Assembly in November.

Mr. Harry Viera, one of the Island's most controversial public figures, said yesterday he would not seek re-election on October 5.

But he did not rule out standing for Parliament again sometime in the future.

"I wish to thank all of those who have called and offered support to me, but I have chosen not to contest a seat in the forthcoming election,'' he said.

The 58-year-old Independent would not give his reasons. "There's no need for any elaborate explanation,'' he said. He added he seriously considered a campaign in Paget West, where he lives.

A supporter of the death penalty, Mr. Viera left the UBP over the issue in 1989 and continued to sit as an Independent. He blamed Government for the Governor's decision to cancel the hanging of convicted murderer Troy Shorter.

Mr. Viera said then that he would not run in Southampton West, which he had represented along with the Hon. Ralph Marshall since 1968.

In 1990, he switched off the lights of the House of Assembly at 2 a.m. during a marathon education debate.

He said he shut down the main fusebox in a protest at the length of the debate and the "endless monologues'' of MPs.

At the direction of the Speaker, Opposition MP Mr. Stanley Morton carried on with his speech in the dark. The lights came back on after about 10 minutes and the debate went on until 6.15 a.m.

Mr. Viera was suspended for three sittings as a punishment. But he had already announced that he was banning himself from the House for three meetings and going on holiday.

He boycotted most of the last session of the House, vowing not to return until Government installed a wheelchair lift.

His campaign followed the return of the Hon. John Stubbs to the House after a cancer operation. The Government MP, who was using a wheelchair, had to be carried up the steps to the chamber.