John Dalli denied right to buy farmland near his house which he wanted to avoid eavesdropping

The administrative review tribunal denied a request filed by former minister and EU Commissioner John Dalli and his daughter Louisa who wanted the right of first refusal on a field adjacent to the Siġġiewi property where they live.

The field was sold by the Lands Authority by tender, but the offer made by the Dallis wasn’t the best one. They claimed they had a right to first refusal because the field was next to their property and because Louisa Dalli is a registered full-time farmer.

But the Lands Authority was not impressed saying John Dalli ignored instructions to provide paperwork that proves he owns the site next to the field. Also, to prove she was a full-time farmer Louisa Dalli provided receipts for selling olives from trees grown on the property which the tribunal described as “minimal”.

In his submissions to the tribunal John Dalli argued he was concerned for his personal safety and wanted the field next to his property to avoid people using a small room in the field next to him to eavesdrop on him.

“With all due respect to the complainant, this Tribunal cannot see how this should have influenced the Authority which must take decisions in a transparent and objective manner,” said the Tribunal denying John Dalli’s complaint.