can reveal.

Mr. Mottley was expected to quit his post later this month -- after a cash sweetener to persuade him to remain in post until after the General Election.

But now he will keep the job until the new PLP Government passes legislation to allow the party to make a political appointment to head the AG's Chambers.

Mr. Mottley -- who has moved out of his Governent-owned Paget house and is currently staying at a Hamilton hotel -- was yesterday staying tight-lipped over his change of plans.

He said: "I'm not in a position to comment at the moment.'' It is understood that a political appointment to the Attorney General's job is possible under the Constitution.

The Island's rule book allows for an AG to be a Civil Service appointment -- or a member of either of the Houses of Parliament.

But new laws would have to be passed, in particular to help create an English-style Director of Public Prosecutions.

An independent prosecutor would be needed to handle the court work currently done by the Attorney General to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Legislative Affairs Minister Lois Browne Evans, who would be responsible for introducing the legislation, could not be contacted for comment last night.

New Premier Jennifer Smith and Mr. Mottley were seen deep in conversation in a side room after he witnessed the swearing in of her Cabinet by Governor Thorold Masefield at The Cottage at Dockyard on Tuesday.

The appointment of Attorney General is currently made at the discretion of the Governor, who would generally consult the Premier and others before making a final decision.

In July, Mr. Mottley accepted a $30,000 bonus to stay on past his original leaving date of June until November.

The cash was a one-off gratuity because the AG's salary -- currently $125,000 a year -- is fixed by law.

A Government spokesman said then that Mr. Mottley's extension, the second, was because of his expertise in the Island's legal system, particularly election law.

It is understood around five lawyers, including two Bermudians, have expressed an interest in the AG's job.

Milligan-Smith and White barrister Ian Kawaley, who is connected to the PLP, may be a front-runner for the job -- and could be slotted into one of the four Government Senate seats still vacant.

And in the House of Assembly, ex-Magistrate Arthur Hodgson, currently Environment Minister, knows his way around the legal system.

Mr. Kawaley worked in the Seychelles after it gained its independence from Britain.

He helped the country's government with work on treaty succession -- redrawing international agreements entered into under British rule to take account of the new nation's status.

The PLP is still pro-Independence for Bermuda -- but the issue was put on the back-burner following the overwhelming rejection of the option after UBP Premier Sir John Swan held a Referendum in 1995.