PM meets ex-porn star after all

“I think I’ve achieved enough. An apology from the PM is the most one can expect from this country with its lack of accountability. At least we’ll have our routes back to Mater Dei and the Senglea route to St Thomas Bay too,” said Cini on the phone to MaltaToday.

Cini stopped his hunger-stike after meeting the PM. His voice sounded much better than the past few days. He also said his eyesight is also getting better. He started eating fruit and other light foods for now. He’ll build up his diet slowly in the next few days.

According to Cini, TV presenter Peppi Azzopardi visited his house yesterday, after reading the story on MaltaToday portal. Azzopardi told Cini he haven’t spoken to Gonzi for the past few weeks but had left a message with one of Gonzi’s secretaries about his concern on Cini’s state of health. Yesterday Azzopardi, during the house visit, phoned directly the PM to encourage him to meet Cini, which he did.

Cini also recalled the phonecall Gonzi made to Austin Gatt during their meeting.

“The PM phoned Austin Gatt in front of me to check if the route from Senglea to Marsaskala actually got to St Thomas Bay, which it didn’t. He made him phone Arriva and fix the route there and then, which he did.”

On Facebook yesterday, the hunger-striker posted: “I met the PM for 2 hours. He agreed an apology was more than due. He asked me if he apologised will I eat. I told him not to me but to the people. He said ok. I ate a kiwi and we shook hands. I think that serves a purpose of sorts.”

After the meeting, Gonzi sent this email to Cini:

“Dear Mr Cini,

Thank you for your email dated 23rd July.

Thank you also for the opportunity to meet with you this evening and to discuss your concerns regarding the new bus routes announced as a result of the Public Transport Reform.

I have personally apologised for the fact that this reform has so far failed to achieve the high standard of service which I and my government expect as a result of the agreements that had been negotiated with the operator. More importantly, I confirm my government’s determination to address the public’s complaints and to deliver a reformed Public Transport system that achieves European standards both environmentally and operationally.

I take this opportunity to send you my best regards.

Lawrence Gonzi

Prime Minister”