Comments under now former Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne’s resignation post on Friday showed an abundance of mixed reactions by the public.
The former Health Minister announced his resignation in a letter to the Prime Minister, which he posed on Facebook. He has also requested that his nomination for the position of EU Commissioner be withdrawn.
Fearne, who is Minister of European Funds, Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue, said he is innocent, but he understands that it is the right thing to do.
He has been accused of fraud and misappropriation after the conclusion of the magisterial inquiry into the Vitals deal, which saw the government transfer three hospitals to the private sector.
Fearne received several comments of support and disappointment over his resignation, as well as comments of respect for showing great integrity, honesty and gentlemanliness for being the only one of the accused who resigned, and setting an example.
Others called for the resignation of the other individuals mentioned in the criminal charges last Monday.
“That’s what gentlemanliness calls for. However, if you had to resign due to ulterior motives of others internally, they have the duty to carry the responsibility too,” one comment said.
Several were disappointed, describing Fearne as one of the few good Ministers left, “for Labour to maybe not remain as dirty as it is now.”
Some were just angry, saying that it was not right for Fearne to have had to set himself aside due to others’ partisan motives. Others said that Fearne has given them the satisfaction of resigning, possibly referring to the PN’s calls for his resignation.
Many comments thanked the former Deputy Prime Minister for his work and honesty, expressing that while they felt sorry for the decision he made, they respected it. Many said that they did not agree with the resignation, and that the Prime Minister should not accept it.
Some said that the country still needed a man like Fearne, and that it was a pity he resigned.
A few of the comments, while not the majority, said that Fearne should have resigned earlier, and that all those facing criminal charges should also follow.
Another comment said that, with him (Fearne) as Prime Minister, the country would be in better hands.
