Prime Minister mum on whether new President could be Cabinet member

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat refused to confirm or deny whether a short-list he has before him includes Cabinet members for the appointment of President of the Republic.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Muscat reiterated his personal preference for a female President, but stopped there.

"I have already declared in the past that I would like to appoint a woman. I have a very short list of names... the consultations have started," he said, pointing out that consultations also included a meeting with Opposition leader Simon Busuttil.

The Prime Minister however refused to confirm or deny whether the list included Cabinet members, including Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella.

Smiling, Muscat repeatedly told the journalist that he had a shortlist he was now consulting.

At the same time, he hinted at a possible Cabinet reshuffle saying that it was in his character to evaluate performances and then, at the right time, carry out the necessary decisions.

"After five years as leader of the opposition and now a year in government, I have shown that I do not shy away from taking the decisions that need to be taken," he said.

"I can never exclude carrying out changes in what I do. It's how I work."

Muscat insisted it was natural that after the first period in government, assessments are carried out and analyse the required changes.

Without singling out any particular ministries or sectors, Muscat said there were Cabinet members "who have given very positive results" whereas "the progression rate of others was not as expected".

"But you start seeing their work closer and you understand what are the best capabilities of that person and which areas that person could contribute to," he said.

Joseph Muscat defended himself from arguments that the filing of a new impeachment motion against Judge Lino Farrugia Sacco had saved the judge's face.

"I cannot order the Commission for the Administration of Justice what to do. We also had parliamentary legal advise that steaming ahead with the original motion could have landed us in court. I don't want to make any statements which could prejudice the case," he said, after expressing hope that the case is decided before August.

In six months' time, Farrugia Sacco turns 65, reach retirement age at which point he would have to step down from the bench.