MORE haste, less speed.

This was the advice given to politicians by Dean of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port of Spain, Rev Colin Sampson, during Monday's church service to commemorate the ceremonial opening of the 2012/2013 law term.

Sampson said last week, when he was beginning to give thought as to how to "set the tone" for the ceremonial opening, his mood was one of "pleasure and joyful privilege".

Sampson said his mood was altered, however, because "threats to the stability of our nation were overwhelming".

"What I saw on television of an emergency sitting of the House of Representatives in our nation's Parliament did little to assuage my discomfort," Sampson said.

"However, virtually all that I saw of contributions in the Senate, particularly the clear, focused, to-the-point oration of the independent Senators had done a great deal to restore my mood to its former and accustomed position," he added.

"Much has been said to assuage fears of political malfeasance, betrayal of oaths taken upon entering public office and heal the hurts of an outraged nation."

Sampson said mention had been made of erring and forgiving, but there were many elements in the process.

These include "acknowledging and confessing where we have gone wrong and urgently desiring and seeking God's guidance not to repeat our errors and transgressions," he stated.

Sampson said a lot has been said of the word "haste" and called on politicians to abide by the old adage "more haste, less speed".

Sampson said there could now be healing "if we all remain sober, alert and vigilant".

"It is my sincere hope that this inter-faith service will usher in a new period of sobriety among all who exercise trust in the affairs of governance," Sampson said.

President George Maxwell Richards, Chief Justice Ivor Archie, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan were present when Sampson spoke.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar arrived at 10.10 a.m. after Sampson had concluded his address.