Third MHA comes forward in N.L. audit scandal

Liberal MHA Wally Andersen has come forward in the growing scandal over the expense accounts of some members of Newfoundland and Labrador's house of assembly.

Andersen, who represents Torngat Mountains in the legislature, confirmed Tuesday morning that he is under investigation by Auditor General John Noseworthy.

A news release issued by the Liberal Opposition said Andersen was contacted by Noseworthy last week and has hired defence lawyer Bernard Coffey to represent him. Coffey said Tuesday that neither he nor Andersen will be commenting.

The province's auditor general is investigating four politicians over concerns that they misused constituency allowances. Noseworthy alleges they have overspent a total amount of more than $1 million in public funds.

Only one person has been publicly identified by Noseworthy former cabinet minister Ed Byrne. However, Randy Collins the NDP member for Labrador West confirmed he had sought legal counsel after he was contacted by the auditor general's office.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams asked Byrne to resign his cabinet post last Wednesday after Noseworthy accused Byrne of misusing his district expense account.

Police are investigating allegations that Byrne, who has been the MHA in Kilbride for 13 years, claimed $358,142 during the 2003 and 2004 fiscal years more than 10 times the amount of money he was entitled to spend.

The identity of a fourth politician involved in the scandal has not been made public; however, the auditor general says that person is a former Liberal MHA.

More details are expected to be revealed Tuesday afternoon, when Noseworthy will present a report to the Speaker of the legislature that will highlight questionable payments made to certain suppliers by the house of assembly.