Shadow Attorney General Michael Scott has called the reappointment of Rory Field as Director of Public Prosecutions a “slap in the face” to those who believe Bermudians should come first.

Mr Scott fiercely attacked Governor George Fergusson over the decision, saying: “The Governor has demonstrated repeatedly that he is not a friend of Bermudians or Bermuda.

“The Premier’s plan to appeal to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is fruitless as the Governor takes his direction from the FCO. The Premier knows this is nothing but a meaningless PR gesture.

“For the Governor to reappoint Mr Field just weeks after he approved charges in the Prince Edness murder trial which were dropped within 48 hours, demonstrates that it is long past time he stepped aside, returned to his home, and made way for the Bermudians who are fully capable to be DPP.”

Mr Field was appointed as DPP in 2007 having already served in the role in Belize. He was reappointed in 2010 but with the intention that he would be replaced by a Bermudian. The decision to reappoint Mr Field again in 2013 caused some controversy as the Deputy Director of Prosecutions, Cindy Clarke, a Bermudian, had applied for the post and a panel had found she would be qualified for the appointment, subject to a suggested transitional period.

Government House said at the time her appointment was “untenable” after “certain subsequent developments”.

Government House said the latest reappointment was made on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Committee, but Mr Scott questioned why Ms Clarke had not been given the opportunity after serving as Deputy Director “with the highest degree of professionalism”.

“The reappointment of Mr Field is a slap in the face to not just the qualified, capable Bermudians who have been overlooked, but to everyone who believes that Bermudians should come first in jobs and opportunities in our own country,” Mr Scott said.

“To simply roll over Mr Field’s work permit while qualified Bermudians are left in the cold is an insult to Bermudians and yet another confirmation that our country is headed in the wrong direction. The PLP’s position is clear. There has been a lack of openness, accountability and transparency in this process and there must be justification by the Governor why qualified Bermudians are being denied the opportunity to fill this post.”

The Cabinet Office said on Monday that Premier Michael Dunkley was “disappointed” a qualified Bermudian had not been appointed.

A spokeswoman said: “After expressing every intention to appoint a Bermudian DPP in 2007, 2010 and 2013, it is most unfortunate that the process adopted by Government House appears unable to make these intentions a reality.”

She said the Premier had “strongly expressed” his concern to the Governor and that he would raise the issue with James Duddridge, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in London, who is responsible for the Overseas Territories.