role of Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the US.

The Rev. Trevor Woolridge said if elected, he would likely have to quit Bermuda for America.

But he added that his candidacy would not be considered until a general conference of the AME in seven years' time.

Mr. Woolridge, Progressive Labour Party MP for Hamilton East, said: "If I was successful in being elected a Bishop...it would probably mean moving.

"But in the meantime, I have an election pending here as soon as the Premier calls it.

"The only candidacy I am concerned about at this time is being returned in Hamilton East by the good people of Hamilton Parish.'' And he was buoyant about his personal chances and the chances of his party finally forming a Government for the first time in its 30-year history.

He said the election of new Premier Pamela Gordon could not disguise divisions in the ruling United Bermuda Party, which has been rocked by splits since the Independence row in 1995.

Mr. Woolridge said: "We can give the Premier an opportunity to go and watch cricket with John Major.'' Mr. Major last week led the British Conservative party to its biggest election defeat since 1832.

Labour under Tony Blair scored a landslide victory to end 18 years of Tory rule. Mr. Major conceded defeat and said he was off to watch a cricket match.