Grace Bell would retire from politics or not.

Mrs. Bell appeared to announce her retirement from politics in the House yesterday morning. And Progressive Labour Party leader Jennifer Smith included Mrs. Bell in her list of MPs "who will not be joining us'' in a post-General Election line-up.

But Mrs. Bell said afterwards her statement had "come out wrong'' and she was not quitting politics for good.

She refused, however, to discuss what future role she might play in the party she joined just weeks ago after quitting the United Bermuda Party side of the House.

Mrs. Bell -- who formerly represented St. George's South for the UBP with running mate Rick Spurling -- will definitely not be standing in her current constituency again.

The PLP have already selected Rev. Wilbur Lowe and Arthur Pitcher to fight St.

George's South. But last night Ms Smith declined to comment on whether Mrs.

Bell might run anywhere else -- or what the party's plans for her might be.

There was speculation in May that Mrs Bell could run alongside Ms Smith in neighbouring St. George's North in place of sitting PLP Leon (Jimmy) Williams, who was taken into hospital in April. Mrs. Bell could run in another seat -- or she may opt to take a backroom role in her new party as part of the PLP political machine.