The deputy leader of the Nationalist Party, Mario de Marco, today said he has no direct interest in the Times of Malta, contrary to what the Labour Party alleged earlier.

In a statement, Dr de Marco said that he is not a director of Allied Newspapers Limited or its subsidiary companies, and has no executive role in these companies. He said he is neither a shareholder.

He said he serves as one of five members of the administration council of The Strickland Foundation, which has a public function and is a shareholder in Allied Newspapers.

He added that the Guido de Marco and Associates law firm of which he forms part is one of the legal firms that gives legal advice to the group.

Dr de Marco said this shows he had no executive role in managerial or editorial decisions taken by Allied Newspapers and Times of Malta.

As a member of the Strickland Foundation Administrative council, which has as its objective the safeguarding of democracy and human rights in Malta, and as a citizen who believes in the fundamental right of expression, Dr de Marco said that he had every interest to see that the independence and credibility of Times of Malta remains respected and protected.

It would be better, Dr de Marco concluded, that the questions raised by the Labour Party are made to the Prime Minister and his chief of staff.

In a counter statement, the Labour Party said that Dr de Marco will have a lot to answer for. It did not elaborate.

The Labour Party had earlier asked whether PN leader Simon Busuttil had spoken to Dr de Marco on his interests in Times of Malta and Allied Group.

In an attempt to fight back against serious allegations made against chief of staff Keith Schembri, the PL asked whether Dr Busuttil would be taking any steps against Dr de Marco.

Mr Schembri is at the centre of a political controvery, together with Minister Konrad Mizzi, after they were caught opening up companies in Panama. The latest allegation involves claims that his company Kasco made secret payments to Times of Malta Managing Director Adrian Hillman, who is now on long leave pending the outcome of an investigation.