Two senior counsels have given contrasting views on the meeting between chairman of the Integrity Commission Ken Gordon and Leader of the Opposition Dr Keith Rowley.
Former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj says there was “nothing wrong” while Israel Khan said Gordon “certainly jeopardised his position.”
Maharaj said it was exaggerating a situation that was not worth exaggerating.
Last month, Rowley called Gordon to investigate a series of e-mails which implicated several high-ranking government ministers. That call was made days before the two held a meeting at Gordon’s private residence at Glencoe.
It was reported on Thursday that the meeting was confirmed by the commission.
In an interview yesterday, Maharaj said, “There is nothing wrong with that.
“He said he saw him there (residence) and that full notes were taken, so there is nothing wrong.
“You have situations where a judge will see a lawyer at his private residence during time when it is not working to grant an exparte injunction.
“So there is nothing wrong in that.”
He also said there was no problem if the Prime Minister met with Gordon for information or enquiry on any matter as long as the chairman believed the information was fairly given.
But Khan said Gordon should have known better because at some point in time he may have to review allegations against Rowley.
“He certainly will not be able to sit on any investigation involving this e-mail if he remains as chairman, but I am suspecting that a lot of people may be requesting that he resign.
“I think he did not do anything sinister. He foolishly allowed himself to be placed in that position.”
Khan said Rowley, an astute politician with experience should not have placed Gordon in that position.
“I will put more blame on Rowley.”