Trump empire attempts to gag 'scoundrels'

Published on Friday 7 August 2009 22:05

THE war of words between Donald Trump and his leading political opponents has taken an astonishing new twist, after the tycoon's empire moved to bar them effectively from taking part in future decisions about his £1 billion golfing resort development.

The Trump Organisation has sent a letter to Aberdeenshire Council, demanding that the authority take action against the four councillors at the forefront of opposition to the controversial Menie estate scheme.

It is seeking to have the four former Liberal Democrats – Martin Ford, Sam Coull, Debra Storr and Paul Johnston – banned from taking part in forthcoming decisions about the development and any use of compulsory purchase orders to enable the Trump empire to buy five parcels of land the tycoon claims are vital to the overall scheme.

Mr Ford, who was removed from his post as chairman of the council's planning authority two years ago after he used his casting vote to reject the Trump proposal, has tabled a motion, due to be discussed at a council meeting in October, opposing any move to use compulsory purchase orders to force Menie residents from their homes.

George Sorial, the Trump executive in charge of the Menie project, said: "Enough is enough. The organisation will no longer tolerate their lack of respect for ethical standards. These scoundrels have to be stopped."

Sarah Malone, the executive vice-president for the Menie Estate development, said: "This project is entering a critical period and the Trump Organisation has respectfully requested that Aberdeenshire Council prohibit these councillors from participating in the forthcoming planning process.

"These individuals appear intent on thwarting the process at every turn. They have repeatedly and systematically declared their opposition to the project in every regard. They have not remained objective, which is their duty, and have engaged in a pattern of public opposition."

She added: "Clearly, the organisation does not feel it is going to get a fair hearing if these individuals are included."

But the rebels hit back. Mr Ford said: "This is either an attempt to gag us or an attempt at intimidation. Either way, it is going to fail. I will not be gagged. I don't give in to bullying and intimidation.

"I make no apology for commenting on compulsory purchase. It is a matter of great public concern, and I have spoken up on behalf of the residents who are faced with this threat and who have been put in an intolerable position.

"It is my duty to raise it and talk about and seek to get the issue addressed in a way that is proper and fair to residents."

Mr Coull branded the Trump move "outrageous".

He said: "If I feel there is something in the public interest that requires to be highlighted and spoken about, then I will continue to do it.

"I am sorry, but that's my job."

Mr Johnston also insisted he had done nothing wrong. He said: "The only comments I have made are about access issues and the compulsory purchase order (CPO]. I would back residents against the council using CPO powers as a matter of principle. The possibility that the council's CPO system could be used to put pressure on residents to sell is abhorrent.

"If Mr Trump continues to complain about people, just because he doesn't like their views, he will be seen as vindictive and, indeed, ridiculous in the eyes of the public.

"It cuts both ways," he went on. "Every councillor who has expressed support for the development, on the basis that it is best thing since sliced bread, would also be debarred."

Aberdeenshire Council said: "We have received a letter from the Trump Organisation in relation to councillors Ford, Storr, Coull and Johnston. We are considering its contents."

I shall not be moved, says tycoon's 'thorn'

THE man who emerged three years ago as a a thorn in the side of the mighty Trump empire yesterday made it clear he has no intention of selling his land to the American tycoon – at any price.

Suggestions that "Local Hero" Michael Forbes was about to stage a dramatic U-turn and might be willing to sell his 23-acre croft – right in the middle of Menie estate – surfaced after he revealed he would talk to the Trump organisation, provided he got a personal apology from Mr Trump and three of his senior aides.

He said: "I need four public apologies before I ever have any negotiations with Trump's lot. I want a personal apology from Trump because of all the hassle he has put me through and all the lies he has been telling about me. If they do that I will talk to them. But I am still not intending to sell to them. "

Mr Sorial insisted that the Trump Organisation had nothing to apologise for. He said: "All we have done is offer Mr Forbes very generous compensation for his land.

"However, we are always willing to talk to him."