their nomination papers for the general election.

That was two fewer than ran for election in 1989.

Only the United Bermuda Party ran a full slate of 40 candidates. The Progressive Labour Party fielded 36, the National Liberal Party eight, and there were five Independents.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, who filed his papers yesterday morning at the Horticultural Hall in Paget East, said the UBP slate represented "a broad spectrum''.

"They represent experience and know-how, both young and old,'' Sir John said.

"Overall, they are truly a mosaic of Bermuda. I am convinced that they are committed to the process of change that will allow us to look after Bermuda's future.'' Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade filed his nomination at Prospect Primary School in Devonshire and said his party's "turn has come'' to govern Bermuda.

"Bermuda now is ready for the PLP,'' he said.

"We have the best team of people who have the talent, the skills, the contacts, both nationally and internationally, to deal with the troubles Bermuda faces and to lead us into the next century.'' The PLP ran 30 candidates in 1989.

The NLP, fighting for survival with only one seat in the House of Assembly, nominated seven fewer hopefuls than the 15 who contested the last election.

The five Independent candidates compare to six who ran last time. They represent a wide range of interests, from the environentalist and House of Assembly incumbent Mr. Stuart Hayward to Mr. Gershwyn Smith, who is fighting to legalise marijuana.

The PLP announced two new candidates yesterday. Mr. Danny Farias, outspoken president of the fishermen's division of the Bermuda Industrial Union, would join Mr. Comrade Lynch in contesting the UBP stronghold of Devonshire South, the party announced.

And Court Street jeweller Mr. Carvel VanPutten would join Mr. Michael Cox in contesting Pembroke West.

Mr. Farias, who became widely known on the Island by fighting Government's fishpot ban, becomes the PLP's second white candidate in the election, joining incumbent Mr. David Allen.

"Danny Farias is not a white candidate; he's just a candidate,'' Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade said at a news conference.

"If white people don't join the PLP, it's no fault of ours. They don't join the AME Church either.

"It's a white problem they have.'' In a news release, the BIU encouraged all its members to vote PLP.

Devonshire accountant Mr. Bill Ingham has decided not to run as an Independent candidate in Southampton West.

Mr. Ingham said constituents had been supportive, but he had learned that more time and a well-organised campaign team were needed.

"Now that the election has been called it would be extremely difficult to contact all the constituents in just two weeks,'' he said.

"I intend by the next election to be in a better position to be a positive force in a negative partisan system.'' Nomination list -- Page 3.

NOMINATION DAY -- In Paget East, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan and Dr. John Stubbs (pictured left) yesterday filed their nomination papers, while in Devonshire North, Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade emerged from Prospect Primary School with his completed forms.