: "I think it's really up to the branch -- but I would consider it a great opportunity to serve my Country in that constituency.'' She added: "I think my record speaks for itself in terms of commitment to Bermuda and civic responsibilities.'' Sen. Milligan-Whyte also backed an editorial in yesterday's Royal Gazette calling for more women in the House of Assembly.

She said: "They do bring a fresh perspective and tend to be less confrontational in dealing with issues.'' The Leader of the Senate and Legislative Affairs and Women's Rights Minister first served in the Upper House between 1987 and 1990, stepping down to concentrate on her law career.

She failed to win a seat in Southampton East in the 1989 General Election. But she was re-appointed to the Senate in 1994, taking a Cabinet post when David Saul became Premier in 1995.

Dr. Harris said he may also consider putting his name forward if Sir John stands down and causes a by-election.

He added: "I may do -- I maintain an active interest in serving the Country if possible at some point.

"One doesn't know when the occasion will arise -- Sir John hasn't retired yet.'' Former Women's Advisory Council chairman Kim Young, who expressed a strong interest in running in the 1994 primary, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Meanwhile, Paget East UBP branch chairman Campbell McBeath dismissed radio reports that Sir John had already sent in an official resignation letter -- and that a "thank-you'' letter had been sent to the former Premier.

Mr. McBeath said: "There are no new developments -- we are talking about getting together later this week.'' Sen. Milligan-Whyte and Dr. Harris are the first prospective candidates to throw their hats in the ring since Sir John announced his intention to stand down from the House on the last day of the Easter session.

The news came as a UBP wild card announced he would also stand -- as an Independent UBP candidate.

Sanders Frith-Brown -- a member of the UBP in Warwick -- yesterday declared he will put himself up for Sir John's seat.

Mr. Frith-Brown said: "I will run on the UBP platform but I will be responsible to the constituents -- not some unelected party oligarchy.'' He added: "They will obviously try and stop me -- but I can call myself anything I want.'' Mr. Frith-Brown -- turned down three times for the UBP approved candidates' list -- said he would stand in protest at machine politics and the party system.

Frith-Brown plans Independent run He said the seat had always been a UBP stronghold -- and pointed out that when Dr. Gibbons won the seat, the Progressive Labour Party, National Liberal Party and Independent candidates all lost their deposits.

Last Friday, Sir John stunned colleagues by announcing he was set to quit at Easter after a quarter of a century in politics -- more than 13 of them as Premier.

But he caused confusion by adding that he would have to consult with his local party organisation to see if it was an appropriate time to call it a day, leaving the door of the House open for a return.

Party insiders believe that the Paget East branch would allow Sir John to step down without a fight.

Sir John staked his Premiership on the Independence Referendum in August 1995.

He returned to the backbenches following an overwhelming rejection of Bermuda going it alone.

Last year, a bid to open a McDonald's burger franchise by Grape Bay Ltd., which includes Sir John and fellow UBP backbencher Maxwell Burgess among its principals, split the UBP.

Sir John has stayed out of the limelight since his surprise statement and avoided questions on his political future.