the Progressive Labour Party's charge in Pembroke West Central.

He will link up with another newcomer -- accountant Ms Neletha (Honey) Butterfield. She had long been expected to face her political baptism in the key constituency.

Topping their campaign issues will be alarm over emissions from the Bermuda Electric Light Company, and the needs of the elderly and the young. The plight of the unemployed and single parents, inadequate street lighting, and the concerns of the fishermen will also be tackled.

The PLP's double-pronged election challenge in the constituency was revealed yesterday at Alaska Hall.

The party hopes to topple Independent MP and Environmentalist Mr. Stuart Hayward and Environment Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto.

It was also announced Bermuda Industrial Union president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons and Shadow Housing Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome would battle to maintain their seats in Pembroke East.

And in Pembroke East Central the party will also be relying on the old guard.

Shadow Tourism Minister Mr. David Allen and Shadow Minister for Justice Mr.

Stanley Morton will be carrying the flag again.

Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade spoke confidently of the PLP's election chances.

"We will have candidates in every constituency,'' he declared.

Mr. Wade said candidates would be announced shortly in Paget and Pembroke West -- completing the line-up. The possibilities of running two candidates in St.

George's South and Southampton West would also be explored.

Mr. Wade said the party was still waiting for the Government to announce its full slate of election hopefuls. And the National Liberal Party had still not shown any of its cards.

The PLP's final campaign strategy would be tuned to meet the challenge of the other parties, said Mr. Wade.

"No one is going to Parliament without a fight,'' he vowed.

Earlier, Mr. Wade attacked the UBP's "Alaska Hall back room gang'' jibe -- a swipe at the PLP's candidate selection process.

"We are Her Majesty's Opposition and we conduct ourselves with the respect and dignity in keeping with our role. We are not a back room gang. We are operating responsibly under our constitution.

"I don't intend to engage in this Bush-style negative campaigning. I intend to stick to the issues.'' Yesterday's Press conference was marked by a telephone link-up with Mr.

Perinchief, who was in Toronto.

Mr. Perinchief, 48, is making his first election bid -- although he is no stranger to the political arena.

Armed with degrees in history and economics, he has earned a reputation as an activist for social and economic change. His major interests are law reform, economic development and planning, sports and entertainment, and a new world order.

Mr. Perinchief said he would be taking up the worries of residents over Belco emissions, as well as the concerns of the fishermen.

"I feel I'm going to do quite well. The PLP ought to be representing the people in this area,'' he added.

For her part, Ms Butterfield, a computer education consultant and head of a Christian private computer school, vowed to help the elderly and the young, particularly those aged between 10-15.

"There needs to be more for young people to do,'' she said.

Ms Butterfield also pledged to fight for improved street lighting to ease the fears of old folk. The plight of single parents and the unemployed would also be addressed.

Mr. Allen, 49, described the oncoming election as a "watershed'' in Bermuda's history.

"I would call it a wake up call for Bermuda. We are talking about the birthright of Bermudians,'' he said.

Mr. Morton picked out health and welfare problems as issues he would campaign on.

Mr. Simmons, meanwhile, highlighted domestic violence, and the plight of the homeless, describing them as the Island's fastest growing population.

But he stressed the biggest election issue was the dire state of Bermuda's economy.

"The economy is in the worst shape in Bermuda's history,'' he said.

Mr. Bascome, who was in Atlanta, was not present at the conference.