success.

"At last,'' she said after attracting 1,243 votes, giving her 37.7 percent of the poll, an increase of just over four percent on 1993. But running mate Paula Cox, who romped to victory in the October, 1996, by-election in the constituency following the death of Frederick Wade, topped the poll with an impressive 1,249 votes.

Mrs. Browne-Evans, who became the Country's first black MP in 1968, was hugged by supporters but immediately paid tribute to Ms Cox. "I'm proud of my running mate. She's topped the poll and that is a great feat for a new young candidate. There's been a general feeling for change throughout the whole Island and that's been shown in Devonshire North also.'' As news filtered through of the PLP's performance elsewhere, Ms Cox admitted to a feeling of exhilaration.

She said: "It's a new Bermuda. I guess you could say that I'm delighted that the former Opposition leader and the new Premier-Elect has been given the numbers to make that a reality.'' For the UBP in Devonshire North it was a familiar story. Both candidates, Charles Hollis and Alexander Ming, were standing for the first time, but failed to make inroads into the PLP majority, although they had appeared confident beforehand.

Mr. Hollis polled 344 votes and Mr. Ming 342, both 10.4 percent of the total cast. The numbers were up but their percentages down on those of candidates Dr. James King and Charles Marshall who each picked up 12.7 percent of the poll five years ago.

Mr. Ming declared himself "fairly happy with our results''.

Mr. Hollis said he had detected signs of the UBP making significant inroads during canvassing, although that failed to translate into votes. But he said the party had a five-year plan for the constituency which meant developing a strong community base.

"We're here for the long term,'' he said.

The result was a huge disappointment for the NLP's two candidates Edwin Armstrong and Frances Breary. Mr. Armstrong polled 59 votes and his running mate 61 -- a meagre 1.8 percent of the total apiece and down on sole candidate Austin Thomas's 7.9 percent share in 1993.

Mrs. Breary admitted: "People want change, although change for change's sake can be very dangerous.'' RESULTS Paula Cox (PLP) 1249 Lois Browne-Evans (PLP) 1243 Charles Hollis (UBP) 344 Alexander Ming (UBP) 342 Frances Breary (NLP) 61 Edwin Armstrong (NLP) 59 ELECTION REPRINT SPECIAL ISSUED 13th NOVEMBER 1998