increase over two years.

Much of the anger from the Opposition benches was directed at Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul. First, MPs argued the pay resolution was not scheduled to be debated last night. Secondly, the resolution was "immoral'' and "despicable,'' because it did not reflect the majority recommendation of a committee report which the House approved last year.

The committee report had recommended a one-time 27.9 percent pay hike, which would be retroactive to April 1, 1994.

Instead, the increase will be phased in over two years, with the first hike taking effect on April 1, 1995 and the second a year later.

The basic salary for MPs will rise from $24,000 to $27,264 this April and to $30,699 next year. Senators' salaries will rise from $16,000 to $18,176 in April, and to $20,466 next year. Extra salaries paid to the Premier, Opposition Leader, Cabinet Ministers, and other officers of the legislature will increase accordingly.

At the same time, MPs increased their contributions to their pension fund to 12.5 percent of their salaries from 9.25 percent.

After a fierce debate, Dr. Saul's resolution passed without objection.

Opposition MP Mr. Stanley Morton said Dr. Saul's resolution was "immoral'' and "disgusting''.

"I don't want 13 percent now and 13 percent later,'' Mr. Morton said. "I want it now. Twenty seven percent now.'' Progressive Labour Party veteran Mrs. Lois Browne Evans said she remembered when she was paid 24 shillings per House sitting. Anyone who felt MPs were not worth what they were paid should "come walk in my shoes'', she said.

"For the last 32 years, I don't know too many people out there who would have liked the job of Opposition,'' Mrs. Browne Evans said. "To sit here is not a joy.'' She said Opposition members could have done better financially if they had stuck to their private business or joined the United Bermuda Party, but they were "working to bring democracy to this Country''.

Some MPs, including Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade, said the public does not respect politicians because they do not show enough respect for themselves.

"There is no member of the public in Bermuda at this time who is going to agree that Members of Parliament ought to have any pay whatsoever,'' Mr. Wade said. "If you reduced the salary, they would say you haven't reduced it enough.

"We have for years destroyed our own credibility. We have placed no value on our services whatsoever.'' Citing the lack of union support during the Parliamentary pay row, Mr. Wade said he had told members of the Bermuda Industrial Union: "Next time you want a pay increase, don't come asking me about it. When my turn comes, I'm not worth it.'' Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan defended his Finance Minister, saying Dr.

Saul's resolution was a compromise that was supported by Government. If MPs were not willing to make the "sacrifice'' involved in politics, they should step aside and let someone else serve, he said.