Government MP queries decision

Nationalist backbencher Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando yesterday cast doubts on what really lay behind the nomination of Speaker Louis Galea to the EU Court of Auditors.

Dr Pullicino Orlando said that, together with the recent EU appointment of Social Policy Minister John Dalli, this latest move meant that two "seasoned, reliable and conscientious politicians" were lost to the political scene once and for all.

"One hopes that these moves were made with our country's well-being in mind. One can only hope that they were not made in order to remove individuals who were viewed as not being part of an exclusive coterie the Prime Minister has surrounded himself with and who, despite having a number of attributes, cannot list bridge-building with anyone who finds himself outside their group as being one of them," he said.

He said some members of such "coterie" viewed "even the most constructive forms of criticism as tantamount to rebellion".

Sources said doubts on this latest nomination were probably fuelled by Dr Galea's recent decision to allow an opposition motion to discuss the controversial Delimara power station extension the night before the planning authority was set to take a decision on it.

Dr Pullicino Orlando said that, together with his colleagues, he expected Dr Galea's replacement to be "experienced and capable enough" to be in a position to offer even something more than Dr Galea. "This is a post which is not purely ceremonial but which brings with it an enormous degree of responsibility."

Speaking in Gozo yesterday, Dr Gonzi said Dr Galea had "shown interest" in the position on the EU Court of Auditors, which monitors EU spending. "When it comes to posts within the EU, I make sure I choose the best people," Dr Gonzi said. Dr Galea and Prof. Bonnici could not be contacted for comment yesterday.