OPPOSITION Senator Leonard Santucci believes his chances of success in this month's Pembroke East Central by-election are good - because many supporters of the ruling party have told him they plan to stay at home.

The United Bermuda Party senator will vie with the Progressive Labour Party's Ashfield DeVent and Independent candidate Dennis Bean in the November 26 vote to choose a Member of Parliament to replace the late Tourism Minister David Allen.

Mr. Bean is a taxi driver, who registered yesterday, Nominations Day, to contest the seat.

Sen. Santucci was also concerned by the number of people he had met who had felt "alienated" by society.

Although the constituency has proved to be a PLP stronghold in previous elections, Sen. Santucci has been encouraged by his campaigning experience so far.

"I have to say I have been well received and the majority of people have been supportive," said Sen. Santucci.

"I have met many people who say they are die-hard members of the PLP, but they do not intend to vote this time, either because of a sense of apathy or disappointment with the Government.

"I would rate my chances as fair as the next man and I believe the public will vote on merit and on what they perceive each of us can bring to the table. Obviously the electorate will decide."

Sen. Santucci said his priority campaign issues were employment and under-employment, senior citizens, education and housing.

He said campaigning had been interesting in a constituency with a great social and economic diversity, an area which included parts of the City of Hamilton and Middletown.

He said he had met people who felt they had been left behind by society. "I have seen places where groups of people gather every day, for most of the day," said Sen. Santucci.

"They told me that they don't have employment, because either they don't have high school diplomas or they don't have any vocational training.

"Alienation is a good sociological term to describe their lot. One of these men told me about his release from prison with $50 in his pocket. He has two children and no work.

"I think most of them have been grateful to have a listening ear," added the African Methodist Episcopal Church minister. "I think they are appreciative of the fact that my life has been one of affirmation and compassion.

"I directed some of them to agencies where they might seek some form of relief. There are many services that Government provides that some people don't know about."

Efforts to contact Mr. DeVent were unsuccesful.