Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday appealed for “mature political language” and condemned personal attacks on individuals triggered by differences in opinion and beliefs.

“I am concerned because the level of political language is getting worse and not better... I’ve mentioned this before in Parliament and on Xarabank (during the debate with Labour leader Joseph Muscat on Friday)...

“I am concerned when I read certain newspapers, and I will not go into mentioning which, and see the level of personal attacks increasing.

“They are personal attacks on a hysterical level that almost incentivise violence.

“This is not right. I condemn this under all circumstances,” Dr Gonzi said in his closing speech during a Nationalist Party activity in Żebbuġ.

He was referring to a letter published in The Times on Saturday dealing with divorce and the stand adopted by the Nationalist Party.

Dr Gonzi also sent a letter to the editor (see page 9), referring to the comments that appeared on Saturday. He “condemned all hatred expressed in all circumstances”.

During the PN activity, Dr Gonzi said such words could incite violence. He appealed to all to keep political language within bounds.

People, he said, had different views and might not agree on certain points. It was fine to argue passionately for what one believed in but this had to be done in a manner that respected others.