FORMER Premier and leading businessman Sir John Swan yesterday threw his weight behind Mayoral aspirant Sutherland Madeiros in the run-up to the special Corporation of Hamilton election to replace Mayor Jay Bluck, who died unexpectedly in September.

In formally endorsing Mr. Madeiros, Sir John said he was backing the former banker and businessman rather than his rival, former Deputy Mayor Sonia Grant, because his professional background better suited him to the challenges facing Hamilton at the dawn of the 21st century.

"I have thought long and hard about the candidates running for the Mayor of Hamilton," said Sir John. "The two candidates, Mr. Sutherland J. Madeiros and Miss Sonia Grant, have impeccable characters and they are both outstanding Bermudians.

"What separates them, however, are the nature and quality of their experience and their different visions for the City of Hamilton.

"Early in his career, Mr. Sutherland J. Madeiros was a banker and during his 29-year tenure with the Bank of Bermuda, held a number of managerial positions. Before he retired, he spent the last 14 years running his own business, which greatly enhanced his managerial skills.

"I believe that his proven and tested managerial skills together with the time and energy to fully devote himself to the job and his vision for the City of Hamilton, makes him an ideal candidate for the post of Mayor.

"The immediate and future challenges faced by the Corporation of Hamilton are far more complex than at any time in its history. I have, therefore, after much thought, decided to support Mr. Sutherland Madeiros as Mayor and would urge our City constituents to vote for Mr. Sutherland J. Madeiros."

The Corporation election will be held on October 26.

Lawyer Miss Grant was narrowly defeated by Jay Bluck in the Mayoral election held earlier this year. However, the death of Mr. Bluck, 65, on September 1 has led to the special election.