Former Progressive Labour Party candidate Marc Bean is among the front-runners tipped to succeed Wayne Caines who resigned from the Senate this week.

One party source also mentioned Government race advisor Rolfe Commissiong, party worker LaVerne Furbert and former Senator Neville Tyrrell as possibilities.

Mr. Caines, a lawyer, left Government to become CEO of Digicel after entering the Senate in October 2006.

Mr. Bean, who lost Southampton West Central to UBP incumbent Jon Brunson by 142 votes in December, had originally been picked by the party in the PLP stronghold Southampton West in place of sitting MP Randy Horton.

But party chiefs intervened to keep Mr. Horton in place so Mr. Bean, 33, who is president of Somerset Bridge Recreation Club, moved to the neighbouring seat.

Asked if he was interested, Mr. Bean said: "I wouldn't mind, I don't know. That's up to the Premier but there is no decision made as yet, as far as I know."

Several party sources said the Premier might be tempted to boost female representation with election campaign manager Dawn Simmons being mentioned.

Other possibilities include secretary general Linda Merritt, who fought Devonshire South, and lawyers Elizabeth Christopher and Victoria Pearman.

Former PLP candidate Jane Correia, who lost in the UBP stronghold of Smith's South, isn't hopeful of being chosen.

"I just don't expect to be asked — for no particular reason," she said. "I just haven't thought about it."

Mrs. Correia said she thought former Attorney General Larry Mussenden might return to the Senate although she added any of the party's other losing election candidates might get picked. Senate will resume next Wednesday.