The Opposition was caught unawares after a shock resignation by Pembroke West candidate Rodney Smith. Mr. Smith yesterday broke his silence surrounding the booting out of former tenant Sharon Williams from her Spring Hill, Warwick, home last week, admitting he could have used a "more appropriate'' method of eviction.

Flanked by his wife and his attorney Delroy Duncan, a strained-looking Mr.

Smith delivered a statement in which he expressed regret over how a "very good personal relationship'' with the Williams family had ended.

According to Mr. Smith, he rented an apartment to Mr. and Mrs. Williams over a three-year period for "$900 below today's rental market''.

He claims the discount rental arrangement was geared to help Mr. and Mrs.

Williams save money to buy or build their own home.

And he added: "It is my calculation that Mr. and Mrs. Williams have saved approximately $37,200 in rent during their tenancy.'' But Mr. Smith maintained that on July 29, the couple agreed to vacate by August 31 after a written request from him -- after which date, said Mr.

Smith, they were clearly trespassers.

"I acknowledge that there are more appropriate methods which could have been used to remove Mr. and Mrs. Williams and, indeed, any tenant from rented premises,'' said Mr. Smith.

Candidate surprises PLP with resignation "I wish to make it plain that I will use these more appropriate methods in the future.'' "I wish to thank the Progressive Labour Party for the support they have provided me in this matter.

"However, in view of the events which have taken place, I will forthwith resign my position as a Progressive Labour Party candidate in the forthcoming General Election.'' After Mr. Smith delivered his statement, lawyer Delroy Duncan said he would not answer any questions "in view of the stress'' Mr. Smith and his family had experienced as well as the impending legal action against him.

Mrs. Williams recently told The Royal Gazette that she planned to sue Mr.

Smith for thousands of dollars in property damage after returning home to find her belongings on the doorstep.

PLP spokesman Corey Butterfield said he had "no idea'' Mr. Smith planned to resign -- and asked The Royal Gazette to fax a copy of Mr. Smith's press release.

But he stated: "We found Rodney Smith to be hardworking and extremely caring.

"Although the sequence of events were unfortunate, he acted with the best interests of the Party in mind.'' Mr. Butterfield said it was "too early'' to speculate about a possible replacement candidate.