Quotes of the week

"No incidents were reported except for some minor side effects."

Parliamentary Secretary for Community Care Mario Galea insists the swine flu vaccine is safe after being vaccinated last Wednesday.

"No industry can expect the public to subsidise it indefinitely."

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, when asked about the 50c tax on each hotel bed night, to be introduced in April.

"These vans are impenetrable."

Group 4 Security general manager Martin Azzopardi, referring to the failed attempt to break into a security van with a bulldozer last Monday.

"I can assure you we never, ever, put a healthy animal down."

Animal Welfare Department director Mario Spiteri addresses concerns that stray and rescued animals may be euthanised if sanctuaries are full.

"I really don't think distributing the problem is the solution."

Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, when pressed by The Times to say whether Spain would take some refugees from Malta.

"The Office of the Prime Minister has systematically downplayed the true scale of illegal hunting."

Birdlife Malta's conservation manager Andre Raine urges the government to take the issue of illegal hunting more seriously.