New Ombudsman Anthony Mifsud said today it would be presumptuous of him to comment about his predecessor’s criticism of government for ignoring recommendations on an investigation into Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg.

However, when asked whether the government’s inaction was cause for concern, he replied: “This [criticism] came from someone with a lot of experience.”

Mr Mifsud, the former Auditor General, was sworn in as the new Ombudsman at the President’s Palace in Valletta this morning.

He was reluctant to comment on the case involving a planning permit issued for Dr Borg’s private property in Dingli, which had been investigated by his predecessor Joseph Said Pullicino.

Mr Mifsud was also asked about his predecessor’s investigation into promotions dished out at the Armed Forces. He declined to comment, however, saying that the case was the subject of a court appeal.

During the swearing in ceremony, Mr Mifsud said he hoped to enjoy full cooperation form government departments, which he said had always been the case during his two terms as AG.

“This will be my third constitutional responsibility and as you take on a new one you always take it with more responsibility,” he said.

President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca presided over this morning’s ceremony, whispering to Mr Mifsud: “My God, we’ve known each other 40 years and here we find ourselves today!”