O’Farrell yesterday gave evidence at the ICAC inquiry categorically denying that he ever received the wine (“I’m not a wine connoisseur… If you got a bottle of 1959 Grange, you would remember it”) or that he had phoned Di Girolamo to thank him for the bottle of wine, which he failed to declare as part of his pecuniary interests – even though Di Girolamo maintained otherwise.
O’Farrell also denied giving the AWH – who stand accused of corruptly billing Sydney Water for expenses and using that money for political donations and executive salaries – special treatment.
The thank you note to Nick Di Girolamo that has forced the resignation of NSW Premier @BarryOfarrell #ICAC #nswpol pic.twitter.com/BVuP450472
— ABC News 24 (@ABCNews24) April 16, 2014
At a media conference this morning, O’Farrell announced his intention to resign “as soon as I can organise a meeting of the parliamentary Liberal Party” and that “I do accept there is a thank you note signed by me” sent to Di Girolamo [pictured above, quite clearly].
“As someone who believes in accountability, in responsibility I accept the consequences of my action. In no way did I seek to mislead wilfully the ICAC. That would go against everything I am. But this has been a clearly significant memory fail on my part, but I accept the consequences of my actions… I will be resigning the position and enabling a new Liberal leader to be elected, to someone will become the premier of NSW.”
After everything O’Farrell has tried to do in his brief time as Premier to limit the viticultural interests of his constituents, it would appear the height of irony that a bottle of $3000 wine should be his ultimate undoing.
Worst, most expensive, most delicious hangover ever.
Photo: William West via Getty