Ex-top cop Wayne Perinchief is set to go on the beat for the Opposition Progressive Labour Party.

Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Perinchief -- controversially axed from the force more than two years ago -- is to take up a new career as Parliamentary candidate for the Pembroke West Central constituency.

And Mr. Perinchief said yesterday he was looking forward to the challenge of contesting a seat at the next General Election.

He added: "I'm also happy to have the opportunity to continue my public service -- people know me best as Assistant Commissioner of Police at one time and, I hope, by extension, I can continue my Civil Service to the public and bring about change in this country.'' The Royal Gazette predicted last year that Mr. Perinchief was set to step into the political arena on the PLP side.

Mr. Perinchief lost his job after one of two Assistant Commissioner's jobs was abolished by then-Commissioner Colin Coxall as part of a streamlining process.

But Government did not pass the legislation to legally alter the size of the Police force and a Supreme Court judge later ruled that Mr. Perinchief had been wrongfully dismissed.

An 11th-hour settlement before Government appealed that judgment saw Mr.

Perinchief walk away with an undisclosed sum -- thought to be well into six figures.

Government has since moved to plug that loophole by passing a law transferring responsibility for 15 Government department's staffing from Government to the Governor.

But Mr. Perinchief -- a 32-year veteran -- insisted he had no bitterness about the long-running fight for compensation.

He said: "I think it's unfortunate -- Government made a terrible mistake -- and I do have some reservations because I wanted to continue in Police service, and if called on, I would do so again.'' But he added he would have no difficulty moving from the traditionally-apolitical Police to the bear pit of party politics.

Mr. Perinchief said: "What you do as a senior officer is maintain neutrality -- but you must be fully aware of the politics of the day.

"I believe that the Progressive Labour Party reflects people-orientated politics and policies and nothing that they would propose would be at odds with my basic, core beliefs.'' But he warned he was not set to become a political placeman toeing a party line.

Mr. Perinchief said: "Should anything go against my personal principles, then I would have to abstain from participating -- that would go for any party.'' And he can also call on his lawyer brother Philip Perinchief for advice -- Philip unsuccessfully contested the same seat in 1993.

Mr. Perinchief will team up with Sen. Neletha Butterfield -- who has contested the Pembroke West Central constituency in 1993, coming in third behind Development and Opportunity Minister Jerome Dill and UBP backbencher Ann Cartwright DeCouto.

In neighbouring Pembroke East Central, there are few surprises -- veteran PLP MP Stanley Morton, Shadow Works and Engineering Minister, will again team up with Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen to defend their seats.

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