Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has hit out at sections of the media over their reporting of his “blunt” admission quoted in a confidential US Embassy cable that elected Nationalist MPs offered “a limited talent pool”.

In a brief statement issued yesterday, Dr Gonzi deplored what he described as spin by “certain elements within the media” of the contents of a leaked US Embassy cable.

Published by whistleblower site Wikileaks, the confidential cable contains a brief analysis by US officials of Malta’s Cabinet soon after being appointed in 2008.

At one point the cable also highlights a statement made by Dr Gonzi to former US ambassador Molly Bordonaro before the election in which he lamented the “limited talent pool” among MPs from which to select ministers that were matched well with their competencies.

The cable quotes the Prime Minister saying he wished it was possible to draw ministers from business or academia, something that is not possible in Malta.

In his statement yesterday, Dr Gonzi said it was “clear” from the embassy cable that he was not in any way discussing individuals but explaining Malta’s Constitutional provisions on the appointment of ministers.

“Contrary to the United States where the President can nominate any citizen to such a post, the Prime Minister in Malta can only appoint ministers from among Members of Parliament. Thus, in the Maltese system, although certain people may be very competent to serve as ministers, they cannot be appointed,” the statement said.

He added the cable made it clear that the meeting referred to took place before the 2008 general election and not after.

In the cable US officials welcomed the appointments of Tonio Borg and Tonio Fenech as foreign affairs and finance minister respectively.

Dr Borg was described as having a “fondness for the United States” and Mr Fenech “a rising star” in the Nationalist Party.

The cable also describes Austin Gatt’s frankness as “refreshing” and Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici as “not particularly competent”.