The reach of Hassans International Law Firm [Hassans] in local affairs extends further once again; Peter Montegriffo KC, a a long-standing past partner, and now consultant in that firm, has just been appointed Chairman of the Gibraltar Police Authority.
The appointment comes at a time when some partners in Hassans are involved in the McGrail Inquiry, which covers aspects connected to the Royal Gibraltar Police.
The older readers will recall Sir Joshua Hassan’s nickname as AACR Chief Minister. It was “El Pulpo” because he had influence over so much.
REACH OF HASSANS
The reach of Hassans extends to most areas of public administration, as so many members of Hassans are appointed to public bodies, authorities, commissions, and committees.
The extent of Hassans’ involvement is seen also by the number of Ministers who are members of the firm, including the Chief Minister.
It may be that influence of the firm in Government that is the reason why so many appointments are made from the circle of Hassans.
GOOD MAN
Undoubtedly, as the Government press release says, “Peter Montegriffo brings a wealth of experience from private legal practice, together with his term as Deputy Chief Minister under the first GSD administration…” and his service “… in a number of roles…”.
Absolutely right, and no criticism is levelled at him personally on his appointment, but perception plays a huge part in the subject of impartiality, balance, fairness, neutrality, independence, and objectivity.
Further, one should be aware (and wary perhaps?) of the extent of the ‘influence’ that Hassans exerts in most statutory bodies, commissions and committees in and of Gibraltar.
HASSANS’ MINISTERS
The vast involvement of members of and lawyers from Hassans in public bodies is an extension, however, of the reality that three Hassans’ partners are on sabbatical acting as GSLP-Liberal Ministers.
One is Fabian Picardo, the Chief Minister, another Gemma Arias Vasquez, Minister for Health, Care, and Business, and the third is Nigel Feetham KC, Minister for Justice, Trade, and Industry.
It means that one third of Government Ministers are linked to Hassans, as the GSLP-Liberals have formed Government in 2023 with 9 MPs, instead of the usual 10.
HASSANS’ INFLUENCE
Interestingly, Fabian Picardo has said on various occasions that he will step down as Chief Minister during the current parliamentary term.
He said so, during the 2023 election campaign, stating that it would be his last election.
He went on to say that he planned to step down as Chief Minister. He has indicated that October this year may be the date, although he would retain responsibility for the Gibexit negotiation.
He seems to be shying away from that last suggestion today.
ARIAS VASQUEZ
Fabian Picardo declared his support for Gemma Arias Vasquez as his successor to the GSLP leadership, and so Chief Minister, at the same time. He qualified that by emphasising that it would be for the GSLP to choose its leader.
She has not yet indicated her intentions, although she is certainly getting exposure, for example her recent address to the UN Committee of 24. It is an address that has in the past largely been given by the incumbent Chief Minister.
FEETHAM
Nigel Feetham went online yesterday to say:
“Recently I have been asked both publicly on social media and privately, so I might as well address it now. If Fabian decides not to seek re-election as leader, I will listen to the membership, and if they believe it is in the best interest of Gibraltar and the party for me to do so, I will put my name forward, for the members to decide. When I stood as a GSLP candidate for the general election, I did so to help Gibraltar in what I knew would be very difficult times ahead. This is about public service and democratic choice, never about political ambition…”.
There can be no clearer indication of intention. Finding members of the GSLP who will support Nigel Feetham will not be a difficult task.
POLITICAL FUTURE
The harsh reality is that Gibraltar will have to live through ‘interesting’ times, in the proverbial sense, over the remaining term of the current GSLP-Liberal Government due to the Gibexit negotiation.
A further truth is that whatever the outcome both the Government and the Opposition are split on Gibexit. Each has those who support a Gibexit ‘deal’, and those who vehemently oppose it.
Accordingly, unless political expediency and opportunism rules, both parties will likely see internal splits that may lead to important changes within the overall political scene.
One is left to wonder whether those who might in the future lead will have the capacity to resolve the issues that will follow on from whatever outcome there is to Gibexit, and due to the financial ‘mess’, that will be left over.
Llanito World 