Party Government to delay the impending appointments of a new Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions.

He questioned why the engagement of a political AG was being put on top of Government's agenda whilst there were other more pressing issues to be dealt with.

And the former United Bermuda Party MP said he believed the public would want to know why the appointments were being rushed through.

A better solution would be to use a private sector lawyer to fill the void temporarily at the AG's Chambers and spend the summer considering what the next step should be.

But PLP Senator Michael Scott slammed Mr. Burgess' suggestions, saying the idea was designed to avoid the appearance of politics being mixed with justice.

The PLP intend to create a Director of Public Prosecutions position to look after criminal matters, with a new AG selected from the legislature advising the Government on legal matters.

"What I want them to do is have a look at some other countries who have the system and use the benefit of their experience,'' said Sen. Burgess.

"The fulfillment of a political promise should not take precedent over making sure justice is seen to be done.

"I can't say a promise was made with certainty but I do know with the list of problems before us, this has come to the top. I do think it is hasty when you look at the myriad of concerns facing the country, I don't think anybody would have this on the first 100 things to do.'' Last night, Senator Scott said there was no logic in what had been suggested.

He said provision for a politically appointed AG had been included in the Constitution many years ago and the Government was simply taking up that option.

That necessitated the appointment of a DPP to handle criminal prosecutions, he added.

"One thing drives the other,'' he said.

"I detect no logic in delaying the process, for as long as it remains...

this mixture is not a healthy one.'' And suggestions of a pre-election promise were refuted by Sen. Scott, saying there was no cloak and dagger exercise.

The person would be selected on their own merits by people of integrity, he said.

The issue was raised during the Senate on Friday, when Sen. Scott confirmed the current position would be split into two.

He said it was a straightforward piece of legislation, which would involve the new AG being a lawyer appointed from either the House of Assembly or Senate.

Lois Browne-Evans and Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson appear to be the likely candidates for the AG's position while Crown Counsel Khamisi Tukunbo has been tipped to fill the DPP's position.