Roger Russell, 52, has been officially adopted as a United Bermuda Party (UBP) candidate for Pembroke West Central.

A UBP press statement released yesterday said that Mr. Russell, a former supporter of the ruling Progressive Labour Party, would help develop the party into one "that was truly open and dynamic, genuinely representative of the people and in tune with their needs and their aspirations".

"Mr. Russell is the chief financial officer of a building and development company who describes himself as one of many former PLP supporters who are disillusioned by the present government and excited by changes they see happening in the United Bermuda Party," according to the statement.

"He has a keen understanding of the problems and challenges Bermuda faces, and the energy to get something done about them."

Mr. Russell's father, Allan Russell Sr., was one of the founders of the Bermuda Industrial Union and was instrumental in the formation of the Progressive Labour Party.

UBP chairman Wayne Furbert touted Mr. Russell's "wide experience in grass roots issues". Mr. Furbert added: "He knows the area, and he looks forward to knocking on doors, meeting the constituents, and hearing their views."

And he said that Bermudians "need the kind of representation Mr. Russell can offer them, just as we need to incorporate their views in a new United Bermuda Party vision".

As the UBP's Ann Cartwright and Jerome Dill lost their seats in the 1998 general election, the party is only now choosing an adopted candidate for the district - in preparation for a general election.

"I think now that the people of Bermuda have had a chance to see both parties govern, they can make an informed decision," Mr. Russell is quoted as saying in the press statement.

"The arrogance of the PLP Government has led them on a path of retribution that will ultimately lead to the demise of the PLP Government. Arrogance and retribution can't make for good government," he added.

"They are just spinning your wheels, getting you nowhere. Arrogance and retribution create a lot of unnecessary enemies, and a lot of bad decisions. As an accountant I am very worried about the economy."

He said a strong economy was an essential prerequisite for people to fulfil their ambitions and the UBP had a "strong economic record". Mr. Russell joins Jamahl Simmons, former Human Rights executive director Neville Darrell who was recently appointed a Senator, as new recruits to the UBP.

Mr. Russell grew up, and still lives, in the Pembroke West Central area. He is the chief financial officer for Precision Management and Development. In the early 1980s he ran twice as the PLP's candidate in Pembroke West and later as an independent.

Mr. Russell has represented Bermuda internationally in soccer.