It was an historic occasion that ushered in a new dawn in Bermuda's politics.

Yesterday saw the first Parliamentary performance of Bermuda's youngest and first female Premier.

For the first time, two women confronted each other in the House of Assembly as leaders of their parties.

And there were also new faces replacing two of the United Bermuda Party's old guard -- former Premiers David Saul and Sir John Swan.

Yesterday Pamela Gordon made her first address to the House of Assembly as Premier, paying tribute to her predecessors and welcoming the newcomers.

She also called on Bermudians to work together to find solutions instead of casting blame.

"I rise to thank the people of Bermuda for their warm welcome to me since my appointment as Premier,'' she said. "I consider the opportunity to serve in this capacity to be an honour and a privilege.'' Ms. Gordon added: "I will work with my colleagues to ensure I do not let you down. In my capacity as Premier I will act as the catalyst to lead Bermuda forward and upward.

"My job is to see to it that the people's agenda is always first and foremost in the order of business in this Honourable House.

"The people of this Country deserve action and results which indicate that Members of Parliament are always here to serve them.'' She admitted the future would not always be smooth and there would be times when problems and challenges facing Bermuda should be put before political ideology.

"Bermudians are now living in such a time. Let us work together for solutions instead of blame, for opportunity for all instead of advantage for a few.

There is much to be done for the benefit of Bermuda and Bermudians.'' Ms Gordon welcomed newly elected UBP MPs Kim Young and Michael Dunkley into the House of Assembly, but also paid tribute to the men they succeeded.

"I must ask that we note by their absence today two men whom I believe will come to be viewed as significant in Bermuda's history, Sir John Swan and Dr.

David Saul.

"It seems strange not to see either of them in the House. I believe that these leaders will be treated kindly in the history books because Bermuda is the better for their service.'' The Premier said time will show that Sir John and Dr. Saul deserve Bermuda's deepest respect and profound gratitude.

"These Premiers set high standards. They were skillful and reasoned in debate. They maintained high standards of leadership in the face of adversity.

"They understood that it isn't the whistle that pulls the train, it is the hard working engine. And work they did, they will be missed.'' MPs approve Register: Page 4