The Nationalist Party administrative committee is urging Adrian Delia to reconsider his position as a candidate for the leadership of the party.

In a statement this evening, the committee said that it had discussed the report that was drawn up by the Ethics Committee set up last Monday after allegations regarding the candidate.

The committee said it is publishing the whole report for all voters to inform themselves before casting their preference.

The committee, presided by Karol Aquilina, considered that any doubt or shadow on the integrity of a person aspiring to contest for the leadership can compromise that person and also the party.

The Ethics Committee remarked that any person running the party must be beyond any reproach or suspicion.

The Ethics Committee found no doubts on the candidatures of Alex Perici Calascione, Frank Portelli and Chris Said.

On the other hand, the Ethics Committee “while appreciating the limitations, including the professional secrecy Delia is bound with as a lawyer, deems that there are other pending aspects that are not yet verified, and that Delia did not explain an account at the Barclays International Jersey Bank allegedly in his name, the scope and use of this account and the legality of the provenance of the funds.”

The Ethics Committee had also verified that on 1 July 2003 the British police had raided the property of Healey Properties that was sublet to third parties. Delia and Chris Cardona were directors of this company. The raid exposed the fact that the place was being used by third parties for prostitution, with Delia and Cardona resigning from the company in December of the same year.

After discussing the report, the Administrative committee said it was accepting it and making these recommendations:

The election should continue as scheduled;

It would be wise for Delia, of his own accord, to reconsider his position as a candidate;

Has full confidence in the councillors and members who will vote to elect a leader in the best interests of the party.

Ethics Committee report

Annex 1

Annex 2

Annex 3

Annex 4