Austin Gatt is 'classroom bully' - Muscat

Labour leader Joseph Muscat has dubbed Investments Minister Austin Gatt as "the classroom bully".

He tells The Sunday Times in an interview today: "I think that he is a minister who can deliver but he is very arrogant and thinks that everyone will do what he says because he shouts and (stamps his feet)."

The Labour leader was interviewed on his last day as an MEP before he assumes his seat in the Maltese parliament tomorrow.

Dr Muscat says the European Parliament has taught him to be more of a listener and to learn the art of compromise.

He admits that he was mistaken over his opposition to EU membership before 2003 and says he realises that despite coming from a small country one can still exert influence and make a difference if the right networks are created.

"I admit that with hindsight, the 'yes' vote in the referendum won and that we were wrong on certain issues. However, on others, like the future of the shipyards and agriculture, we were spot-on," he says.

Probed about his fellow MEPs, Dr Muscat refuses to pledge support for John Attard Montalto but says he would like George Abela and Marlene Mizzi to contest on the Labour ticket in next year's EP elections.

Asked if he would prefer a situation where Dr Attard Montalto was not re-elected, he replies: "I am not going to answer that. It's only Lawrence Gonzi who says who he would have liked to be his general secretary. I'd like to leave it up to the electorate to decide... John is going to be one of the best elements in our next MEP elections."