GSD questions McGrail inquiry delay

The GSD has questioned why no judge has yet been appointed for the public inquiry into the early retirement of former Commissioner of Police, Ian McGrail.

The party said the inquiry was promised in July and it has now been a year since Mr McGrail left his post, two years ahead of schedule.

Leader of the Opposition Keith Azopardi said that this raises serious questions that go to the root of the independence of local institutions and democratic checks and balances.

“We need to have confidence that lines are not crossed by Ministers and the independence of the police is preserved,” Mr Azopardi said.

“Whatever happened needs to be examined so the truth can come out in the public interest.”

“The Inquiry cannot proceed if a Judge is not appointed.”

“Further delay on even appointing a Judge raises questions in itself as to whether it is inconvenient for the Government to proceed quickly with this Inquiry.”

Mr Azopardi added that, in the interests of democracy and good governance, the GSD would not be going to let this issue lie.

“The Inquiry Chairman should be appointed and allowed to do its work by the Government,” he said.

“We call on the Chief Minister to abide by his promise to convene an Inquiry.”

“He said it would be appointed in weeks and his failure to do so puts him in blatant breach of his commitment. Why is it that a year later it has still not been appointed?”