Defeated South Smith's primary challenger Dr. Grant Gibbons yesterday vowed to continue working in the constituency -- if wanted.

But first some much neglected family and business needs will have to be attended to.

The father-of-two and managing director of Gibbons Company admitted relentless canvassing had taken priority in recent weeks.

"I've put my family and business to one side, so I will have to spend some time in these areas,'' he said.

Dr. Gibbons lost out to Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge and lawyer Trevor Moniz in Thursday night's United Bermuda Party primary.

He managed to poll 300 votes -- 58 behind adopted candidate Mr. Moniz, who trailed Mr. Woolridge by 87.

But the defeat in his first political foray has not thwarted his ambitions.

"I am, of course, a little disappointed, although the way I look at it I came from zero to 300 in five months,'' he said.

"It went fairly well considering I was starting from scratch. I had to be optimistic beforehand, and felt I had a good shot.'' Dr. Gibbons said he always knew Mr. Woolridge would top the poll.

"He is a long-standing politician, and very popular,'' he said.

But he said he had been greatly encouraged by the support shown for him on the doorsteps.

"I am prepared to continue working in the constituency, if it's felt I could be of some help,'' he said.

Yesterday executive officer of the UBP, Mr. Joe Gibbons, welcomed Dr. Gibbons' pledge.

He suggested Dr. Gibbons could aim to get on to the constituency's branch executive.

"I certainly think there is a great deal he can do. He can be very actively involved in Smith's South.

"I don't think his interest in the primary was just a passing one. He clearly did not turn off the voters.

"It's a shame that out of three excellent people, one had to lose.'' Mr. Gibbons said he was not surprised by the primary result, adding: "I always expected Jim to win.'' Mr. Gibbons described primaries as "very healthy'' in politics.

The St. George's South UBP primary is fixed for October 27 -- and Mr. Gibbons did not rule out others, although none are planned.