interviewed until after the General Election, it emerged last night.

Senior civil servants have not sought candidates for the Island's top legal post because the appointment rules are likely to change should the PLP win the election.

The Opposition has said it wants to make the post a political appointment, with Government in charge of who becomes Bermuda's top prosecution lawyer.

It is currently the Governor's job to appoint the Attorney General, on the advice of the Public Service Commission.

Five lawyers, including two Bermudians, have already registered their interest in taking the post to be vacated by Barbadian Elliott Mottley at the end of the month.

But one senior civil servant said last night: "The PLP have said they want a politically appointed Attorney General.

"That would mean a change in the rules so there is currently just a holding position until after the election, when everybody knows exactly what's happening.'' New Deputy Governor Tim Gurney would not comment on claims the appointment had been deliberately delayed until after November 9.

He said: "We are aware that Mr. Mottley is moving on and we are looking into the question of succession. We would hope there will be developments shortly.'' One of the Bermudian contenders for the Attorney General's post is Milligan-Whyte and Smith lawyer Ian Kawaley.

He has still not confirmed his interest in the position but told The Royal Gazette last night he would "not dismiss the idea''.

Mr. Kawaley, who has links with the PLP, added: "I have no idea what the Opposition's plans are and no idea what the Government's plans are -- or which option may or may not be suitable.

"But who the main contenders are depends on a variety of factors, like whether or not it is intended that there should be a political appointment or a civil service appointment.

AG interviews delayed "The job is not something I am specifically pursuing. I'm quite happy doing what I am doing at the moment.'' The Royal Gazette revealed in July that Mr. Mottley, 57, accepted an extra $30,000 to stay on as Attorney General until the end of November. Government offered him the extra cash as a "gratuity'' because his $125,000-a-year salary is fixed.

Mr. Mottley was originally due to leave at the end of June. His decision to stay has earned him an extra $5,000 a month.

At the time, legal insiders began accusing Government of trying to delay a decision on a new Attorney General until after the General Election.

But a Government spokesman said: "The gratuity which is being paid to Mr.

Mottley is to compensate him for the disadvantage to which he has been put by agreeing to stay on in Bermuda until later this year.

"It is the second time he has extended his contract at the Government's request. On this occasion, the request was made because he knows Bermuda's law, and especially election law, intimately.'' POLITICS PTL