But it was not the expected landslide for the UBP duo, with PLP candidate George Scott polling 429 votes.

Trade unionist Mr. Scott was upbeat in the early hours of polling, predicting the PLP would take one of the seats, splitting the constituency with Mr.

Smith.

The final count proved his forecast to be wrong, as 662 voted for the Cabinet Minister and 629 supported Ms Joell.

But the result tolled the warning bells for Pamela Gordon's team, with the PLP making a much stronger showing in the UBP stronghold.

Several hundred also stayed away, with 1,720 votes cast from an eligible pool of 1,313 voters.

Reflecting on the victory, Mr. Smith -- who won the seat as a first-time candidate in 1993 -- said: "I'm very grateful to the voters for returning me and I'm sure their expectations for me next term are equally high.

"But the result shows that no seat can be taken for granted.'' Running mate and first-time candidate Ms Joell added: "I'm thrilled. But listening to the count was far tougher than standing outside on my feet all day.

"I'm truly thankful for my votes and the voters have my 100 percent commitment. But it's not only about Tim and I. It's been a team effort.'' Mr. Scott took his defeat by saying the voters had become tired of the UBP Government.

"I'm quite pleased with the improved showing and the few hundred people who didn't vote could have made the difference,'' he said.

"But the PLP itself will win the Government, now leaving Paget West without a Government representative.'' Earlier, he had said: "This is one PLP seat and one UBP seat -- I'm quite confident of that.

"Tim Smith is going to split it with us and I know that because of all the canvassing I've done in the area. It's plain.

"The people are saying there have just been too many unkept promises.'' Mr. Smith said voting flow throughout the day had been "moderate to heavy''.

"There's been a good showing today,'' he said. "It's in the hands of the voters but I'm confident for Madeline and myself.

"Looking at the turnout, I do think we will pull through.'' ACE executive Ms Joell said she was overwhelmed by her reception as a new candidate, replacing veteran area MP Harry Soares, who has now quit politics.

"People have been absolutely superb to me,'' she said. "I can't believe I've stood here for all these hours and I still don't feel tired.'' RESULTS Tim Smith (UBP) 662 Madeline Joell (UBP) 629 George Scott (PLP) 429 Rejected ballots 4