Opposition Leader Kim Swan announced his new shadow cabinet yesterday — giving himself the tourism brief and making former leader Michael Dunkley the United Bermuda Party's leader in the Senate.

Mr. Swan, who became an MP last month after 25 years of trying to get into the House of Assembly, said he was thrilled with his team.

"It's an excellent mix of talent that will express the strong opposition voice in parliament that this country expects and deserves," he said.

He has given four other first-time MPs weighty portfolios to manage.

Shawn Crockwell will tackle transport, Darius Tucker takes on community and cultural affairs, Donte Hunt has family development and social rehabilitation and Mark Pettingill becomes the Shadow Attorney General and Justice Minister.

The party's new Deputy Leader Cole Simons sticks with environment, adding energy to his brief. John Barritt remains the UBP's House Leader, whip and spokesman for legislative reform.

The new Shadow Finance Minister is Bob Richards, with Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the former holder of that portfolio, taking on her old brief of works and engineering.

Louise Jackson sticks with health and seniors and former UBP Leader Grant Gibbons remains in charge of education. Jon Brunson is responsible for youth, sport and recreation.

In the Senate, Mr. Dunkley will speak on public safety, immigration and labour and Gina Spence-Farmer will take housing and women's issues. New Opposition Senator Charles Swan has responsibility for telecommunications and the National Training Board (NTB).

Mr. Swan said the decision to give Sen. Swan specific responsibility for the NTB — a government quango which sponsors young Bermudians in technical education — was due to his background as a tradesman and business owner.

"Charlie caught my attention during the election campaign," he said. "He not only ran for office but worked behind the scenes. He also worked with our education planning team and... spoke effectively on the need for reform in the way we train Bermudians."

Mr. Swan said he would be honoured to stand in the House of Assembly with John Barritt by his side. "He will be our field commander in the House," he said. Missing from the new-look shadow cabinet are former UBP Leader Wayne Furbert and Trevor Moniz, both of whom are said to have opted for a backseat role.

Former Deputy Leader Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin is understood to have relinquished finance due to work commitments but Mr. Swan said: "Works and engineering will be one of the busier ministries, from road works, to contract awards to the whole question of Bermuda's infrastructure. Who better than someone as focused and forceful as Pat Gordon-Pamplin?"

He said finance was Mr. Richards' "strong suit", adding: "We have worked well together in the Senate. Bob is clear in his observations and constructive in his ideas. I look forward to him being a steady presence and anchor in this crucial position."

Mr. Swan suggested that Mr. Richards, Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin and Dr. Gibbons would collaborate on finance issues. "We are fielding a very deep team in an area that requires the most careful and constructive criticism," he said.

The party leader said the new "spirited cadre of freshmen MPs" would be more than up to the task they faced. He said Mr. Pettingill was a great debater who spoke with passion and that he looked forward to Mr. Crockwell becoming a forceful presence in parliament.

Mr. Swan said he had given Mr. Hunt a key portfolio in family development and social rehabilitation. "So many people in our society are hurting and need help, from people trying to make ends meet to the young who need guidance and support.

"This is a fitting appointment for a passionate young man who has had experience with youth development and who, more than any other candidate, has expressed the need to support the family unit."

Mr. Tucker, he said, would be strong on community and cultural affairs. "I see 'community' extending to sports clubs and workmen's clubs. Darius is a man who gets around this community."

Mr. Swan described Mrs. Jackson as "an inspiration to us all", said Mr. Dunkley was a "courageous" politician and a hard-working public servant and cited Ms Spence-Farmer as "the heart and soul of the United Bermuda Party".