pride was unmistakable, their smiles unbeatable.

On a day of new beginnings, Eugene and Paula Cox played an encore to Governor Lord Waddington's command performance, to the delight of family, cousins, and friends gathered to cheer the first father-daughter team in the Island's political history.

Courtesy of the voters of Devonshire North, Ms Cox romped to an October 10 by-election win and now joins her father on the Opposition bench.

"It hasn't quite sunk in yet,'' a beaming Mr. Cox said yesterday. "I look to my daughter for many things. Because of her experience in journalism and law we've worked together on a number of issues; I've even had her write a few things for me.

"But as a father this is special. I know this is her dream and I'm happy for Father and daughter make their debut MP and newly elected deputy leader of the Progressive Labour Party.

And Ms Cox was clearly enjoying her moment in the spotlight. Minutes earlier she was led into the House of Assembly flanked by her father and PLP matriarch Lois Browne Evans, where she was introduced to the Speaker and sworn in as the Honourable Member from Devonshire North.

Then, shoulder to shoulder with her UBP and PLP colleagues, she joined the procession led by the Black Rod to the Cabinet Office where Lord Waddington -- arriving with his daughter Victoria in horse-drawn carriage -- waited to read Government's Speech from the Throne.

"This is very exciting. I didn't think I'd ever see this day,'' said Ms Cox, stopping to greet friends assembled on the front lawn of the Cabinet building.

"We have a different way of doing things but he (Mr. Cox) has the experience and there's a lot he can still show me.'' The blue skies and sunshine weren't reserved exclusively for the Cox team. The PLP's Jennifer Smith -- fresh from being affirmed by her party -- made her House debut as Leader of the Opposition, joining Premier David Saul at the head of the procession to the Senate Chamber for the Throne Speech.

While the politicians strutted, throngs of school children -- up to their ears in adults -- pressed hard against the barriers wondering what all the commotion was about.

Four-year-old Kid's Kollege freshman Shapri Joell shrugged her shoulders and told The Royal Gazette she liked the horse-drawn carriage. Classmate Christina Benjamin said she'd rather be in school.

Southampton Glebe Primary School's Jason Doer, 10, was taking in the ceremony for his year-six social studies class.

"It's true what they're saying about all the crime and alcohol,'' he said, commenting as Lord Waddington's voice crackled through loudspeakers to the crowd below.

Retired New York City Judge Martin Evans, on the Island for the Respect for Law Alliance conference, said the Throne Speech sounded ambitious and found it forward looking and balanced.

"I hope everyone pulls together to make it happen because if they do Bermuda will be setting a good example for the rest of the world,'' he told The Royal Gazette .

As he spoke a dark cloud rolled in from the southeast; a light rain sent many scurrying for shelter under trees, hedges, or any other convenient overhang.

Alone with her umbrella, Devonshire's Irene Seaton remained at the barrier.

"I've been coming to the opening every year for years; this is my spot,'' she said. "I couldn't count the number of speeches I've heard but I have to say this one sounds very good. If they do everything they say they're going to do Bermuda will be a better place.'' This year's opening, however, was different, she added. "This will be the last one for Lord Waddington. I hate to see him go because I found him very nice and easy to talk to.'' As she spoke the rain lifted and the crowd filtered back to the barricades.

With a smile Mrs. Seaton nodded towards the Bermuda Regiment's Honour Guard and Band, who stoically withstood the rain.

"Don't the boys look beautiful,'' she said.