Labour deputy leader Toni Abela has come to the defence of Gozo Minister Anton Refalo saying it is up to the people to go to the police and report any abuse, and not for the minister to face the media. 

Dr Abela was reacting to a challenge made today by PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami for Dr Refalo to face the media on allegations that his ministry carried out works at a Marsalforn restaurant, in garages near San Lawrenz and in a number of private fields in Ghasri.

Addressing a news conference at the Labour headquarters, Dr Abela said that claims on Dr Refalo's ministry were just "allegations" whereas  those involving "works for votes" carried when the ministry was headed by Giovanna Debono were "facts".

The Labour deputy leader said that thanks to the Whistleblower Act people were free to report any abuse without fear of any backlash.

During the news conference Dr Abela reiterated the challenge made by the Prime Minister's this morning for Opposition leader Simon Busuttil to face the media and come clean on the Giovanna Debono allegations. He said that Dr Busuttil's credibility was at stake, as facts were trickling out day by day which were contradicting his earlier statements.

PN: REFALO SHOULD HAVE DEFENDED HIMSELF

In a reaction, the Nationalist Party said Dr Refalo should have faced the press and defended himself and not let Dr Abela be his defence counsel.

He had a lot to answer for, including why he had not gone to the police when allegations of abuse were made. He also needed to explain how works were carried out in the past two years in private properties paid for from public funds.