Chamber president applauds appointment of De Gaetano

Chamber of Advocates president Joe Azzopardi has applauded the appointment of Mr Justice Vincent De Gaetano to Chief Justice but warned it would take a collective effort to restore faith in the judiciary.

"It is not a one-man job to rebuild the confidence lost. Judges, lawyers, even politicians have to work very hard at it," Dr Azzopardi said when asked for his comments yesterday.

Mr Justice De Gaetano is expected to be sworn in as Chief Justice by President Guido de Marco this morning.

His appointment comes two and a half weeks after the resignation of Chief Justice Noel Arrigo who, together with former judge Patrick Vella, is being charged with accepting bribes in return for reducing a drug trafficker's jail term.

Dr Azzopardi said he believed Mr Justice De Gaetano was one of two to three worthy nominees for the post of Chief Justice.

"Mr Justice De Gaetano holds an impeccable track record, both as a lawyer and as a judge, and there is no doubt about his integrity and capabilities," he said.

Dr Azzopardi said it would take time, possibly years, to recuperate from the "devastating" blow struck by the alleged case of bribery.

"What has happened reflects badly on the country and not just on the judiciary," he said.

The Chamber of Advocates president said it was essential for the government to ensure objectivity when selecting new members of the judiciary.

"Even the private life of those eligible for selection should be monitored," Dr Azzopardi said.

"I am not saying that magistrates and judges should go to extremes, and practically abstain from going out in public, as was the case in the past, but I believe that the less they're seen the better.

"For example, social activities should be kept to a minimum. In football, a good referee is the one who is not a showman," Dr Azzopardi said.

The government is drawing up new legislation making it illegal for any member of the judiciary to carry out any profession, business or trade.

Dr Azzopardi said he had no objection to government remaining the body responsible for selecting new judges, but stressed the importance of scrutinising the candidates to ensure honesty and competence.