Auditor General Larry Dennis has opted to cancel a planned press conference this week in which it was expected he would respond to his recent arrest. Last week Police hunting missing Police documents relating to the Bermuda Housing Corporation corruption investigation raided both Mr. Dennis’ home and office for the papers.

Mr. Dennis was arrested and held in Police custody for 24 hours before being released uncharged. Several sources have since claimed Mr. Dennis had permission to have those documents and one of his staff had actually worked side by side with Police on the inquiry.

Yesterday Mr. Dennis issued a statement saying the Office of the Auditor General is an important Constitutional construct and had a vital role to play in the good governance of Bermuda.

He said: “The integrity of the office and of the officeholder goes beyond transient political turbulence. With that in mind, while I have decided not to make a full report on the current situation at this time, I wish to remind the public that, as stated in my first report on the operation of the Bermuda Housing Corporation, there are outstanding issues to which any Auditor General practising due diligence must return.

“I am aware that the work of the Auditor General is most appreciated for its role in keeping the financial affairs of the community under close scrutiny and exposed to public view.”

Mr. Dennis thanked the media for their support. Mr. Dennis added: “I also wish to thank the hundreds of Bermudians from all walks of life and sections of our community who have expressed their support in many, many ways.

“Finally, I wish to thank my staff and secondees of the Office of the Auditor General for continuing with their work under very stressful conditions.”