
If the proposed Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards were installed at the beginning of this legislature rather than at the end as proposed by Minister Tonio Borg, the PN Parliamentary Group would be decimated. Among those axed there would be Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, and MPs Stephen Spiteri, Charlo’ Bonnici and David Agius.
Minister Fenech would have certainly failed the test after he flew on a private jet with two tycoons to watch Arsenal playing, the shady sale of the Jerma Palace Hotel and the works on his private residence.
The Parliamentary Commissioner would have certainly nailed Charlo Bonnici for his clear conflict of interest because he is employed with one of Zaren Vassallo’s companies.
Stephen Spiteri did not present his annual private accounts which every MP should do each the year.
And what about the bad example in ethics set by David Agius who was caught copying during a university exam when he was already serving as an MP?
Labour MP George Vella years ago had proposed the creation a similar official to one proposed in the white paper but Labour’s proposal was swept away like many others.
It’s only now that the PN has dreamt of the enforcement of ethical behaviour on MPs, at the end of the turbulent legislature, in most probably what constitutes a vain and last ditch attempt to rein in Franco Debono.
BETTER FUTURE
- Tue 18-Sep-2012, 09:29It would be up to Labour to correct matters immediately on re-election. I believe the involvement of Franco Debono (in a professional capacity) would be useful in taking on this massive task. That would be the proof of Joseph Muscat's pudding, the first year in office. It is way too late for the present lot. The fact that they are acting now, at the very end, gives the game away. They certainly want to have things done properly, but not on their watch!