News that the PLP could be fielding white candidates in the forthcoming election has not impressed voters, according to a poll showing 53 percent thought it was just a political manoeuvre.

And younger voters are the most cynical with 78 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds seeing it as a tactical stunt.

The figures were released by independent market research firm Research.bm following a March poll of 400 adults representative of the broader population.

However, 29 percent saw it as a positive sign.

Further analysis shows there is no significant difference between whites and blacks on the issue with 32 percent of blacks and 31 percent of whites viewing it as a good move.

It is far from clear whether any white candidates will emerge from the PLP’s selection process, although construction boss Zane DeSilva has been linked with the Southampton West Central — held by the United Bermuda Party by 129 votes last time.

And Jane Correia, a 43-year-old contracts administrator at Correia Construction, was also said to be looking for a seat just months after joining the party.

The PLP fielded just one white candidate in the last election — Leopold Kuchler who lost heavily in UBP dominated Paget West.

The PLP have had one white Cabinet member during its nine-year reign — Tourism Minister David Allen who died in office in 2002.

However, PLP MP Nelson Bascome said fielding white candidates was not a political manoeuvre and the party had ran them throughout its history.

He pointed out that Dorothy Thompson had won Pembroke North in 1963 — the first time the PLP ran a slate of candidates. She was followed by Barbara Ball and David Allen who also had spells in parliament.

Mr. Bascome said: “We have had white candidates all along. People get caught up in the politics. This is more about people.”

United Bermuda Party leader Michael Dunkley said of the poll: “Often when the people speak, they should be listened to.”

The poll has a margin of errorof 4.9 percent.