Toni Abela, ministry consultant apply to become judges

Two lawyers with close links to the Labour government were the first to apply to become judges under a new appointment system a leading law expert described as putting banana republics to shame. They are Toni Abela, until recently Labour's deputy leader, and Grazio Mercieca, a former consultant to the Gozo Ministry. The Sunday Times of Malta is informed that soon after Parliament approved amendments to the way judges and magistrates are appointed with the support of the Opposition, the two both wrote to the new Judicial Appointments Committee to express their interest in becoming judges. Earlier this year, Dr Abela failed to win the European Parliament's approval for his nomination to become a member of the European Court of Auditors. He had, by that time, already relinquished his post as deputy leader and closed his busy legal office. "It's a good exit for him," one seasoned lawyer said yesterday about the prospect of Dr Abela becoming a judge. A retired judge, however, views the impending appointment as "another setback to the reputation of the judiciary" due to the political baggage Dr Abela carries, as well as the way he has on occasion behaved in court. "Making him a judge...

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