State Deparment ruled he should serve for three years, it was revealed yesterday.

The move ends speculation over Mr. Farmer's future following President Bill Clinton's re-election and it is expected a replacement could be named within a month.

"I have made a lot of friends in Bermuda. I love the people and I love the Island and I hope to be able to return on a regular basis,'' said Mr. Farmer.

Last night Premier David Saul and Progressive Labour Party Leader Jennifer Smith paid tribute to Mr. Farmer and wished him well in the future.

Dr. Saul said: "He has done a good job while he has been here and has worked in the general community.

"We have found him to be very helpful in the negotiations with the US over the base lands and his connections have been very useful. We wish him all the best for the future.'' Ms Smith added: "We shall miss him. I think that in this posting he went to great lengths to establish himself as a friend to all political parties and that was greatly appreciated.'' Mr. Farmer yesterday revealed to The Royal Gazette that he would be leaving Bermuda in August.

"I received a cable stating that the political appointees would be treated the same as career State Department personnel and would be returning home after their three-year service was completed.

"My three years of service will be completed on August 24 this year,'' said Mr. Farmer.

He is one of 37 political appointments who were told they would be recalled after three years and according to Mr. Farmer no-one has yet been offered another posting.

"If I were offered another interesting country I would consider it, but the future is up in the air.'' It is thought that a successor could be named within the next month and already people have applied for the posting.

"To my way of thinking it is one of the best jobs in the US Government,'' added the Consul General.

Mr. Farmer was appointed by President Clinton in 1994 after raising $60 million as the treasurer of Mr. Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign.

His appointment ended an 18-month stint without a permanent US Consul General in Bermuda as acting Consuls General served since Republican appointee Ebersole Gaines left the Island early in 1993.

"I tell people that Bermuda is a sophisticated, elegant and well educated society and a good example of what a bi-racial society can be. It is a beautiful Island.

"It has been very exciting for me to be part of the community, to get to meet so many people from all walks of life,'' said Mr. Farmer.

"I have tried to make sure that the warm relationship of the last several hundred years has continued.

"I have enjoyed working with former Premier Sir John Swan and the Premier David Saul and I have made friends in both political parties.'' ROBERT FARMER -- Three-year stint in Bermuda ends in August.