A row over a "childish'' Government objection to Canada's choice of representative to Bermuda has become an international embarrassment, it has been claimed.

Sen. Mark Pettingill (UBP) slammed Government for disagreeing with the planned appointment of lawyer and former Attorney General Saul Froomkin as Honorary Canadian Consul.

He said it was shameful and had further strained already poor relations with the Country.

And he called upon the Progressive Labour Party to reconsider their position and give the nod to Mr. Froomkin.

Mr. Pettingill was speaking in the Senate after it was revealed that the controversy was likely to be raised at a meeting with Foreign Office officials in London and Premier Jennifer Smith tomorrow.

The UBP Senator said he was saddened by the whole affair, which he said appeared to have been prompted by Mr. Froomkin's role in the legal fight launched by the UBP against the new Attorney General on age grounds.

He said he hoped it wasn't a case of payback, adding that it had now become an international situation.

"Our relationship with Canada is strained with certain activities that have gone on. There have been a boycott called for on travelling, now what do we do, stick our fingers in where it doesn't belong.

"I find it very sad and perhaps childish.'' International convention dictates that Overseas Territories should accept appointments by foreign powers without argument.

Mr. Froomkin, a Canadian with Bermudian status, has served Bermuda as Solicitor General and Attorney General.

A recipient of the Order of the British Empire, he is a leading lawyer in the country and has been awarded Queen's Counsel status in both Bermuda and Canada.

"Saul Froomkin is an outstanding member of this community,'' said Sen.

Pettingill . "They don't have any business stopping another country appointing who they wish as their consul.

"There is time for reflection, for a reconsidering of the position, to give the nod to Mr. Froomkin, who should be appointed as Honorary Consul to Bermuda.'' Premier Jennifer Smith has not commented publicly on the row and both the Canadian and British Governments have remained tight-lipped.

No Government Senator responded to Sen. Pettingill yesterday.