Attorney General Larry Mussenden is probing discontent in the Department of Public Prosecutions after a delegation of lawyers complained to him about boss Vinette Graham-Allen.

The Royal Gazette understands gripes about the Director of Public Prosecution's (DPP) management style include not appreciating the hard work of staff toiling in the understaffed department as well as allegations of favouritism.

However she received some support from a department source who said it was just like any other lawyers' office with rampant egos regularly clashing amid shifting alliances.

The source added that some lawyers were taking a long time to reach the necessary maturity levels to progress.

Senator Mussenden told The Royal Gazette more needed to be done on promoting local talent ready to take over when Ms Graham-Allen leaves in April 2007.

"I am not happy with succession planning. There doesn't appear to be a Bermudian to take over when she leaves.

"We need to get more Bermudians into the office and move them into more senior positions."

The department often sees talented locals leave for more lucrative careers in private practice but Senator Mussenden said: "There are some people who actually like to prosecute.

"For those people who wish to make prosecuting their career we should set up such an environment where they will see progress and will take the senior posts."

He noted the departure of Bermudian senior prosecutor Juan Wolffe to a post on the Magistrate's bench, along with former DPP Khamisi Tokunbo, another local.

"It is possible people could come back, even as DPP."

Asked about the recent ructions he said: "A delegation came and it was a mixture of staff and while I think it would be inappropriate to discuss them it's fair to say they have some concerns about the management. "There were quite a few people.

"I intend to address it in the appropriate way. I take it very seriously because it is a vital part of our justice system. It has to work."

He said a positive working environment was needed. "At this point there seems to be a lot of unhappiness."

Asked if it was solvable under the current leadership he said it was a matter for the Governor who appoints the DPP.

As Attorney General Senator Mussenden is responsible for the administration of the department.

Bermuda Public Services Union leader Ed Ball said the union had been dealing with a number of barristers in the departments and meetings had been held with the DPP.

But talks have been suspended now she is in the midst of the twins murder trial.

Mr. Ball said: "The concerns which prompted the meeting with the Attorney General must have been so urgent that we were not privy first hand to the information."

The Royal Gazette was unable to reach Ms Graham-Allen for comment.