public are the ones to make the choice.' -- Jennifer Smith Two Independents could cause confusion in Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith's St. George's North constituency.

For lawyer and ex-PLP candidate Phil Perinchief could be set to make a protest stand over Independence in St. George's North at the upcoming General Election.

And he could be joined by Corporation of St. George's councillor Kenny Bascome -- unsuccessful in his bid to run alongside the party leader after the death of sitting PLP MP Leon (Jimmy) Williams.

That could open up the race in St. George's North and even allow PLP political newcomer Deleay Robinson to be squeezed out if enough voters desert the party for a another candidate.

Ms Smith and Mr. Robinson face the United Bermuda Party's Kim Swan and Shell Oil general manager Bob Stewart.

And Mr. Robinson, without the advantage normally enjoyed by a sitting MP and no high profile politically, is much the weakest of the two Opposition candidates.

Mr. Bascome -- understood to have claimed to have the backing to unseat Ms Smith if he chose to run -- could not be contacted for comment on his intentions.

But left-wing PLP maverick Rolfe Commissiong -- although set to share a platform with Mr. Perinchief in a bid to get the Independence issue back on the front burner -- denied rumours he was also set to split with the PLP and run as an Independent candidate.

Mr. Commissiong -- often at odds with his own leadership over his uncompromising approach to politics -- said he would stay with the party.

He added: "Despite the shortcomings of the current leadership, I thought I had to put the greater party first.'' Mr. Perinchief was staying tight-lipped over where he planned to make a stand.

But he said: "There is a certain statement I would like to make in respect of the UK and British citizenship.'' And the obvious choice to remind the PLP of its commitment to ending UK rule in Bermuda would be the seat of the party leader.

Former PLP Pembroke West Central candidate Mr. Perinchief, however, might opt for that area again -- where he would be up against his brother, Wayne, who is standing for the PLP.

The seat is held by Development and Opportunity Minister Jerome Dill and UBP backbencher Ann Cartwright DeCouto.

Sen. Neletha Butterfield and ex-top cop Wayne Perinchief are representing the Opposition in Pembroke West Central.

Philip Perinchief, however, may opt for neighbouring Pembroke West, which elected UBP MPs, ex-Planning Department chief Erwin Adderley and former Sen.

Gary Pitman, in two recent by-elections.

The PLP duo is Carvel VanPutten and Rodney Smith. Mr. Smith contested both by-elections, caused by the retirement from politics of MPs David Dyer and Clarence Terceira.

Both Mr. Perinchief and Mr. Commissiong have expressed fears over the rewrite of relations between the UK and its colonies, announced earlier this year.

And Mr. Commissiong predicted earlier this year that the UK's consideration of full UK passports for the handful of Overseas Territories left would put Independence back in the public eye.

Ms Smith declined to comment on the possible effects of a rash of Independents standing in St. George's or elsewhere.

She said: "People have the right to run for elected office if they so desire and the public are the ones to make the choice.

"The PLP candidates are out there canvassing and we're presenting our programme -- I can only speak on the positive side of things we are doing, but the democratic process is open to all.'' Jennifer Smith