An adjudicator on the Small Claims Tribunal who angered the Nationalist Party with “partisan” comments on the social media yesterday gave a rather cryptic reply when contacted by this newspaper.  

Shadow Minister for Justice, Jason Azzopardi raised the issue in Parliament, claiming that the comments put the adjudicator’s impartiality into question. Claiming that the Chamber of Advocates has been inundated with complaints, Dr Azzopardi demanded action.

Speaking to The Malta Independent yesterday, Dr Bonello simply stated that “everybody should shoulder their own responsibility” (kulhadd jassumi r-responsabbiltajiet tieghu).  Pressed for further commentary or reactions on the matter, Dr Bonello said that he does not feel it is appropriate for him to speak out in view of the issue being brought to the attention of Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri.

The social media posts always followed the same pattern: a link to a news item, with accompanying commentary. Examples include a link to a news item showing PN candidate Salvu Mallia standing alone outside of Castille (Office of the Prime Minister) with the headline “I’m on a mission like Jesus, Ghandi, Che Gevuara...,” with the comment by Dr Bonello: “When realising the state the PN has gotten itself into, one wells up with tears.”

In another example, the lawyer commented on a news item about the PN: “Interesting article. The commentary of Simon Busuttil confirms that within the PN there is no scope for discussion”.

In Parliament, Dr Azzopardi presented screenshots of Dr Bonello’s comments, saying that the shots had ridiculed PN Executive Ann Fenech, a PN MEP, PN Leader Simon Busuttil and the PN at large.

"He has a right to his own political opinion. Even if he were to have a point in what he said that would not be the issue, as it is not on to have an adjudicator, appointed by the President of the Republic to administer justice and at the same time, involve themselves in partisan political comments. He cannot remain impartial", Dr Azzopardi had said.

Dr Bonello has a long history with the PN, with which he has since disassociating himself, namely as a member of the youth section of the PN (MZPN) and as a member of the PN executive (International Sectretary). His brother, Charles Bonello, is a PN councillor in Fgura and was the personal assistant of former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. He ia also a general election candidate.