'I've been working like a dog' - Carm Mifsud Bonnici

Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici said he had "worked like a dog" throughout his "low-profile" role inside the Nationalist government, as he faces a no-confidence motion by the Opposition later this month.

The home affairs minister, targeted by Nationalist MP Franco Debono for the slow pace of reforms in the field of justice - which was removed from Mifsud Bonnici's remit during the January cabinet reshuffle - defended his track record during a press conference marking the fourth year of the legislature.

"So far I have not answered my accusers, because I feel there is the right time and place to reply," the minister said, indicating that he would be defending his record in Parliament when the Opposition censure motion is debated later this month.

"Do not worry, I have a reply for all the accusations that have been made. However I will reply at the opportune moment and I will explain the work that I have done in the last four years," he said.

Asked by MaltaToday whether, like Labour MP Adrian Vassallo he felt he was a liability to the party, or an asset for the government, Mifsud Bonnici replied his had been a hardworking career.

"I was always a low-profile minister... but I worked like a dog. I feel comfortable inside the PN. It will be the people who will judge my performance, and so far I have been elected to parliament three times already."

Mifsud Bonnici was speaking at a press conference held at the Hal-Ferh complex in Ghajn Tuffieha in which he gave a review of the work carried out by his ministry in the last four years, which have been marred by a number of controversies. Ironically, before and during Mifsud Bonnici's press conference the Civil Protection Department carried out an earthquake response exercise at the complex.

Asked whether there have been any developments on the hunger-strike being carried out at the Corradino prison, Mifsud Bonnici confirmed that four inmates are on a hunger strike for just over 24 hours but he could not say why the inmates are on strike.

Speaking about his ministry's work, Mifsud Bonnici said the government had continued to invest in the police force during the last four years. He cited the 267 new police officers enrolled under his reign and the 78 recruits currently undergoing training.

He added that the government has invested in a new Police academy and in new equipment including cars, breathalyser kits, segways and a DNA machine.

Mifsud Bonnici also spoke on the much talked-about parole law and explained that the first applications will be processed by September or October.

The former justice minister also stressed the work done by his ministry in changing legislation such as laws concerning drink driving, the protection of minors, reparative justice, hate crimes and traffic regulations. He also explained that the ministry will commence negotiations with the Civil Protection Department over the formation of a house union as soon as the ministry resolves the police union issue.