AD slams Cabinet choices

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo has described the choice of the new Cabinet as lacking in the innovation which the country needs.

"(Lawrence) Gonzi's declaration to act in continuation with what has come before has already been proved in the choice of his Cabinet. This is a disappointment for all those who recognise the need for change in order to address the country's challenges," Dr Vassallo said.

He expressed AD's concern at the fact that the Prime Minister was also serving as Finance Minister. "It is a matter of concern that Dr Gonzi was unable to find a Finance Minister for his Cabinet and was constrained into taking a major burden upon himself.

"His inexperience in this field adds significantly to the challenge in view of the unprecedented economic difficulties facing the country," he added.

Much of the reshuffling that has taken place appears to have been made in relation to the ambitions and expectations of the members of the Cabinet rather than in relation to the work it must undertake, he said.

On a positive note, Dr Vassallo welcomed the appointment of the second female minister.