Updated 3.30 p.m.

Former Labour Minister Joe Grima has resigned from his One TV programme Inkontri, the Labour Party announced this afternoon. Joseph Muscat has accepted the resignation.

The move followed controversial comments made on facebook by the former tourism minister against Fr Alexander Lucie Smith and against Richard Cachia Caruana, where vulgar language was used.

The Labour Party explained that Mr Grima had said in his letter to Dr Muscat that his comments about Fr Lucie were 'certainly inappropriate' and Labour should not pay the price for his "slip-up".

"You know me well enough to know that I value diversity and I am anything but a homophobe."

He said he remained totally dedicated to Dr Muscat's cause as Labour leader.

Dr Muscat thanked him for taking the best decision in the circumstances and thanked him for his 'priceless, voluntary service' through Inkontri.

Mr Grima early this morning referred to Richard Cachia Caruana as Rich il-puff.

Last week Mr Grima used foul language against a priest and appeared to link priests in general to paedophilia.

Asked about Mr Grima's comments this morning, Dr Muscat said that the language used was unacceptable and he would not defend it.

But asked whether he would take action against Mr Grima in view of his prime time programme on One TV, Dr Muscat said there was no need to do so as his comments were not said on One.

He said it was good that The Times raised awareness about such comments but it should raise awareness about other unacceptable comments used on the Internet. What is good for the goose is good for the gander," he said.

When it was pointed out that Mr Grima, unlike other bloggers, had said that he was answerable to Joseph Muscat, the Labour leader said this was a case of two weights and two measures.

Dr Muscat said he would have expected questions on the Cohabitation Bill, especially as minister Chris Said had said that  gay couples were not families. The Labour Party disagreed with this on a point of principle, Dr Muscat said.

See separate opinion piece by Joe Grima http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120830/opinion/Closure-for-everyone.434894