CNI trying to 'lure' Mintoff, Josie Muscat

Former Labour leader Dom Mintoff may soon be part of the Campaign for National Independence, which is spearheaded by Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici.

Contacted yesterday, Dr Mifsud Bonnici confirmed he has had a series of meetings with Mr Mintoff with a view to luring him to join.

"It is not just Mr Mintoff whom I am trying to lure, but also prominent Nationalists such as Victor Ragonesi, Mario Felice and Josie Muscat," Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici said he has had personal contact with Dr Ragonesi and Dr Felice and was speaking to Dr Muscat through third parties.

The response from Mr Mintoff was "very encouraging", Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.

"Mr Mintoff is very preoccupied with the financial situation of the country. With EU membership, this can only get worse as the government would have less revenue from of VAT.

"With EU membership, government expenditure would increase because the subsidies to be given to farmers, fishermen and so forth have to be borne by public finances," Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.

Last Monday, Dr Mifsud Bonnici appealed to Nationalist Party supporters who valued the country's independence and Labour Party supporters who cared for the island's freedom to come out in the open and declare that they would either abstain or vote no in the referendum.