Nationalist MP Marthese said in Parliament this evening that a decision on the development of an old people’s home in Wied Għomor on Thursday will set a national benchmark.

Speaking in Parliament, Dr Portelli insisted on the need to protect the environment and said the valley was the only lung that remained for the San Ġwann, Swieqi and Ibraġ area.

She appealed to the Prime Minister, the government, and government members and appointees on the planning board to decide in the best interest of the people and vote to safeguard the valley.

Dr Muscat had the opportunity to honour his promise last Sunday to show the government's environment credentials by providing more open spaces.

One should not hide behind the word rehabilitation, she said, and use the term to authorise construction in rural and protected areas.

The Prime Minister, Dr Portelli said, should walk the talk and vote in favour of an open space rather than more concrete.

The national interest, the common good and the people’s interest should be given precedence over everything, she insisted.