primary election in his Smith's South constituency.

Dr. Grant Gibbons yesterday issued the challenge that creates a three-way fight for two spots to represent the United Bermuda Party in the next election.

Lawyer Mr. Trevor Moniz will also have to fight to retain the status he won last November as the constituency's adopted candidate.

The challenge, submitted yesterday afternoon to branch chairman Mr. David Rowntree, marks the second time this year a senior Government minister has been challenged by UBP newcomers.

In May, Deputy Premier the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto fended off a challenge in Pembroke West Central by Sen. Jerome Dill, who defeated adopted candidate Mr. Elroy Ratteray.

Although Mr. Woolridge has said he would welcome a primary, yesterday he refused to comment on Dr. Gibbons' long-expected move.

The Primary race will see the three contenders drumming up as much support as possible in weeks to come. Only signed up party members will be eligible to vote.

A date has yet to be set for the vote though party sources indicate it will probably take place at the end of September.

Yesterday, Mr. Rowntree said the branch committee would select a voting date at its scheduled meeting on Tuesday.

The primary is seen as a good opportunity to measure UBP support in the historically safe seat.

In the 1989 election, National Liberal Party candidate Mr. Graeme Outerbridge rode a wave of discontent with Government to within reach of victory.

He lost by 73 votes to long-time incumbent Mr. Anthony Corriea while Mr.

Woolridge topped the polls comfortably.

"We'll be watching it closely,'' one party insider said yesterday. "Graeme Outerbridge made a strong a showing in the constituency last time. He made some big inroads.'' Under party rules, Dr. Gibbons had the option of challenging just Mr. Moniz.

But he said he took on Mr. Woolridge to give constituents as wide a choice as possible.

"I've been getting a pretty clear sense out there that the constituents of Smith's South would like this choice,'' he said yesterday. "It's not because they want to get rid of Jim. They just want a choice.'' In a formal press announcement, Dr. Gibbons said he was running because "I believe the Government needs the perspective of younger Bermudians during this period of rapid change''.

"I feel that my education, training and experience would allow me to make a significant contribution to the Parliamentary process for the ultimate benefit of all Bermudians.'' Dr. Gibbons, 40, is a trained chemist who is managing director of Gibbons Company. The position puts him in overall charge of the company's department store operations and Peniston, Brown which operates three perfume stores.

Mr. Moniz, 38, is partner in the law firm of Moniz & George. He said the Gibbons' challenge came as no surprise.

"I'm keen for the battle to be joined so I can show what I can do for this constituency,'' he said.

The opening in Smith's South was originally made possible last year when Mr.

Correia said he would not stand in the next election.