Nothing wrong in tax declarations - Sant

Labour leader Alfred Sant said yesterday that he found nothing wrong in the tax declarations presented by Mirca Properties Ltd, a company owned by Labour deputy leader Charles Mangion and former Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella.

Responding to allegations by Nationalist candidate Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando last week, accusing the two candidates of false declarations over income derived from rented property for several years, Dr Sant said he had found nothing awry.

"I have seen all the documents presented about this case and the company mentioned paid all its dues to the satisfaction of the Inland Revenue Department," he said during a televised press conference at the party headquarters in Ħamrun.

The two Labour candidates on Sunday filed a libel suit over these allegations.

The press conference was dominated by a raft of tough questions to the Labour leader.

Asked to explain how he represents a new beginning after 16 years leading the party, Dr Sant said he does not want to look at the past. The party is prepared to govern and has clear ideas, he maintained. Dr Sant was also asked if he found anything untoward in the fact that MLP deputy leader Michael Falzon last week lunched with building contractor Charles Polidano, known as Iċ-Ċaqnu, at Le Meridien Hotel, only 12 hours after criticising a development permit issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to Mr Polidano.

"Nothing wrong in this... I hope it was a good meal," he replied with a smile. Dr Sant said a Labour government would not tolerate any form of corruption and asked the Prime Minister whether he was going to refer the Pullicino Orlando case to the Police Commissioner.

If he were Prime Minister, he added, he would have investigated the matter himself and taken the necessary action.

Dr Sant reiterated that his party in government would give a new start to the island by boosting the economy and assuring good governance and transparency. A Labour government would introduce measures to control inflation including the presentation of a report to Parliament by the Competition Authority every six months.