buildings at half-mast as mark of respect By Raymond Hainey Madeline Joell was justifiably proud of her success in the recent General Election and was determined to do a fine job as a Member of Parliament' Jennifer Smith Ex-Deputy Premier Jerome Dill yesterday emerged as favourite to fight Paget West following the shock death of sitting MP Madeline Joell.

But former Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Maxwell Burgess -- now Opposition Senate leader -- is said to be keen to get back into the House of Assembly.

Paget West members, however, are understood to be considering a new face drawn from the ranks of the branch rather than an ex-MP from outside the area.

And yesterday it was not clear whether Mr. Dill -- who has returned to full-time practice as a top corporate lawyer since he lost his seat in Pembroke West Central -- would be willing to consider running for Parliament.

But party insiders yesterday said the choice would most likely come down to either Mr. Dill or Sen. Burgess.

They added that the UBP was keen to settle the matter quickly -- and without a primary contest.

Insiders said Mr. Dill and Sen. Burgess had strengths and weaknesses -- and that the choice would be crucial for the party's chances of creating an attractive new image.

In Mr. Dill's favour is his experience as Deputy Premier and earlier as Minister of Education at a tough time for teaching. He is also regarded as future leadership material in a party currently lacking any credible replacement for Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon. But Mr. Dill is seen by some -- both inside and outside the UBP -- as too distant and lacking in grassroots appeal.

On Sen. Burgess' side, he is reckoned to have more clout with the man and woman in the street -- and a reputation as a political streetfighter.

But his role in the burger wars, which inflicted severe damage on the UBP's image in the last Parliament, could count against him.

And the issue is set to hit the headlines again later this year when would-be burger barons Grape Bay Ltd appeal to the Privy Council for permission to operate a McDonald's franchise in Bermuda. Sen. Burgess and ex-UBP Premier Sir John Swan are two of the main players in Grape Bay.

Ms Gordon, who picked Mr. Dill as her deputy when Premier, is thought to favour him over Sen. Burgess -- which could count heavily in his favour with Paget West UBP branch members. And the party also has to consider Sen.

Burgess' role in Senate and the need for a strong and experienced leader.

That is important as an alliance between the UBP and Independents in Senate could block most PLP legislation for a year -- which MPs in the House of Assembly have no chance of doing.

And -- if Mr. Burgess were to win in Paget West -- that would leave a hole in Hamilton West, where grassroots appeal is more important than in Paget West, for the next General Election.

Outside candidates could include Sen. Patricia Gordon Pamplin and ex-MP Ann Cartwright DeCouto -- Mr. Dill's running mate in Pembroke West Central. But neither are likely to attract major support.

Dill tipped to fight Paget West Yesterday, both main candidates and Ms Gordon were staying tight-lipped over their plans out of respect for Ms Joell, who died suddenly of a suspected burst blood vessel in the brain at the weekend after only weeks in Parliament as a new MP.

Mr. Dill said: "I really don't think that this is an appropriate time to be having this kind of discussion.

"There will be time to discuss these matters in the fullness of time.'' Mr. Burgess did not return calls from The Royal Gazette .

Yesterday, flags on Government buildings flew at half-mast as a mark of respect.

And tributes were led by Premier Jennifer Smith, in the United States when Ms Joell died.

Ms Smith said her sudden death underlined that "tomorrow is promised to no-one'', saying the entire community of Bermuda shared the shock with Ms Joell's immediate family.

The Premier added: "She was justifiably proud of her success in the recent General Election and was determined to do a fine job as a Member of Parliament for her Paget West constituents, specifically, and for the people of Bermuda generally.

"Though she was a member of the legislature for a very short while, we admired her and will miss her enormously.

"On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I offer my deepest sympathy to the late Ms Joell's mother, sisters, other family members, friends and United Bermuda Party colleagues.'' Paget West branch chairman Michael Smith said: "In terms of replacing Madeline as a candidate, at this point we have had no contact from any prospective candidates -- and it would be highly inappropriate for anyone to do so at this time.'' Mr. Smith added: "I'd like to express on behalf of the Paget West branch our most sincere condolences to members of the family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.'' UBP chairman Ronnie Viera added: "On behalf of the officers and members of the Central Council of UBP, I would like to express the deep sadness we feel on the sudden and tragic death of our dear friend and colleague.

"Madeline's dedication and commitment to the party and country earned her the respect of us all. Her wise counsel will be sorely missed. Her loss is Bermuda's loss.'' The UBP team of Tim Smith and Ms Joell held the seat at the November General Election with convincing majorities.

Mr. Smith took 38.5 percent of the vote and Ms Joell took 36.6 per cent, while the PLP's George Scott notched up 24.9 percent.

That compared to retired MP Harry Soares' 36.5 percent and Mr. Smith's 35.1 percent in 1993. The two PLP candidates won a total of 28.4 percent.

Most likely to line up for the PLP this time are Mr. Scott, who will be fresh in people's memories, or Sen. Michael Scott, who lost out in Southampton West in November.

Jerome Dill: Frontrunner HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY HOA