New Premier Pamela Gordon is set to stamp her authority on the United Bermuda Party with a long, hard look at the Cabinet.

But Ms Gordon was yesterday staying tight-lipped over her plans for the United Bermuda Party Government.

She said she wanted to get tomorrow's official swearing-in as Premier by Governor Lord Waddington over before she thought in terms of moving Ministers.

Speaking minutes after a standing ovation at the United Bermuda Party's Hamilton headquarters, Ms Gordon said: "We need to meet with all of our colleagues and discuss where they want to be in relation to the party, our commitment to Bermuda and the Country's future.

"All that has to be taken into account before we make any decisions.'' But Ms Gordon -- elected by acclamation as the sole nominee -- said there would be no rush to introduce changes at the top level of Government.

Ms Gordon said: "At this point, it's only fitting to take a moment to reflect -- that's not something you rush into.

"We still have to do the official part -- that's Government House. I'm not prepared to do anything until that's past.'' She was speaking amid a real party atmosphere as the UBP faithful welcomed the new Leader.

Ms Gordon is the first woman leader in the Island's near 400-year history and the youngest-ever Premier.

She said yesterday: "I think we have a renewed sense of vigour in the party.

"We recognise Bermuda is the most important thing -- personalities have been put to the back.'' And she added that her priorities were "job opportunities for all'' and bonding the party into a team fit to win at the next election, which must be held within 18 months.

Outgoing Premier David Saul congratulated and hugged his successor after the meeting.

And he joked with colleagues: "I'm going up to Parliament to clean out my desk.'' Ex-Premier Sir John Swan joined the queue to give his vote of approval in his first public utterances since he announced he was set to retire from Parliament after 25 years -- 13 of them as Premier.

Sir John said: "She is young, vibrant, she understands Bermuda and her people.

"She's a people's Premier and that is indicative of the times we live in. I have every confidence Ms Gordon can win the next election -- she has what it takes.'' Jerome Dill -- who will remain Deputy Premier -- said: "Her colleagues were very supportive -- the mood in there was so upbeat. It was very good news.'' He added there was "an incredibly high standard'' of talent in the UBP and that "any number of people'' had been approached as possible leadership candidates.

But he said: "At the end of the day, the vote was won by acclamation by this lady, Pam Gordon.

"That says a great deal about her ability to pull together a team which will support her not just to the next election, but, quite frankly, well beyond that.'' Mr. Dill added: "We have a long tradition in this Country of strong women and Pamela Gordon adds to that strong tradition. It's now for the men to see what we can do to try to keep up.'' Gordon's caucus speech gets warm response Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, who signed Ms Gordon's nomination, added: "I thought the Premier-designate made a very good speech -- it was visionary, it focused on the right themes, first and foremost unity and then commenting on the important issues facing the Country.

"There was a tremendous response and it was all positive -- it was a superb start.'' The Cabinet is technically dismissed after a new Premier is appointed.

And Ms Gordon will have to find at least one Minister -- to replace her at Environment.

And it is possible Irving Pearman -- who stood aside to avoid a fight over the leadership -- might find himself in that seat.

Ms Gordon can have a Cabinet up to a maximum of 12, including herself, under the Constitution, with at least one, but no more than two, drawn from the Senate.

And if Senate Leader Lynda Milligan-Whyte is successful in her bid to take over Sir John Swan's rock-solid Paget East seat, she could carry her Legislative Affairs and Women's Rights brief into the House or take another portfolio.

But it is likely the new Premier will rule out changes in major Ministries like Finance, Labour and Home Affairs and Education.

Telecommunications Minister John Barritt -- who has previously offered to stand down -- may volunteer to go to make room for someone else. Mr. Barritt, however, is well-briefed on telecommunications and the Ministry is in the middle of opening up the Island's communications network to competition.

Two former Cabinet members who may be recalled are former Transport Minister Maxwell Burgess and ex-Environment Minister Ann Cartwright DeCouto. But party sources said Mr. Burgess' involvement with the bid to bring McDonald's to Bermuda and Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto's leading role in the Rebel Five's anti-fast food franchise campaign could rule them out.

Party insiders, however, reckon that there is little room for manoeuvre and that Ms Gordon will assess her Cabinet and make any changes -- if needed -- further down the road.

Outside Cabinet Office yesterday, a group of American visitors applauded as Ms Gordon and Mr. Dill posed for the cameras.

Bob Logan, of New Hampshire, said watching history being made was a vacation bonus.

"Women leaders have become more common now -- and it's about time. It's a historic moment for Bermuda and you're setting a precedent for much of the world.'' Progressive Labour Party leader Jennifer Smith said that it was a significant day for Bermuda.

She added: "I am certainly personally delighted that the selection of Ms Gordon means that Bermuda realises that a single woman can be in charge.

"I do think that prior to this happening, there were people who felt it should be someone married and it should be a man.'' But she claimed: "Politically, I don't think the solution to the fact that people are turning away from the UBP is changing the leader. Support is falling off because people are disappointed with their policies.'' And Ms Smith insisted her approach in the House would not change with the UBP's choice of party chief.

"My tactics have not been targeted to any person or personality -- they have been against the policies of the United Bermuda Party and that remains the same.'' PREMIER VIP