‘Don’t take PN criticism on Labour seriously’ – Debono

Wayward Nationalist MP Franco Debono, who has so far kept everyone guessing regarding his political aspirations, has warned the electorate to not take the Nationalist Party's criticism against the Labour Party's 'cheaper bills' energy proposals seriously.

Debono so far as been cagey about his intentions regarding the coming election, despite giving the impression that he is keen to contest on a new party ticket.

In comments to weekly newspaper Illum, Debono insists that the Nationalist Party's criticism is undermined by its own performance in the energy sector, particularly with regards to the siting of Enemalta gas containment tanks.

Debono says that despite its criticism regarding Labour's proposal to site gas-containment tanks in Delimara, it had chosen to construct an Enemalta gas storage site in Birzebbuga just metres away from residential areas.

He added that furthermore, the government never felt the need to address the situation on the grounds of safety or hazardous conditions.

"How can you take them seriously when in Brizebbuga there are gas tanks literally right next to homes, and the government never did anything to address the situation," Debono said.

He also said that this was despite how, in a motion he presented, he attempted to draw attention to the safety hazards that the gas storage facility posed to residents, as well as urge the government to relocate the site.

Debono also questioned how Finance Minister Tonio Fenech is the man currently the PN's charge against Labour's energy proposals, given that Enemalta once fell into the energy portfolio, which was administered by Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt.

"What is not being mentioned is how Tonio Fenech has taken over Enemalta, which was taken away from Austin Gatt after his failures with regard to the Delimara BSWC Power Station extension project," Debono said.

He also expressed scepticism at the manner in which Tonio Fenech, in his capacity as Finance Minister, is also responsible for the national airline carrier, Air Malta.

"In which other country does one see this," Debono asks.