is to take on the ruling United Bermuda Party again.

And he predicted he will turn out with Carvel Van Putten, third placed in the 1993 national poll, for this year's General Election.

Construction company owner Rodney Smith increased his party's share of the vote in the November by-election caused by then-Youth and Sport Minister David Dyer's decision to quit politics.

Now Mr. Smith hopes to go one better in the tussle caused by the retirement of Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira.

He said yesterday: "The constituents in Pembroke West are now ready to make a change.

"And they are looking for a candidate who is dedicated and ready to make a difference.'' Mr. Smith said he had continued to canvass the area following the November battle -- and insisted voters were not suffering ballot fatigue.

He added that voters had been "encouraged'' to see him working the constituency again.

And he predicted: "As I am well aware, the battle will be fought and won on the doorstep.'' And Mr. Smith said: "We have gained ground and I believe, with some 40 percent of the voters who didn't vote for the governing party on November 6, they chose not to vote for the Government party.'' He lost out to ex-Civil Servant Erwin Adderley at the last contest. Mr.

Adderley won the three-horse race with 618 votes (59.1 percent).

Mr. Smith gained 382 votes (36.5 percent), while the National Liberal Party's Graeme Outerbridge got just 34 votes (3.2 per cent.

But the election suffered from a low turnout -- just 56.9 percent compared to the 76.6 percent at the 1993 General Election.

Party leader Jennifer Smith -- who said the party's central committee had been shown "overwhelming'' support for Mr. Smith -- said his showing last time had earned him a second go.

She added: "In the last few months that he has been working in the constituency, Rodney Smith has learned that the issues that concern the voters of Pembroke West are the issues that concern all Bermudians.

"He has sympathised with seniors on a fixed income, talked to young people about job opportunities and offered to help the unemployed seeking work.'' Mr. Smith holds a double Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and Social Work, plus a Masters in Social Work. He is also studying for a doctorate specialising in the ageing process.

Ms Smith said Mr. Smith had been "supported very wonderfully'' by Mr. Van Putten on his doorstep campaign.

She declined to speculate on who might be running mate to Mr. Smith, saying no decisions had been made.

But she added: "Mr. Van Putten will, of course, be considered.'' The United Bermuda Party is expected to face a primary showdown before the by-election -- making it unlikely the contest will take place before Parliament resumes on February 6.

But the election must by law be held before February 28. Hot favourite for the UBP is constituency resident Wayne Soares.

But as many as six people -- including former Government Senate Leader and current party chairman Gary Pitman -- have expressed an interest in contesting what is regarded as a safe UBP seat.

Charter fishing boat skipper Kevin Winter, 35, is also thought to be keen to net the nomination -- but he may be considered too inexperienced.