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James Debono
Dr Ian Spiteri Bailey – a Nationalist Party candidate for the European elections and the government’s nominee on the employment commission – denied any conflict of interest after being appointed chairman of the MEPA appeals board that will decide the fate of the controversial Sant’ Antnin recycling plant in Marsascala.
Spiteri Bailey was appointed chairman of one of the MEPA’s two appeals boards by the President of the Republic on the advice of Environment Minister George Pullicino on 20 November 2006. The other board members are architects Saviour Borg and Jacques Borg Barthet.
Despite a pending appeals case against the outline application, MEPA has already issued a full development permit for the plant. But ultimately, the decision whether or not to revoke this permit now lies in the hands of the MEPA Appeals Board chaired by Dr Spiteri Bailey.
The Kumitat Kontra l-Impjant tar-Riciklagg are questioning the impartiality of Spiteri Bailey because of his prominent role in a political party which openly supports the government decision to upgrade and enlarge the Sant Antnin Plant.
Contacted by MaltaToday, Spiteri Bailey refused to comment on the merits of the case citing respect for his “quasi-judicial” role. But he clarified that he is no longer involved in the Nationalist Party, and does not intend to put himself forward as a candidate in the forthcoming elections.
He also denied having any role in the Nationalist Party’s electoral office, as alleged by Dr John Attard Montalto in an article published in L-Orizzont on April 5.
At present, Spiteri Bailey is also one of the two government nominees on the Employment Commission. The other two members of the commission were nominated by the Labour opposition.
“This is a quasi-judicial role and I have always acted in full independence,” he said.
Despite his past role in the party and the trust he enjoys in government circles, Spiteri Bailey has not refrained from criticising the government following his candidature in the European elections.
Speaking to MaltaToday in December 2004, he openly challenged Prime Minister’s Lawrence Gonzi’s budget measure on public holidays as “morally and legally wrong.”
Recently interviewed by One TV, Spiteri Bailey also criticised the way a tender to clean the law courts was awarded to the family of a convicted criminal.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt |
