The Nationalist Party this morning hit out at the government for appointing Franco Debono as Law Commissioner with additional responsibility for coordinating the Convention to review the Constitution.

The party said the appointment was not a good augury for the seriousness and serenity with which such an important subject as the revision of the constitution should be tackled.

In view of the importance of this process, political wisdom demanded that every effort should have been made to build a national consensus on this matter, the PN said.

Instead, however, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had, on purpose, opted to take a divisive decision which was intended to insult the Opposition for political gain.

PL REACTION - THE PN HAS LEARNT NOTHING

In a reaction, the Labour Party said the PN had a good opportunity to learn from the mistakes which brought it to its current situation. The lesson was that everybody's potential should be sought. That was what the new government was doing.

The PN's disdain over Dr Debono's appointment jarred because it was the PN government which had appointed Dr Debono as chairman of the committee for the codification of laws, the PL added.

CONDITIONS

Earlier today, the Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, Owen Bonnici, said in reply to questions that no other people had been considered for the position and Dr Debono was the only one who was approached, because of his experience as chairman of the parliamentary committee for the codification of law in the last parliament.

His pay was benchmarked with that of the other commissioners, such as the Commissioner for Children, reduced by 40% to €18,401 since he is able to continue private practice.

He also has allowances of €6,000. The term of office is for one year.

See also http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130323/local/franco-debono-appointed.462628