A “hidden hand” which might have led to former European Commissioner John Dalli’s resignation may well have had an interest in delaying the appointment of a new commissioner, George Vella told Parliament last night.

Speaking on the adjournment, the Opposition’s foreign affairs spokesman said this “hidden hand” would have hindered the progress on the EU’s Tobacco directive.

Dr Vella congratulated Tonio Borg on his appointment as Commissioner, saying the personal attacks against him were unfair and unjustified. Nobody else had been subjected to such scrutiny because of his personal beliefs.

The MP said he was pleased the Labour MEPs had worked hard to secure Dr Borg’s nomination but reiterated his view that Dr Borg did not have to write to MEPs about matters relating to his personal beliefs.

“I was angry at Dr Borg for stooping to ‘quench their (MEPs’) thirst’ when he wrote he would fully support women’s rights.”