Stuart Hayward announced yesterday he will run as an independent in Pembroke West Central, sparking a three-way fight with ruling party candidate Neletha Butterfield and Erwin Adderley of the United Bermuda Party.

Mr. Hayward, who was an independent MP from 1989 to 1993, said his key platform issues were integrity of politicians, youth development, and a sustainable environment.

His announcement means the two main parties will face a challenge in two constituencies. National Liberal Party vice-chairman Graeme Outerbridge is standing in Sandys South Central.

Mr. Hayward said Bermudians have been let down by both parties - with the Progressive Labour Party becoming as arrogant as the UBP and more secretive - and it was time for an independent voice.

"The overall issue arising from the last four years is integrity," he said at a press conference outside the House of Assembly yesterday.

"The credibility of MPs and Cabinet members has been bruised.

"In addition to issues which cast doubt on the integrity of the PLP's internal structures, and lapses of integrity by some Cabinet members, the Opposition have taken to casting virtually every Government word and action as veiled in secrecy and corruption - itself an exercise of questionable integrity."

The 1998 election brought the promise of more open government, "but as the years have passed, the new government has shown it could be at times just as arrogant as the old one, and more secretive".

"And the Opposition proved itself just as strident and predictably negative as the old. The brilliant promise of 1998 was dulled by the tradition of Westminster.

"The once proposers became the opposers, and vice-versa. And now they want to do it all over again. Is this all there is? Is this all we have to look forward to? Every election? Forever?"

The Island needed leaders who did not exhaust themselves constantly fighting one another, said Mr. Hayward.

For critics who say he would have no power as an Independent, he said there were backbenchers and even Cabinet ministers who had no voice, adding: "Remember, it was too much power that has caused us such disappointment over these past several years".

When asked about his chances, Mr, Hayward said: "They are always good. Voters are looking for good quality candidates, someone they can trust and put confidence in, and that's what I bring to the table."

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More on election: Pages 8-18