One Bermuda Alliance Senator Vic Ball offered to resign from the Upper House after his hidden conflict of interest emerged during the Commission of Inquiry.

While Mr Ball admitted making no mention of his father having a 50 per cent stake in a company he recommended for a $1.4 million Progressive Labour Party government project, Michael Dunkley said he rejected his offer of resignation.

However, the Premier said he had to make his position of transparency and accountability clear after Mr Ball told the inquiry that he would not have done anything differently.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette shortly after the Commission of Inquiry’s report was tabled yesterday, Mr Dunkley said: “As soon as I learnt of his testimony I called him into the office to have a conversation.

“I was very concerned about his testimony because when he was asked whether he would do it all over again he said ‘yes’.

“I made it very clear to him that I like to operate at all times under accountability and transparency and, as a civil servant, I think it is important to declare all information that is relevant. I don’t expect anyone at any time to look on it in any other way.” Mr Dunkley added: “At that time Senator Ball did offer me his resignation but I did not accept it because I wanted to allow the Commission’s work to be done.

“Now that the Commission’s work has been done, the work of the Department of Public Prosecutions or the Bermuda Police Service has to take place and I will monitor things accordingly.

“I think Senator Ball understands what I expect — I consider him to be a man of principles and I believe that if there was anything that the police need to look into they will do what they need to do and then we will make decisions accordingly.”

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