following the General Election defeat.

The Opposition Senator said it was a challenge to them and a long road ahead before they could again form the next Government.

He thanked Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon for appointing him to the Senate and was waiting for the day when they could "exhale''.

"But before we can do that we have to pay our dues as Opposition and we have to do it in a way which will do us proud,'' he said.

Sen. Patrice Parris spoke of the challenge to the education system and said its success was the responsibility of parents, teachers, Government and students alike.

The reinstatement of truancy officers was a good step, she said and they had to establish a sound education system with a sound reputation, that commanded respect.

The Island's sporting clubs were also commended by the PLP Senator for their bids to become more involved in the community and move away from the sale of alcohol.

And she said there could be scope for Government assistance for those clubs who become more akin to community centres.

Tourism should be developed and she commended Minister David Allen for his dedication to the task.

"We must try to raise this to a level where it is comparable to the international business sector. We shouldn't rely upon one industry as a major source of income,'' she said.

Senate Leader Alf Oughton congratulated the new PLP Government for their success, adding that the large mandate put them in the driving seat but also in an onerous position.

He said the Throne Speech was good with nothing really dramatic in it but more to come.

The previous Government had left the "ship'' in good shape but he expected the new administration to stamp its own authority on it.

Plans to eliminate "pockets of sloppiness'' could save money, he said, but should be expanded across all Government departments.

The future needs of the Island's seniors must be made a priority, with emphasis on health insurance and income -- especially as that sector was growing larger each year, he said.

And he called for the possibility of ensuring the future success of the West End Development Company something along the lines of the Bermuda Land Development Co at Southside.

There was an offshore company interested in investing $60 million in a site at the Victualling yard, which was "very, very exciting''.

Government Senate Leader Milton Scott said threats from the previous Government over probes into tax havens were bogus and information on that issue would be forthcoming.

He said they realised they had a great responsibility to the country and believed in collective responsibility of the Cabinet.