Jamahl Simmons, the United Bermuda Party's candidate in the Pembroke West by-election, is "cautiously optimistic" of victory in today's poll.

He accused the governing party of running a "nasty, dirty campaign".

Mr. Simmons said his experience canvassing the district did not reveal much concern about the fact that he has served all three political parties.

And he dismissed reports by the Progressive Labour Party that its recently conducted poll showed that UBP supporters are disillusioned with his party.

"I have trouble reconciling information that is provided without detail or substantiation," he said.

"Tiring but great", is how he described his canvassing experience.

He said that he had met with about 60 percent of the 1,700 registered voters in the constituency. "The biggest challenge is because of the time constraints we want to see everyone as much as possible. So we try to get in as much as we can."

Only one person had raised questions about the fact that he has now served with all three political parties.

Mr. Simmons defected from the National Liberal Party two months before he was named the UBP's candidate to replace Gary Pitman, who resigned his seat in December.

"When you talk to people and they realise that my father was PLP MP who was expelled from the party, helped to found the NLP, that my political upbringing was pretty unique. The only people I've seen to have a real problem with it have not been on the doorstep - it's on the radio talk shows and they usually identify themselves as hard-core PLP supporters."

He said the PLP had run a "nasty, dirty campaign behind the scenes and I'm proud to no longer be associated with them." But he declined to give specifics. "They are so despicable and untrue that I don't want to give them any credence."

He claimed that there is no disenchantment among UBP supporters but there is some among young, black voters.

"Among my age group it's almost like a searching. You find that they really want to believe in something but they're not sure who among the political parties are serious about change. I think what's good about this time period is young people are now looking at us with a critical eye to see if we are a viable alternative and if we are able to truly show that we are willing to embrace change and embrace diversity."

Crime is the one issue that came up repeatedly, he said. "It's first, second and last. Every single household - crime."

Asked what he had learned on the doorstep, he said: "The public want information, and they are tired of promises unfulfilled and they are searching for leadership."

"The response has been overwhelming and positive. But positive response doesn't always translate to votes. I think it is important for everyone who can vote to exercise that right. This by-election provides an excellent opportunity for the people of Pembroke West to show how they truly feel about the state of the country."

He said he had been amply supported in his campaigning by his wife Sherri-Lynn Symons who has occasionally accompanied him on the campaign trail but for the most part has stayed home taking care of the family. The couple married last May.

The PLP's candidate Carvel Vanputten could not be reached for comment.