Fourth politician steps forward in N.L. audit probe
Last Updated: Thursday, June 29, 2006 | 5:22 PM NT
CBC News
Former Liberal cabinet minister Jim Walsh has acknowledged that he is the fourth politician whose claims are being investigated by Newfoundland and Labrador's auditor general.
Walsh's lawyer, Vernon French, said in a statement that he has been unable to view documents collected by Auditor General John Noseworthy, as part of an investigation into questionable spending at the house of assembly.
"It is impossible to give an explanation for expense claims when you are not permitted to see the documentation," French wrote in a statement released Thursday afternoon.
Jim Walsh served in the house of assembly from 1989 to 2003.
(CBC)
"My client found the process most frustrating."
Walsh, who sat in the legislature between 1989 and 2003, represented the district of Mount Scio-Bell Island and — after a round of boundaries changes — Conception Bay East Bell Island.
Asks for Byrne's resignation
French said Walsh received a message from Noseworthy late on the afternoon of June 21, or about an hour before Premier Danny Williams disclosed on television that Noseworthy was investigating the financial claims of various politicians.
Williams that day asked for the cabinet resignation of Ed Byrne, the government house leader and natural resources minister.
While filing a report last week on Byrne, Noseworthy said three other politicians have come under scrutiny. He has not yet identified them by name.
In the days that followed, New Democratic MHA Randy Collins and Liberal Wally Andersen acknowledged they had been contacted by Noseworthy.
In his statement, French said Walsh tried on several occasions to reach Noseworthy.
French and Walsh met Noseworthy on Tuesday, although French said Noseworthy would not allow him to examine records that he has collected.
"The AG refused to provide copies of the requested information and, in fact, refused to permit me to look at any of the documentation in his possession," French said.
Walsh overspent limit?
French said that he and Walsh were told by Noseworthy that, for the fiscal years of 2002 and 2003, Walsh was overpaid about $75,000 in each year for his constituency allowances. Walsh's limit each year was $30,500.
Walsh served as tourism minister under Clyde Wells for less than two years. He was forced to resign Feb. 22, 1994, because of revelations of cash campaign donations.
Walsh was vindicated in a subsequent investigation.
However, he did not return to cabinet until February 2003, when then premier Roger Grimes appointed him as minister of works, services and transportation.
Walsh was defeated by Tory Dianne Whalen in the 2003 general election.
