ST..JOHNS (CBC) - Premier Danny Williams said Thursday that he stands by Andy Wells, saying the chair of the Public Utilities Board is doing nothing wrong in seeking donations to pay off tens of thousands of dollars in personal legal bills.

In Newfoundland and Labrador's house of assembly on Thursday, the Liberal opposition called for an investigation into an upcoming fundraiser. Justice critic Kelvin Parsons said Wells should step aside during the investigation because there was a significant potential for a conflict of interest.

"I ask the premier, will you ask Mr. Wells to step aside from the Public Utilities Board until the investigation is completed?" said Parsons.

However, Williams said he has received assurances from Wells and Kevin Breen - who is spearheading the fundraising - that no ethical lines will be crossed if the fundraiser goes ahead, and that the full list of donors will be disclosed to the government.

"There's nothing [being] done wrong here. We've [got] assurances from the people who organized a dinner to thank someone for 30 years of public service as a public official, done with good intentions," he said.

Williams said he will ask the government's ethics committee to double-check on the Wells fundraiser, but added that he thinks the step is unnecessary.

Wells incurred the legal bills while mayor of St. John's, when he sued a then-councillor, Paul Sears, for defamation. Wells won the lawsuit, but lost on appeal and Wells was ordered to pay the original settlement and Sears' legal bills.

The plan for the fundraiser is to hold an $100 ticket a head appreciation dinner for Wells at a golf course at the end of May.

Breen, who is also a former St. John's councillor, told CBC News he is doing everything he can to avoid any conflict while raising money for Wells.

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