Quotes of the week

“A loner acting like a rogue elephant.”

Historian Henry Frendo describing Nationalist MP Franco Debono who, without crossing the floor, plans to actively bring down the government.

“MPs should be extremely reluctant to vote against government.”

An extract from Franco Debono’s 1999 doctoral thesis, which contrasts sharply with his actions today.

“It takes hours, if not days, to get your bearings on a ship that size.”

Maritime expert Reuben Lanfranco on the disadvantage that the ill-fated Costa Concordia had just left its port of departure when it ran aground, which meant passengers were still unfamiliar with the vessel.

“I feel these laws fulfil the aspirations of the artistic community. If in the past... (they didn’t) I apologise.”

Culture Minister Mario de Marco unveiling a draft legal notice to scrap theatre censorship laws.

“Typical of a defensive and coping mechanism.”

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani on why a 17-year-old girl got a lift back home with the man who had just raped her. She felt the 46-year-old deputy nursing officer at Mount Carmel was “not a credible witness”.

“In possession of sensitive information not available to the public.”

A Malta Financial Services Authority statement reprimanding Bank of Valletta fund director John Ripard for selling his holdings in the doomed La Valette Multi Manager Property Fund just before trading was suspended.