'Absent' Gonzi was with Muscat on official work

Early during question time yesterday, Labour MP Leo Brincat strongly questioned the absence of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco when questions relating to Mepa were being asked. He queried if this was a way of avoiding having to answer supplementary questions.

Mr Speaker Louis Galea said neither Dr Gonzi nor Dr de Marco were abroad.

Just after the end of question time, the Prime Minister, who had just come into the House, asked for leave of the House to point out that, contrary to what Mr Brincat had implied, he had been with Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat addressing the Forum of trade unions.

This meant that he had been engaged in official work. He categorically rejected the implication that his absence was meant to avoid answering supplementary questions.

Mr Brincat said he accepted Dr Gonzi's explanation and would never doubt his word on such an issue.