An expected candidate to contest the upcoming City of Hamilton mayoral election has decided not to run for the office but to throw his backing behind Sonia Grant.

Current Deputy Mayor David Dunkley said he felt Miss Grant has the experience to fulfil the role of mayor.

A number of election observers last night would not speculate on whether the news tips the balance in favour of either of the two candidates so far entered in the election race. But the decision by the Deputy Mayor not to seek the mayorship has not come as a surprise to a number of past and present members of the City of Hamilton Corporation.

And it makes sense in many ways, according to former Mayor Lawson Mapp, who pointed out that because of Mr. Dunkley?s heavy involvement in the planning of major projects for the city, such as the waterfront scheme and a proposed hotel for Par-La-Ville Road, to risk losing his Corporation position in an election now would present difficulties for the various projects.

Explaining his decision, Mr. Dunkley, who has served on the Corporation for more than nine years, said: ?I?m glad to be stepping aside to let Sonia run for Mayor.

?When I first joined the Corporation we worked together and I was glad when I heard that she was going to stand for Mayor because she brings a wealth of experience back to the board.

?She was very committed to the Corporation and chaired many committees and participated in other committees. With all the changes that are going on in the city we need the best hands on deck at this time.?

Former Deputy Mayor Miss Grant was defeated by Jay Bluck in the mayoral election earlier this year. However, the death of Mr. Bluck, 65, on September 1 has led to a fresh election to be held on October 26.

So far only Miss Grant and Alderman Sutherland Madeiros have announced their intention to run in the election. The closing date for nominations is October 19. Mr. Madeiros said he did not think Mr. Dunkley?s decision would affect on the outcome of the election.

?I always thought that Sonia would run but not Mr. Dunkley,? he said.

Asked if he thought his election chances might have been diminished, he said: ?Not at all. If I did not think I could win, I would not be running at all.?

Having ruled himself out as a contender, Mr. Mapp would not speculate on whether the absence of Mr. Dunkley?s name on ballot papers would tip the balance in favour of either candidate. Likewise Councillor Jim Butterfield said the mayoral race remained wide open.

?They have both had years of experience and are both good candidates, but they will have to get out there and get the electorate to pay attention.?

However Coun. Graeme Outerbridge said he supported Miss Grant and believed a two-way race, as opposed to a three-way battle, would be helpful to her election chances.

?Mr. Dunkley obviously feels the what is needed is the stability of someone with a long experience on the Corporation,? he said, adding he supported Miss Grant for a number of reasons including her pledge to make the City of Hamilton election process more transparent.