Minister Nelson Bascome's widow Shirlene Bascome has ruled herself out of the running in the by-election to replace her late husband.

Mr. Bascome's mentor Ottiwell Simmons' suggestion that Mrs. Bascome should stand in the solid Progressive Labour Party seat won a hearty applause from family, friends and political colleagues at his funeral last Thursday.

However, Mrs. Bascome laughed off that possibility yesterday, telling The Royal Gazette: "Emphatically no! I thank everyone for their round of applause, but I'm a behind-the-scenes person."

Constituency 16 chair Mrs. Bascome, who will get a major say in who takes over the reins from her husband, said the ideal candidate would be a "people person" who can carry on the community work the former Health Minister was renowned for during his 20 years representing Pembroke East Central.

One name mentioned in the constituency is Civil Service head Kenneth Dill, who was controversially urged to retire by Premier Ewart Brown earlier this year and whose family is well known in the area.

Others included in speculation are Senators Walton Brown and David Burch, lawyer Elizabeth Christopher and former Attorney General Philip Perinchief — all of whom have run for the PLP unsuccessfully before.

An experienced politician who supports Dr. Brown would help plug a serious gap in Cabinet, with seasoned backbenchers — four of whom have called for the Premier to resign — said to be reluctant to join his team. Currently Bermuda has acting Education and Health Ministers.

Meanwhile another MP opposing Dr. Brown could make life even more difficult for the Premier in the House of Assembly, increasing the chances of his legislation being vetoed in a repeat of the cruise ship gaming bill rejection last month.

Mrs. Bascome said there had been no firm interest so far, with potential candidates possibly wanting to let Mr. Bascome's memory settle first.

"My personal thing is just to have someone that's going to work in the community — a people's person," she said.

"It needs to be someone who's open to the concerns of the constituents, will work hard for the constituents in terms of what's really needed."

Recalling her husband's efforts, she said: "You can get calls at ten o'clock at night. He would not turn you away."

But she said the newcomer may not have to live in the constituency: "For me, that's not necessary, as long as the person has the work ethic that my husband had."

None of the potential candidates named in this article responded to our requests for a comment.

Sen. Brown lost in United Bermuda Party-stronghold Pembroke West at the last General Election; constituents in Pembroke have said he has canvassed there in recent months. He is Dr. Brown's cousin and Junior Education Minister.

Sen. Burch has previously stood and lost in two elections and failed in a bid to oust Speaker Stanley Lowe in Southampton East before the 2007 General Election. He worked closely with the Premier in bringing the Uighurs to Bermuda and has held a number of posts in Cabinet, but is thought to favour Southampton if he tries running for Parliament again.

Mr. Perinchief lost the marginal St. George's South seat in 2007 and has been a vocal critic of Dr. Brown since losing his place in Cabinet immediately afterwards; while Dr. Brown's attempt to fire Mr. Dill caused anger among the Civil Service in May.

Ms Christopher, who lost in Smith's South in 2003, is understood to have a house in Pembroke, but lives in the east. Her father Wentworth Christopher is the party's public relations officer.

One MP said yesterday that a young dynamic candidate would be appropriate: "Nelson was 53 — that's still a relatively young age. I don't think we want to go older than that."

The by-election will take place within two months of Mr. Bascome's death. Applications are available from PLP headquarters and must be completed by 3 p.m. on Monday, August 3. The branch will make a recommendation to the PLP Central Committee, with Mrs. Bascome's recommendation said to carry more weight than usual in the circumstances. An announcement will likely be made by mid-August.

In 2007, Mr. Bascome claimed 87 percent of the vote against Keith Young of the UBP.

UBP chairman Sean Pitcher said there had been some interest despite almost certain defeat.

"Some people look at it for the experience, others because they might come from the area," said Mr. Pitcher. "We look forward to fighting vigorously."

One UBP member said the party should pick a local candidate, warning: "That seat is all about local politics. An outside candidate will get even less votes than last time."