Alleged Mafia ties sink Ct's man in Rivire-des-Prairies

Montreal mayoral hopeful Marcel Ct today accepted the resignation of Francesco Ierfino, one of his candidates in the upcoming municipal election, after alleged links to the Mafia came to light.

A city council candidate for Rivire-des-Prairies, Ierfino signed a joint plea a few years ago in support of the return to Canada of Moreno Gallo, a friend whohad beenexpelled from the country several yearsearlier for prior criminal dealings.

"We decided, for him and for his family, as well as for the image we want to project, that he withdraw his candidacy," Ct said of Ierfino.

The letter was brought to the publics attention by a Montreal radio station this week, and in a written statement, Ierfino didnt deny writing the letter. However, he maintains he did nothing wrong, saying the claims were ill-founded.

Ct didnt hesitate to accept Ierfinos resignation, acknowledging that the allegations took a personal toll on the RDP candidate and his family.

He said critics digging for dirt on candidates is part of the politics game.