Dance school operator Louise Jackson has been approved by the United Bermuda Party (UBP) as a candidate for the coming election.

Mrs. Jackson, founder of the 50 year old Jackson School of Dance, confirmed reports of her candidacy but denied rumours that the decision had sparked some discontent among the party ranks.

She would most likely be running as the Pembroke South West (constituency 20) candidate but cautioned that while she had been canvassing the area, a final decision had not been made and she had no particular preference.

"I am, as you probably know, a longstanding member of the UBP and wanted to put forth any of my talents, experience and knowledge to the party," she said when asked why she had decided to run for elective office.

Having retired from the day to day running of the school, she had plenty of time and energy to devote to politics, she said.

"My life now allows me to do that. I am able to devote full time to this and I feel very comfortable devoting my time and energies to the party."

She has been canvassing in Warwick, Pembroke and Southampton, Mrs. Jackson said. "I don't have any preference but I shall certainly go where I'm needed."

Reports indicated that some tension had been created by the decision.

Pembroke South West is considered one of the UBP's safest seats and according to one insider, the choice of Mrs. Jackson was viewed by some as a regressive move which would give the impression that the party was still stuck in the past and gives the lie to its image makeover as a "new UBP".

"I think that's absolute nonsense," Mrs. Jackson said. "I have not been confirmed in any constituency yet and I believe that everyone is working toward the same goal in the UBP. I don't think there's any old and new."

She denied that there had been any controversy over her candidacy.

"If there is I haven't heard anything about it. I have a very jovial and amicable relationship with everyone."

And she said she was "very, very excited" about her party's prospects for victory at the polls. "I'm convinced that we will be the Government again - when the next election comes."