Parliament can suffer from first night nerves.

And so it was with a nervy flutter of a prepared speech in his hand, Bermuda's new Governor made his inaugural public address yesterday.

Highlighting the text, the Rt. Hon. Lord Waddington confessed: "I'm sorry to say I am suffering from a natural nervousness brought on by the occasion.'' It was a surprising admission from Britain's experienced former Home Secretary -- the first ex-British Cabinet Minister to be Governor.

The nerve-wracking occasion? Yesterday morning's swearing-in ceremony at the Cabinet Building.

Around 100 camera-clicking people, mainly tourists, ringed the lawn for the traditional inspection of the Bermuda Regiment.

Attention then switched to the Senate Chamber where dozens of politicians, judges and other VIPs packed the small chamber, under the glare of TV lights, for the age-old ritual.

In line with tradition, Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood asked Lord Waddington to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen, the Official Oath, and the Judicial Oath.

With his signatures drying on the oaths, the new Governor, dressed in white ceremonial uniform and plumed hat, ascended his throne.

And after a brief welcoming speech by Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, it was time to reach for that text.

Lord Waddington spoke of his awareness of Bermuda's rich history: "It is not only Britain's oldest colony -- it has the third oldest Parliament in the western hemisphere.'' He continued by applauding the independence of the judiciary, and the integrity of the Government.

And he pledged his commitment to serve Bermudians to the best of his ability.

"The office of Governor is a constant reminder of the British connection and Bermuda's proud history,'' he added.