There can be no shadow of a doubt on PN leader’s integrity, Ethics Committee says in report

‘Party should have made criteria clearer’ – Ethics Committee report

The Ethics Committee commissioned by the Administrative Council of the Nationalist Party has clearly stated that the ideal candidate for PN leader cannot be surrounded by serious doubts or suspicions on his personal integrity and honesty.

The committee published the report on the PN leadership candidates on Wednesday evening, ahead of yet another lengthy administrative council meeting which ruled that controversial candidate Adrian Delia should reconsider his candidacy following the serious allegations surrounding him.

The eight-page report tried to identify what makes an ‘ideal candidate’ for a PN leader. It said that the candidate might have various leadership skills, but they would be useless if the person in question is not integral and honest. “Everything would be built on sand if the candidate is not worthy of such role.”

“Besides possessing the skills, intelligence, attitude and character to be an effective leader, the candidate should be over and above any suspicions or doubt on his integrity and personal honesty,” the report said.

The committee met with the four candidates together with the party’s general secretary, Rosette Thake, and the president of the Electoral Commission, Joe Borg. The report, signed by Louis Galea, Karol Aquilina, Joseph Cassar, Maryanne Lauri and Franz Wirth, was satisfied by the explanations given by candidates Chris Said, Alex Perici Calascione and Frank Portelli, but on Adrian Delia, the committee ruled that there were serious doubts which needed to be addressed.

What did the report say about Portelli, Perici Calascione and Said?

On Chris Said, the report had little to observe. It mentioned the instance when Said had voluntarily stepped down as parliamentary secretary when allegations in court were levelled against him. Once cleared, Said returned to his post. The committee said it was satisfied with the explanations given.

Frank Portelli was questioned on his commercial activities, with special reference made to the St Philip’s Hospital. Portelli provided the necessary documentation proving that his assets are able to cover the debt faced by the hospital. It also found that according to recent estimates, the land in question exceeds the debt in question. The committee was satisfied by the explanations provided.

Alex Perici Calascione, who immediately went to the committee to explain the allegations made in an anonymous email sent to the committee, also proved to provide satisfactory explanations. The committee stated that it had actually met with Perici Calascione twice and he was questioned about his commercial interests as raised by the media. The letter in question was also sent to the media and mentions Perici Calascione’s connection, through marriage, with the Pisani family, shareholders of the Corinthia Group while other shareholders, according to the letter, are members of the Gaddafi family. The candidate has denied the allegations against him and the committee noted that the declaration of assets was satisfactory.

When asked about his possible conflict of interest when it comes to debate issues surrounding the Corinthia in light of his wife’s involvement in the company, Perici Calascione said that in the past, when the party had to discuss such matters, he abstained from participating in the debate or decision making. Once again, the committee was “satisfied with the explanations given.”

To Adrian Delia – who is battling very serious allegations revealed by journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia – the committee did not give two thumbs up as it did with the other candidates. While Delia came forward with documentation from clients to explain the allegations, he did fail to explain the “scope and use” of the Barclays bank account in Jersey.

“While the committee understands the legal limitations of Delia as a lawyer and the confidentiality with his clients that needs to be observed, there are other aspects which need to be verified. Delia has still not explained the alleged bank account in Jersey, the scope and use of this account, and the legality of the funds put into it.” When challenged on this, Delia denied the account even existed.

The committee also made reference to a report revealing how back in July 2003 British police had raided a property belonging to Healey Properties – a company of which Delia was director together with Chris Cardona, now Minister for the Economy. It later emerged that the property was being used for prostitution. Delia and Cardona resigned from their directorships later that same year.

“With regard to this last case, the committee feels that Delia should have informed the party beforehand, when he announced his candidacy on 17 July.” The committee also noted, however, that when informed of this case, Delia provided an explanation and committed to relinquishing himself from every shareholding and company ownership.

“The limited time allocated for this committee does not allow for a serene reflection and time for verification of the aspects in question that is needed for such an important role. Because of this, there are doubts which need to be resolved.”

The committee also commented on the nature of the allegations which are related to money laundering, prostitution and debt which could result in conflict of interest if the candidate is elected Leader of the Opposition. “The nature of such allegations is very serious.”

However, acknowledged its limitations. “It is not the committee’s scope to serve as an investigative body or to pass judgement based on collected evidence and facts.” It said it was not its duty to say if the law had been broken or not. “Even if it wanted to carry out an investigation, the committee does not possess the tools to do so.”

The damning report not only points the finger at Adrian Delia, but also criticizes the party for a lack of clear criteria. The committee said that for future elections, the party should establish clear criteria, be precise on the quality and qualifications of candidates, and ensure that sufficient time is given for due diligence to be carried out.

Following the report, the administrative council formally asked Delia to reconsider his bid. The candidate, however, has chosen to trudge on, saying that this was an attempt by ‘the Establishment’ to stop him.