Anton Tabone reappointed Speaker

The tenth parliament since independence opened yesterday with Government and Opposition agreeing to reappoint Anton Tabone as Speaker. They also agreed to put off the appointment of the Deputy Speaker, who is to be nominated by the Opposition.

The agreement was in stark contrast to the situation in 1998, when the Opposition had voted against Mr Tabone's nomination.

The difference between then and now was that whereas in 1998 Mr Tabone had not been elected, in this year's election he was elected to Parliament and his appointment to the Chair means that the government's majority has now been reduced to four.

The Prime Minister, Dr Fenech Adami, told the House that the reappointment of Mr Tabone had been agreed at a meeting he had with Opposition Leader Alfred Sant. He said the talks also involved a government invitation for the Opposition to nominate the Deputy Speaker and a pairing agreement.

Because of the timing of the opening of Parliament (close to the election of the MLP leadership) it had been agreed that the Deputy Speaker would be nominated at another sitting.

Notary Charles Mangion, the new Deputy Leader of the Opposition, confirmed what had been discussed.

The opening of Parliament was preceded by Mass of the Holy Spirit at St John's Co-Cathedral led by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca (see back page).

In a symbolic gesture, the offerings were taken up by the Whips of both parliamentary groups, Mario Galea (PN) and Joe Mizzi (MLP).

Following Mass, the MPs walked to the Chamber accompanied by spouses and friends who then watched proceedings from the Strangers' Gallery along with other guests, who included the Archbishop and the Chief Justice, Dr Vincent De Gaetano.

A crowd watched MPs enter the Palace, applauding continuously. The atmosphere, however, was marred by a scuffle which developed after about a dozen protesters called out against the presence of warships in Grand Harbour and called the MPs "traitors, murderers and Mafia" (see back page).

The Clerk of the House, Richard Cauchi, opened the sitting by reading out the results of the April 12 general election and the casual elections, and the President's proclamation summoning Parliament.

Dr Fenech Adami then moved the appointment of Mr Tabone as Speaker, which was seconded by Dr Sant.

Dr Fenech Adami and Dr Sant then escorted Mr Tabone to the Chair.

Mr Tabone took his oath of allegiance and thanked the Prime Minister, Dr Sant and the members of the House.

He said he was humbled by his nomination but looked at it with a sense of responsibility and commitment. He was aware that the appointment of Speaker was central to Parliament's work and he hoped that the legislature would be beneficial to the people and would reach their highest aspirations.

Mr Tabone promised to do his duty according to the Constitution and standing orders, and called for the co-operation and comprehension of members, the assistance of the staff and all those connected with the House.

Members then took their oath of allegiance. Dr Fenech Adami was first, followed by Dr Sant, and the MPs in alphabetical order.

AFM buglers then heralded the arrival of President de Marco, who was escorted to the Chamber by Mr Tabone to deliver his "speech from the throne" outlining the government's programme for the legislature (see separate report).

Following his address, President de Marco inspected an AFM guard of honour on Palace Square and was then driven up Republic Street escorted by mounted police.

In the House, the youngest Government MP, newcomer Architect Joseph Falzon, 30, moving a motion to thank the President. Dr Sant gave notice of an amendment.

The Leader of the House, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, moved five motions to regulate the business of the House. They were all unanimously approved.

The House meets again tomorrow evening.