woman ever sworn in as Premier.

And tonight she will outline her hopes for the future of Bermuda in a "state of the nation'' inaugural address, to be broadcast this evening on all three TV channels.

But her first act as the new Premier is likely to be appointing veteran politician Irving Pearman -- who stood aside to give Ms Gordon a clear run at the Premiership in the interests of a united front -- to her old Ministerial job at Environment.

The Premier-designate was last night said to be resting after a hectic few days.

Today, Governor Lord Waddington -- only weeks away from retirement -- will make the unanimous leadership choice of the ruling United Bermuda Party official at Government House.

And Ms Gordon will become the first woman leader in Bermuda's near-400 year history -- and the youngest holder of the office of Premier.

The Cabinet -- technically dissolved with outgoing Premier David Saul's resignation -- is expected to be sworn in this afternoon.

Ms Gordon is not expected to make any shock announcements on policy in her first day as Premier.

Instead, she will use a broad brush and lay out her Government's priorities over the remaining 18 months before the next General Election.

And she will pledge to come back to the electorate after consideration and consultation with detailed plans and any changes of direction she might feel necessary.

She is expected to discuss tackling the major issues -- crime, drugs, education and jobs.

But Ms Gordon -- a single parent with two children -- is also set to place a new emphasis on the family and children as part of her "People's Premier'' approach to the top job.