Gozo Minister Anton Refalo’s wife has been transferred from her husband’s ministry to the Gozo General Hospital to remove any “doubts” being cast by the Opposition, a government spokesman said yesterday.

Mikelina Refalo, who was until recently working at the Gozo Ministry’s customer care department, hit the headlines on Wednesday after the Opposition flagged her employment during a press conference.

He said his wife was an exemplary employee with outstanding conduct

A spokeswoman for the ministry confirmed the transfer to the hospital and Mr Refalo’s chief of staff, Christian Zammit, later said this was done to remove any negative perceptions that may be created around Ms Refalo.

Times of Malta asked Mr Refalo about his wife’s employment last March, and he defended her position vehemently.

Mr Refalo said his wife had been working in the civil service since before he had been elected and there was no conflict of interest. He later added that his wife was an exemplary employee with outstanding conduct.