Yesterday's throne speech gave new meaning to the term 'political hot air' as members of Government, the Opposition, and other officials, crammed into a warmer than usual Senate Chamber.

The inclement weather prompted Cabinet to hold the speech indoors, leaving standing room only, which saw those who weren't reading their copies of the speech to use it as a makeshift fan.

Among those 'feeling the heat' most was Education, Sport and Recreation Minister Randolph Horton, who was seen wiping the sweat from his brow, understandably, on a few occasions.

St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey was perhaps the most bothered by the warm temperature, at one point, while standing at the front of the room, she was noticed leaning on the only electric fan in the room.

Perhaps the busiest politician during the proceedings was Senate Opposition Leader Kim Swan, who took lots of notes during most of the analysis, read out by Acting Governor Mark Capes.

Before Parliament's converging on the Senate at the ceremonial request of the Acting Governor, PLP MP Jamahl Simmons seemed to be enjoying his new seating arrangement.

Mr. Simmons, who's been a member of every political party in Bermuda, ditched the United Bermuda Party earlier this year after expressing frustration at a "racist clique" within the party.

Instead of sitting with the UBP caucus as like before he jumped ship to the PLP, Mr. Simmons seemed quite comfortable in his seat surrounded by PLP MPs. Government's plan to amend the Bermuda College Act 1974 to allow for free education at the institution, for accredited programmes, drew the loudest applause from those in attendance.

Perhaps an awkward moment, earlier in the House, Speaker Stanley Lowe drew giggles when advising both aisles how they should proceed down to the Senate. Two female school pupils from the Youth Parliament scheme were present, Mr. Lowe advised that one walk behind the "deputy leader of Government" and the other behind the "Deputy leader of the house" because they "are both ladies."