Hassans calls on GSD to withdraw criticism & engage with substance of the bill

Hassans International Law Firm has entered the political row over the appointment of Daniel Greenberg, describing Keith Azopardi's comments "disappointing' and has called on the GSD Leader to withdraw his criticism.

Hassans has accused the GSD Leader of "publicly attacking" Daniel Greenberg solely on the basis that he has previously been instructed by the firm.

It points out that the UK lawyer was appointed by the Government to draft the Conflict of Interest Bill, and not by the firm itself, arguing there is “no legal or political substance” to claims of a conflict of interest.

But the statement by Hassans also takes aim at Opposition Leader, Keith Azopardi personally. 

It says Mr Azopardi is not a disinterested observer - describing him as a senior partner at rival law firm TSN, adding this raises the obvious question of whether his stance was political opposition or competitive positioning. 

Hassans highlights that TSN has received instructions from both current and former governments, observing that Mr Azopardi himself has no difficulty in accepting work from the Government yet takes public issue when others do the same.

It says there are other contradictions such as the fact that Mr Azopardi has previously worked at Hassans and has accepted substantial conflict referral work from the firm over many years.

It also points out the GSD recently moved to grant life membership to former party leader Daniel Feetham, who is currently a partner at Hassans.

The firm accuses Mr Azopardi of being inconsistent, and of using his political platform to undermine a competitor.

Hassans calls on the Opposition Leader to withdraw his criticism and to engage with the substance of the bill, rather than make pointed, unfair and unfounded attacks.