“That very day I sacked him. I told him: ‘What do you want me to do, file a report at the police station to get you into trouble?’”

A second audio recording where Labour deputy leader for party affairs Toni Abela is heard addressing the committee of a party club after its president found a man in the kitchen cutting up “a white block”.

“My conscience is clear and I have nothing to hide.”

Dr Abela defending his decision not to inform the police about drug trafficking at a Labour Party club as a second tape emerges.

“He took an honest and courageous step.”

Cardinal Prospero Grech reacting to the shock news that Pope Benedict XVI is to resign because of his age and ailing health.

“I never made a cent illicitly.”

Austin Gatt speaking at a press conference after e-mails surfaced alleging that a rogue oil trader met the minister.

“When a similar scheme was introduced in Valletta, businesses suffered.”

Sterling Jewellers owner Alfred Fenech insisting that the proposed residents’ parking scheme in Sliema would kill business.

“It’s a myth that horsemeat has more particular benefits than other red meats.”

GP Jurgen Abela quashing the long-held belief that horsemeat sends blood pressure levels rocketing.

“The local and international dance scene has lost a star.”

Ballet teacher Tanya Bayona expressing grief at the loss of flamenco producer Sharon Sapienza, 38, who died suddenly while recovering from a heart operation.