30-year-old Mr. Tim Smith to represent them in the next general election.

The final vote count of 176 votes, which placed Mr. Smith well ahead of his competitors, 39-year-old banker Mr. Terry West and 40-year-old businessman Mr.

Mark Selley, came less than an hour after the poll at the St. Paul's Christian Education Centre closed.

At the first count, shortly after 8 p.m. when the poll closed, Mr. Smith was only leading Mr. West by nine votes, 54 to 45, respectively.

But by the second count around 8.30 p.m., it was clear that the race belonged to Mr. Smith who had 150 votes at that time, while Mr. West had 94 and Mr.

Selley had 19.

Mr. West and Mr. Selley received 103 and 22 votes respectively of the 301 total votes, respectively. Five ballots were spoiled.

About 50 family members and friends cheered and applauded as Mr. Smith, the candidate favoured by UBP youth wing Leaders of Tomorrow, emerged victorious.

Mr. Smith will replace House Speaker the Hon. David Wilkinson as one of the UBP's two Paget West candidates in the next election. Mr. Wilkinson is leaving politics at the end of this session of Parliament.

And last night he promised to work hard with those who supported him in the primary election and with incumbent the Hon. Harry Soares for Paget West.

"I'm very appreciative to Paget West voters,'' the jubilant former deputy chairman of Leaders of Tomorrow said. "And I'm honoured to receive their support.'' Mr. Smith said he was not disappointed that only about a third of the constituency's more than 1,200 voters participated in the primary election, adding it was the norm for such an election.

Mr. Harry Soares, who was not involved in the primary, said he was happy with the turnout.

And he said he was happy to see "quite a few young people who were casting their votes for the very first time in their life''.

"When Tim Smith started the challenge process he was looking to have it during the summer break when our young people are here on the Island,'' Mr.

Soares said. "So it was very nice to see some of them. It just gave me a good feeling, especially being the former Youth, Sports and Recreation Minister.'' Congratulating Mr. Smith, Mr. Soares said: "He worked very, very hard and has been involved with the party over eight years. He's a home-grown boy.'' Mr. Smith and Mr. Soares are expected to meet today to discuss feedback Mr.

Smith has received from Paget West residents.

But Mr. Soares said he could have worked closely with any of the three candidates. "And I expect to work closely with all of them because they all have the best interest of Paget at heart,'' he added.

Mr. West, who attributed the low voter turnout to the primary being called in the middle of summer while people are usually away, said he was not surprised by it.

And he said he will remain active in the community.

"I've been active for many years. People have seen my accomplishments. They are what's important, not a name. What you get done is the bottom line. I will continue to put my effort into the community.'' A disappointed Mr. Selley said he too will not stop contributing in the Paget West community or Bermuda.

SECOND -- Mr. Terry West PARTNERS -- Paget West MP the Hon. Harry Soares welcomes Mr. Tim Smith after his primary victory.