Paula Cox wants her Home Affairs and Public Safety Ministry to be "the one that makes a difference''.

And she vowed to work overtime to make sure the massive portfolio -- including Immigration, Police, Labour Relations -- does just that.

Ms Cox, elected to late PLP leader Frederick Wade's Devonshire North seat just two years ago, is just beginning to settle in at one of the most controversial Ministries in Government.

But she said -- contrary to some fears -- she would not be making a bonfire of work permits and making life difficult for people who need to import overseas employees.

Ms Cox explained: "A lot of these things were scare tactics -- we don't have horns.

"I think there were bugbears about the PLP, but that perception belongs more to a decade or so ago.

"There is always fear and uncertainty about change -- you don't know what you've got until you've got it -- that does cause some problems, but now we're in place, I think the scale of the victory helps to allay the fears of people.'' But she said she was committed to creating opportunities for Bermudian workers in a delicate balancing act worthy of a high-wire artist.

Ms Cox said: "What makes this Ministry interesting is that it deals with people more.

"It's the bringing together of interests which are often seen as being diametrically opposed -- I'm talking specifically about immigration and training, particularly for Bermudians.'' And she signalled there could be changes in the responsibilities of the sprawling Ministry, which covers everything from immigration to industrial relations to the Police service and the Bermuda Regiment.

Ms Cox said training had been shifted under the previous Government to the new Development and Opportunity Ministry, now under Terry Lister.

She explained: "I don't think I can talk about facilitating an infrastructure for our business community without the flip side which is making sure training opportunities are there.

"It is an enormous Ministry -- but I think in terms of labour, it's almost an artificial separation of labour and training.

"I think at some stage, in an ideal world, they should be joined, whether it's under me or someone else.'' Ms Cox added: "I don't know what the philosophy of the previous Minister was, but I do know a PLP Government's is that we have to make sure that, throughout the community and throughout the employment sector, that Bermudians are considered as first choice for jobs where they're suitably qualified.

"And a PLP Government is prepared to go the extra mile to make sure Bermudians don't feel excluded.'' Ms Cox -- a top lawyer at the Bank of Bermuda with a keen brain -- brings a refreshing modesty to her new role in what will be one of the most important Ministries in the PLP's first administration.

She admitted: "When I was asked to take it on I was honoured, surprised, enthused. Then I thought `Oh, my God, what if I cock it up?' "I don't want to go down in history as holding the shortest Ministry in history.'' She added: "It's a pressurised Ministry -- but even though it's that, there is a challenge for the new PLP Government anyway and we want to make sure that we showcase that we're worthy to be chosen as the Government.

"Everything here is important -- immigration, labour relations, the Police side -- and so much is happening on all of them, but also the people here are helping to integrate me and I'm getting some very good briefings.'' Ms Cox said: "I'm very keen. I get excited when I talk to the Police Commissioner about the prospects in terms of the Cadet scheme and integration of our young Bermudians into the Police Service and that they are getting a feeling they can shape the service.

"I'm excited about the Regiment and the opportunities there and about trying to resolve some of those issues which may be fractious in terms of labour relations.'' Ms Cox -- part of the PLP new wave which helped carry the party to power -- admits to being 30-something.

She said: "People do look at me and say `you're much shorter than I thought'.

Others see me as softer, maybe a little girl. But they realise appearances can be deceptive.'' "Little girls'' might be made of sugar and spice and all things nice -- but there's plenty of spice as well as sugar in Ms Cox's makeup.

And already she's had a hands-on approach to her job, stepping in personally after a worried mother contacted her because her young son was having difficulties clearing immigration in Japan.

Ms Cox said: "We have resources here -- but the bottom line was, rather than talking through intermediaries, and since I had spoken to the mother concerned, I called the British Embassy in Japan.

"They said they had no jurisdiction over Japan, but said they'd see what they could do. He got into Japan, even though he didn't have the proper documentation. It may seem a little saccharine-sweet, but this Ministry does make a difference.'' And Ms Cox showed a flash of steel when the PLP's links with organised labour came up -- and sent up a storm warning that, height notwithstanding, she wouldn't be a pushover.

She said: "One of the most moving things about becoming a Minister is swearing the oaths. I've sworn an oath to work within the laws of the land and to carry out my duties without malice or favour.

"Because we are traditionally allied in terms of strong links with the union, because we do have union presidents past and present who sit as PLP MPs, I think that perhaps facilitates a more cooperative atmosphere. It also helps on issues like pay because perhaps they feel more comfortable in dealing with you.'' But she added: "That doesn't mean I can avoid looking at the facts of a case and judging it on its merits. If I have to take on a union -- then I will.''