The Progressive Labour Party's (PLP) fourth Budget was a subdued affair which began with several Government members missing for the start.

And though numbers swelled, with even MP Arthur Pitcher putting in a rare appearance, attention levels were not high with PLP backbencher Reginald Burrows using the opportunity to peruse a magazine as Neletha Butterfield spent a moment "resting her eyes," while Finance Minister Eugene Cox detailed the Country's finances.

Most MPs preferred to read copies of the speech as Mr. Cox spoke with only his daughter Paula paying rapt attention.

But with the economic outlook gloomy after the September 11 tragedy, it was never going to be cheery stuff.

Indeed United Bermuda Party members passed the time by counting how many times Mr. Cox mentioned the September 11 factor - 14 times it turns out.

A mention of transparency in the Government's affairs by Mr. Cox seemed to spark more life on the Opposition benches.

But this turned out to be a coughing fit by Shadow Home Affairs Minister Patricia Pamplin Gordon who had to leave the chamber shortly afterwards.

And the only heckling came from a disembodied voice in the press gallery when a reporter's tape recorder accidentally went off.

Huge media interest in the Budget meant that the new press bench, which was moved away from the Opposition benches recently, looked hopelessly inadequate with about eight media people vying for the three seats.

Luckily there was ample space in the public gallery on an occasion with the public out busy earning the taxes they feared Mr. Cox might be about to raise.

Luckily their fears were unfounded as Mr. Cox ploughed through his "steady as she goes" Budget.

And Mr. Cox was steady with his words, save for one blip when he talked about payroll services rather than parole services.

An understandable slip for a Finance Minister who is acutely aware that all Government workers have to be paid.

But as is traditional with Budget speeches the best was saved until last with the chamber coming to life when Mr. Cox announced the introduction of unemployment insurance.

The statement led to much stamping of feet on the Government bench with Bermuda Industrial Union leader Derrick Burgess thinking that all his Christmases had come at once.

A similar reaction greeted the news of relief for restaurants while the Opposition found their voice when increased borrowing was announced with one cry of "shame!"