“I would challenge the author of the allegations to provide any refutable evidence to the contrary. Having been involved in the meetings to decide OFC’s voting preference at that time, I know that Charlie followed the mandate set out for him by the OFC Executive Committee,” Nicholas says.
“Charlie was a wealthy businessman in his own right, having arrived in New Zealand from Glasgow in 1952 he went on to establish a successful building business.
“It seems absurd that he would take a bribe as the reports have indicated as he did not need the money. It is also disappointing that such an allegation has come seven years after Charlie passed away, as he is unable to defend himself.”