Bermuda's legal circuit is to be headed by a UK-style Director of Public Prosecutions, The Royal Gazette can reveal. And Government will set the wheels in motion early in the New Year for the Attorney General's position to be politically-appointed.

It emerged last night that more than 30 people had already applied to take over as Attorney General.

Elliott Mottley quits the post tomorrow, to return to his native Barbados.

And the Legislative Affairs Minister has revealed a DPP would have to be in place before a new Attorney General could be appointed by Parliament instead of by the Governor.

But the Minister, Lois Browne Evans, said any of the 30 candidates who had already applied to become Attorney General could also be considered for the DPP's job.

Mrs. Browne Evans added: "New legislation is needed and we aim to make sure that it is tabled quickly.

"Anything that we can't get done before Christmas will hopefully be brought to the House of Assembly in the new session, early in the New Year.'' She said Solicitor General William Pearce QC would take over the role of the Island's top prosecution lawyer until the new appointments have been made.

But Mrs. Browne Evans added: "Even that appointment will have to be officially made by the Governor first.

"You never know how long legislation might take so it's impossible to say how long Mr. Pearce will be in charge.

"But I will do my best to get the paperwork prepared with the drafting department of the Attorney General's Chambers.

Government ponders new legal posts "Certain legislation must come quickly. Thirty-something people applied for the Attorney General's job and those people could certainly be considered for the new post of Director of Public Prosecutions.'' It is not clear how many of the candidates are Bermudians but it is believed Island lawyers make up the "majority'' of applicants.

The DPP would still be appointed by Government House as the permanent lawyer in charge of prosecutions.

But Parliament would then reserve the right to appoint the Attorney General, a more senior position but one which is likely to change hands more often.

Deputy Governor Tim Gurney said last night: "All the options are being pursued.'' And a Government spokesman hinted it could be months before a new AG is appointed.

"It is not unheard of to have that position unfilled for several months,'' he added.

Five front-runners emerged to become the new Attorney General as soon as it was announced Mr. Mottley was leaving.

They included top Bermudian lawyer Ian Kawaley, who has links with the PLP, and possibly PLP MP Arthur Hodgson, a former magistrate.

Mr. Mottley courted controversy earlier this year when it emerged he accepted a $30,000 "gratuity'' -- on top of his $125,000-a-year salary -- to stay in the position another six months.