Gatt gives detailed bus reform presentation at 'calm' PN meeting

The Nationalist Party's Executive this evening held a meeting of almost three hours during which it was given a very detailed technical presentation by Transport Minister Austin Gatt on how the bus service reform is unfolding.

The meeting was held against the background of a warning by Nationalist MP Franco Debono that he may abstain on the vote in parliament on a motion by the Opposition calling for Dr Gatt's resignation unless the minister assumed his political responsibilities,

During today's meeting, Dr Debono as well as some other MPs asked many questions to Dr Gatt, who replied to all of them and appeared to be well received.

Sources described the meeting as 'calm' and observed that the minister had, several times, declared that he was assuming responsibility for the decisions that had been taken. Dr Debono's warning was not directly discussed.

The executive may hold another meeting to further discuss the subject, while Parliament is due to debate the Opposition's motion on November 4.

Dr Debono did not comment to the press after the meeting.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said there was unanimous agreement on the need for the reforom and that the government was tackling the issue seriously and there was more to be done.