The man who in July predicted the United Bermuda Party could not win is now standing for them in a tough Progressive Labour Party seat.

But David Sullivan, who had said then that his party could at best only get 17 seats to the PLP's 19, is taking on Labour and Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess in Hamilton East which the PLP won with 73 percent of the votes in 2003.

Mr. Sullivan, who ran the UBP's campaign committee from 1998 and 2002, said: "I don't think we have any less of a challenge than we did then.

"The numbers are better than they were five months ago."

He said the political dynamics changed daily.

"The PLP sat back and took the summer off and did nothing, other than spend useless amounts of money gagging the press in what is supposed to be the most democratic country in the world, according to their position.

"How do you have that and gag the press at the same time, for your own personal reasons?"

Mr. Sullivan stood twice for election this year for the Corporation of Hamilton but failed both times.

He joked: "I am experienced at losing. I am an expert!"

He admitted he has no ties to the Hamilton Parish area and lives in Paget. "However it's all Bermuda."

Former cricketer Noel Gibbons had been touted by party insiders as likely to get the nod in Hamilton East but leader Michael Dunkley did not give the reason why Mr. Gibbons had not been chosen but said he would work with Mr. Sullivan.

Asked about Mr. Sullivan's losing record in recent months, Mr. Dunkley said: "All politicians have a losing record at some time.

"Some lose more than others. With David, he's someone who brings political experience to the table and he is not afraid to stand up and speak.

"I think that is important. He is going into a tough area."