new MPs following the resignations of former Premiers David Saul and Sir John Swan. In the final part in the series, Raymond Hainey profiles Michael Dunkley, who is running for the United Bermuda Party in Devonshire South.

Dairy boss and political novice Michael Dunkley milked his local roots to romp home in a United Bermuda Party primary contest with political heavy hitter but parish outsider Joe Gibbons.

But on the eve of election day in the UBP stronghold of Devonshire South, Dunkley was portraying his relative lack of experience as an advantage as well as a disadvantage in the sometimes rough-and-tumble atmosphere of the House of Assembly.

He said: "It's very important for a politician to be in touch with the people he or she represents -- one way of being in touch is by having deep roots in that community.

"People feel comfortable -- they feel comfortable in calling you up, not that the job couldn't be done in another way, but I feel its an advantage.

"Political inexperience has been mentioned, but anybody who gets into a new game is inexperienced.'' But he added: "I will stand squarely on my own two feet in getting up to speed with the game and representing the people of Devonshire South and the party.'' Mr. Dunkley, 38, has worked in the family business of Dunkley's Dairies since he graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Richmond, Virginia, in 1980, rising to his current job as vice-president of the firm.

He is a father-of-two, both young daughters, and has lived in the constituency all his life, a major plank -- some observers said it was the only plank -- of his campaign for the nomination.

Skilled cricketer Mr. Dunkley may have played the primary game with a straight bat. But some of his supporters -- although not the candidate himself -- were accused of playing a hard and dirty game during the primary.

And one alleged statement during a public meeting -- that he would not have supported the controversial bill decriminalising gay sex between consenting adults -- drew an angry response to The Royal Gazette .

The controversy -- in the run-up, it must be remembered, to a new century -- only added to his image as a parochial young fogey.

But Mr. Dunkley said: "The question didn't come too clearly from the floor -- but I think my answer was quite clear that night.

"What people do in the privacy of their own home, no matter what you might think personally, is their own business. I think that answers the question.

"I respect people's rights. I have my opinions, but what people do in their homes is their own business.'' It is, however, undeniable that the primary result -- a 422 to 275 walkover -- underlined that the Devonshire party faithful had no doubts over his capabilities.

Mr. Dunkley admitted that being characterised as a rich, white throwback to the old guard UBP, out of tune with the "people's premiership'' of Pamela Gordon hurt a little.

But he pointed to a 10-year record in UBP branch politics and a stint as deputy chairman at the Chancery Lane headquarters as proof of his credentials.

And he said, at 38, he was more in tune with the bright young thing image of Pamela Gordon than not.

He added: "I am new blood -- it's time to get somebody like me with the energy and experience to get things done.

"And the vote will show that to be the case when all is said and done.'' Mr. Dunkley also played soccer for BAA in the 80s, being part of the side that won promotion from the Second Division.

But it remains to be seen whether he can overcome a slightly negative image -- whether accurate or not -- and lift his political game to the highest level in the House of Assembly.

FACT FILE Age: 38 Profession: Businessman Political history: Has served as a UBP deputy chairman and as branch chairman for Devonshire South.

"I am new blood -- it's time to get somebody like me with the energy and experience to get things done.''