Opposition has set a new benchmark in political opportunism - Gonzi

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said in parliament this evening that Opposition leader Joseph Muscat on Wednesday set a new benchmark in political opportunism when the Opposition voted in a no-confidence motion in the Minister of Home Affairs. What took place on Wednesday was a case how opportunism triumphed over substance, Dr Gonzi said. A motion of no confidence had been moved in the minister even though there was no justification for it. It was an example of how, for Dr Muscat, the end justified the means. Speaking at the opening of a debate on a motion of confidence in the government, Dr Gonzi said that implied in this motion, therefore, was an expression of no confidence in Dr Muscat. The government, however, recognised the seriousness of what had taken place. Dr Mifsud Bonnici resigned and, Dr Gonzi said, he reluctantly accepted the resignation and sought a vote of confidence in the government - a government democratically elected by the people to serve a five year term. Such a vote of confidence was needed as a message from the House that they had a government which would continue to work in their interests, especially in such a critical time for the economy, Dr Gonzi...