hate as he made his way through around 1000 protesters outside the House of Assembly.

Mr. Edness was subjected to a barrage of boos and catcalls as he drove into the House grounds.

And he was shouted at and jeered at as he made his way to the morning sitting of the House. But Mr. Edness said afterwards: "It's part of the job I suppose and I suppose I'm pretty tough. I wasn't upset.'' He added: "I understand these people's frustrations and I guess they see me, the Minister, as someone who had to do something about it.'' And he said: "I also know I can walk among them and feel as safe as any other day.'' A heavy Police presence ringed the House and officers were stationed in adjoining streets as the huge demonstration for union rights for workers at two drycleaning shops moved from the Bermuda Industrial Union's Hamilton HQ to Parliament Hill yesterday morning.

Traffic was disrupted several times as workers marched through the city streets, dropping off pickets at the docks and city business owned by businessman Stephen Thomson, the man at the centre of the row over union recognition.

A Police spokeswoman said yesterday that there had been no arrests and no trouble. She added, however, that two days of industrial disruption meant around 100 officers had to be drafted in from their regular duties "at considerable public expense.'' But she said: "Notwithstanding, the Police Service is committed to ensuring that public order and tranquillity is maintained in the face of the illegal processions which took place.

"The Commissioner is satisfied that officers performed extremely well in the circumstances.''