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But the UDP is banking on its mayoral candidate, attorney Darrell Bradley - who was introduced with much fanfare today:

Jules Vasquez Reporting

The spruced up stage was set at UDP headquarters and the party's City council 11 was introduced like an all-star team by the party Chairman to hearty applause, enthusiasm fuelled by a slate which includes a medical doctor and two lawyers.

The biggest introduction though was saved for Mayoral Candidate Darrell Bradley - a candidate the party is very proud of:

Hon. Dean Barrow - Party Leader
"This is an outstandingly bright individual. This is an outstandingly articulate individual. This is an outstandingly thoughtful individual. I gather that our opponents are going to have a convention, and certainly the names and the individuals that seeking to become their mayoral candidate, as I said I will do no more than say, have to suffer tremendously by comparison with our mayoral candidate."

Bradley spoke candidly about what has been a sometimes challenging campaign:

Darrell Bradley - UDP Mayoral Candidate
"When we have been on the streets campaigning, people have spoken to us. They've identified to us their concerns, and I will not stand here today, and I will not tell you that this team and I have all the solutions. We do not. The elections will likely be difficult; being City Hall will likely be difficult, but I can say to you that this team, headed by me, we have a commitment. And every single day that we are on the job in City Hall, we will work hard to ensure that the lives of every single citizen of Belize City are better."

Well pitched, but what about the practical realities of taking over from a UDP City council whose performance has been less than stellar?

Hon. Dean Barrow - Party Leader
"Our mayoral candidate has conceded that, of course, it is not an easy road ahead. We've had our difficulties for the period during which we've already been in the City Council, difficulties have principally to do with the lack of finances - with the lack of resources. But I am positive that the people of this city recognize that in the face of the challenges, the current United Democratic Party City Council has worked extremely hard."

Jules Vasquez
"Since being city government for 6 years, the UDP council has not generated a sterling reputation."

Darrell Bradley - UDP Mayoral Candidate
"Well, I think that the idea is a different approach. We come with an approach which will involve a lot of planning, and a lot of changes in terms of the vision that we want to take the council. And I think that when you have that, you are able to attract resources. The Prime Minister has outlined a series of projects which are being unveiled right now, and which will be unveiled and continuing throughout the next municipal term. I will not say that the present city council is immune to the kinds of challenges that have plagued political office in the past, but we feel confident with aligning ourselves with some of the things that they have done."

Jules Vasquez
"Is it hard to go out and campaign on streets that are like, 'This street hasn't been fixed for 10 years'?"

Darrell Bradley
"No it's a reality. Some days I walk to work, and when I walk, you have to step over potholes, you have to avoid the waterholes, the rains, whatever. So, we will not shy away from the challenges of the city. I said that in my presentation. Yes, the city needs changes; yes, the city needs a new infusion of finances to deal with drains and streets, and this is a reality that we have. So, we feel proud to go and campaign on the record of the existing council, and also in the conditions that the city appears in presently, but we will know that we will make a difference."

The team is already on the campaign trail.

Reports are that the PUP slate will be selected at a Convention in late October.