yesterday buried the hatchet with Premier David Saul.

Veteran UBP MP C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said as soon as the controversial McDonald's issue was dead, the rebels were prepared to serve.

He added: "We are literally months away from possible election so we have to work together and sooner, rather than later, would be better.'' He said he and Dr. Saul had been "honest with each other'' during talks spanning months about what the Country needed.

And he said he hoped he would be accepted by loyalist backbenchers and other Cabinet members.

Mr. Woolridge admitted he might face some resentment over the rebels' `no' stance in Sir John Swan's Independence Referendum and over serious embarrassments caused to Government during the fast food debate.

He said: "Human nature being what it is, it's possible. There could be, but I am not aware of it.

"You will always find some people who will disagree with things, but that is what life is about.'' And he insisted: "I'm not embarrassed by any decisions I made or anything I did.

But he said: "If the Premier has been very gracious in recognising that the Country needs us to come together, we should forget about the acrimony and get on with the job which needs to be done.'' Mr. Woolridge, a long-time Minister of Tourism who also held the Labour and Immigration portfolio in the 1970s, admitted he had never handled Works and Engineering.

But he said: "I have no fears -- it will be within my grasp. I'm looking forward to learning all I can and being able to give this Country what it needs.

"It's a very important Ministry -- one of the biggest -- and one which deals directly with people in terms of services.'' New Youth and Sport Minister David Dyer -- a long-time MP, but who has never been in Cabinet -- said he had turned down promotion before.

He added that the in-fighting in the UBP had never been bitter as far as he was concerned.

Dr. Dyer said: "As far as I am concerned, the Premier still calls me his friend. And I would never be embarrassed about standing on principle.

"The past is the past and we have to move on to the future.'' "One has to do what one can and I suppose, having been an elected Member of the House for a number of years, I see myself as being able to take up a portfolio.'' Dr. Dyer identified getting the National Stadium up and running as a priority -- although he warned the new home for the Country's sport would not take shape overnight.

And he said he was a supporter of anti-drugs campaigns and testing of athletes.

Clarence Terceira, who takes over Health and Social Services from Harry Soares, said that if Independence or fast food franchises ever became an issue again, his stance would be the same.

He added: "I've been in Cabinet before -- I know its collective responsibility and I have signed a document saying I will not reveal what goes on in Cabinet.'' He admitted: "It will take a little time for people to get used to each other again, although I have remained friends with everyone. I really don't expect anything other than friendship.'' And he predicted the door would not be closed to fellow rebels Trevor Moniz and Ann Cartwright DeCouto in future re-shuffles.

Dr. Terceira said his background as a dental surgeon would be valuable in dealing with health issues.

He added: "It's the largest Ministry as far as the Budget is concerned -- it has so many facets to it. What I will be concerned with over the next few months is getting well-briefed on all those facets.'' And he said he would talking to his predecessor and asking for his advice.

Last night Mr. Soares said he offered to resign some time ago if it would help party unity.

But he added: "I don't think it's appropriate for me to comment today -- because I'll have to count to ten before I say anything.'' Outgoing Youth and Sport Minister Tim Smith -- one of the youngest Cabinet Ministers ever appointed and the only axed Minister to turn up for the swearing-in of the three new faces -- said he had no hard feelings.

He said he had offered his resignation to the Premier and added he believed that gave Dr. Saul the opportunity to assemble a strong Cabinet.

And Mr. Smith said: "I have the utmost respect for the Premier and the new Cabinet and my colleagues can count on my whole-hearted support.'' Mr. Smith was moved from Environment to Youth and Sport in November, 1995 after only three months. The move followed controversial remarks about a planning application from rebel Trevor Moniz being picked up by a radio microphone.

But he said he did not think the loss of his Cabinet post was a consequence of that.

And he added: "If ever given the opportunity, I would be honoured to serve again.'' Former Works and Engineering Minister Leonard Gibbons said he too had offered to resign.

He added: "I said I would stay if he absolutely had to have me, but that I would be happy to step down and make room.'' Mr. Gibbons said he wanted more time to devote to his real estate business and his family.

And he added: "I am very pleased to be relieved, although I have thoroughly enjoyed my service to the Island -- not many people get that opportunity.''