Government accuses former Principal Auditor of political bias on Public Accounts Committee

The Government has reacted to the former Principal Auditor's call for a Public Accounts Committee saying the fact that there are such opposing political views, is further illustration of how biased his report is.

It adds that in choosing to take that approach, Tony Sacramento has ignored the democratically expressed view of the People of Gibraltar, given it was a live issue at the last election.

The Government states the position taken by the former Principal Auditor is to agree with the GSD Opposition, almost in identical terms, and thereby make his office, whilst he held it, partisan and lacking in objective independence.

The Chief Minister, notes he has sought, and won, the support of the Gibraltar electorate for a policy on a Public Accounts Committee on four separate occasions.

Fabian Picardo reiterates the role of the Principal Auditor is to audit the public accounts of Gibraltar independently and not, on any interpretation, give his opinion on what policies the Government should or should not adopt.

He claims this illustrates the former Principal Auditor's party-political bias to an unprecedented degree and shows the report is intended as no more and no less than a hatchet job on him and his Government.

Mr Picardo states the sensationalist and tabloid nature of the errors and bias the report reflects has already led to death threats against him. He adds, he will, ensure to point out every material error and instance of bias so the public can make a full and informed judgement, in due course, of the value of relying on any aspect of it.