the end of the month.

In a dramatic career departure, he will take a cooking course in the United States.

Mr. Gibbons, 40, has been the UBP's executive officer for two years.

He played a key tactical role in the party's election campaign leading to the October 5 triumph. "I have very much enjoyed the job. It has been a great experience,'' said Mr. Gibbons.

"Getting the party ready to go into the general election was a time I'll always remember.

"People outside politics don't realise what it involves. It is a very worthwhile and challenging experience.'' In his office job, Mr. Gibbons has been responsible for the running of the party. "It has meant overseeing the co-ordination of the branches, making sure the party is run well.'' He also ensured campaign teams were properly trained.

"I've made a lot of friends in the political arena on both sides of the House of Assembly.'' Mr. Gibbons hailed the October triumph as "quite a victory''.

But his decision to leave is unrelated to that success. "At the back of my mind I've been thinking about a career move for some time.

"Now just seems the right time to do it. I'm still young enough to make another career.'' Mr. Gibbons, a UBP member since 1976, will fly to Portland, Oregon at the beginning of January. He will be enrolling in a 13-month diploma course in culinary arts at The Western Culinary Institute.

"I have always been interested in cooking, and certainly this will be a new chapter in my life.

"It's too early to say what I will do after the course.'' Among the possibilities are becoming a chef, or, perhaps opening a restaurant in Bermuda.

"I like all kinds of cooking -- French, Asian, Indian, American and Bermudian,'' said Mr. Gibbons, who already has a degree in Colonial History, French and Spanish.

Mr. Gibbons has no idea who might replace him. The decision lies with the party's executive, and would probably be taken in January.