face.

Often likened to a human calculator while Finance Minister, the Hon. David Saul yesterday let his steel guard slip after being sworn in as Bermuda's new Premier.

Party colleagues looked stunned as his voice momentarily croaked while he applauded his wife, Christine ... and considered how the Premiership could take its toll on their marriage.

"This is a challenge, but also a sacrifice,'' he said during the Government House ceremony.

"Christine, after 32 years of marriage, is going to be put to a little extra test. However, I am sure, so help us God, we will weather it.'' One senior MP prodded The Royal Gazette photographer and murmured: "This is all genuine emotion you know.'' The moment, however, had passed.

Dr. Saul quickly tugged his tie, cleared his throat, and returned to the form expected of him. He could have been reading a Budget speech again.

"I am ever so grateful. I am grateful to you my Parliamentary colleagues, to those in my constituency of Devonshire South.

"I am grateful to the hundreds of people who have supported me these three or four days, although I am sorry I did not give you warning about my candidature.'' His predecessor, the Hon. Sir John Swan, was not omitted from the tributes.

"I am humbled that I am taking over the reins from Sir John Swan,'' he said.

"I thank Sir John ... he is a hard act to follow after 13 years of good Government, after winning election after election.'' Earlier, Dr. Saul, accompanied by Christine and their 23-year-old daughter, Robin, turned up to Government House at the wheel of his silver Toyota Corolla.

Dressed in a blue blazer and matching socks, he was greeted by a line of VIPs, including Chief Justice the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward, Attorney General Mr.

Elliott Mottley, and the Solicitor General Mr. Barrie Meade.

His UBP supporters were also there -- although attention was focussed more on notable absentees, among them pro-Independence backbenchers Dr. David Dyer, Mr. Trevor Moniz, and the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto who had thrown their support behind his challenger the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge.

Acting Governor Mr. Peter Willis -- standing in for Lord Waddington who has been on holiday -- conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

Afterwards, he told the new Premier: "May I congratulate you on your appointment.'' Saul: I am humbled "I wish you well in your appointment and your onerous duties. I am sure you will rise to the challenges that affect Bermuda.'' Dr. Saul replied: "I am humbled by the whole affair.'' With the ceremony over, the new Premier's first port of call was St. John's Church, followed by a lunch with party colleagues at Fourways Inn.

"After all, we have a lot to chew over,'' he jibed.