STAND by for an announcement around Chinese New Year that will usher in celebrations of a different type. For that is when Attorney-General Jeremy Mathews - described by one wag as the only man who, when he walks into a room, gives the feeling someone has just left - will be localised. His management-initiated early retirement will occur amid much rejoicing in lawyers' offices across the territory, says our spy. Most likely successor? Solicitor General Daniel Fung, QC, better known by his nicknames of Fungus and Prince of Denmark. Finding a capable A-G has proved almost as difficult as tracking down Warwick Reid's millions.

'You broadcast loudly: 'Hands up anyone who can read, write, breathe, is Chinese and wants to be A-G',' said our spy. 'But some of the people considered didn't even qualify under that broad description.' Although relatively green, Fungus is rated highly. Mathews departs without a nickname. 'He didn't have the charisma to earn one.'