If only Joseph Muscat said “inopportune” instead of “irresponsible”.

It was a bit unfair on economists with a social conscience. And more than a bit unkind on Caritas Malta for twice recommending an increase in the national minimum wage, the last one barely eight months ago, always giving sober explanations and even imposing an important condition to avoid a general national wage increase – which EU statistics warrant forsooth.

Dr Muscat is perceived as a gentle leader as politicians go. He never meant to be callous towards Caritas. Who would be anyway?

His party’s decision is understood and appreciated even by those, like me, who do not agree. But couldn’t he have qualified the outright dismissal by something like “until the global recession is over” or “until the economy would afford it”?