multi-million-dollar business showpiece by allowing overseas ownership of the land is likely to coast through the House of Assembly today.

The United Bermuda Party have declared a whip for the vote which means MPs will toe the party line.

But Premier Dr. Saul said last night the whip decision was a formality after the issue was thrashed out at a marathon caucus meeting.

Dr. Saul said: "We are just doing that for good order -- but we will do it because we have made a decision as a party.'' The Opposition Progressive Labour Party has indicated it will also support the private members' bill to allow insurance ACE Ltd and Exel Ltd to take over the prime Hamilton city site.

But PLP deputy leader Eugene Cox last night declined to say whether his party would vote under a whip.

It is understood that around six MPs from both sides of the House have misgivings about waiving the existing 60/40 rule guaranteeing majority Bermudian ownership. Others will abstain because of a conflict of interest.

If the Bermuda Site Rehabilitation Bill passes and planning permission is granted, the hotel could be demolished by March or April with offices for the two firms being phased in over five years.

Also on the agenda for the first day of the new session in the House are measures to protect women from domestic violence and stalking.

First up on the order paper will be the Domestic Violence Bill, sent back to the House of Assembly from the Senate last year with an amendment allowing courts to order offenders to pay for medical and psychological costs.

But the absence of compulsory counselling for offenders as well as victims -- criticised by the PLP -- will not be dealt with this time around.

The second reading of the Stalking Act is also expected to happen today. The Act would outlaw the obsessive harassment of people and offenders would be punished with up to a year in prison, a $2500 fine or both.