during a tribute to a former soccer star who died recently.

Sandys South MP Walter Roberts demanded an apology from Works and Engineering Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge after he called him "an idiot'' on the floor of the House.

Mr. Woolridge snapped after Mr. Roberts interrupted Mr. Woolridge's tribute to George Warrington (Tootaloo) Francis.

The Minister was praising Mr. Francis' combination of talent and modesty when Mr. Roberts jumped in and compared Mr. Woolridge unfavourably to Mr. Francis.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Ernest DeCouto stepped in and ordered Mr.

Woolridge to apologise for using "unparliamentary language.'' Mr. Woolridge said: "But he is an idiot.'' Mr. DeCouto, however, warned Mr. Woolridge that he faced an early lunch unless he made an apology.

Mr. Woolridge relented and apologised to the Speaker -- but not to Mr. Roberts directly.

A furious Mr. Roberts got to his feet and demanded a personal apology, but was over-ruled by Mr. DeCouto, who insisted an apology to the Speaker included the person insulted.

APOLOGISED -- C.V. (Jim) Woolridge Graphic file name: CVJIM