Government House is sounding out overseas candidates for the the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) post after local front runner Mark Pettingill withdrew because of political pressures.

Mr. Pettingill did two years at the DPP's office before starting a successful career as a defence lawyer.

He said: “If there was across the board support I would have considered it but it is not there. My understanding it is not the case for whatever political reasons.”

Mr. Pettingill stood for the Opposition United Bermuda Party (UBP) in the last election, losing narrowly to Dale Butler and was a UBP Senator in the last parliament.

He said: “The Premier spoke about a new spirit of bipartisanship and in the spirit of that I did say I would consider it but it appears it is not there so on that basis I am not prepared to do it.”

Mr. Pettingill, a managing partner at Wakefield Quin, added: “I have always said I am prepared to consider serving my Country and community in whatever capacity I am offered.

“I understand there would be support in certain areas i.e. the Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions chambers. That's my understanding.

“I would be more inclined to take it into consideration if I was aware there was the type of bipartisan support from the current Government in the new Bermuda they wish to create.

“I don't know if politics should stand in the way on anyone considering that.”

He said all the top defence lawyers had political affiliations. “If that's going to bar you from the DPP, they won't get local candidates.”

He said Government should not be worried about political bias because DPPs took an oath swearing not to be biased.

Premier Alex Scott did not return calls but on Monday Deputy Premier Ewart Brown said he did not know anything about Mr. Pettingill not being wanted by Government.

He said: “I can't help you on that one.”

Defence lawyer Sen. Larry Mussenden agreed with Mr. Pettingill that most of Bermuda's experienced criminal defence lawyers were politically affiliated.

Sen. Mussenden is Government Senator while colleague Victoria Pearman was a Senator in the last session while Elizabeth Christopher was tipped to be join Mr. Mussenden.

He said Mr. Pettingill, who works at the same office, was a fine lawyer but he said Juan Wolffe, who works in the DPPs office, was a good prospect.

He hoped Bermudians such as Mr. Wolffe would work their way through the ranks.

The $127,000 a year post, filled now by stand-in Kalundra Ratneser, went unfilled when advertised last time and now will be re-advertised in the new year.

Deputy Governor Nick Carter said that adverts would go out in the new year.