bring in a foreign assistant to help in his practice -- against the wishes of the Bermuda Dental Board.

But Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said it would only happen if a local replacement could not be found.

Mr. Edness -- who has just returned from Australia -- said: "If Dr. Dyer can't get an assistant locally and applies for one to be brought in from abroad, it's because he has taken on a burden of responsibility and his workload will be quite substantial.

"I will certainly take into account that he is serving his Country and has to earn a living.'' Dr. Dyer -- one of the United Bermuda Party's so-called People's Five who campaigned for a no vote in the Independence debate and voted against Government in the burger wars which broke out over the McDonald's issue -- replaced former Youth and Sport Minister Tim Smith last month.

He is understood to have turned down previous offers of Cabinet rank because he is a sole practioner.

But the Bermuda Dental Board has already come out against the hiring of an overseas assistant.

The board refused to approve two requests from Dr. Dyer -- the latest only weeks ago -- because there were Bermudians studying abroad who were expected to qualify as dentists in the near future and that there are new practices being cultivated.

Dr. Dyer has since advertised in The Royal Gazette for a local candidate to help him cope with his move from the backbenches to Cabinet.

A spokesman for the Department of Immigration, however, last month pointed out that the Minister is obliged to seek the advice of the Dental Board -- but is not bound by it.

Mr. Edness said it was unfair to penalise Ministers in Dr. Dyer's position because "when they're not in their offices, they're not earning''.

He added: "It seems to me to be reasonable to consider such an application in such circumstances.

"If he can find someone locally who is qualified, that is the end of the matter. If he can't and sends in an application to bring someone in, we will consider it.

"You don't want to exclude people from serving their Country -- that is the premise I think we should go on. People should be encouraged to serve their Country.'' Mr. Edness added: "We consult with the Dental Board and listen to their logic -- we don't always agree with it, but it's helpful in making a decision.'' Dr. Dyer is off the Island and could not be reached for comment. Bermuda Dental Board chairman Dr. Kenneth Snaith last night declined to comment on the issue until a formal request for consultation had been received from Mr.

Edness.