UBP maverick Trevor Moniz should have few problems being elected in the fairly affluent seat of Smith's West.

He is well known in the area as MP for Smith's South since 1993, with the new seat, constituency nine, taking part of his old ward plus some from Devonshire North. Mr. Moniz was considering running in the area as an independent if the UBP kept him frozen out of the caucus, and his chances of winning would have been strong.

His opponent, former policeman Scott Simmons, will be badly damaged by revelations last week that he has a previous conviction for fraud and was asked to resign from Cambridge Beaches. Mr. Simmons did not disclose these to the PLP, and there are other inconsistencies in his official biography.

Smith's West, which has about 60 percent black voters and is mainly residential, runs from Verdmont Road and St. Mark's Road in the East to Collector's Hill and Hermitage Road in the West. Traffic congestion at Collector's Hill appears to be the big local issue, but voters are also concerned about national political controversies.

Mr. Moniz said: "I've been out getting to know the areas of the new seat I don't know. My advantage is that I've represented the area for the past ten years.

"I am a known quantity. I don't have to explain who I am or what I stand for, which is transparency, accountability and consistency.

"You can never be certain how things will go, but with all of these kinds of intangibles going for me, I feel confident.

"The main issues are the national ones, crime, education, affordable housing, seniors and healthcare insurance.

"Locally, the traffic congestion at Collector's Hill is a problem. I want a sidewalk from the new gas station all the way up Collector's Hill and all along South Road to let people use the sidewalk.

"People need to be able to walk in peace, and it is time we made this country friendly towards pedestrians. Now if you try to walk along South Road with children you take your life in your hands."

Mr. Simmons said: "Some people want speed bumps at the bottom of Collector's Hill. The voters are interested in national politics - the economy, how tourism is progressing. They are interested in taxes and how we are managing the country's money.

"Education is very important and overall they have talked a lot about Bermuda's future and they feel maybe five years is not enough and we should be given more time.

"There are concerns, but I think people are willing to see what would happen in a second term.

"It has been a privilege to get the opportunity to get out and speak to people about the issues and to get involved politically. I am as optimistic as I should be and I feel the seat is very winnable."