Yesterday's appointment to Cabinet marks the end of a long period on the political peripheries for Wayne Perinchief.

Ever outspoken on law and order issues, the 64-year-old former Assistant Police Commissioner has long hankered after the Home Affairs Ministry but will relish his new post helping crack down on the drugs scourge.

Known for his forthrightness and no nonsense approach Mr Perinchief famously publicly called for previous Premier Jennifer Smith to stand down in 2002, saying she risked costing her party the election.

Some observers will see his appointment as a tactical move to placate the pro-Ewart Brown faction within the party.

Certainly Mr. Perinchief is grateful to have come in from the cold.

He said: "I must say that over time a certain amount of frustration builds when you feel you may have something to offer but your resources are not being tapped fully."

An ardent supporter of independence he said swearing allegiance to the Queen at yesterday's ceremony at Government House had not presented a problem having done so on previous occasions as a Policeman.