not run in the next election.

Mr. Stallard, 65, has represented St. George's South since 1976 and has consistently performed well at the polls.

He served in the Cabinet from 1984 to 1988, and again from 1989 to 1990. He had the dubious distinction in 1988 of being kicked out of Cabinet because of a mathematical error.

Thirteen Ministers were chosen but it was discovered moments before swearing-in ceremonies at Government House that the Constitution allowed just 12.

Mr. Stallard has been largely absent from the House over the last year, as his wife received medical treatment abroad.

At the same time, would-be United Bermuda Party candidates have been clambering at the gate, anxious for a chance to run for office in the constituency, which includes St. David's, Tuckers Town, Ferry Reach and parts of Wellington.

So far, lawyer Mr. Richard Spurling and retired Police inspector and taxi driver Mr. Custerfield Crockwell have said they expect to run in a UBP primary.

"I'll be entering the race,'' Mr. Crockwell said yesterday. "That was my intention whether Mr. Stallard was stepping down or not. It certainly doesn't change anything as far as I'm concerned.'' Mr. Stallard's running mate, Mrs. Grace Bell MP, expects to run again. Ms Cheryl Pooley has been canvassing the district for the National Liberal Party and Mr. Arthur Pitcher has been registering voters for the Progressive Labour Party, but neither has definitely stated they will run in St. George's South.

In a letter to Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan yesterday, Mr. Stallard said: "I believe it is time to step aside to allow younger persons to participate and contribute to their country's welfare. I shall, of course, continue to serve the United Bermuda Party and Bermuda in other ways.'' In a statement released later in the day, Sir John said he was losing "a loyal colleague'' from the House of Assembly. "We wish him all the best in a very well deserved retirement,'' he said.

Mr. Stallard was first elected to the House in 1976, and soon thereafter was appointed Tourist Board chairman.

He served as Transport Minister from 1984 to 1988. He was then dropped in the mix-up when 13 people were taken to Government House to be sworn in as Ministers.

Mr. Stallard was omitted on the grounds that his seat was the safest -- a move which he complained to the UBP's caucus caused "shock, disruption and embarrassment'' to himself, family and constituents.

He returned to the Cabinet after the 1989 election for a brief stint as Minister of Community Affairs.

In recent years, Mr. Stallard has been the only MP who was not born in Bermuda. A native of Canada, he moved to the Island in the 1950s and began work as a manager at the Bank of Butterfield.

Mr. Sidney Stallard MP.