Robert Abela confirms meeting Joseph Portelli, but denies any donations

Labour leader Robert Abela on Monday confirmed meeting Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli earlier this month but insisted a controversial development that was approved last week had not been discussed.   He also "absolutely denied" claims that he or other Labour Party officials had received donations during the event.  Abela was reacting to media reports that he was the guest of honour at an event organised by Portelli.  Robert Abela speaks about meeting Portelli. Video: Matthew Mirabelli The dinner, first reported by The Shift News, took place at the Ta’ Frenc restaurant in Xagħra and came just before the Planning Authority approved a controversial development application involving Portelli in Sannat.   On Friday, the Planning Authority voted to approve Portelli’s application to build a block of apartments just 300 metres from the cliff edge in Sannat, Gozo. Objectors have noted how the application was one of three that together would create a massive 125-apartment development in a sensitive area. The PA chair meekly told objectors that it was not her remit to assess such 'salami-slicing' tactics.  Shortly after the vote was taken, PN leader Bernard Grech questioned whether...