Nov 25 - Picardo Clarifies Bossano's Alleged Remarks To GGCA

The GSLP-Liberal Alliance notes the call for clarification from the GGCA in respect of the illicit recording of Joe Bossano. The Alliance claims that this took place over a weekend conversation with Gareth Gingell.

A spokesman for the Alliance said: "Mr Gingell was highly disparaging of Mr Feetham and the GSD during the course of the conversation in question. That part of the recording has not been released.

"Mr Bossano’s comments are taken completely out of context and have been doctored. Mr Bossano has been unfairly edited for pernicious party political purposes.

"The GSLP-Liberals have huge respect for the Civil Service and Mr Bossano has long stated publically that the Civil Service is able to control expenditure very efficiently and effectively. The Minister for the Civil Service for the past four years has been the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC, who has enjoyed a strong relationship with all Civil Servants that he has had the pleasure of working with."

Fabian Picardo, leader of the GSLP-Liberal Alliance, said: “I am writing to the GGCA to clarify these comments directly and the highly partisan nature of this covert recording being made public now. I am a fan of the Civil Service and do not criticise them as the GSD leader, Mr Feetham, repeatedly does, constantly suggesting they are responsible for overspending.

"In the GSD campaign Mr Feetham has referred to the Civil Service being bloated. He has said he will cut the number of Civil Servants. I do not agree with his blatant, repeated attacks on the Civil Service. Our manifesto praises the work of the Civil Service and commits us to a number of policies designed to see it prosper. I will continue to look after the interests of all civil servants as I have in the time I have been in office if I am re-elected on Friday morning. We have already delivered the new working hours and other protections for civil servants, and we will continue to do so.

"No doubt, the GGCA will also be asking Mr Feetham to clarify his remarks which so undermine the good work done by Gibraltar’s Civil Service. I sincerely regret and apologise if any one has been offended by the tone and tenor of the remarks in what is an edited recording of a private conversation.” 

Editor's Note: Mr Gingell has since strongly denied these allegations in this statement: http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/politics/10640-nov-25-gingell-rejects-gslp-claim-that-he-covertly-recorded-bossano

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