Trading in influence

It is not easy to draw a parallel between accusations, especially when the PN seems to use different weights and measures for different persons. Recently, an accusation against the Nationalist Party general secretary Paul Borg Olivier and the accusations against ex-EU Commissioner John Dalli were treated with completely opposite reactions by the PN.

John Dalli’s resignation as an EU Commissioner was based on circumstantial evidence, as explained in a statement by the OLAF director-general Giovanni Kessler. The report was scrutinised by the Attorney General and handed over to the Police. According to David Casa, the PN will not take a stand pending the outcome of the police investigation. Rightly so, but one must bear in mind that the ex-Nationalist Minister resigned pending clarification or otherwise of the circumstantial evidence.

Paul Borg Olivier’s case is the complete opposite. The evidence given, in court and under oath, by ex-Nationalist Mayor Nikki Dimech, clearly accuses the PN Secretary of meddling in government affairs and of influencing the award of a contract, paid for by government funds. Yet, the Nationalist party secretary seems to have side-tracked this sworn statement.

Whereas, the outcome of the alleged trading in influence in the Dalli case, did not effectively favour the company in question; the trading in influence of Paul Borg Olivier bore the desired fruit as the company which he is accused of favouring, was eventually given the contract. 

Lawrence Gonzi has, on several occasions proved that to him, the PN comes before the country. Gonzi made the country wait for the result of his one horse race and he is again making the country wait for the result of a party deputy leader, before the presentation of the budget. Through the continued backing of the actions of the PN secretary, Gonzi is allowing his party to dictate matters on administrative government matters. The Prime Minister and Leader of the PN cannot distinguish between the two roles.

The accusation of the ex-Sliema mayor is a serious one and it seems that Paul Borg Olivier has not issued any denial. It is the duty of the police to investigate trading in influence, be it on a national or international scale. Any decision taken by people out of government, for the government; should be investigated and acted upon without delay.