Labour 'believes in Gozo'

Despite their capabilities Gozitans were being treated like second-class citizens, opposition leader Alfred Sant charged yesterday, while promising that his party would give the island priority.

Over the past few years, the number of job opportunities on the sister island had fallen but the government had not done anything about it, he said.

He added his party believed in Gozo as a region and after a number of meetings the party had outlined a plan of development for the island.

The MLP leader accused the government of opportunism, saying it was only interested in winning votes. The government was made up of a small clique of people and friends of friends who defended and protected one another.

The party was committed to reducing the pressures of cost of living and taxes on families. The price index was outdated and prices of food and medicines were much higher than shown.

He reiterated that his party would slash the surcharge on electricity and water, work efficiently and reduce the burden of taxes. It would take a zero tolerance stand on corruption.

In a statement the Department of Information said Dr Sant had not yet accepted the Prime Minister's proposal for a permanent commission against corruption.

Dr Sant was only interested in using the word corruption to gain political advantage.