Labour leader Muscat said today that the issue on the introduction of divorce was not a matter of if, but how.

Speaking on a One Radio interview, Dr Muscat said he wanted the debate to become one about how best to introduce divorce not whether or not to introduce it.

He said his position has always been clear and consistent, that he is in favour of divorce. However, he believed that in whatever forum this was to be decided, the decision-makers must have the freedom of conscience to decide.

Dr Muscat said that for him, the issue of how divorce should be introduced was still open for discussion.

Dr Muscat stressed that his position was pro-family and he wanted a responsible form of divorce that gave chance for reconciliation and protection of children. However, politicians could not stick their heads in the sand and pretend that people were not living in misery because they were not being given another chance after a failed marriage.

"I know there are many who disagree with me. Some genuine people tell me that I will lose votes if I speak like this. But in reality, if we are in politics and we do not discuss the realities of people, why are we in politics?"

He said the situation today resulted from the Nationalist Party so the Prime Minister had to address it. He augured for a constructive debate, which included the Church, to put forward all arguments and allow decision-makers to decide on what their conscience tells them.