Hainey The UBP last night held on to Paget West -- but with a majority cut down from last November's General Election.

Now winner Patricia Gordon Pamplin and Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon are still set to become the first sisters to sit together in the House of Assembly.

Last night Mrs. Gordon Pamplin said: "It's been a very tight race.'' And she added: "The work is only just beginning for me and for Paget West.'' Mrs. Gordon Pamplin won by 92 votes over PLP candidate George Scott -- 491 votes to 399 on a poll of 895 voters.

She picked up 54.8 percent of the vote compared to Mr. Scott's 44.6 percent.

Comparisons are difficult because of Bermuda's twin seat constituencies -- but Mr. Scott increased his share of the vote by nearly 20 percent compared to his 24.9 percent showing last November.

Mrs. Gordon Pamplin admitted she feared the prospect of losing the UBP's first by-election as Opposition.

But she insisted: "It didn't play on my mind that I would lose -- it's not something I dwelt on. I wanted to stress the positive.'' Ms Gordon added she was delighted with the result -- and that a combination of controversy surrounding her sister's nomination and the fact that Mr. Scott fought the seat only four months ago accounted for the difference in the vote this time out.

She admitted a loss would have seriously dented the UBP's hopes to rebuild the support shattered last year.

But Ms Gordon insisted: "Rather than reflect on what could have been, I am going to say the voters of Paget West opted to give Pat their confidence in her ability to work for them well.

"She went into this with a great degree of controversy -- she worked hard and we're very pleased at the outcome.'' And she admitted: "We may have to have some attrition in our rebuilding process.

"But we're going to work on one Member of Parliament at a time to build a team -- a team which will act in the best interests of their constituents and one they will see fit to return to Government.'' Ms Gordon added: "Even with the margin narrowed, it says two things. George Scott is known to the area and Pat is new to the constituency -- and she worked very well in spite of the challenges we have had.'' Editorial: Page 4 UBP holds seat PLP chiefs were last night staying tight-lipped over whether they would continue with a court action arguing ex-Senator Mrs. Gordon Pamplin did not resign properly from the Upper House before being nominated.

Party General Secretary Walter Roban said the party would have to discuss its next move.

Both Mr. Scott and Premier Jennifer Smith put a brave face on the defeat.

Mr. Scott said: "I'm not disappointed -- it was closer than November and I've maintained our support base in those who voted. And bear in mind I was a challenger.'' And he vowed: "I'm not going anywhere -- this is no longer a safe seat, it's a marginal.'' Ms Smith said: "I'm not disappointed -- I'm very happy. George Scott has fulfilled his promise. He has once again increased his percentage.

"He has in two Elections changed a stronghold into a marginal -- he has already pledged continuing work and I'm looking forward to welcoming him to the House at the next General Election.'' Votes Patricia Gordon Pamplin (UBP) 491 (54.8%) George Scott (PLP) 399 (44.6%) Rejected ballots 5 (0.6%) Registered voters 1313 Turnout 895 (68.2%) 1998 General Election Result: Tim Smith (UBP) 662 (38.5 %), Madeline Joell (UBP) 629 (36.6%), George Scott 429 (24.9%).

Registered voters 1313Turnout 80.8% Post mortem: Defeated PLP candidate George Scott, second left, discusses the by-election result with Government Sen. Michael Scott, MP and constituent Ottiwell Simmons and PLP activist Rolfe Commissiong.