PN expects the highest ethical, moral standards

The decision taken by the Nationalist Party Administration to dismiss Nikki Dimech is final. Mr Dimech informed the Nationalist Party that he declared in a statement to the police that he solicited a bribe in a tender process.

He also made other declarations of grave political incorrectness rendering his position within the party no longer tenable. After failing to turn up before the party, Mr Dimech was dismissed by the administration of the PN. The administration of the Nationalist Party includes the party leader Lawrence Gonzi and the deputy leader Tonio Borg. The administration agreed to the immediate dismissal of Mr Dimech by the party.

Notwithstanding the impression given by Mr Dimech in various interviews, that a meeting is expected next week between the Sliema mayor and Dr Gonzi, the Nationalist Party denies this allegation and can confirm that there is no meeting set between the dismissed mayor and the party leader.

The party reiterates that the decision taken against Mr Dimech is final and was taken in the best interest of the Sliema community as it cannot have on its list members or councillors who fail to act with the highest moral standards.

The Nationalist Party is still expecting Mr Dimech to resign from the position of mayor and councillor on the basis of his grave statements of political incorrectness, and will present a motion of no confidence should he fail to resign from the post.

Mr Dimech also claimed that he will run for the general election with the Nationalist Party in the coming election. In an interview given in the Sunday Times, he seems to trade his position as mayor with his candidacy for the general election when it was reported that “despite his problems within the party, Mr Dimech is adamant that he will either be contesting the general election with the PN or staying on as an independent mayor”. This statement is incorrect. Irrespective of one’s intention, wish or self-belief to contest, it is only the party that will consider and accept a candidate to the general election. Mr Dimech was never considered or approved by the Nationalist Party as a candidate for the general election.

In the interviews, Mr Dimech has exposed himself and the reporting media to possible libellous actions when he alleged a “frame-up” and “organised attempts” by the secretary general of the Nationalist Party and collusion between Dr Borg Olivier and the police.

It was Mr Dimech himself who informed the secretary general by e-mail that he would be interrogated by the police. It was for that purpose that the secretary general made contact with Mr Dimech late afternoon of the same day. For this purpose any allegation of conspiracy is nothing but a libellous stroke of fiction.

Mr Dimech further alleged that Dr Borg Olivier intends to contest the next general election on the 10th district – Dr Borg Olivier has declared his position more than once, that he would not contest the general election during his tenure as secretary general to keep focus in the interest of the party. His stance was reaffirmed in the recent casual election to the seat previously occupied by Speaker Michael Frendo.

The Nationalist Party strongly reiterates that it expects the highest ethical and moral standards at all times by all councillors and will take action against any of its defaulting members. Mr Dimech is no different.