And the message to the three challengers was quite clear as Jennifer Smith topped the polls with 773 votes and her first-time running mate Delaey Robinson came in second on 693, 150 votes more than Kim Swan of the UBP in third place.

Swan colleague Robert Stewart collected 478 votes, but the biggest message was sent to Independent Kenny Bascome who managed only 101 votes in what he thought initially would be a threat to the second PLP seat.

"I'm gratified and grateful to the hard work of the St. George's North team, they worked very hard, put it all together and obviously brought the vote home,'' said Robinson afterwards.

Robinson chose to neither dwell on the negative ad depicting him and his dreadlocks, nor the failed attempt by Bascome to shake up the PLP's bid to reclaim both seats.

"Heavens, no, he (Bascome) made a mistake, let's not rub it in,'' said Robinson.

"What's next for me is a backbench spot.'' So confident was his leader, Ms Smith, of both seats that she was not even there for the final count, preferring to head straight to the party headquarters when the polls closed. "People have been very positive, and throughout the country very positive,'' she said before departing.

"My former running mate (Jimmy Williams) and I canvassed before he got sick, we canvassed last year and the year before that.'' The UBP's Swan and Stewart stayed to the end and were gracious in defeat as the final results came in.

"We're just grateful the people gave us the opportunity to give it a good attempt,'' said Swan, who vowed to fight on for his party.

"I honestly believe in the case of St. George's the people voted party and the vote we counted on swinging our way swung in the favour of the Progressive Labour Party. I only have to give them credit.'' Stewart, too, gave an indication of his willing to battle again for the party.

"The voters spoke and when the voters speak there isn't much you can say,'' said Stewart.

"I want to congratulate the winners and say we'll do better next time.'' Independent Kingsley Francis doubled his tally from 1993, collecting eight votes this time.

RESULTS Jennifer Smith (PLP) 773 Delaey Robinson (PLP) 693 Kim Swan (UBP) 543 Robert Stewart (UBP) 478 Kenneth Bascome (Ind) 101 Kingsley Francis (Ind) 8 Rejected ballots 2 ST. DAVID'S SPECIAL -- PLP candidates for St. George's South Arthur Pitcher (left) and Wilbur Lowe greet voters at the polling station at St. David's Primary.

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