Government is considering its options regarding the recent reappointment of a non-Bermudian as the Director of Public Prosecutions despite a panel ruling a Bermudian candidate was qualified.

Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, Premier Craig Cannonier said: “We have serious concerns about this appointment. We believe that a qualified Bermudian was identified, we believe a qualified Bermudan did apply and we believe a qualified Bermudian should have the job.”

Governor George Fergusson announced on Monday that current DPP Rory Field will remain in the post for another year. Mr Field was first appointed in September 2007 and reappointed in 2010 with the intention, according to a Government House spokesperson, that he would be succeeded by a Bermudian, if possible.

A panel chaired by Deputy Governor David Arkley reportedly determined that a Bermudian candidate was qualified for the appointment, subject to a transitional period, but Monday’s announcement stated that subsequent developments left the appointment “untenable”.

Mr Cannonier told the House that he was particularly concerned by the press release and contacted the Governor about the appointment.

“The untenable wording was very concerning to us, especially myself,” he said. “I brought it to the attention of the Governor to clarify himself when he said ‘untenable’.”

Mr Cannonier said he was unsatisfied with the Governor’s explanation as to why the appointment would be untenable, but said the conversation was in confidence, and he did not believe the information should be released to the public at this time.

“I am still under review, seeking advice, but we are looking for an opportunity to see how we will deal with this decision,” he said.