expectations.

Michael Dunkley made sure of that.

He not only beat his two opponents, he trampled them into the political dust.

"I am overwhelmed by the support shown not only for me but the United Bermuda Party and the rest of my campaign team,'' he exclaimed after emerging from Christ Church Hall.

A roar went up from his supporters as the 38-year-old dairy chief fulfilled a post-election mission: To embrace his wife, Pamela.

The statistics tell the tale of the UBP stampede: Mr. Dunkley charged off with nearly 70 percent of the 1190 votes cast.

The only question was how many bits and pieces of his victims could be identified. And how many could be put together again.

For National Liberal Party candidate, chairman Charles Jeffers, the pieces could be scattered too far...both for him and his party.

Before the count, he staked his hopes -- and probably the NLP's -- on grabbing up to 30 percent of the vote and driving the Progressive Labour Party's Danny Farias into third place.

Last night he emerged from Christ Church Hall with the pained look of someone who had fallen short -- he pulled just nine percent of votes cast.

It was no time, he said, to make hasty decisions about his future.

"I would like to sit down and reassess the position. I cannot be expected to speak for my party at this stage.'' He added: "I've been in the political arena for 30 years and I've got to look at the whole picture from a personal and party point of view.'' Mr. Farias had little more to cheer about. The PLP's share of the vote slipped by ten percent over the 1993 general election.

Any hopes of coming close to mirroring the Labour Party's landslide election triumph in Britain bit the dust with a thud.

With an arm around PLP Leader Jennifer Smith, he drew upon cricketing metaphors to explain his feelings.

"I am used to hard hitting, getting all the sixes,'' he said.

Will he reemerge from the political pavilion? "I'm not going to throw the ball. If my party wants me I will stand again.'' Changing the metaphor, he continued with a smile: "We did well. I was trying to get closer to the cow's tail.

"I needed a couple of hundred more votes but I still feel good and proud.'' Last night's three-way match-up was always a foregone conclusion.

But political observers repeatedly drew in their breaths as the size of Mr.

Dunkley's victory became increasingly evident.

There was no disguising new Premier Pamela Gordon's joy.

"I am elated. The voters have sent a serious message,'' she said.

Ms Gordon dismissed PLP finger-pointing at the size of the turn-out -- just 54.5 percent.

"The turn-out in by-elections normally range in the low to mid-50s. The most I think we've had is 53 percent. I am ecstatic by what has happened tonight.

"The people are ready to give the UBP a chance to represent their interests in the next election and beyond, hopefully.'' Ms Gordon said the UBP never took any seat for granted -- even strongholds like Devonshire South, vacated by her predecessor Dr. David Saul.

Mr. Dunkley, who has worked in the family business of Dunkley's Dairies since he graduated with a degree in economics, said he was willing to serve Ms Gordon in the House of Assembly in any way she wanted.

Asked what qualities he would bring to Parliament, the father-of-two replied: "Honesty, integrity and a strong commitment to family.

"I believe I'm well rounded in business and the community and I take a common sense approach to life.'' Politics can be a brutal game; a fact, somehow, underlined by the sight of Dr.

Saul who dropped by the polling station.

Most of the conversation he generated was about his new beard.

"Eighty percent of women say they like it. Take a poll of the people here,'' he said.

He appeared to be liking life after politics. A certain Mr. Farias and Mr.

Jeffers could perhaps take heart...

Devonshire South Vote % of Votes Michael Dunkley (UBP) 806 68.8% Danny Farias (PLP) 260 22.2% Charles Jeffers (NLP) 106 9% Spoiled ballots 18 Total votes cast 1190 Eligible voters 2172 Turnout 54.5% 1993 General Election John Barritt (UBP) 1,072 (34.2%); David Saul (UBP) 1,044 (33.%3); Danny Farias (PLP) 513 (16.3%); Richard Lynch (PLP) 507 (16.2%). Turnout: 1,609 (73%).