battlefield.

For Lt. Col. Burch -- who retired from the Regiment last year -- is to stand for the Opposition Progressive Labour Party in Smith's South.

The Royal Gazette understands that Lt. Col. Burch announced he was set to launch an assault on Parliament at a meeting of the Smith's South party faithful in Hamilton Parish Workmen's Club this week.

And he may join forces with dentist Clark Godwin in a twin-pronged attack on the United Bermuda Party stronghold.

Dr. Godwin trailed in a poor third in the 1993 General Election battle, behind veteran campaigner and Works and Engineering Minister CV (Jim) Woolridge and United Bermuda Party backbencher Trevor Moniz.

Lt. Col. Burch -- a former insurance company executive -- stepped down from the Regiment after his five-year term ended in October last year.

A PLP insider said: "He is a high-profile figure because of the Regiment and would make a good candidate.

"And senior military officers have very good leadership skills as well.'' But the PLP hierarchy were staying tight-lipped over their candidates for the next General Election -- set to be held as early as the spring.

PLP spokesman Michael Scott said: "Candidates for Smith's South have not been formally announced as yet so I really cannot comment.'' Lt. Col. Burch could not be contacted for comment last night.

And Mr. Moniz was keeping his powder dry in advance of Premier Pamela Gordon's decision on when to open election hostilities.

He said: "It's news to me -- obviously they're going to put up some candidates and we've had various ones at different times.

And he added: "I don't take anything for granted in politics -- you have to work for everything.

"At the end of the day, it's the choice of the people. You try to do your best and represent what's in the best interests of the people.'' Mr. Woolridge topped the poll at the last General Election, with 37.3 percent of the vote, followed by Mr. Moniz with 33 percent.

Dr. Godwin came third with 16.2 percent, and the National Liberal Party's Graeme Outerbridge brought up the rear with 13.5 percent of the vote.