Multi-talented bank lawyer Paula Cox was yesterday named as the Progressive Labour Party's choice to follow in the footsteps of the late Frederick Wade.

Ms Cox, the daughter of Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox, was chosen ahead of a string of candidates to fight the Devonshire North by-election caused by the death of Mr. Wade last month.

"The issues of Devonshire North are not dissimilar from other parts of the Island,'' said Ms Cox.

"You will find the same issues that echo throughout the community about education, jobs and substance abuse.'' Ms Cox was chosen ahead of a list of people including lawyer Julian Hall, Sen.

Terry Lister and UBP defector Rodney Smith.

Mr. Hall recently criticised the selection process claiming the Party had too much influence in choosing who it wanted.

In particular it was felt that former PLP leader Lois Browne Evans wielded too much influence in the selection procedure.

Last night, Mr. Hall told The Royal Gazette he was fully behind Ms Cox.

"She has my complete, unqualified support. She is excellent Parliamentary material, and I can easily foresee her becoming Cabinet material.'' Mr. Hall, who said he had never formally expressed a desire to be adopted as a candidate, rejected some reports he may run as an Independent.

"That was never an option I considered seriously. Something extremely grave would have to happen for me to take that course.'' Mr. Hall, however, said he and others in the party continued to have concerns about the PLP's selection process. And proposals for amending that procedure would be put to the party leadership.

Yesterday both Mrs. Browne Evans and the new PLP Leader Jennifer Smith defended the selection of Ms Cox.

Ms Smith said: "The selection process that was followed was the process laid out in the Party's constitution. Any member not content has recourse through the annual delegates conference.'' She said the Central Committee had the final say and that followed recommendations from the Candidates Committee which in turn followed recommendations from the Devonshire branch.

"If there are any changes to be made those changes will be made in a democratic way,'' added Ms Smith who denied Ms Cox's selection was a fait accompli.

"I think that the UBP should be concerned. As far as I am concerned they do not have comparable candidates,'' added Ms Smith.

Mrs. Browne Evans said: "I am happy that Paula has been selected through the Party's constitutional process.

"Paula Cox is a young lady who I had hoped that when I retire might take over my position.'' Ms Cox is senior legal counsel, corporate trust, with the Bank of Bermuda and has an impressive educational and personal background.

She was educated at Berkeley Institute, Havergal Ladies College, Toronto, the University of Western Ontario and McGill University.

Ms Cox, who lives in Devonshire, completed a post graduate diploma in international law at Manchester University, England, and in the early 1980s spent time at the Hague Academy of International Law.

She completed her legal qualifications at the College of Law, London, and was enrolled as a solicitor of England and Wales in 1991. She was called to the Bermuda Bar in 1992.

Since 1993 she has been the PLP's press officer, has contributed to the Shadow Finance Ministry and has helped in previous by-election campaigns.

Cox chosen by PLP Ms Smith added: "One could not find in a candidate for political office a more courageous and committed person and Paula has consistently demonstrated these qualities over the years in her service to the Party.'' Mr. Wade died suddenly from a heart attack outside his home as he prepared to leave for a Commonwealth conference in Malaysia.

Yesterday Ms Cox said: "I think Mr. Wade had always said that amongst the PLP there were any number of people able enough to be leader.

"While I am not in that category I think I can offer something to the Devonshire constituents.'' After the announcement at the PLP headquarters, one of the losing candidates Rodney Smith paid tribute to Ms Cox.

"I was quite happy at being given the chance to run and we are in full support of Paula Cox.

"We stand behind her and look forward to a PLP victory in Devonshire North.

Government is due to announce today when the by-election will be held. It is also expected that the UBP will soon announce their candidate for the seat.

Paula Cox