Backbencher didn’t force U-turn – PM

Backbencher Jean Pierre Farrugia did not force the reversal of a controversial salary increase given to MPs, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi tells The Sunday Times in an interview today.

“It had nothing to do with any condition set by Jean Pierre. I came to the decision logically, fairly and responsibly,” Dr Gonzi says.

The interview was carried out last Thursday, a day after he ordered ministers to refund about 19,000 euros each and postponed any raises to MPs until further discussion.

In a wide-ranging interview with Herman Grech, the Prime Minister acknowledges his government needed to explain more to the public to get its message across, citing the primary health care reform as an example.

Speaking about divorce, Dr Gonzi says it was his wish that a referendum would seal the issue before the end of the year. But despite making his objections to the introduction of divorce clear, he insists he would leave the Nationalist Party’s executive free to take its decision.

“After 23 years in politics I have a track record of distinguishing between my faith, which I treasure, and my responsibility as a person contributing to politics,” he says.

Watch excerpts of the interview by clicking the link above. Read the entire interview in today’s edition of The Sunday Times.