Former PLP MP Julian Hall last night signalled he may fight the Devonshire North by-election.

"I am seriously considering my position,'' the former Hamilton West MP told The Royal Gazette .

Mr. Hall also took issue with his party's selection process following the death of Progressive Labour Party leader Frederick Wade.

"I am a bit concerned to hear that through the actions of a fairly small group within the party the selection process was all but officially a fait accompli before Mr. Wade's funeral.'' Mr. Hall declined to elaborate on the remark, but The Royal Gazette understands this to be a reference to PLP public relations officer Paula Cox being thrust forward as a candidate by former leader Lois Browne Evans.

One party insider said: "There is a feeling that Mrs. Browne Evans is wielding an undue amount of influence.'' Other sources have suggested a possible conflict between the Progressive Labour Party's old guard -- including Mrs. Browne Evans, Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox, former Deputy Leader Walter Roberts -- and those pressing for new faces.

"We need to change the image of the party to give it an appeal to Bermuda's young,'' said one source.

Ms Cox has publicly voiced interest in the seat, as has Sen. Terry Lister.

Sen. Lister put up a good showing in the recent election for Deputy Leader, losing to Alex Scott.

Meanwhile, yesterday another possible candidate emerged -- Progressive Labour Party organiser David Augustus, who has never stood before.

"I am considering it. Within the next few days I will be making a decision,'' he said. "Several people in Devonshire North have asked me to stand.'' Others thought to be in the frame include Senate Opposition Leader Milton Scott, Sen. Neletha (Honey) Butterfield, developer Rodney Smith and Rolfe Commissiong.

The PLP procedures require letters of interest to be sent to Devonshire Branch chairman Delroy O'Brien who will present them at a branch meeting.

By-election battle The branch will vote on the choices which are then sent to the candidates' committee which conducts interviews with the hopefuls. A final report is sent to the central committee which approves or disapproves the candidate.

Mr. Hall, who lost his Hamilton West seat at the last election, said last night: "I have certainly not written any letter of intent to run or a letter of desire to be considered as a candidate, although I came back from business overseas to attend the funeral and thought it best not to discuss with anybody the question of possible succession to Mr. Wade as Devonshire North MP.

"I am very pleased the funeral went as well as it did. I have been inundated with requests to put myself forward. I make no bones I would like to serve the community from a seat in Parliament. The only question is what is the appropriate seat and the appropriate time.''