after leaving politics.

Because the 54-year-old has found a new career -- at least for now -- as a painter and decorator.

Mr. Soares, who quit as a United Bermuda Party MP at the General Election, has decided to give some fresh colour to his 200-year-old home in Paget.

Mr. Soares spoke about his new hobby: "I was in Parliament for 15 years, nine months and six days. I think it was time to do something else.'' The man who paid for his plane ticket to a New Zealand university by winning two cars in separate raffles, even had the good fortune of missing the UBP's first ever election defeat.

"I always was a lucky fellow,'' he said. "But I had to retire from politics.

I'm going to be much happier now.'' Mr. Soares courted controversy in his final weeks as Environment Minister by pushing for compensation for people whose houses were listed on the historic buildings register. His own home, on Grape Bay Drive, was given Grade II status.

"That's one of the reasons I had to get out of politics,'' said Mr. Soares.

"All that mudslinging...

He said he quit politics for health and family reasons: "I realised how much my family had given up for me to be in Parliament. When I was Tourism and Youth and Sport Minister, so much of my time was given up. At least that can change now.'' SIGHT FOR SOARE EYES -- A relaxed Harry Soares gets to work.