once his contract runs out at the end of the month.

Because Mr. Mottley has been summoned for a Call to the Bar, allowing him to practise in the Island's courts as a private barrister.

Non-Bermudian lawyers who work for the Attorney General's Chambers are granted a "Special Call'' as soon as they arrive, allowing them to represent the Crown.

But they have to wait at least a year before they can be given a standard Call to the Bar.

And then they are free to represent private clients if they finish their spells as prosecutors.

Mr. Mottley is due to return to his native Barbados to continue his career as a private lawyer once he finally steps down from the Attorney General's position.

The Royal Gazette reported last week that five front-runners to replace him will not be interviewed until after the General Election, in case the next Government changes the appointment procedure.

The Opposition Progressive Labour Party have already said they want the Island's top lawyer to be appointed by Government.

The Attorney General is currently appointed by the Governor, on the advice of the Public Service Commission.

Senior officials at Government House are now holding on until after Monday's poll before moving ahead with the selection process.

And fresh rumours on the legal circuit suggest Mr. Mottley may be in line for a top job with one of Bermuda's major law firms.

Mr. Mottley said last night: "I don't have any firm plans to stay in Bermuda.

"I just want to keep my options open. The Call to the Bar is in case I want to come back in the future.

"My current Call, as Attorney General, limits me to simply that. If I wanted to do anything else, I wouldn't be able to do it.'' He is being called to the bar by law firm Bourne and Company.

Partner Wilhelm Bourne said: "There's not much to it really. This is a general call and it's something that looks good on the resume.

"A number of people in the Attorney General's Chambers have done this.

"It's just something that would allow him to carry on practising if he wanted to.'' Deputy Governor Tim Gurney would not comment on claims that a replacement for Mr. Mottley would not be considered until after November 9.

He said: "We are aware that Mr. Mottley is moving on and we are looking into the question of succession. We would hope there will be developments shortly.'' The Royal Gazette revealed in July that Mr. Mottley, 57, accepted an extra $30,000 to stay on as Attorney General until the end of November.

Government offered him the extra cash as a "gratuity'' because his $125,000-a-year salary is fixed.

Mr. Mottley was originally due to leave at the end of June.