Sliema mayor questioned by internal audit dept.

Sliema mayor Nikki Dimech today faces further questions by the Internal Audit and Investigations Department following a 90-minute grilling session yesterday.

Sources said that during yesterday’s meeting, the IAID asked Mr Dimech about various payments the council had issued between February and April, as well as about contracts and tenders issued earlier this year.

One particular project being investigated is the extension of a tender to install fairy lights on every tree along the Sliema promenade, an idea spawned by Mr Dimech.

Sources said the young mayor was not the only personto appear before the investigators.

The department, which falls under the Prime Minister’s Office, has for several months been conducting an inquiry into the alleged lack of observance of financial regulations.

Mr Dimech is currently the talk of Sliema, a Nationalist Party stronghold. He is hanging on to his post of mayor despite being dismissed from the party he represented at the last local council election and during the previous three years as a councillor.

He was given the boot after refusing to resign follow-ing his admission to the police that he solicited a bribe during a tender process – an admission he has since withdrawn.

Mr Dimech insists he is being framed and wants to be given a “fair trial” by the party.