post of Attorney General of Bermuda as an "honour'' for their island's legal fraternity.

The Barbados Daily Nation newspaper reported the news in a front page article yesterday quoting Barbados Bar Association president Ms Beverly Walrond.

"The Bar Association wishes Mr. Mottley well in his new undertaking and views it as an honour that he has been so chosen for an important post in Bermuda,'' Ms Walrond said. "Our best wishes go out to him.'' Mr. Mottley, 54, who has a private practice in Barbados, said he had no comment on the appointment "at this stage'' when contacted yesterday.

Known as a top criminal lawyer in his country, Mr. Mottley was president of the Barbados Bar Association up until 1993. He was also an MP in the Barbados House of Assembly.

Local lawyers have welcomed his appointment saying his vast courtroom experience will be an asset.

However, one of the lawyers spoken to expressed disappointment that a Bermudian was not found for the $107,876-a-year job.

Mr. Tim Marshall had called on Government to "examine why more Bermudian attorneys have not shown interest in the post.'' Mr. Marshall said he felt "a big factor'' in the lack of Bermuda applicants for the post of AG was the salary -- when taking into account the high cost of living in Bermuda plus the pay for comparable positions abroad and in private practice.

Former AG Mr. Saul Froomkin conceded the pay was one of the reasons he left the post for a private law firm a couple of years ago.