Speaker calls for autonomy in parliament's administration

It was important for parliament to follow in the steps of the ombudsman and the auditor general's offices, which have obtained autonomy in the administration of institutions, the Speaker of the House of Representatives said yesterday.

Anton Tabone, speaking at the annual commemoration of the dead of the June 7, 1919 riots, stressed that parliament's administration should be let loose from that of the executive and work on its own.

The Speaker said parliament was a "unique and distinct" institution and not another department of the government. He stressed that parliament and government were not the same.

The Speaker mentioned parliament's foreign affairs committee, which was one of the ways by which parliament was being strengthened. He said the first of a group of research analysts that would aid the committee work more efficiently was employed recently.

Yesterday morning Mr Tabone, together with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Alfred Sant, laid wreaths at the Sette Giugno monument in St George's Square in remembrance of the four victims of the riots, which in time led to the granting by the British government of Malta's first self-government constitution in 1921.

Mr Tabone said the country has come a long way since 1919, but this did not happen without suffering, and many people were persecuted and exiled, while the Sette Giugno victims were killed for their country.

"Freedom, the standard of living and the free vote are few of the benefits obtained over the years," he said, adding that electoral consultation remained the highest expression of democracy.

After the Speaker's address, those present joined him in a minute's silence in remembrance of the four victims. The police band marched along Republic Street before the ceremony.

Apart from the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader, a number of parliamentary members were also present for yesterday's ceremony.