and attacked those who blame crime on the recession.

Mr. Walter Maddocks, the Attorney General, said to blame wrong-doing on the recession was an excuse, and an insult to poor people.

Speaking to fellow Hamilton Rotarians at the Princess Hotel, Mr. Maddocks outlined what he thought was good and bad about his post, which he has held for 16 months.

"The good news is that I've got a superb staff,'' he said. "The work is varied and interesting. It's exciting and I enjoy it.

"But there is bad news. There is far too much violence in this Island, particularly against women. There is far too much dishonesty and theft.

"I keep being told it's part of the recession, but that's nonsense. The recession is an excuse, not a reason. It's an insult to poor people because they don't steal. The people who steal are the dishonest people and the greedy people.'' Mr. Maddocks also spoke about the Attorney General's duty to be independent of political influence. No politician had ever tried to influence him during his time in the post -- except once.

The politician had said to him: "When are you going to prosecute this person?'' and he had replied: "When I decide.'' There was no possible legal way the Government could influence the Attorney General, said Mr. Maddocks. Along with the Auditor, he was appointed by the Governor "in his discretion'' -- without consulting the Government or other bodies.

The Attorney General was a "creature of the Constitution'', he added.

"Basically, he is responsible to the people of Bermuda as to what he does in his job.''