The Prime Minister only dismissed Former Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia because he was overwhelmed by public opinion, according to Alternattiva Demokratika.

Addressing a press conference on the steps of the Auberge de Castille, AD chairman Arnold Cassola described the Prime Minister’s initial decision to allow Dr Mallia to choose whether or not to resign as ridiculous.

Asked if he felt this was simply a technical formality, Prof. Cassola said the decision to dismiss Dr Mallia should have been taken by the Prime Minister the morning after the shooting on November 19.

AD spokesman Carmel Cacopardo meanwhile, described Dr Mallia’s reluctance to resign as “the worst form of arrogance”. He said the former minister’s behaviour was no less than a challenge to the Prime Minister’s authority.

Mr Cacopardo also referred to the inquiry into the incident released yesterday.

The inquiry had highlighted politicians’ lack of political responsibility, as well as the absence of meritocracy when making important appointments, he said.

He also raised concerns over the ease with which audio recordings of sensitive police telephone calls were leaked to the press.

“The lack of security within the national security service is worrying,” he said, adding that the incident had tarnished the police force’s public reputation.

On Michael Cassar’s appointment to Police Commissioner, Mr Cacopardo said he had stuck his neck out for justice in the past and referred to bomb threats Mr Cassar had received during his time in the drug squad.

Despite this, AD hoped he would be free to help the force pick up the pieces of its crumbling reputation, without political interference.