The campaign trail ended in an explosion of joy last night for the Paula Cox camp.

The Progressive Labour Party candidate scored a thumping victory in the Devonshire North by-election.

"I thank God, I thank the voters, my family and the PLP machinery for helping to make this happen,'' she declared as she was mobbed by party supporters. Ms Cox, believing her success bode well for the PLP throughout the Island, added: "This is the tip of the iceberg.'' The triumph sets up what is believed to be the first father-daughter team in the House of Assembly.

"I am very proud of my daughter. She has always been interested in politics and now she has realised her dream,'' exclaimed Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox.

Ms Cox romped home with 707 of the 991 votes cast in this traditional PLP stronghold -- a majority of 71.3 percent.

The United Bermuda Party's Stewart Greenslade picked up 230 votes -- or 23 percent. And National Liberal Party hopeful Edwin Armstrong claimed 49 votes, 4.9 percent.

Independent candidate Gershwyn (Shiloh) Smith, meanwhile, attracted just five votes.

Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Smith lost their deposits.

The 50.5 percent turn-out of the 1,969 registered voters was a sharp drop on the 71.9 percent recorded at the 1993 general election.

At that election, 1,399 voters turned out to give the PLP's Lois Browne Evans a 33.6 percent majority. She polled 905 votes.

Former Opposition Leader Frederick Wade -- whose death prompted the by-election -- gained 892 votes, or 33.1 percent.

The UBP candidates Dr. James King and Charles Marshall picked up 12.7 percent of the vote.

Yesterday's poll brought political heavyweights from the UBP and PLP to Prospect Primary School, where the count took place.

Virtually all the Cabinet were present, as well as former Premier Sir John Swan.

The candidates were there throughout the day, except Mr. Smith who quit shortly after entertaining voters with his guitar.

Voters -- most aged 30 and over -- came to Prospect Primary in a steady stream throughout the day. A lull at lunchtime was compensated by a last-minute dash.

Several people came minutes after polling ended at 7 p.m.

Many voters told The Royal Gazette they were voting for the candidate who would perform best for the constituency.

One constituent voiced concern at the "desecration of the land'' by the National Stadium.

"Devonshire North used to be seen as the green constituency.'' After the result was announced Ms Cox was congratulated by Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith against a background of jubilant party supporters who chanted: "PLP all the way, all the way!'' PLP joy over Ms Cox's victory, however, was tinged with sadness over Mr. Wade.

"This would have been the happiest day of my life -- but I can't help but think the seat only became vacant because of Mr. Wade's death,'' said Ms Cox as she was hugged by her father.

Ms Cox, a bank lawyer and the PLP's press officer since 1993, believed the tragedy put off people from voting.

"I think the turn-out is traditionally lower for a by-election. We want more people to become involved and participate.

"I think tonight's result certainly gives us something to build on. I hope what happened in Devonshire North will be mirrored elsewhere.'' A beaming PLP Leader Ms Smith said: "I believe the result indicates Bermuda is ready for a change. We are working to make that happen.'' She added Ms Cox had performed even better than expected. "We had set ourselves a target of about 65 percent of the votes.'' Ms Smith said Ms Cox had promised to work hard for Devonshire North, meeting all the constituents.

Former PLP Leader Mrs. Browne Evans, Ms Cox's running mate, was equally ecstatic.

"I think it's wonderful. I'm really excited.'' Mr. Greenslade remained defiant in the face of defeat, vowing: "I will be back next time''.

He added: "I'm not going anywhere. I'm a little disappointed by the turn-out.

I expected more people to show, but I'm not disappointed with the results.

"I think we have done well. I think we have done very well.'' Acting Premier Jerome Dill also put on a brave face.

"At the end of the day this is a PLP stronghold, and Mr. Greenslade has put up a creditable performance.

"It is not the end of Mr. Greenslade. It is a beginning.'' NLP chairman Charles Jeffers reacted with dismay to the result and the loss of the deposit.

"We are disappointed by the fact our candidate did not do well. We've already done a quick assessment and the voting population seems to have been angry at the Government more than the Opposition.

"There are a lot of dissatisfied people out there, but they do not see the NLP as an alternative. That is very sad.'' THAT'S MY GIRL! -- A thrilled Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox hugs his daughter, Paula, after her win last night in the Devonshire North by-election.

THE NUMBERS The Numbers 1) Paula Cox, PLP 707 2) Stewart Greenslade, UBP 230 3) Edwin Armstrong, NLP 49 4) Gershwyn Smith, Ind. 5