The United Bermuda Party have called for a radical shake-up of the Island's creaking legal system to restore sagging public confidence.

Legislative Affairs Spokesman John Barritt said it was time to go back to having a non-political Attorney General as was the case before the Progressive Labour Party were elected five years ago.

Governor Sir John Vereker has already begun talks with Prosecutors and the Police after the failure to convict anyone for the murder 2001 Ice Queen murder of Tekle Zion Mallory at the recent trial.

Mr. Barritt said: "There is a growing loss of confidence in our community in the criminal justice system and the time has come for action to arrest this trend.

"People who break the laws of this country need to fear prompt investigation, resolute prosecution and certain punishment.

"Meanwhile those who obey the law, the majority of this Island, want to live their lives free from fear, in security and safety, knowing that the justice system works in their interests."

When the PLP took office Dame Lois Browne Evans became the Attorney General while criminal prosecutions were moved over to the newly created Department of Public Prosecutions under Khamisi Tokunbo, who is now suing Government over their decision not to automatically re-appoint him when his three-year contract is up.

Mr. Barritt said: "Let's face it. The appointment of a political AG and the establishment of the office of DPP has not produced results which appear to be in the best interests of the community.

"Where was the benefit to the community? Have prosecutions in Bermuda improved as a result? Do we honestly think the people of this country believe the criminal justice system has improved as a result of that PLP decision?"

Mr. Barritt said the AG should be appointed by a review committee comprising of the Chief Justice, the President of the Bermuda Bar Association and three appointees selected by the Governor, the Government and the Opposition.

In order to get the best candidate the committee should look both here and abroad and offer a much larger salary said Mr. Barritt.

He said the AG's first task would be to get rid of dead wood and hire top legal eagles also on bigger salaries. He said: "Immediate tasks will be to carry out an audit of Chambers personnel and to recruit the personnel he or she believes are required to get the job done."

AG's should be appointed for three to five years and monitored closely by the review committee to make sure they got the job done said Mr. Barritt.

He said: "It's both imperative and important that we hire the best person for the job and then let the person get on with the job.

"We not only have to give them the freedom to do their job but the resources as well.

"This will undoubtedly cost more but we in the United Bermuda Party are confident the law-abiding majority in this country will think it money well worth it if it brings in results - and we believe it will."