Independent Sen. Jeanette Cannonier is set to appeal to Governor Thorold Masefield over a blunder which led to a controversial Act to allow funeral limousines in Bermuda.

And it is expected that she will lodge an official protest over a ruling by Senate president Alf Oughton that she could not change her ballot -- which allowed the limousines law to pass by just one vote in the Upper House, according to political insiders.

The Opposition United Bermuda Party, added the insiders, are also likely to mount a separate challenge to Sen. Oughton's decision.

Sen. Cannonier did not return calls from The Royal Gazette yesterday.

But -- after her request for a change of vote was denied last week -- she insisted there was provision in Senate rules for an alteration.

And she told Senate: "Having said that, I will certainly be endeavouring to look at this from other angles as to whether or not there is any way at all possible to deal with this situation.'' Deputy Governor Tim Gurney confirmed last night that he had yet to receive a representation from Sen. Cannonier -- and questioned whether the Governor could act in the affair. He said: "I would have to get legal advice, but I would guess I wouldn't have thought so. I would, however, have to check on this.

"I haven't pursued it yet -- but no-one has been to see me about it. And I don't want to have the Attorney General's Chambers do that until I am approached.'' But Mr. Gurney added: "If I am approached, I will, of course, look into it.'' The Motor Car Amendment (No. 2) Act 1999 caused fury among taxi drivers when it was debated and passed in the House of Assembly.

Cabbies staged a protest on the steps of the House, claiming it would cut into their business -- and was the thin end of a wedge which would see others looking to provide their own limousine-type services.

Drivers also briefly circled Parliament Hill in a cavalcade with blaring horns, clearly audible as MPs got down to the day's business.

It is understood only one funeral home -- D.H. Augustus & Sons -- petitioned Transport Minister Ewart Brown for a change in the law.

Members of the Augustus family are known to be supporters of the ruling Progressive Labour Party.

Vote protest Four Government MPs with close links to the taxi industry -- Elvin James, Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess, veteran Reginald Burrows and backbencher Dale Butler -- abstained in protest at the change in the law.

Senators today have only one item of business -- a take note motion on a hard-hitting series of reports into the handling of Government finances covering the years 1995-96 and 1996-97.