Jennifer Smith managed a smile or two yesterday as she made her last media appearance as Premier of Bermuda.

After a weekend of fierce political infighting which ended with her party's decision to replace her as Leader, Ms Smith thanked her supporters and revealed that she had declined an offer of a seat in Cabinet because she did not want to "compromise" the strength of her successor's leadership or her principles.

Her resignation as Premier is effective today when Alex Scott will be sworn in as Premier and will announce his new Cabinet.

"For the sake of the Party, for the sake of the Government, and for the sake of Bermuda, I sincerely hope that in the future, we will judge our leaders by the substance of their accomplishments, and not by the perception of their personal style," Ms Smith said.

"I trust, as well, that the decisions taken as a party and the decisions taken as the Government will have us do the right things for the right reasons. As leader of the Progressive Labour Party and as the Premier of Bermuda, I have sought always to do the right things for the right reasons, and at the right time."

She told the Country that she had been hurt by personal attacks directed against her and that she had always wanted to do the right thing for the party and the Country.

But she noted that "friendly fire" had achieved what the United Bermuda Party had tried to do but failed.

"The irony of last night's event is not wasted on me. It was the stated aim of the Opposition to put an end to the Smith Government and so it has now come to pass.

"It is more unfortunate that friendly fire has taken out the Smith Government," she said. "I stand at this podium for the last time to say farewell and to offer my thanks."

She said her seven years as Party Leader had been "some of the most challenging and most rewarding of my life".

"Yes - the days have been long, sometimes even unending, but there have also been days filled with tremendous success and achievements of which we had only dreamed."

And she thanked the voters again for handing the party another general election victory. "I begin by thanking you, the electorate of Bermuda, for your vote of confidence. You came out and voted in what was a most historic election," Ms Smith said.

"I have learned much about people over these last few days and it would be foolhardy of me to stand before you and suggest that I am not hurt by some of the things that have been said and by just how personal the attacks have been.

"I have always stressed the fact that I serve at the pleasure of the Party and so it was, that in the desire for Party unity, that I offered my resignation. The delegates discharged their duty and their responsibility in light of the situation that had been created over the last three days.

"Whatever the actions or omissions of any member of the Progressive Labour Party Government, blame was rightly focused on the Leader of the PLP, the Premier of Bermuda. After all, the buck stops here."

She said: "I have given my life in the pursuit of the ideals of the Progressive Labour Party because I know they are the best for Bermuda. I do not regret one moment of it, but I do wish I had the time to thank all of those who have stood shoulder to shoulder with me in good times and in bad as I have trod this sometimes rocky pathway.

Unfortunately, they are too numerous to mention at this time. I will - as I see you - say a personal thanks. But here today - to all of the members of the Civil Service, to all of the members of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, to all of my friends, my branch and my family - thank you."

She said she had not come to "shed any tears for Jennifer Smith".

"I believe, as did Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, that 'noble souls, through dust and heat, rise from disaster and defeat the stronger'."

The Premier added: "My successor has been gracious enough to offer me a seat in his Cabinet. I have declined that offer, as to serve in such a capacity would compromise both the strength of his leadership and my principles. I would have written this last chapter somewhat differently, but I depart this office in the knowledge that my commitment has been unwavering, my sacrifice real, and my dedication to the people of Bermuda unquestionable. I now look forward to concentrating on serving the people of Constituency 1."

She ended her statement by calling for party unity and thanking her supporters.

"I thank those who have spoken out in my defence in the drama that now draws to its conclusion. Please now unite behind the Party. I thank you all for giving me the opportunity to travel from Shinbone Alley to the highest elected office in this country. I can never thank you enough for making my life truly rewarding. Bermuda, I leave you with gratitude and with love.Thank you Bermuda for your trust and for the opportunity to serve."

After making her statement, the Premier went to Government House and formally submitted her resignation to the Governor, to take effect today.

A Government House Press statement late yesterday afternoon said that Mr. Scott had "agreed" to form a Government and that he will be sworn in as Premier at noon today.

It is expected that a new Cabinet will be sworn in today or tomorrow.

"Careful consideration must be given in putting together a new Cabinet and I will be taking the time to meet with my colleagues and will collaborate with them," said Mr. Scott in another Government statement yesterday.

"As we prepare to go forward of one accord, and after the challenges of the past few days, we have all proven that we can weather the storm, we are strong and Bermuda will get the government that it deserves, the government that it elected."

Asked what her legacy to the country is, the Premier said: "It's obvious - single seat constituencies."

And her biggest disappointment ? "I don't think I have one ... obviously the manner in which I am going. One always likes to plan one's leaving. Like I said, take the time to thank people, I probably would have had several farewells, you know all that kind of stuff."