United Bermuda Party rebels raised eyebrows on Saturday.

But former UBP MP Harry Viera said yesterday the political figures had gathered to wish him well in his new life in North Carolina.

Among the guests at the Henry VIII were Opposition Leader Frederick Wade and his part-time allies in the House, the UBP's Ann Cartwright DeCouto, Clarence Terceira, Dr. David Dyer and Trevor Moniz.

Former member of the Legislative Council and ex-UBP chairman Stanley Ratteray, ex-UBP MP Colin Benbow and PLP MP Reginald Burrows also attended.

Only hours before, the UBP rebels sided with the Opposition in a motion of censure against Premier David Saul over his role in the controversial decision to grant former UBP Premier Sir John's Swan's Grape Bay Ltd. permission to operate a McDonald's burger joint in Bermuda.

But Mr. Viera said yesterday: "We never even talked about what was going on in the House -- I figured they had had enough of that in the House.'' He added: "I have a very eclectic collection of friends -- just because we have different political philosophies doesn't mean that we have to hate each other.

"Sure, it's a curious collection -- but they are the most interesting people in the House. I'm not going to invite dunderheads.'' And he added: "If anyone was hatching a conspiracy or plot, they'd do it somewhere more private.'' Mr. Viera, 62, who left politics three years ago, will be moving to North Carolina with his wife, who is an American, at the end of the month.