Former Cabinet Minister Wayne Perinchief has called for the Senate to be an arena for political heavyweights not a testing ground for novices as he voiced concern over the appointment of radio host Thaao Dill.

The 25-year-old was appointed by Premier Brown after publically supporting the PLP on his Hott 107.7 show.

But The Royal Gazette understands that choice shocked PLP stalwarts who felt there were far more deserving cases.

Mr. Perinchief said: "It was a bit surprising. As much as I like Thaao — I think he's a bright young man — I don't think he's a political young man who's that knowledgeable about politics and, as far as I know, he only joined the party about eight months ago at most.

"It was surprise selection. I believe the Senate should have more experienced politicians, those who have actually served in the House of Assembly and have the power to vet legislation and debate public policy based on experience.

"It has been turned into a training ground for politicians when in actual fact you should only have one or two younger politicians and the rest should be experienced and seasoned because they do review legislation that has been passed up from the lower house.

"It should operate like the House of Lords. I feel the Senate is being abused or mis-used in the present context of putting young people in there and using it simply as a vehicle to put people into ministerial roles."

Mr. Perinchief stressed he had nothing against Mr. Dill personally.

"I think he was as surprised as anyone else. And a person should not be 'surprised' by an appointment. They should feel they have merited it in some way and some criteria be met. Other people have said that to me.

"There were some quite good potential people for that who feel rankled by that and by their omission."