Updated - Adds video - Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said today he agrees with former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono’s decision to resign from the PN parliamentary group, saying he would  have done the same himself.

Speaking during a visit to the new Parliament building, Dr Gonzi said Ms Debono had done the “right and honourable thing”, which was exactly what he would have expected her to do.

Ms Debono announced her resignation from the PN parliamentary group yesterday after her husband Anthony was charged in court over the “works for votes” scandal that was unveiled earlier this year.

Dr Gonzi said he had no information about the case at the time that the works allegedly happened while he was still prime minister. Probed further on the matter he said he had no suspicions either but declined to comment further as the case was no before the courts.

Dr Gonzi said Ms Debono had decided to dedicate herself to protecting the integrity of her family and toprove its innocence in the case. He said her resignation from the parliamentary group had also ensured that the PN was not tarnished by any further allegations on the matter.

Asked whether he agreed with her decision not to leave her seat in parliament, Dr Gonzi said this was Ms Debono’s personal choice.

Dr Gonzi expressed pride about the new Parliament House - which he had commissioned as prime minister in 2008.

He said he hoped MP would use the space to truly represent the people, their wishes, their needs, even their disappointments.

Dr Gonzi was shown around by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil. Dr Gonzi also attended the opening ceremony on Monday.