The United Bermuda Party's Neville Darrell got the better of PHC president and union chief Chris Furbert in Warwick West.

The former Human Rights Commission executive officer's sensitive approach may have paid off against the PLP candidate.

Mr. Darrell picked up 516 votes against Mr. Furbert's 346 with 77.6 percent of registered voters coming out to the polls.

"I'm so thrilled to hear the news," a delighted Mr. Darrell said after the result was announced.

"I worked hard and I will work hard to serve the constituents of Warwick West and the Island," he added.

In the end, Mr. Darrell believed the single-seat constituencies were a benefit for Island voters.

"The single-seat constituency really helps politicians get closer to the constituents," said the first-time candidate.

Bermuda Industrial Union vice-president Mr. Furbert was less thrilled with the result.

"Naturally, I'm disappointed," said Mr. Furbert. "But in all fairness to the people of Warwick West, it was obvious that there were more UBP supporters in the area."

He said the loss had had nothing to do with either the performance of his campaign or the length of time he had been campaigning.

"Maybe if I had had two-and-a-half more weeks of campaigning it would have been better. But I can't say that it really would have helped," said the second-time candidate who also ran in 1993.

"My spirits are still high but I'm, of course, feeling disenchanted," he added.