rested in the corner of Sir John Swan's eye.

Sitting slightly slumped, he was in an unfamiliar place -- to the right and behind Dr. David Saul, himself looking businesslike, commanding and comfortable in his, also, unfamiliar place.

So yesterday did the UBP ranks assemble for the first real test of unity since the party elected Dr. Saul as its new leader -- and the Country's new Premier.

Across the Chamber were the ranks of the PLP, no doubt waiting to exploit any cracks the divisive UBP leadership election may have exposed.

Politicians went back to business ... with some new faces in some new roles, the House of Assembly reconvened for the third term of the UBP Government.

Ceremonies began on a windy, but bright day. The Governor arrived, the bands played and the crowds of children, adults and visitors gathered in a carnival type atmosphere outside the Cabinet building to watch the pomp and the ceremony.

After `God Save the Queen' and an inspection of the guard, it was time for Lord Waddington to call the waiting MPs who strolled in their pairs down the steps from the House, on the hill above.

Some dressed in top hat and tails, some in suits and with the odd wide-brimmed hat on show, the MPs were led by the Black Rod into the Cabinet building.

Saul in forefront in House of Assembly Dr. Saul led the way with Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade at his side.

Sir John, dressed in tails, came some way back in the two-by-two procession, which wound its way up the stairs to the Senate Chamber.

There, Lord Waddington, resplendent in plumed hat and the all-white uniform of office, read the Speech from the Throne to the assembled politicians, standing virtually shoulder to shoulder in the small Senate room.

In 18 minutes of speaking, there was just one slight stumble over the word "revitalisation'' as the Governor spelled out the Government's aims, objectives and policies for the coming Parliamentary session.

With "I now declare this session open. May God guide you in your deliberations'', Lord Waddington completed his work, left the Cabinet building and had a short walkabout among the crowd.

"He said he was glad to see us,'' said ten-year-old Teo Burgess, there with his friend Keivin Crane, also aged ten.

With "God Save the Queen'' again ringing out, Lord Waddington alighted his horse-drawn carriage and departed, leaving the politicians to wind their way back up to the House on the hill, for business to begin.

Flanked by Deputy Premier Jerome Dill and House Leader Quinton Edness, Dr.

Saul took up his new seat. Behind him, Sir John took up his new seat in the unfamiliar backbenches.

The House bustled with people laughing and talking and papers rustling. Dr.

Saul remained silent, looking in control. Sir John was also silent, looking around.

Light reflecting in his face created an illusion of a tear in his left eye. As the session went on, he seemed to slump in his chair. He spoke twice -- answering "no'' to a vote and raising a point of information.

Yesterday was hardly an auspicious start to the new Parliamentary session -- ballot papers in a secret vote for a Deputy Speaker were collected in a wicker basket and a trash can.

In all, three votes failed to decide the issue which will be debated again next week.

There were signs, too, that the Jim Woolridge camp, disappointed he was not in Dr. Saul's seat, were not going to toe the party line.

With a majority of just three, it could prove an interesting Parliamentary session. Dr. Saul may look less comfortable in the weeks and months to come.

Sir John may wipe away that tear and learn to like life on the backbenches.