Lawrence Gonzi diplomatic on John Dalli's criticism of his administration

Lawrence Gonzi played down comments by former minister and leadership rival John Dalli, today European Commissioner, that criticised his administration.

Dalli’s comments to the press on his observations of the prime minister’s leadership style were brushed aside by Gonzi as “comments given too much importance by the press”.

Speaking on Bondiplus, Gonzi refuted the suggestion that Dalli had been kicked upstairs after being put charge of a super-ministry shortly after the 2008 general election.

“We had to take a decision on the European Commissioner’s post, and John expressed his wish to be considered for the post.”

John Dalli has featured once again in the press after the imprisonment of the former private investigator who fabricated a report alleging Dalli’s brother Sebastian – who is currently in court on charges of drug trafficking – was on the take for kickbacks related to the Mater Dei multi-million lira contract for medical equipment.

“It is clear he is still criticizing you… it’s as if he is still in Malta,” presenter Lou Bondì told Gonzi.

“No, John is rightly angry at the allegations that were made in his regard, mainly coming from the Labour camp. He feels that his integrity was attacked and he is right – I took the false report to the Commissioner of Police, who found it had been fabricated, and whose author was then found guilty by a court.”

Gonzi brushed aside questions as to whether he had dealt effectively with allegations of corruption that peppered the last two years of his administration.

He lambasted Labour leader Joseph Muscat for not taking his allegations of corruption on the BWSC contract for the Delimara power station to the Commissioner of Police, and said he would be strengthening the Permanent Commission for Corruption with an investigator and introducing a Whistleblowers’ Act.

The prime minister made education his hobby-horse when questioned on past claims that he would eliminate the deficit and reduce tax.

He said Malta’s deficit at 3.8% of the GDP was far lower than double-digit deficits in the UK and Ireland, and said that the island had coped with the worst economic crisis ever.

“You have to look at our scholarships, the way we managed to keep tourism on its feet, increase exports, protect thousands of jobs… we have done a lot.

“Reducing tax was no gimmick – we did reduce it over the last years, exempted women returning to the labour market from income tax. What we did instead was target specific matters, for example privatized the shipyards.”

He also rubbished Muscat’s claims that government was considering cutting salaries as cited in the pre-budget document.

“Muscat quoted an economic analysis that put the choice for economic growth by either going for value-added industries, or cheap labour. And we will go for value-added industry,” Gonzi said.

“How could we cut salaries when we have only just negotiated a collective agreement to increase government salaries. There will be an increase in salaries because we have agreed with our social partners to adjust salaries according to the Cost of Living Adjustment,” Gonzi said.

Gonzi quoted a raft of education statistics, claiming he will be opening new schools and boasting of 3,000 new students entering Junior College and the University of Malta.

“This is what people care about…” Gonzi said.

“What about energy bills?” Bondì asked.

“Even before energy bills. They care about their children’s education, what will happen to their loved ones’ jobs and their business concerns and how hotels will fill up their beds with tourists.”