Quotes of the week

"I stand by what I said in the way I said it."
Former Labour leader Alfred Sant stands by his claim that Gunner Matthew Psaila, who died during military training at Chadwick Lakes, had joined the army without possessing the necessary requirements, as part of a government pre-election frenzy of giving jobs for votes.

"We cannot believe someone can be so insensitive."
The victim's family expressing shock at Dr Sant's claims, insisting the young man had joined the army after, not before, the election.

"His views do not reflect my own or those of the party."
Labour leader Joseph Muscat distancing himself from Dr Sant's claims.

"Do we want women to be dressed in burkas so men do not get bad thoughts?"
PBS chairman Clare Thake Vassallo on the Broadcasting Authority's complaints that a photo shoot at the Addolorata Cemetery aired on TVM was sensual with devilish connotations.

"Highly unlikely."
Government sources on the possibility that the Budget day set for November 9 will change.

"I am not a disgruntled backbencher."
Nationalist MP Franco Debono on suggestions that he is part of a pool of discontented backbenchers.