Progressive Labour Party chairman Neville Tyrrell was yesterday sworn in as the ruling party?s newest Senator.

And Premier Alex Scott announced that Attorney General Larry Mussenden will take over as Government Senate Leader.

Mr. Scott said Mr. Tyrrell?s appointment would help unite the party and the Government.

?I have informed Mr. Tyrrell that his appointment to the Senate is in part based on his many years of community service, his loyal support of the PLP, and more significantly the dual role I will expect him to play as Government Senator and chairman of the Progressive Labour Party,? the Premier said.

?I have the expectation that he will further unite party and Government into an organisation that can both represent and explain Government policies and services to the wider community in a way that will reflect our commitment to the New Bermuda.

?In summary, over the coming months and years, the community will be able to expect that they can rely on individuals in the PLP party and in Government to receive representation at all levels of the party and Government.?

Mr. Scott said that about a dozen people were interviewed in his search for a Senator.

?Included were community activists, women and professionals of varying descriptions ? talented Bermudians all. Any one of these outstanding Bermudians could easily have been appointed Senator today. However, the Government?s current commitment to improving its ability to represent itself and its policies to the community indicated the appropriateness, at this time of appointing Senator Neville Tyrrell.?

Mr. Tyrrell, the Premier said, has served on the executive committee of the Bermuda Football Association, Hamilton Rotary Club, the Bermuda Council for Drug Free Sport and the board of governors of CedarBridge Academy.

?Today, however, we are handing him what will prove to be his most challenging administrative appointment to date.?

Michael Scott, who won last week?s Sandys North by-election was re-sworn as Minister for Legislative Affairs.

?It is important to have a keen eye to our legislative programme that ensures there is a balance between the legislative support for our social agenda and the Ministerial perspective to improving legislative program management,? the Premier said.

?With his legal mind, Minister Scott is primed to ensure that legislation is brought to Parliament in a timely fashion and continually vetted for those legal vagaries which can occur from time to time.?

Mr. Scott will also serve as spokesman for the Attorney General?s Chamber in the House of Assembly.