Premier Alex Scott was effusive in his praise of Randy Horton yesterday ? despite handing him a tiny portfolio compared to the one he has handled for the past three years.

Mr. Scott told a press conference at Government House that the former Home Affairs, Labour and Public Safety Minister could be said to have ?arrived? because he could be recognised by one name only: Horton.

?Horton? himself looked uncomfortable as the Premier described the new Environment Minister as ?an outstanding individual from an equally outstanding family? whose name was synonymous with achievement.

Mr. Scott said in looking for a replacement for Neletha Butterfield he needed someone with depth, experience and maturity to handle ?challenges? such as staff shortages, succession planning and the preparation and presentation of a Planning Statement.

?I am pleased that Minister Randolph Horton has accepted this new challenge,? he said. ?Keeping within the doctrine of the Government?s Sustainable Development initiative, he will bring a renewed perspective to the Ministry of the Environment; a Ministry that has a significant impact on every aspect of our society.

?One of the most significant tasks that we believe Minister Horton will accomplish is the realisation of a more ?user-friendly? culture at the Department of Planning in regard to the public that they are mandated to serve. I have every confidence that Minister Horton will do extremely well in this new post.?

Father-of-two Mr. Horton began his parliamentary career in 1998 and joined the Cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio in February 2001. That November he became Minister of Community Affairs and Sport.

In July 2003, he was one of 11 rebel PLP MPs who defected from Premier Jennifer Smith?s Cabinet. After Mr. Scott took the top job, Mr. Horton was promoted to the Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety post ? to the surprise of some.

The former educator, professional footballer and local cricket star said at the time that he was confident about taking on the weighty portfolio and hoped to bring some sensitivity to the table in dealing with unions.

But his time at the Ministry ? one of the most vital in Government with a $104.5 million budget ? was not without its controversies.

In his first three months in a job which takes in employment, prisons, Police, Immigration and the Bermuda Regiment, he tackled an Island-wide strike and a category three hurricane.

He was seen by many as a competent and dedicated Minister, ably assisted in his department by his brother, Permanent Secretary Robert Horton.

In May he accompanied the Premier on a diplomatic trip to Washington DC and was instrumental in bringing in US experts to help tackle gang violence on the Island.

But he took flak for the Government?s defeat in the controversial GoldenEye court case earlier this year after implementing a ban on locals selling homes to foreigners which was described by a Supreme Court judge as ?unlawful? and an ?abuse of power?.

Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert said last night: ?I?m kind of sorry to see him go. I believe that over the years Mr. Horton had a passion for that Ministry and I believe he had some good ideas that he brought forward.

?I was surprised to see Randy change over. It makes you wonder what?s going on. I just wish him the best in his endeavours going forward.?

Bermuda Employers Council president William DeSilva said: ?We are disappointed to see Minister Horton leaving. Over the last 12 months in particular, we have worked very hard with him, his Ministry, and our counterparts in the unions, to restore exemplary levels of tri-partite dialogue in both the Labour Advisory Council and all of our discussions for that matter.?

Chris Furbert, president of Bermuda Industrial Union, said: ?The Minister had his challenges and I think he did a fair job. Could he have done a better job? That?s questionable. I think he did what he thought he could do. I think he did as good a job as he possibly could while in the position.?

Trades Union Congress president Anthony Wolffe said Mr. Horton was a very productive minister. ?I think he had some good ideas.?