The Malta Employers' Association expressed satisfaction at the fact that both the government and the opposition intended to vote in favour of the EU Constitution.

"This is a rare demonstration of political maturity that places the national interests above partisan gains," it said.

The MEA said political parties should agree to remove important issues from the partisan arena. Among these issues, the association listed vacation leave entitlement, pension reform, student stipends, health reform, the level of employment in the public sector and waste management.