Updated | De Marco denies having ‘direct interest’ in Times of Malta

PN deputy leader Mario de Marco has today denied having a “direct interest” in the Times of Malta, refuting earlier claims made by the Labour Party.

Earlier, in a statement the Labour Party asked whether de Marco – whom it described as having a “direct interest” in the Times of Malta – had been questioned over the allegations levelled against Adrian Hillman, managing director of Allied Newspapers.

Hillman, who is known to have a close relationship with the PN deputy leader, was alleged by Malta Independent columnist Daphne Caruana Galizia to have received “backhanders and kickbacks for years on purchases made by the Allied Group of Companies” from Kasco Group, the business of Keith Schembri. 

Schembri, the OPM’s chief of staff. has refuted the claims while Hillman is on leave pending an inquiry.

“Has Simon Busuttil talked to his deputy leader over these allegations? Has Busuttil questioned de Marco on whether there are facts on him which are going around and which, despite not relating to these allegations are nevertheless related to his role as deputy leader?” the Labour Party said.

The PL also said that if Simon Busuttil was aware of these facts, he should refer to the steps that he will be taking against his deputy leader.

However, in a statement published later on Saturday, de Marco insisted that contrary to the Labour Party’s claims, he does not have a direct interest in the Times of Malta, and that it would be better if the questions raised by the Labour Party were directed to the prime minister and Keith Schembri.

The PN deputy leader said he is not a director of Allied Newspapers Limited or its subsidiary companies, and has no executive role in these companies and he is neither a shareholder.

“I serve as one of five members of the administrative council of the Strickland Foundation, which has a public function and shareholder in Allied Newspapers. The Guide de Marco & Associates law firm of which I form part is one of the firms which gives legal advice to the group,” he said.

De Marco also said that he has no executive role in managerial or editorial decisions taken by Allied Newspapers and The Times of Malta.

De Marco held that as a member of the Strickland Foundation Administrative council and as a citizen who believes in the fundamental right of expression, he had every interest to ensure that the independence and credibility of the Times remains respected and safeguarded.

But in a subsequent brief reaction, the Labour Party said de Marco will have a lot to answer for. It did not elaborate further.