The United Bermuda Party took aim at Government's record on housing as it announced four General Election candidates yesterday.

The candidates repeated promises that a UBP government would build 100 new rental homes over the next two years, in a bid to increase the availability of affordable housing, and work with others to come up with a long term strategy to address housing issues.

And Cal Simons, a builder who is running in Southampton East, highlighted the Bermuda Housing Corporation scandal.

“Over the past year, all Bermudians have watched in shock and dismay at the steady drumbeat of scandal emanating from the Bermuda Housing Corporation,” he said.

“It's bad enough that taxpayers' money is being wasted, but at a time when Bermudians can't find affordable housing, mismanagement at the BHC is completely unacceptable.”

He said his party will “clean up” and restructure the Housing Corporation “to make sure that it delivers on its promise - and gives every Bermudian the opportunity and dignity of owning their own home”.

Mr. Simons will be running against Speaker of the House Stanley Lowe. He is a newcomer to the political scene along with Al Wharton and Jon Brunson.

Martial arts instructor Mr. Wharton was confirmed as the UBP's candidate for Southampton West, otherwise known as District 32. He will be challenging Community Affairs Minister Randolph Horton, while Mr. Brunson, who was named for the neighbouring district Southampton West Central, takes on the Progressive Labour Party's Michael Scott.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell was named the candidate for Southampton East Central where businessman Raymond Tannock is slated to run for the PLP.