The Official Opposition welcomed the tone of the Throne Speech but called on Ministers to lead the way when it came to cutting back on Government spending.

The Bermuda Democratic Alliance also welcomed the "overtures" from Government in respect of working together.

Premier Paula Cox's Government pledged to "ensure that disciplined and effective financial management is applied across all Government ministries."

The Government added: "Accordingly, the Government proposes to restrain growth in spending and to effect savings of at least $150 million in the first year. In addition to reduced spending, Ministries will be required to obtain the best value for money."

United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan said it appeared the Premier "finally got the message on the need to restrain government spending" but added that if Ms Cox had done her job as Finance Minster over the years Bermuda would not be in the position it is now, with a large deficit.

"We remain concerned with the long-standing gaps between the words and actions of this Government," he said. "In other words, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

"This will be a leadership challenge for the Premier. Her record in getting her colleagues to do as she says does not give confidence. In recent years, they have largely ignored her calls for budget cutbacks within their ministries."

Mr. Swan added the Premier's commitment to ending the culture of entitlement is a "golden opportunity" for leadership by example.

"In this regard, we expect to see her colleagues bite the bullet on the many perks they now enjoy, from credit cards to overseas travel.

"We cannot continue to have everyday people pay the price for Government excesses while the Government ministers continue spending without restraint."

Both parties questioned why education was not given more emphasis in the Throne Speech and welcomed the idea of working together for Bermuda's future.

In the Throne Speech Government said: "As a new season unfolds in Bermuda's political landscape there remains a need for common effort in pursuit of common purpose. We must strive for harmony in our discourse and not disagree just for the sake of disagreement."

Bermuda Democratic Leader Craig Cannonier said: "We welcome the overtures made by Government in respect of working together, which we have said for some time is in the best interests of the country and is one of the founding pillars of the BDA.

"We will be happy to offer to the Premier our expertise and relish the opportunity to change the face of politics in Bermuda. We can achieve this by sitting on advisory boards and ad hoc and standing committees so that all ideas are canvassed and the best legislation to improve our economy, our crime situation and education is passed."

He added that the party was were "grateful" that a number of ideas proposed by the BDA over the last year were in the Throne Speech.