The government has officially announced the list of Nationalist backbenchers who will be twinned to ministries.

The appointments, of what are being called parliamentary assistants, were made after consultations held by the Prime Minister with the PN parliamentary group.

Franco Debono will be parliamentary assistant to the Prime Minister.

Frederick Azzopardi will serve in the Ministry of Gozo.

Charlo Bonnici will serve at the Ministry of the Infrastructure.

Philip Mifsud will be with the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs.

Stephen Spiteri at the Ministry of Education.

Robert Arrigo at the Ministry of Finance.

Beppe Fenech Adami at the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and Peter Micallef at the Ministry of Health.

Missing from the list is Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who, according to reliable information given to timesofmalta.com yesterday, was also to have served in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Dr Jean Pierre Farrugia yesterday announced - on the Labour Party's TV station - that he had declined Dr Gonzi's invitation to serve as parliamentary assistant. He said he wished to be free to be able to offer loyal criticism of the government.

The work of the parliamentary assistants will be coordinated by group whip David Agius, who will be assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since the Foreign Minister is also Leader of the House.

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