After 15 years in the Senate and 10 years as its President, Independent Senator Alf Oughton's retired after one last session yesterday.

And tributes from his colleagues around the table poured in. Senator David Burch began the congratulations and sharing memories of the 80 year-old Senator who had worked at BELCO for 42 years before joining the political arena.

"I wanted to give personal thoughts on the retirement of Senator Oughton. It was a pleasure to serve with you.

"I have found you fair and really concerned about the care of Bermuda," he said. "I do wish you and your wife the best in your retirement."

Sen. Oughton said he never intended to be involved in politics when he returned to Bermuda in 1955 after spending time here while in the Navy. But a surprise phone call from then Governor Lord Waddington just as he was about to retire from BELCO after 42 years of work changed his mind.

Though his wife was not his strongest supporter in this initiative, Sen. Oughton chose to take the position as an independent Senator.

Opposition Leader in the Senate, Michael Dunkley said "Thank you. You have served this Senate and country well."

Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes said he enjoyed serving with the longest serving Senator and President of the upper chamber. "It has been a pleasure to serve with the longest serving Senator with 15 years and 10 and half years as president."

Independent senator Carol Anne Bassett paid her respects to Sen. Oughton for all the help he gave her as a new Senator.

"Congratulations on retirement. Thank you for your service and thank you for the welcome you gave me. You made my entrance to politics easier then it might have been," she said. Other recent additions to the Senate Chamber including Thaao Dill, Attorney General Kim Wilson and UBP Senator Jeanne Atherden also echoed this sentiment.

Opposition Senator Charles Swan said he had welcomed the way the Senator had kept him in line and wished him a good time going forward. And it was PLP Senator Walton Brown who said his first encounter with Sen. Oughton was when he told him he had a reputation for being a radical.

Regardless said Sen. Brown: "I am impressed by your balance on issues for this country. You want the best for the Island."Sen. Oughtonsaid: "What can I say but goodbye.