It was business as usual and a restrained attitude as PLP Finance Minister Eugene Cox made history with the PLP's first ever Budget.

And a low-key delivery set the note for the day, unlike the almost party atmosphere of previous financial blueprints for the year.

Spirits in the House of Assembly were also subdued by the tragic death of UBP MP Madeline Joell last weekend.

And many MPs paused to glance in the direction of her vacant seat on the Opposition benches as they filed into the chamber for Mr. Cox's near-two hour speech.

Speaker of the House Stanley Lowe called for one minute's silence to honour Ms Joell before the Budget speech began.

And Mr. Cox -- who earlier signalled the Budget would be only a taster for things to come -- kept the subdued tone with a deliberate, calm and business-like delivery of his fiscal plan to take Bermuda into the next millenium.

But the speech was not without dashes of humour as Mr. Cox handled generally good-natured interruptions from the Opposition side with poise.

UBP MPs -- who claim responsibility for the Island's sound financial footing -- grinned, stamped their feet and drummed their desktops as Mr. Cox spoke on the strength and vitality of the Island's economy.

The Finance Minister smiled and said "thank you'' for what he chose to interpret as applause for the new Government.

The public benches were busy with everyone from business leaders to schoolchildren and ordinary members of the public, keen to see what Mr. Cox had in store for the Country as the PLP settles into power.

And Government Senators were also out in force to watch the Lower House's reaction to the half-billion dollar Budget, while a team of Civil Servants from the Finance Ministry huddled together beside the Government benches.

And it was the turn of PLP members to beam with pride as Mr. Cox pointed out he had authorised a whopping $17 million in extra spending -- without new taxes or an increase in existing ones.

A relieved Mr. Cox said afterwards: "I suppose I would have to be honest and say it was a relief when it was all over.'' But he insisted he did not suffer from nerves as he rose to his feet in the crowded House.

He said: "I don't think so -- if anything, you do have a certain amount of nervous energy, but you put it to work for you.'' But he admitted: "It was a bit of a stress or a strain because you want to do something and have it accepted by the public.

"I came away feeling quite good about it -- but it was very tiring, I've got to say that.''