Mr. James, who is president of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, topped the poll with nearly 1,200 votes, a victory predicted by his running mate -- and they were both more than 300 votes clear of their UBP opponents Quinton Edness and Yvette Swan.

The PLP pair were cautiously optimistic throughout the day and, although they had a few reservations about the early UBP vote, at the end they both eased home.

At a crowded Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC), former Cup Match and Bermuda star Mr. James said: "I had a few butterflies later on but we knew we had done the work.

"I was slightly concerned about the early UBP vote but it never materialised.

I feel good and confident.'' His fellow MP, Dr. Brown, said he had enjoyed the day and was confident throughout that their support would show true.

And he said he was just happy that Warwick West had returned two PLP MPs.

"We felt comfortable, even about the bottom-of-the-barrel UBP vote. "And I predicted El James would top the poll when we were canvassing. "He is a very popular and likeable man.'' Dr. Brown said it was now time for the PLP to show the people of Bermuda what they could do.

And Mr. James had words for Mr. Edness and Senator Swan.

"I admire Mr. Edness, he is a political heavyweight and we knew we had a lot of work to do.'' He said it had been a long road but the work had finally paid off.

Mr. Edness, at home during and after the count, was disappointed but upbeat.

"I feel sad but I simply feel that the people have spoken and said what they wanted, and they wanted a change in Government,'' he said.

"Our people in Warwick West worked extremely hard and we fought what was really a political mood swing.

"I congratulate and commend the PLP. They ran a very well organised campaign and they won.'' The veteran MP, who has served for more than 30 years, said the UBP had to now accept that it needed some self-analysis and needed to rebuild.

"I hope that those remaining in Parliament will become effective opposition for the sake of the country,'' he said.

RESULTS Elvin James (PLP) 1,195 Ewart Brown (PLP) 1,193 Quinton Edness (UBP) 883 Yvette Swan (UBP) 873 Rejected ballots 6 TENSE BATTLE -- Warwick West candidates (from left to right) PLP's Dr. Ewart Brown, UBP's Quinton Edness and Yvette Swan, greet a voter yesterday.

ELECTION REPRINT SPECIAL ISSUED 13th NOVEMBER 1998