Minister for Heritage Contradicts Heritage Trust
In arrogantly dismissing the GSD’s concerns regarding the recent award of the Northern Defences contract, the Minister for Heritage flatly contradicts the Heritage Trust.
The Minister is on record stating that the “panel of experts” reviewing the applications included the Trust; however, in its statement today, the Trust itself has clarified that it was “not on the tender panel.” The Minister needs to clarify what the true position is.
The inescapable fact is that under this Government, there are absolutely no checks and balances in place to properly address the current circumstances. One of the applicants for a contract worth millions of pounds was also one of the election agents of the governing party. This fact alone should have prompted the Government to implement extra safeguards by providing levels of transparency, allowing the public to reach its own judgment rather than relying solely on the Minister’s word.
Damon Bossino stated: “What can be gleaned from this Minister’s defense of this award is that he and the Government are totally desensitized to the potential for conflict and traffic of influence. That in itself should be a cause for concern for us all.”
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