Policing should be separate from ‘political interference’, TG says

Management of the Royal Gibraltar Police should be kept as far as possible from “political interference” and “public pressure”, Together Gibraltar said.

The statement follows the early retirement of former police commissioner Ian McGrail, which was subject to parliamentary questions earlier this week.

Independent MP Marlene Hassan Nahon found last Monday’s parliamentary exchange on this matter “far from satisfactory, leaving more questions than answers.”

“Crucially, it remains unexplained why Mr McGrail would be ‘invited’ to retire if his actions would have landed him with a suspension had he chosen to remain in his post,” she said in a statement.

“As unfortunate as it is that this incident has spilled over to the public and the media in the way it has, Together Gibraltar believes that at this stage there are many questions which are in the public interest and must not remain unanswered.”

“It is for this reason that the party urges Government to undergo a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the events that led to the ex-commissioner’s resignation.”

The press statement added that Together Gibraltar has been closely watching developments.

The party said it has tried to “steer clear from unnecessary controversy” and hopes that any questions would be addressed in Parliament and via the proper channels.

It also believes that Mr McGrail was entitled to personal space and respect amidst “so much speculation.”