“I cannot afford to climb all those stairs for just two minutes to say ‘hello’ and leave.”

Parliamentary assistant Stephen Spiteri unrepentant in explaining why he missed 81 per cent of this year’s parliamentary sittings – he was too busy as a doctor and carrying out his tasks for the Family Ministry.

“I think I have a world record... we should present it to the Guinness Book of World Records.”

Labour MP Adrian Vassallo, who has the highest rate of absenteeism from Parliament with 90 per cent, mocking the situation.

“An unacceptable restriction of freedom of expression.”

The European Court of Human Rights ruling that The Times’ right to freedom of expression has been violated and that court reporting cannot be limited to mere facts reproduced in the records of proceedings.

“MFSA was too kind with the bank.”

Economist Karmenu Farrugia criticising the Malta Financial Services Authority for failing to publish the full investigation report into the Bank of Valletta’s decision to invest in funds with a higher risk factor.

“I won’t let you use me to call an election.”

A cryptic message Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando wrote on Facebook implying that if he voted with Labour on the Cabinet pay rises it could have led to an early election.

“Savage case of cruelty.”

Gozo SPCA’s Betty Berry shocked at the discovery of three dead Pharaoh hounds, tied at the neck, and found floating off Marsalforn bay.