Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has denied that the introduction of the hefty utility tariffs was ill-timed in light of the global financial crisis.

In his first interview since the presentation of the 2009 Budget, carried in The Sunday Times today, Dr Gonzi says that this is the moment when all the sacrifices and successes need to come into play.

Speaking to Herman Grech, the Prime Minister says he is fully shouldering the responsibility for the new tariffs and describes as “theatrics” today’s manifestation organised by the Labour Party in Valletta.

The entire interview can be found in today’s edition of The Sunday Times. Excerpts are carried on video above.