Progressive Labour Party incumbent Derrick Burgess was returned to the House of Assembly for the fourth time last night in a landslide victory in Hamilton East.

Mr. Burgess said that he felt very good about the election. He added that the PLP had served the country well and "would do even better in the coming years". He stated that: "We have Dr. Brown as our strong and fearless leader, who knows the needs of the people and is prepared to go to the lengths necessary to help them."

He highlighted three campaign promises: Free nursery care for children; rent geared to income; and future care for senior citizens, as being pressing issues which the party would address. He said the living standard of working Bermudians would be enhanced and that "when you take care of the poor everyone benefits".

UBP candidate David Sullivan remained upbeat stating: "I'm pleased firstly that the people of Hamilton East had a choice. Clearly by the outcome the exercise was worthwhile for the number who voted for the UBP."

He noted that the results were not much different than those of the 1993 election, but added that the election "underlines the importance of giving people a choice".

Mr. Sullivan said that in the past seven to eight weeks of canvassing he was warmly welcomed by PLP and UBP supporters alike who invited him into their homes to "talk about the issues that are important for Bermuda".

There were five spoiled ballots with 918 voters exercising their right to vote.

RESULT

Derrick Burgess (PLP) 737

David Sullivan (UBP) 181