Assembly convened on Friday.

Parliamentarians saluted newly reelected Progressive Labour Party Leader Jennifer Smith , rookie PLP MP Paula Cox and House Clerk Yvonne Muriel Roach.

Government backbencher Ann Cartwright DeCouto hoped the trio's success signalled a new day dawning in the House of Assembly.

And former Opposition Leader Lois Browne Evans declared: "I never thought I would see as many women here as I do today. History has been made.'' On Thursday night, Ms Smith was reelected Opposition Leader after beating Shadow Labour Minister Alex Scott by 48 votes to 29.

Ms Cox, meanwhile, achieved history by scorching to victory in the Devonshire North by-election, filling the seat vacated by the late Opposition Leader Frederick Wade.

It meant she and Shadow Finance Minister and new Deputy Opposition Leader Eugene Cox formed the House's first father-daughter team.

And Ms Roach also achieved a double first -- by becoming the first black Bermudian and first woman House Clerk.

She was promoted after former House Clerk James Smith was appointed assistant Cabinet Secretary.

Premier David Saul congratulated Ms Roach, saying she was steeped in Parliamentary tradition.

"I think she will do a superlative job,'' he said.

Dr. Saul went on to urge the House to record the absence of one member of the House -- the late Mr. Wade.

He said he would greatly miss the former Opposition Leader.

Making her first comments in the House, Ms Cox thanked MPs for their good wishes.

She also doffed her hat to the voters of Devonshire North for their support.

Former Premier Sir John Swan , now a Government backbencher, asked for a letter of congratulations to be sent to newly reelected US President Bill Clinton.

"I believe it is important we give honour to Americans and their democratic process,'' he said.