Julian Galea resigns from Sliema Council

In a statement published this evening, Julian Galea said that "considering the controversy created following the release of an illegal private recording which was taken way out of context, I have decided to step down with immediate effect in the interest of the newly elected Sliema Council, so as to ensure that this controversy will in no way tamper the work and challenges that this council faces."

In the recordings aired on Labour's One TV, Valletta restaurant owner Julian Galea was heard saying that he suffered from a "phobia of Labourites,"  and claimed he paid them less than their Nationalist co-workers.

He was immediately forced to issue a public apology by the PN on the eve of last Saturday's vote.

The Employment and Relations director is investigating the claims, which Galea had apologised for.

Last Sunday, Julian Galea earned himself an indirect reprimand from Prime Minister and PN leader Lawrence Gonzi who condemned the remarks made.

Julian Galea was the only PN survivor from the ill-fated Sliema council which was dissolved by government following a series of investigations that led to the prosecution of former mayor Nikki Dimech and two other councillors.

In his statement, which was published on his Facebook page, Julian Galea said that: "Considering the controversy created following the release of the illegal private recording taken way out of context, I have decided to step down with immediate effect in the interest of the newly elected Sliema Council, so as to ensure that this controversy will in no way tamper the work and challenges that this council faces. 

May I reaffirm once again my immediate and expressed apology to all ...those who felt insulted following what was aired on various sections of the media.In no way did i ever want to offend anyone and i have always shown full and equal respect to all the residents, my employees and customers.

In the Local Elections of last Saturday I was elected to the Sliema Local Council for the third consecutive time. I would like to personally thank all the Sliema residents for giving me their support over the past years and in particular over the past weeks during the campaign. For this I am deeply grateful. During my tenure as a councillor I always tried to give my best to all the Sliema residents irrespective of their political leanings.

The elected Sliema Council has a huge responsibility to deliver the best in the shortest possible time and to give back the dignity that residents deserve out of this new local administration. For this reason I wish all the best to all the newly elected members and remind them to always work in the interest of Sliema."