The Education and Employment Minister’s top aide removed Facebook comments in which he called the country’s second largest union “cowards”.

Noel Abela, the ministry’s chief of staff, posted his comments on the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin after its decision to join the national protest against corruption organised by the Nationalist Party earlier this month.

“Now they speak up, these cowards,” he wrote. He said the union members should be ashamed of themselves for failing to speak for 25 long years, referring to the previous Nationalist administrations.

Noel Abela, the Education and Employment Ministry’s chief of staff.

Other posts included comments ridiculing the Opposition and Nationalist MPs. Calling President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami “the only self-proclaimed President of Malta”, Mr Abela wrote that the former prime minister and PN leader did not have enough money to send his son (Beppe) to school.

When asked whether he felt that as the Education Minister’s chief of staff his comments were inappropriate and in breach of the code of ethics, Mr Abela did not reply.

“I will not tell you anything. Please send your questions in writing,” he said.

Asked whether Education Minister Everist Bartolo was aware of his public mocking of politicians and trade unions, Mr Abela replied: “Ask him.”

I deleted the post that you have made reference to

After questions were submitted in writing, Mr Abela replied that he had deleted his posts. “I deleted the post that you have made reference to after realising that, as a ministry official, we would like to continue working well with our social partners and employment organisations.”

Questions sent to Mr Bartolo on whether he was aware of Mr Abela’s comments remained unanswered at the time of writing. The minister was also asked whether he agreed with his aide’s comments and what action, if any, would be taken against the person.

According to the government code of ethics, public officers in Grade 5 or above are precluded from engaging in political comment even in a personal capacity. Mr Abela occupies a position pegged to Grade 3 of the civil service.