Quotes of the week

"A final decision... will be taken when a good analysis of surrounding economies and Malta's is carried out."
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, on whether the promised income tax cuts could be ruled out given the financial situation.

"A few ifs remain."
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech discussing the logistics of managing the shipyards' workforce, after reaching a deal with General Workers' Union over its privatisation.

"The incident did not arise in-house"
The Health Division reacting to a nurse's discovery of a mouse's head in her food while eating at Mater Dei Hospital's staff canteen.

"It pains me to hear about the proposed merger... Those who voted for this are traitors."
Josie Muscat, Eden Foundation's founder, on the proposed merger between Eden and Razzett tal-Ħbiberija.

"Had you been 16-year-olds I could have tried to understand..."
Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani, berating an Italian couple in their 50s who admitted to stealing a pouch containing €28 from the airport.