A fencing match is how one can best describe the reactions of the Leader of the Opposition Alfred Sant and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi following Dr Sant's speech on the budget in the House of Representatives yesterday.

Speaking during a press conference at the library of the House after his speech, Dr Sant said while the number of part-timers had increased under this government, the Labour party in office would create 4,000 full-time jobs in four years.

The budget was one of electoral convenience that slackened the belt a bit after it was tightened.

"The budget was dictated by panic and it was too little too late for families and for business," Dr Sant said.

The government has shown no strategy on the creation of jobs, on education and on reining in abuse and the wastage of funds.

The restraint being put on prices until next March could lead to an explosion of prices after that month.

On education, he said the government had earmarked millions to be spent on this sector with a number of promises remaining unfulfilled. The government, Dr Sant went on, had overspent by Lm191 million on big projects, projects where corruption could flourish.

"A Labour government would ensure a zero tolerance on corruption and abuse of power," he said.

Asked about the breast-screening programme listed in the budget, Dr Sant said the government knows it does not have the resources or the staff to embark on such a project.

"This is plain political immorality," he said.

A Labour government would work hard to raise the rate of economic growth with all the ministers being accountable managers who would have to present serious accounts that reflect reality.

Saying that for him, this would mean a great personal commitment, he said one has to look ahead with a sense of realism.

"The Prime Minister has, for a long time, been taking the people and families for a ride," he said.

On his part, Dr Gonzi, speaking outside his office in Parliament, said Dr Sant's speech had been typical of him seeing everything in a negative light and being bereft of ideas.

Dr Sant failed to mention the investment and the environment which the government was working so hard on.

While the constituted bodies in their majority had approved the budget, Dr Sant seems to be completely unaware of the reaction of the people.

Dr Sant's was a long-winded speech where he gave the wrong advice that would harm the country.

Nowhere did he mention how he was going to finance the projects he proposed, something which frightens people.

"His politics is one of superficiality that badly affects jobs, wages, and the future of young people," Dr Gonzi said.

Asked whether he agreed with the proposal not to tax part-timers, the Prime Minister said when this system was adopted in other countries, it had led to abuse and the government had suffered financially.

On whether the government was honest when it said it would embark on a breast screening programme, when the chief oncologist did not know of such a plan, Dr Gonzi said the government does not discuss the details of the budget with others.

"We now have a new hospital with the most modern equipment in the world and with such a setup we can embark on such programmes to address those most at risk.

"I condemn the way illnesses are used as a political football," Dr Gonzi said.

Dr Sant has panicked because he could not come up with answers to the budget and came out with proposals he himself does not know how to put into practice, the Prime Minister said.

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