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Joseph Muscat
Mosta
The new Prime Minister’s choice to keep the finance ministry to himself - perhaps for not too long - has been criticised by some in the media.
I think that it is true, as some had said, that finance is not Lawrence Gonzi’s playing ground, but what other choices did he have? I don’t blame him, since Mr Dalli had decided to quit, after serving there for about 10 years or more. I could be mistaken, and probably I am, but I can’t think of anyone in the Parliamentary group that can fill that void at least for now. The idea of keeping finances for himself aided by Prof Bonnici was a good idea, but the Professor decided not to accept.
It was reported that Prof. Bonnici felt demoted by the offer of a parliamentary secretary post. I think that not accepting, was a great mistake.
It would not have been a demotion of any kind to accept what the Prime Minister offered, but with the greatest respect for the Professor, if there was a demotion, it was not coming from the Prime Minister, but from the people at the last election.
How could the Prime Minister appoint a person elected to Parliament by a by-election, and leave an elected person as a back bencher. It’s true that the selection of ministers is the Prime Minister’s prerogative, but I am sure there would have been internal trouble.
Let us please not jump to conclusions, let us please give the new Prime Minister time to at least enter his office. He has got much on his plate, and time is not on our side, the economy, employment and investments; these are all burning problems for the new cabinet to settle, whether it is an old cabinet, or half old or new, is not important provided that the problems are solved.
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