Nationalist MP Franco Debono said today that he will abstain in the vote on an Opposition motion calling for Austin Gatt's resignation over the transport reform, unless the minister assumes political responsibility for what is happening.

Replying to questions by The Times, Mr Debono said: "Since the element of accountability, together with other essential elements of democracy seem to be seriously lacking in our country, and since I have been calling for the urgent need of attention in strengthening democracy, therefore if the minister responsible for public transport reform is not going to shoulder political responsibility and do the honourable thing, I will be abstaining in the vote regarding motion in parliament."

This, he said, was in the best interests of restoring democracy and as a representative of the people within the Nationalist Party.

Asked whether he was saying that the minister should resign, Dr Debono said that was up to the minister to decide.

In a reaction, Transport Minister Austin Gatt said everybody was free to act according to his own conscience.