Lawyer Mark Pettingill is the United Bermuda Party (UBP) candidate for Warwick North East constituency (Number 25), it was announced yesterday.

The decision means he and Progressive Labour Party (PLP) candidate Dale Butler will be facing off at the next General Election.

At yesterday's press conference, held in the heart of the new voting district, Mr. Pettingill called for a "common sense" approach to the problem of violence in the community. Tackling underage drinking, he said, could be part of the solution.

"I am proud to be here today in Warwick," Mr. Pettingill said in prepared remarks. "This is a wonderful parish full of great Bermudians, hoping for a better life for us all."

Already at least one of his opponents, Mr. Butler's close friend Rodney Smith, says that the former Senator doesn't stand a chance. But others may have their work, as voters, cut out for them, judging from some immediate reaction to the announcement.

Mr. Pettingill, a high profile defence attorney, said that his key issues are ones that every Bermudian cares about.

"I want my children to grow up in a country that provides opportunities for all, good education, safe streets and affordable housing. We are heading down the wrong path and I want to set things straight for my children and all of Bermuda's children," he said.

"We can't solve the crime and drug problems of 2003 with solutions from the last century."

Mr. Pettingill grew up in the Paget/Warwick area, was a head boy at Warwick Academy and has spent the last eight years living in the general vicinity, he said.

UBP Leader Grant Gibbons touted Mr. Pettingill's experience in the criminal justice system as a key asset.

"Mark's experience has given him the knowledge and skills needed to help us address the crime and violence the community is experiencing now," Dr. Gibbons said."What he brings to the table is his professional understanding as a lawyer and a practitioner within the criminal justice system."

For his part, Mr. Pettingill challenged under-performing MPs. "The people of Bermuda deserve better service and more attention from many of their current MPs," he said.

"While many elected officials prefer to look the other way, ignoring our problems, I am prepared to get to know the people of Warwick North East as their friend and representative, and to understand what they need from their government and see that they get it. It is not getting done now, it will when I am here."

Warwick East MP, Dale Butler, has already staked out the area for his re-election bid, a move likely to be formally endorsed by the ruling party, and has been canvassing there for months.

He is widely viewed as a hardworking and independently minded representative.

His friend, area resident Rodney Smith, who says he just happened to be passing by when he noticed the press conference, said Mr. Pettingill is up against a tough opponent.

Mr. Butler canvasses the area no less than 36 weeks of the year, he added.

"He is not only addressing the issues in his district, but because he is one of the few representatives working, he is being called upon by other constituents. If a person is looking to be returned based on merit, I have no doubt that Mr. Butler will be returned hands down."

He said the UBP should not run anyone against Mr. Butler, if they really wanted to make a statement to the Government.

In the event of an electoral tie, both parties would be "lobbying hard to have a man such as Mr. Butler on their side," he added.

"I don't know why they want to throw Mr. Pettingill to the wolves - he's such a nice guy."

"He should check the polls," Mr. Pettingill replied. "I'm not concerned. I didn't even know Dale Butler was the candidate."

What was needed in the upcoming election was a team effort "not a man on his own, trying to compete against another man on his own. You cannot be an individual in this business."

Judging from the comments of at least one constituent, the race may be aclose one.

Hours before Mr. Pettingill's candidacy was announced, the man, who described himself as a traditional UBP voter, said he was going to vote for Mr. Butler because of his hard work in the constituency, even though he did not want the PLP to get back into power.

"He would stop in the street and listen to you. Let's face it, he's a good politician," he said. "I don't know why the PLP isn't using him."

When told that Mr. Pettingill would be squaring off against Mr. Butler, he admitted that his decision was more complicated.

"I'm torn. I'd have to see the platforms they both run on and I'd like to see the PLP use him (Butler). Otherwise my vote is wasted when they get in power."