12 July 2007 | Bermuda Sun

Island Construction boss Zane DeSilva has been selected by the Progressive Labour Party to take on sitting MP David Dodwell in the upcoming general election.

Mr. DeSilva, one of at least two white candidates expected to run for the PLP, is running in Southampton East Central, which Mr. Dodwell won by a narrow margin in 2003.

Another PLP candidate announced at a lunchtime press conference at Southampton Rangers is Marc Bean. He's running in Southampton West Central against Jon Brunson, who scored a comfortable win for the UBP the last time around.

Both men were surrounded by family, friends and supporters at today's announcement. Mr. DeSilva said made reference to the "huge cross section of people" that turned out. "People with blonde hair, dark hair, blue eyes, brown eyes. It's a great cross section," he said.

Mr. DeSilva, 47, said he was born and raised in the area and that he has always believed the PLP represented his own personal philosophies, including the importance of family, hard work and social justice. He said he'd serve the constituency with "dedication and commitment." MORE! »