"Whilst we recognise that the Drydocks is in a very precarious situation and beyond 2008 its ability to survive in its present set up is very much in doubt , we still believe that the government should enter into serious dialogue with all the social partners involved in order to try and come up with solutions which are most beneficial to the workers and to the country in general", said Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party.

Minister Austin Gatt's total closure on the subject and his refusal of any dialogue is not befitting the modern concept of democracy. All stakeholders should gather around a table to discuss seriously and openly the best way forward".

AD Spokesperson on Energy and Industry Ralph Cassar reiterated that we are here to propose concrete solutions to identify what can be saved from this enterprise, without the taxpayer having to fork out many more millions.

"If the Appledore Report proposal to relocate hundreds of its employees into producing energy saving products is taken up, then all Maltese and Gozitans stand to gain. All proposals should be discussed seriously with management, unions and potential investors", conclude Ralph Cassar.