It was another seamless transition for the Opposition United Bermuda Party (UBP) yesterday as former Human Rights Commission executive officer Neville Darrell was named a Senator to replace lawyer Mark Pettingill.

"Mr. Darrell has given a good part of his professional life to helping other people and I'm very pleased that he will continue to do that under the United Bermuda Party banner," said leader Dr. Grant Gibbons.

Mr. Pettingill was named a UBP Senator after the November 1998 general election. While Dr. Gibbons said he expected Mr. Pettingill to be a candidate in the next election, the outgoing Senator said he was keeping an open mind as to whether he will serve the country in other ways.

"Now is a good time for me to reflect both politically and personally in regard to my future," Mr. Pettingill said when asked why he had resigned his seat. "I've always said that I believe that, particularly in Bermuda, politics is not something one should aspire to. It's something that one should be called to. And I was called upon to fill the role in the Senate, I have tried to do the best job I can in the Senate and I remain open minded to being called on to serve the country in other ways," he added.

Mr. Darrell takes up his Senate seat at the next sitting on February 20.

He said: "I have a very broad background - well over 30 years of working in various types of areas - social education, criminal justice, juvenile justice - I believe that's a broad enough scope so that in discussions with the party we can talk about the best fit. How do we best use that background in being a part of a very dynamic strategy moving forward."

He declared himself "truly thrilled" with the opportunity to serve.

A (former) career civil servant, Mr. Darrell first entered the public limelight when he was replaced without official explanation as the executive officer of the Human Rights Commission. He had played a key role in an ongoing dispute between the Human Rights Commission and telecommunications company the Hardell Group, which accused the then Minister Terry Lister of interfering in its complaint - an allegation seconded by Mr. Darrell in an affidavit filed in court.

Mr. Darrell would not discuss the Hardell dispute, saying it was still before the courts. "Human rights history has been one replete with challenges with Governments and opportunities for clarifying the particular role that the Human Rights Act has played in society. And to that end what's happening here is not an unusual occurrence. I'm sure that this matter will be resolved to everyone's satisfaction."

"Neville Darrell is a significant addition to the United Bermuda Party team," Dr. Gibbons said.