Lawyer Mark Pettingill will today get a special birthday present -- an Opposition seat in Senate, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Mr. Pettingill's official appointment papers will be lodged with Governor Thorold Masefield today.

And he will take his seat -- replacing ex-Senator Patricia Gordon Pamplin, now an MP -- at the end of the month.

A UBP insider said yesterday: "It's definitely going to be Mark and I expect it will be announced today.'' Last night Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon admitted she had plumped for Mr.

Pettingill.

She said: "I don't know how you found out -- but it's true.'' Ms Gordon added: "I believe that Mark will make a significant contribution to this community.

"He is a defender of people's rights and I believe that he has faith in this Bermuda community and he really wants to make a contribution to his Country.

"I'm really pleased a young man who is up and coming wants to give his service, not just to the United Bermuda Party but to the Country in general.'' Mr. Pettingill -- who has a reputation as a legal pitbull -- celebrates his 35th birthday today.

It is understood yesterday's meeting of the UBP caucus backed the party leaders choice of Mr. Pettingill and that the Governor is likely to approve the choice.

Ms Gordon said Mr. Pettingill's single-minded approach to his profession and his broad appeal in the community helped swing her decision in his favour.

He added: "I believe that Bermuda will be well-served if Mark takes his personal work ethic and converts that into work in the Senate.

"And I feel extremely privileged that he is going to donate his time and experience to the UBP.'' Mr. Pettingill said last night he had not been an active member of any political party.

But he added: "It's not so much the party as what I see as an important role in the development and future of this Country.

"Opposition is an unfortunate word -- there is a party which has a minority of members and any Opposition should be an effective Opposition.

"Now more than ever, with a fledgling Government and a lot of new issues on the horizon, it's important to have an effective Opposition.

"It's important to have people, in my case, in the Senate or in the House of Assembly, prepared to be constructive and critical -- but not necessarily critical and in fact supportive if we're going in the right direction.

"It was on that basis the approach was made to me and I'm very honoured to accept.'' He added: "Any invitation to serve your Country is wonderful -- it's not something I sought, but I was very pleased to be asked.'' Mr. Pettingill added that Ms Gordon was "to be respected and admired'' for her contribution to her party and the Country as a whole.

He said: "Her first thought is for the Country -- I just hope I can carry that load and continue that work in the Senate.''