A soft drinks executive is aiming to put some fizz into the ruling United Bermuda Party's General Election campaign in crucial St. George's South.

Derrick Carlington, who works for John Barritt & Son Ltd., is to run with sitting MP Rick Spurling as a replacement for defector Grace Bell.

First-timer Mr. Carlington said: "I've always been a supporter of the United Bermuda Party.

"I believe in what they're doing for the Country and it would be an honour to represent the people of St. George's South.'' The 38-year-old father of one and senior accounts rep with the soft drinks firm is a former secretary of the constituency's UBP branch.

He said: "I was active in the branch and my intention was to learn more about politics and get into to it down the road.'' He added: "I think the people know that the United Bermuda Party over the last 30 years have proved themselves fit to run the Country and I'm sure at the next election they will take this to heart and send the party back into power.'' Mr. Carlington declined to discuss the defection of Mrs. Bell or whether it had had an impact in the area.

But he added: "It's something in the past and right now this Country needs to go forward with the United Bermuda Party, put all the negatives behind us and do what's right for the people -- all the people, regardless of race.'' Mr. Spurling was off the Island and not available for comment on his new running mate.

But campaign chairman Henry Hayward said: "Derrick has served on the UBP committee in St. David's for a number of years.

"He has been actively involved behind the scenes in the last two elections and we feel confident we have picked the right man and that we're going to retain the seats.'' Mrs. Bell caused political shockwaves when she crossed the floor of the House of Assembly only weeks before the end of the session.

The Opposition Progressive Labour Party have already announced the Rev. Wilbur Lowe and Arthur Pitcher as their candidates for the seat.

Mrs. Bell is the party's campaign chairman in the constituency.

At the 1993 General Election, Mr. Spurling topped the poll with 29.6 percent of the vote, followed by Mrs. Bell with 28.6 percent.

Mr. Pitcher -- who was the sole PLP candidate -- came in third with 26.5 percent and the National Liberal Party's Cheryl Ann Pooley gained 15.3 percent.