By Owain Johnston-Barnes and Jonathan Bell

Mark Pettingill has quit his post as Attorney General and the Minister of Legal Affairs.

The decision comes despite his repeated insistence that he had done nothing wrong in the Jetgate saga.

It has been widely reported that Mr Pettingill was offered, and has accepted, a position at Clarien Bank.

Mr Pettingill confirmed last night that his decision “pertained to my future employment”, adding: “It’s entirely my choice. It has absolutely nothing to do with any kind of wrongdoing.”

Asked what prompted him to step down after affirming earlier in the week that he would remain as AG, he said: “There was the stark reality of wanting to take on something new and exciting, and then thinking about trying to juggle that with the job, my constituency, my young children.

“It’s hasn’t been easy to spend as much time as I would like to on my constituency. Something had to give.”

He maintained that he’d broken no rules in the so-called Jetgate affair.

“I stand on the fact that when you look at the code of conduct, in the circumstances, it was valid and acceptable,” he said.

Mr Pettingill has been replaced by Trevor Moniz, who was sworn in as Government’s top legal adviser yesterday afternoon by Governor George Fergusson.

Premier Michael Dunkley said Mr Moniz would remain Health Minister until next Tuesday, when One Bermuda Alliance backbencher Jeanne Atherden takes over the post.

“This morning I was approached by the Attorney General, Mark Pettingill, and he offered his resignation because he would be picking up an opportunity in the private sector. We had a discussion about what he has done, and where he will go, and I reluctantly accepted his resignation,” said Mr Dunkley, yesterday.

“Let me take a moment to thank the former AG for the work that he has done. I don’t think people realise until you fill that role just the magnitude of what has to be done. Mr Pettingill has trumpeted some very important legislation through Chambers, and into Cabinet, over the last 18 months, and needs to be thanked. He has put us in a good position to go forward.

“While I’m disappointed to lose a person of quality in Mark Pettingill, he is committed to the backbench, and to the work of the Government, and supporting not only the Government but the new Attorney General.”

Mr Dunkley stated that he was surprised by Mr Pettingill’s resignation, but supported his decision, explaining that he, and the MP, had previously spoken about his future. And he called Mr Moniz “aptly qualified” to hold his new positions, wishing him the best of luck.

While the announcement came fast on the heels of the resignation of former Premier Craig Cannonier, Mr Dunkley stressed that Mr Pettingill’s resignation had nothing to do with the Jetgate controversy that has troubled the current administration.

And he said Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell’s position within the OBA Government is secure, praising the MP for his efforts over the past 17 months.

“The Opposition clearly wanted both Mr Pettingill and Mr Crockwell to go and, I’ll tell you clearly that I’m not dancing to their drum,” he said.

“Mr Crockwell’s position is secure. I have tremendous confidence in what he has done, and just look at what he has done.

“He was castigated about the Tourism Authority, and he’s managed to table that legislation, get it passed and it is up and running with quality people at the helm. And on Friday he has an exciting announcement.”

Mr Moniz himself thanked Mr Dunkley for his confidence, adding: “I have said to him I will always do my best to fulfil that confidence for the people.”

Following the swearing in, he told The Royal Gazette the new position is a challenge he is looking forward to.

“It’s daunting, but I feel I’m well prepared for it,” he said. “It’s always of interest for a lawyer to serve this position.”

Asked if he was surprised by Mr Pettingill’s resignation, he said: “The last week has been a challenging week, but you hold yourself ready for these positions.”

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Marc Bean called the resignation “a necessary step” but remained unappeased by the move, calling for Mr Crockwell to step down. Mr Bean said Mr Dunkley was under an obligation to fire Mr Crockwell.