learned.

A Government spokeswoman said yesterday that the job of Solicitor General was offered to a Canadian and "if all goes well'' the person could start in the New Year.

The spokeswoman declined to name the successful applicant as the post had not been accepted yet. As soon as it was, an announcement would be made, she added.

The Attorney General's Chambers has been without a Solicitor General since last spring when Barrie Meade retired.

Earlier this month a Government spokeswoman reported that the second-highest law officer in the Country would be named within the next few weeks.

Nearly 80 applications for the $98,000 job were received, 74 of them from overseas.

Local support has been thrown behind Supreme Court Registrar Charles-Etta Simmons, who filled the position temporarily between April 7 and May 31, by Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister Lois Browne Evans.

Mrs. Browne Evans, herself a lawyer and the first female leader of a political party, stressed that Ms Simmons should not be overlooked and that a Bermudian should get the job.