Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat said the arraignment of Mr Justice Ray Pace had shaken the country’s trust in the justice system once again and rendered the judge’s position untenable.

Speaking to The Times yesterday in the wake of developments, Dr Muscat said he took note of the Prime Minister’s declaration that he would move impeachment motions against Mr Justice Pace and Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco.

“The Prime Minister made a clear distinction between the two cases,” Dr Muscat said, adding the situation was “very clear” in Mr Justice Pace’s case.

“Mr Justice Pace is facing criminal proceedings and it is very clear that his position is untenable. As regards Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco, any impeachment motion will go before the Commission for the Administration of Justice and the Labour Party will adhere to any decision it takes.”

Although the proceedings against Mr Justice Pace must be allowed to run their course, he hoped “good sense” would prevail regarding his position so there would be no need for Parliament to take action.

Asked why he was not as categorical about the position of Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco, who was recently rapped by the International Olympic Committee’s ethics commission, Dr Muscat said the cases were different.

Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco was the subject of an investigation by the justice commission.

His comments followed a pledge made on Thursday that a Labour Government would deliver a thorough reform of the justice system by the end of next year following a comprehensive expert review.

The “urgent” reform would tackle everything from how members of the judiciary are appointed to how they operate and would also be open to consultation.

“This is one of the first decisions I will take if elected,” he said, promising to abide by his strict deadline and deliver real reform.