Education Minister Evarist Bartolo this evening proposed setting up a public registry for offshore trusts that would be available online.

Speaking at the Labour Party’s general conference, he said the Panama leaks scandal had to be dealt with, including from a political point of view because the current political situation was not allowing the government to work serenely.

In the past days, Mr Bartolo took to the social media to express veiled, and at times less veiled, opinions about the political climate, mostly related to the Panama affair.

The minister had expressed his unease with the controversy surrounding Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Keith Schembri.

He said this evening that all government MPs would vote against the Opposition’s motion of no confidence in the government.

“I appeal to you - don't feed the Nationalist Party in its politics of provocation which lead to hatred. We should be wise… The PN unfortunately thinks it has the divine right to lead..."

He said that the government's actions had to, however, reflect its beliefs for people not to lose faith.

"God forbid people lose faith in us as happens in large continental countries where extremist parties take over...

"We have a strong obligation to live our values properly and remember the sacrifices made by the members of this party in the past. We have to fight hard for the people's faith in us. Once we lose that faith, it will be very hard to regain it.

"You entrusted us with the responsibility to follow the example of people who received no money, prizes, contracts or benefits for their work for the party. Such dignified values inspire us," he said.

In a post on Facebook following Mr Bartolo's speech, V18 chairman Jason Micallef said Mr Bartolo remained the "fresh air" of local politics where good governance, social justice and correct behaviour were concerned.

Political parties should never act as though they were commercial companies, he said.

Panama scandal made people forget the good the government is doing - Louis Grech

Closing today's session, deputy leader Louis Grech said the Panama decision was one the Prime Minister had to face and delegates knew he never shied from taking decisions.

This decision, he said, should be based on facts and take into consideration the interests of the party while paying heed to what the people were saying.

The Panama story, he said, had led people to forget all the good the government was doing.

A decision on the matter, he said, would be taken by the Prime Minister but not according to what the PN wanted

“We admit we make mistakes - that's what makes us different. We are honest,” he said.

Everyone is dispensable but you, Mr Prime Minister - Godfrey Farrugia

Earlier, Labour Party whip Godfrey Farrugia showered praise on the Prime Minister saying that everyone was dispensable except Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

Dr Farrugia said this was a time when the people’s perception was changing, when people were noting that politics could be dirty, that people in government needed a shake-up, that arrogance and circles which led the PN to lose the election were permeating around the Labour Party.

“It is our choices which distinguish us. Let us evaluate the realities of the moment. It is those who do nothing who never make mistakes. We learn from our mistakes and must react accordingly. Everyone is dispensable, except you Prime Minister.

"You inspire me. You take careful decisions, after you listen and consult. Tonight, as a doctor and politician, I made a diagnosis: this is the government we need.”

PATIENT'S CHARTER TO BE LAUNCHED ON MONDAY

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne said that the government was focused on doing the best for the people and this would remain the case.

He announced that the government would be launching a patients’ charter on Monday which would enable a patient to go to a private institution for services that would be paid for by the government if procedures were not carried out in adequate time.

“We have ta rue leader… Of course they want him out… That is the only way they will ever enter Castille.”

EUTHANASIA, MORNING AFTER PILL

Earlier, Nikita Zammit Alamango this evening called for a discussion on euthanasia and the 'morning after' pill.

Ms Zammit Alamango asked whey there was no discussion on the subject.

"Do you know how widely discussed this is abroad? Debating is very healthy. I have faith in this party because it is an arena where, even if you don't agree, there is no muzzle stifling us," she said.

FORMER PN MAYOR LASHES OUT AT OPPOSITION LEADER

Former Nationalist mayor Ian Castaldi Paris, who now forms part of the Labour Party, lashed out at Opposition leader Simon Busuttil over an incident in front of the law courts on Wednesday.

Angry words were exchanged outside the building between a crowd which gathered to support shadow minister Jason Azzopard before his arraignment on defamation charges and labour youths who set up posters in the same place.

Dr Castaldi Paris described Dr Busuttil as a coward saying that when he saw what was happening he just bowed his head and went inside.