Premier Jennifer Smith rose on behalf of the Government during the House session on Friday to express condolences at the passing of famed "Government workhorse" Sir John Plowman.

Sir John died on Thursday morning at the age of 93.

"No words better epitomise the man and his commitment to service on behalf of the people of Bermuda than those uttered by him in a June 5th 1997 Royal Gazette interview," the Premier noted.

"He said, `I have always been interested in public service. I have no doubt that as a result of this interest I have got a lot of satisfaction out of life.'

"Like Jack Tucker, Sir John is recognised as an architect of the early United Bermuda Party," Ms Smith said. "He served as party chairman, Government spokesman in the Legislative Council and later as Government leader in the Senate.

Noting that while Sir John was not a politician, he was a committed member of the UBP, Ms Smith added that he received the nickname "Government workhorse" in recognition of "his willingness to take on (and successfully accomplish) the sort of tasks others only reluctantly undertook.

"Sir John went on to enjoy a long tenure in Bermuda's political arena, serving 11 years in appointed office - first in the Legislative Council, after being appointed by Governor Lord Martonmere in 1966, and then in the Senate.

"He was never a member of this House," the Premier continued. "Never elected, but he served nine years as a Cabinet Minister, holding the posts of Minister of Organisation, Minister of Air & Marine Services, and Minister of Government & Commercial Services.

"Although Sir John retired from active politics in January 1982, he maintained close links to the political process.

"He took on the mantle of an elder statesman, and whilst we certainly did not agree with all his views, we admired his devotion to service and his commitment to Bermuda.

"Outside of political life, Sir John founded Holmes, Williams & Purvey in 1947, and at different times served as its chairman and as a director. He was a past chairman of the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association (LCCA), and was an active member of the Seniors Learning Centre at the Bermuda College."

The Premier concluded: "I am sure that the whole House will wish to join with me this morning in expressing our most sincere condolences to Sir John's family."