The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

PHILLIP Galanis, former PLP MP and Senator, said he “sees nothing wrong” with him being one of the coordinators of the “Vote Yes” campaign.

Mr Galanis said there is no conflict of interest because he is no longer an officer within the Progressive Liberal Party.

He was responding to remarks made by FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler Turner.

In a statement, Mrs Butler Turner said: “Philip Galanis is a former PLP MP, former Chairman, former leadership contender and former general election coordinator for the party. His involvement in the “Yes Vote” is of no surprise.  He has a record of involvement as a consultant on behalf of entities seeking to exploit various matters in order to enhance his self-interests.

In response Mr Galanis said that as a private citizen he has the right to do what he wants despite his political affiliation.

“First of all she got her facts wrong and at the very least she should get that right before commenting. She could have called me and asked me what the real facts are. I am not a coordinator, I am one of several consultants,” he said.

“I am a free citizen and I have no responsibility, nor am I an officer in the PLP. So I am free to offer my consultancy services to whomever I please just as she is free to bury whoever dies without reference to political affiliation. I am also extremely offended that it is suggested that I am trying to advance my own personal gain by doing this. Everything I do is for the betterment of the county. I do not think it looks bad. I have a view and I believe it is an activity that needs to be regulated and we need to tax persons that benefit from it.”

Mr Galanis said the “Vote Yes” group is in the process of recruiting volunteers for the campaign. They held their first meeting at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium. He said he is not working on behalf of the government, but for private citizens.

Prime Minister Perry Christie has said the government “has no horse in the race” and will not campaign for or against the gambling referendum.

The referendum is scheduled for January 28.