Malta and international press digest

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press today:

The Times says the opening of Manwel Dimech Bridge was delayed to the end - the bridge, due to have been reopened months ago, was opened yesterday afternoon some two hours after the 3 p.m. deadline. It also reports that a Freedom of Information Bill is to get priority consideration n the new Parliament. The newspaper also reports an attack on a birdwatcher's car.

The Malta Independent says talks on the appointment of a new Speaker will involve Alfred Sant and Charles Mangion since Dr Sant is officially still the leader of the opposition while Dr Mangion is acting leader of the opposition.

In-Nazzjon says the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development will discuss the impact on Malta of rising fuel and cereal prices. It also says that MLP deputy leader Michael Falzon is continuing to be blamed for the party defeat because of the extension of voting time.

l-orizzont says the MLP is proposing temporary solutions for the running of parliament until a new party leadership is appointed. The newspaper shows a picture of Alfred Sant and Charles Mangion entering Castille for talks with the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon.