to be torn down from the walls of the Cabinet chamber -- claiming it was a "previous Government's theme.'' The small plaque -- with the quote "to advance the peace, prosperity and welfare of these islands...'' on it -- sat above an aerial view of the Island.

But, after the debut meeting of the first Progressive Labour Party Cabinet, last Thursday the plaque had been removed from the wall.

Ms Smith said then that "a previous Government's theme was on the wall and we had to have it removed.'' But the plaque is a direct lift from the prayer said before the start of every Parliamentary session, although ex-Premier David Saul was fond of quoting the line.

The full quote reads: "Let Thy blessing descend upon us here assembled, and grant that we may treat and consider all matters that shall come under our deliberation in so just and faithful a manner as to promote Thy honour and glory and to advance the peace, prosperity and welfare of these islands and of those whose interests Thou have committed to our charge, and this we beg for Jesus Christ His sake. Amen.'' Ms Smith could not be contacted for further comment yesterday.

Opposition United Bermuda Party leader Pamela Gordon is off the Island and could not be reached for her views.

Dr. Saul, who quit the Premiership and politics to allow Ms Gordon to take over around 18 months ago, was also unavailable.

But ex-Finance Minister Grant Gibbons, the ranking Opposition MP, said Dr.

Saul had ordered the plaque put up following his takeover of the Premiership after Sir John Swan quit in the wake of the 1995 Independence Referendum.

Dr. Gibbons said: "It was David Saul's borrowing of the Parliamentary Prayer.

"I can't recall for sure if it was in the Throne Speech, but David Saul used it quite a bit at that time.'' And he added: "It's a prayer -- it gets said by the Speaker every time Parliament opens on Friday morning.

"I wouldn't say it's political. It's a neutral statement about looking out for the welfare of the Country.'' But he added: "I don't feel very strongly about it -- as goals go, it was quite a noble one, but if a different Government has different ideas, I suppose that's their prerogative.'' Churchmen were yesterday steering clear of getting landed with a potential hot potato.

Anglican Bishop Ewen Ratteray was off the Island -- but Canon James Francis, a senior member of the Island's largest congregations, said: "I have no comment to make -- I have no idea what happened in Cabinet.''