tag as a member of Britain's "hanging and flogging'' brigade.

Lord Waddington vowed to heed the advice of the Mercy Committee if faced with a life-or-death decision.

Although not constitutionally bound to accept the advice, he said: "It wouldn't be right for my personal view on capital punishment to have a bearing.

"My views on the death penalty are irrelevant,'' he told The Royal Gazette .

He pledged his commitment to Bermuda's law, accepting the system of remission from the death penalty. "I shall diligently apply the law,'' he said.

Lord Waddington, a former Home Secretary with a reputation for blunt-speaking, rounded on another unkind perception.

He attacked a suggestion -- raised in the British satirical magazine Private Eye -- he was here to enjoy the sun, do nothing, and pick up a $120,000-dollar-a-year salary.

Lord Waddington said he considered himself extremely privileged to be asked to be Governor.

But he certainly did not view it as a cosy paradise for a 62-year-old nearing the end of his political life.

"I feel particularly fortunate to be able to continue serving the public.'' Earlier Lord Waddington, Lady Waddington, 21-year-old daughter, Victoria, and family dog, Basil, were in a relaxed mood during an afternoon press conference at Government House.

Showing his legal pedigree he steered clear of possible banana skins -- including any controversy whipped up by the Committee for Independence of Bermuda.

"I don't think it's really for me to express an opinion,'' he said, quizzed for his views on independence.

"It is for the people of Bermuda to decide whether they want independence or not.'' Lord Waddington backed Britain's insistence on British Governors while Bermuda remained a colony.

"It really is logical so long as the Governor has reserve powers.'' Any suggestion Britain wanted to drop Bermuda -- as put forward by the independence committee -- was also holed. "I am not sure it would be correct to say Britain is moving towards independence. It is for Bermuda to decide.'' Lord Waddington, although intending to be an active Governor, promised to avoid a possible pitfall -- stepping on the toes of Government.

As an experienced politician he was open to lending "informal advice''.

But he stressed: "It must never be thought that the Governor is in any way usurping the laws of Government.'' Lord Waddington said he was aware of the limitations of the Governor's role in the Island's "sophisticated'' society.

This was no excuse for inaction, however. "I think there will be many opportunities for public service and to be of use. I want to get to know the Island, to get to know as many people as possible.'' Without elaborating, Lord Waddington added he and his wife hoped to help young people, and voluntary bodies.

"We are there to help if we are asked,'' he said.

Asked about his first impressions of Bermuda he enthused: "People have been immensely friendly, wishing us good luck.'' LORDLY GREETING -- Lord Waddington takes time out to meet the people outside the Cabinet Building after being sworn in yesterday.

STICKING TO THE TEXT -- Lord Waddington vows commitment to Bermuda during the swearing-in ceremony in the Senate Chamber yesteday.