Outgoing European Commissioner Joe Borg has stood by his criticism of the way the Prime Minister handled his substitution in Brussels.

His spokesman said: "He said what he had to say. He stands by what he said and has nothing to add."

He was reacting to comments made by Lawrence Gonzi, who rebutted Dr Borg's complaints that he was mislead into believing he was in the running to be re-appointed commissioner.

Dr Gonzi said he had given Dr Borg "clear indications" about his plans to appoint Mr Dalli as his successor in Brussels.

Earlier, however, Dr Borg told The Sunday Times: "A couple of months ago, I was informed that only two possible scenarios were being considered - one was the nomination of a Cabinet minister and the other was my re-nomination. If in the last days and weeks the situation had changed I certainly was not informed."

He added, in an uncharacteristic burst, that "the manner in which the decision was taken and, even worse, how it was sought to be justified afterwards, continues to baffle me".

The least he expected was an unequivocal reply that he was not being considered for the post, rather than being led to believe he was still in the race for the post, Dr Borg insisted.

But the Prime Minister was adamant in his defence. "While understanding Dr Borg's disappointment at not being reappointed, the Prime Minister regrets that statements were made implying he had not given Dr Borg clear indications as to his thinking, which is not the case," a spokesman for Dr Gonzi said.