battles in the October 5 general election, The Royal Gazette today looks at Warwick West.

Each resembles the archetypal favourite uncle who knocks on the door laden with goodies.

Only the goodies, in this case, come in the form of United Bermuda Party promises. Very much according to taste.

And these uncles are as tough as old boots, who are apt to give as good as they get.

There is no doubt the Hons. Sir John Sharpe and Quinton Edness are old hands at the election game.

It's something that could prove crucial as they try to deflect the wrath of a public badly bruised by recession.

A loss of either veteran in Warwick West -- considered a marginal -- would be a grievous blow to the UBP.

There is little doubt the Progressive Labour Party is gunning for them, believing a gain is crucial to their election hopes.

Political rookie Dr. Ewart Brown is sure the PLP can pull it off.

"I defer to the experience of Sir John and Mr. Edness. But I do not defer to their ability to solve today's issues.'' Between them the UBP campaigners have notched up 55 years in a constituency they claim they know inside out.

Unsurprisingly, the pair are keen to highlight this wealth of experience.

Said Sir John: "We start from a good base because having represented the constituency for some years we are well known there, and well known for being helpful.'' The Delegated Affairs Minister has been listening to the gripes of constituents for 30 years.

And his 62-year-old bespectacled running mate has been doing likewise since 1968.

Continued Sir John: "Everybody knows that year in and year out we are at our small office behind the Warwick Bowl the first Saturday morning of every month.

"Hundreds have visited there, often whole families, whom we have been able to advise about personal problems.'' Sir John and Mr. Edness proudly claim several achievements.

Said Sir John: "We have initiated facilities for Warwick West, including the Post Office and health clinic, Astwood Park, and the swimming dock of Harbour Road.

"And we have worked with the neighbours of private estates in their road paving and road lighting improvements.'' Thirty-eight-year-old taxi operator George Scott is waging his second campaign in Warwick West for the Progressive Labour Party.

He views the constituency as a marginal, with everything to play for.

There is no doubt what the number one concern among Bermudians is -- immigration, said Mr. Scott.

"Immigration also relates to employment and relates to the boys sitting on the walls.

"It relates to management personnel who are not Bermudian hiring and firing Bermudians.'' Mr. Scott, former union shop steward at Marriott's Castle Harbour, said education was second on the list of concerns.

There was considerable discontent with Government over its handling of education.

Dr. Brown said: "I believe as far as local issues are concerned, we have heard from our canvassing efforts that people are concerned about some areas of lighting and drugs.'' He added parents were also concerned about the library at Warwick Secondary School.

"They say it is in bad shape, having very few books and no librarian.'' Dr. Brown added: "Nationally, people want to know what the true financial state of Government is.

"People want to know why, if the recession is over, they are still unemployed.'' Another political rookie challenging in the constituency is Mrs. Dessaline Waldron.

The 46-year-old mother-of-one believes she has a good chance of causing a shock upset for the National Liberal Party.

"It does not make sense to go out believing you can't win.'' Although a political novice, Mrs. Waldron has vast experience in the community.

She was, among other things, chartered president of the Somers Lioness Club, and a founding member of Lupus Association of Bermuda.

"The main concern among constituents from what I gather is increasing violence against women in Bermuda overall and the safety of our kids and welfare of seniors.'' Mrs. Waldron, who has been living in Warwick for 21 years, said drugs was also a big problem.

And there was one particular area which needed urgent attention, she added.

Mrs. Waldron said she was a fervent admirer of NLP leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell, who had inspired her to enter politics.

Entertainer Mr. David Burch, who lives in Khyber Pass, was shocked into standing for Parliament as an Independent.

He said he was dismayed by the state of Bermuda when he returned after 15 years.

"The older folks and the youth are getting hurt now,'' he said.

Mr. Burch described Bermuda as "boring'' with little opportunity for youths to participate in the community.

Warwick West: Candidates -- Hon. Sir John Sharpe, 71, politician (UBP); Hon. Quinton Edness, 62, politician (UBP); Dr. Ewart Brown, 47, doctor, (PLP); George Scott, 38, taxi operator (PLP); Dessaline Waldron, 46, businesswoman (NLP); David Burch, 48, singer and contractor (Ind).

Electoral Hall -- Warwick Secondary School.

Electorate -- 2,368. 1989 election Sir John Sharpe (UBP) 853; Quinton Edness (UBP) 818; Dr. Kathyann White (PLP) 623; George Scott (PLP) 618; Dilton Lightbourne (NLP) 194.

OCTOBER 1993 ELECTION