I wonder, does Lawrence Gonzi feel uncomfortable when addressing conference delegates and telling them that “governments need to continue investing in implementing safeguards against any abuse of public powers”? Or that structures are “required to enhance transparency, the rule of law and the accountability of public services” which in Malta have been “consolidated” and “strengthened”? These structures include, he said, the Ombudsman as an independent officer of Parliament, a Public Accounts Committee and various laws.

The quotes are taken from his speech to the Commonwealth Ministers forum in St Julians on October 21.

Does Dr Gonzi not squirm at all when speaking about transparency? Surely he must recall his government’s churlish behaviour about the Delimara power station extension contract awarded to BWSC? The Ombudsman may be an independent officer of Parliament but does Dr Gonzi not feel silly when recalling that everything the Ombudsman has suggested has been ignored by his government?

As for the PAC, Dr Gonzi referred to it in his speech just days after the shenanigans the government members on it performed, to stifle debate on that BWSC contract. Did he not feel squeamish at all? Did his conscience not prick him when referring to the PAC?

How could Dr Gonzi maintain equanimity and show a straight face in making such utterances?