his bid to become the newest United Bermuda Party candidate in Southampton West.

Laundry operator Mr. Raymond Davis, who at first said he would put his name forward, said yesterday he did not have enough time to organise before Friday and he believed Mr. Dodwell would be unopposed.

But Mr. Davis said he and others were interested in running for the UBP in Southampton West and they would soon trigger a primary.

Mr. Craig Cristensen, the branch chairman, said about 70 UBP members were eligible to vote at the special branch meeting tomorrow.

It was "possible'' Mr. Dodwell, who is president of the Bermuda Hotel Association, would not be opposed, he said. "There have been other names come forward,'' he said. He would not name them.

The meeting was called after Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall, who has represented Southampton West since 1963, announced his retirement from politics on July 16.

Most likely, members would be asked to vote yes or no on whether to adopt Mr.

Dodwell to run beside Youth and Sport Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon.

But contenders could be put forward at the meeting and a secret ballot vote held. The need for a primary election that would also involve Sen. Gordon was another possibility.

Mr. Raymond Whitecross said yesterday he would run in a primary if there was enough time to garner support. He knew of others who were interested.