retired this month as Secretary to the Cabinet, the most powerful post in the Civil Service.

The Public Service Commission will be vetting a list of candidates almost certain to be drawn from the ranks of Civil Servants.

Top contenders include Financial Secretary Dr. Walwyn Hughes, Tourism Director Mr. Gary Phillips and Assistant Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leo Mills.

The list of possibilities takes in all departmental permanent secretaries including Mr. Ernie Owen of Labour and Home Affairs, Dr. Marion Robinson of Education, Mr. Stanley Oliver of Works and Dr. James Burnett-Herkes of Environment.

The $105,142 job puts the appointee in charge of the Civil Service and all documents emerging from the Cabinet, which is the body made up of Government ministers. The secretary initiates any government action stemming from them.

In addition, the Cabinet Secretary acts as chief advisor to the Premier on governmental and policy matters.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan will have the critical say in who the new secretary will be. The Public Service Commission only forwards him a list of acceptable candidates. He in turn can submit just one name to the Governor.

As the Island's top Government officer, the successful candidate is expected to be a role model not only for the civil service but also to the general public.

Sources said he or she must be trustworthy, dignified, competent, energetic, beyond scandal and generally impartial for resolving departmental or personnel disputes.

Dr. Hughes of the Finance Ministry is considered the "natural for the post''.

His long and distinguished career has seen him become the most senior officer in the civil service.

The former Permanent Secretary for the Environment has a solid reputation among civil servants and an easy working relationship with Cabinet ministers.

But at 61, with a full pension already secured, there is a question of his desire for a demanding job that offers no increase in pay.

Mr. Phillips is also considered a top contender because of his first-rate reputation as an administrator and for his clear-headedness.

However, it is understood Mr. Phillips is reluctant to leave his Tourism post which he considers "the best job in government''.

The inside track is owned by assistant Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leo Mills, who has occupied the office beside the Premier's since the 1987.

Mr. Mills, a lawyer, has been acting in Mr. Richardson's stead since last May when he underwent his second brain operation. His relations with the Premier and other Cabinet ministers are said to be good.

"He is dignified, he is honest and he lives a life as straight as an arrow,'' one insider said.

Mr. Mills' appointment as Cabinet Secretary would see him promoted over other more senior colleagues. The move is not without precedent.

Beyond the main responsibilities to the Civil Service, the Premier and the Cabinet, the Cabinet Secretary acts as chairman and deputy chairman of several powerful committees.

For example, the secretary sits with the Premier and three other ministers on the Governor's Council, a select committee which advises the Governor on his reserve powers over the Police, the Bermuda Regiment and external affairs.

Dr. Walwyn Hughes.