PM 'optimistic' for tourism, sees first positive signs in industry

The Prime Minister reiterated this morning that the departure of John Dalli would not cause an earthquake in the composition of the Cabinet.

Speaking at a PN activity in Mellieha, Dr Gonzi said it was important that the country was not distracted from its focus on reforming various important sectors.

“We need to remain focused on job creation, investment, competitiveness and the challenges of the energy sector,” Dr Gonzi said.

He added that with more care, he was also optimistic for tourism in the coming season and said he was also seeing the first positive signs in the manufacturing sector after the global recession.

Dr Gonzi said that while Malta had been buffeted by the economic storm, it was notable that major investments had been announced, such as the investment by SR Technics in aircraft maintenance, and the investment at Hal Ferh.

He was calling on the people to look to the future with courage because history showed that the Maltese people always triumphed through adversity, he said.

Referring to the introduction of legal aid to people under arrest, Dr Gonzi said this was something which parliament had unanimously agreed to in 2002. The introduction of this right had been delayed in Malta while the police prepared themselves. The Minister of Home Affairs, Carm Mifsud Bonnici, weeks ago had said that the rule would be brought into force, and yet the Opposition had proposed a private motion and was seeking to take the credit for it. This, Dr Gonzi said, was no government U-turn and he thanked all those who had pushed it forward, including Nationalist MP Franco Debono.

He said that while people under arrest would have a right to assistance by a lawyer, the rule of inference would apply in court, and judges could, therefore, reach their conclusions if an accused refused to testify.