last few months, tirelessly going out in search of votes.

Nothing has been taken for granted in their bids to establish, and in some cases even strengthen their political careers.

But while there was much to be won in the political arena, there is also plenty to lose on the domestic front. Out all hours of the day and night, returning home tired and stressed after a long day, we might understandably have some sympathy for all candidates -- but what about their families? It might be that, in an Election campaign, the only people candidates can afford to neglect are their partners. So how have the wives and husbands of candidates coped with the pressure in the run-up to this Election? Ward Young, the husband of former Minister without Portfolio and Paget East MP Kim Young, spoke for many spouses on both sides of the political divide when he explained: "We've spent the last three months apart -- completely apart.'' Mr. Young holds down a full-time job as boss of importing company the BGA Group and the Phoenix Stores. But he has also had to make sure that life at home is running smoothly for when his wife returns from a busy day canvassing.

"My job now has become the provider. My wife gets in at about 9 p.m. every night -- I'm amazed at her commitment and the commitment of all the MPs.

"I'll cook the evening meal and we'll sit down and enjoy a quiet chat -- which will be mainly about politics.'' Elizabeth Scott, wife of PLP Senator Milton Scott, who ran unsuccessfully against Mrs. Young in Paget East, adopts a different tactic. Although equally supportive of her husband as Mr. Young is to his wife, she feels that the last thing her husband wants to talk about when he gets home is politics.

"We try to keep things separate,'' she said.

"He doesn't come home and talk politics after a long day. The only time he does is if I bring it up and he wants to get something off his chest.

Generally I don't want to burden him any further and he will want to relax and unwind.

"It's been hectic because my husband has had to put in so many long hours -- it's very much a situation of compromise.

"But it's well worth it just to represent the people of Paget East -- they need to hear both sides and that's what my husband is doing. I'm very proud of him, especially because he's carrying the PLP flag. Everyone knows that the best person doesn't necessarily win in an Election -- I'm just very proud of him.

"But to be the wife of a political candidate you have to be supportive. They have to have someone who understands them who can help share the burden -- my job at the moment is to carry the domestic burden.

"I'm very excited about everything -- you can't ignore it, it's infectious and I'm happy to be involved.

"But whatever happens I hope things remain calm and everybody just goes about their business. Whatever the result the Government must go on and life must go on and it's God's will.'' A General Election campaign is something that the wife of former Education Minister Tim Smith has been through before.

But she's found it harder to cope this time round -- thanks to a baby daughter at the Smith household.

And like all partners we spoke to, Sue Smith warned that being married to a politician is a full-time job -- with double shifts required at times like the build-up to an Election.

"Tim is the type of person who commits himself 120 percent and that's what he's having to do at the moment,'' she said before the Election.

"It basically means that I'm having to do everything myself which requires me to redouble my efforts and adjust my schedule and put everything on hold.

"But ever since I've known him Tim has been involved -- that's one of the things I like about him -- and you expect that you have to make sacrifices, especially at this time.

"It's difficult -- Tim has been under a lot of pressure. What I find difficult is when it gets personal -- then I find it very difficult to control my feelings but it's part and parcel of being in the job.'' PLP candidate Quinton Butterfield had the task of breaking the UBP stranglehold in Devonshire South.

On Monday, while Mr. Butterfield met with voters outside the polling station, his wife was busy helping out preparations for what turned out to be the victory party at PLP headquarters.

But to show that the candidate had the full support of his family, Mr.

Butterfield's mother was by his side throughout the day.

And, rather than stressful, she has found the whole campaign exhilarating.

"He's my one and only son and I'm very proud of him -- I'm a very proud Mom,'' she said.

"Yes, he is under a lot of pressure and it's our job as his family to support him. But that's his choice -- he's a very ambitious young man. I don't feel under any pressure myself. Obviously you hope the result will go your way but if it doesn't you just have to try, try, try again.

"I've found the whole thing a very positive experience. I've enjoyed it very much.'' Everyone we spoke to said that, win or lose, they would be standing by their man -- or woman -- on Election night, sharing in the joy of victory or the bitterness of defeat.

"I get as excited as Tim and on Election night -- the adrenalin will be flowing as much for me as it does for him,'' Mrs. Smith said.

But one person who was out of the spotlight -- and thankful for it, was the wife of United Bermuda Party veteran Irving Pearman, who gave up his seat in Warwick East after almost 20 years as a politician.

His wife Erminie said: "It's a big relief that he is not standing this time.

I have supported him all I can and it was beginning to get too much -- it's time for a younger person to take over.

"Husbands or wives of candidates have to be very strong to support their partners. They have to be there all the time for them. My husband, right from the beginning, has always been a busy man, but it got hectic towards an Election, perhaps too hectic. He had a lot of meetings to attend and would come home late at night.

"But I thought Election night was very exciting. No, I didn't get nervous, I loved it. That's one thing I'll miss but I don't envy the other wives.'' SUPPORTING ROLE -- Kim and Ward Young.