Government, Opposition and Independent Senators paid tribute yesterday to former president Noor Hassanali who was laid to rest last Friday.

Senators praised Hassanali for his commitment to his faith, his family, the Constitution and the rule of law during their first sitting at the Red House, Port of Spain, since the Senate went into recess last month.

Leader of Government Business in the Senate Dr Lenny Saith was the first to pay tribute to Hassanali who was the nation's only president to have been successfully appointed to serve two terms in office under two different ruling political parties.

"He was ideally suited to hold the office of president of the republic in an era that proved to be dynamic and even turbulent. The times were changing, politically, economically and socially, and this produced some of the greatest challenges we have so far faced as an independent country," Saith said.

"These include the attempted insurrection of 1990 and the political changes that emanated from the general elections. Looking back, one can say with certainty that our late former president contributed significantly to managing the nation's transformation from one era to the next."

Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, Wade Mark, said Hassanali managed to preside over a multi-religious, multi-ethnic society while maintaining commitment to his faith.

"It was during his presidency that a group of fundamentalist Muslims attacked our democracy and the Parliament of which President Hassanali was head. Although he was out of the country when the attack was launched, he ensured that he returned as it was possible to head this embattled republic," Mark said.

Independent Senator Eastlyn McKenzie said the people of Tobago would always appreciate Hassanali's love for the island and his stay there while serving as a magistrate.

"The people there will tell you that Mrs Hassanali had one of the biggest gardens that you could ever think of peas and yams," McKenzie said.

Senate President Dr Linda Baboolal and Independent Senator Prof Ken Ramchand also paid tribute to Hassanali.