Shell Oil executive Wayne Soares was last night emerging as front-runner for the soon-to-be vacant Pembroke West seat.

But the UBP might have a pre-election showdown between several candidates before the final choice is made.

Mr. Soares, 56, sales manager for Shell Bermuda, confirmed last night he had put his name up for consideration by the Pembroke West branch, which is looking for a replacement for Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira, who will quit politics at the end of the year.

Mr. Soares said: "I am interested in going forward and I've made myself available.'' According to party insiders, Mr. Soares, born in Spanish Point and still a resident, is the candidate with most local appeal.

He worked in Dr. Terceira's successful original campaign in Pembroke West more than a decade ago and has canvassed for the party in the area.

But Mr. Soares brushed off suggestions he was set to walk away with the nomination.

He said: "It's very dangerous to assume you have any advantage. But I bring common sense and hopefully I can win the confidence of the people of Pembroke West.'' Mr. Soares, however, could face strong competition from former Government Senate leader Gary Pitman.

Mr. Pitman -- who remained chairman of the UBP after quitting the Senate -- confirmed he was now seeking the required number of nominations to be eligible.

He added: "I'm going through the process and I'm leaving my options open.'' Mr. Pitman would have to step down from his party office under UBP election rules.

He said: "I haven't got to that stage but I will be looking at it very carefully.'' Also said to be trying to hook the nomination is charter fishing boat skipper Kevin Winter, who, like Mr. Soares, is well-connected locally.

But party insiders say that, at 35, he may be considered too young and politically inexperienced. Mr. Winter could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

One insider added that it was hoped a primary battle would be avoided, which would allow an unopposed candidate the time to concentrate on boosting turnout for a convincing UBP victory.

The by-election is likely to be held just before the House of Assembly reconvenes in February next year -- election year -- and party chiefs are hoping for a strong performance.

As many as six people appear to interested in the seat and a primary may be difficult to avoid if more than one insists on pressing their claim to a primary vote.

A primary was avoided in the recent by-election in the same seat, caused by the resignation of former Youth and Sport Minister David Dyer, when ex-Director of Planning Erwin Adderley romped home, although it is understood several people were interested in contesting the seat.

Mr. Adderley came in well ahead of the Progressive Labour Party's Rodney Smith, who will stand again after slightly increasing the PLP's share of the vote in the last by-election.