The Nationalist Party has challenged the government to extend investigations in Gozo beyond 9 March 2013.
A few weeks ago, former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono, denied allegations that her husband had hired contractors to carry out free works for a number of her constituents, which were paid for by ministry funds and an investigation has now started.
Addressing a press conference this morning, PN’s General Secretary Chris Said said that in cases of such allegations, investigations should be carried out; however he insisted that investigations should not stop at the day the administration changed. The general secretary hinted that the government is paying for works at a private restaurant in Marsalforn, but stopped short at giving details.
He added that the PN is aware of who the whistleblower in the case is, and admitted that the contractor had spoken to both him and Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil about payments he was still to receive for works he carried out in Gozo. Works include a a five-a-side football pitch, a football pitch in Gharb and a pedestal for a statue.
Asked whether his relatives have carried out some work for the ministry of Gozo during Nationalist Administration, Dr Said replied ‘definitely not.’, saying that they have been questioned by the police in a ‘disgusting’ manner.
He said that the Labour government has a habit of using such allegations when in trouble itself, noting that the allegations against the former Gozo minister were made public at the time the Auditor General had just slammed the government for its lack of transparency in the Café Premier and SOCAR agreement case.
Dr Said reminded the press that months ago, energy minister Konrad Mizzi had made allegations against former minister George Pullicino, but up till today, the police have not even questioned Mr Pullicino.
PL reacts
In a statment, the Labour Party asked Dr Busuttil to specify when he met up with the whistleblower, and questioned why the PN failed to file a police report when they knew what was going on.
The PL said that it is ironic that Dr Busuttil stresses on the importance of honest politics, when he failed to make such a report.
The party noted that there is more than one whistleblower making such allegations against the former Gozo minister.