Alternattiva Demokratika has expressed its deep concern at the comments made recently by the secretary general of the Malta Labour Party, Jason Micallef, during a political activity. Dr. Harry Vassallo stated that "it is regrettable that Labour, from the opposition benches, is planning to be a government of Labourites for Labourites. Mr. Micallef's remarks are condemnable, and the leader of his party should declare whether this is indeed his intention is, if and when he becomes Prime Minister.

If Labour had one merit in its short life in government between 1996-1998 it is the fact that it did try to be a government representing everyone. We cannot understand why they are now planning to reverse this policy, one that had won the admiration of many."

Dr. Vassallo added that "the Nationalist party has no credibility criticising Mr. Micallef's policy, because during the last 20 years they have governed in a highly partisan way and filled most public appointments with people whose leaning were very clearly Nationalists. The PN was indeed a government of Nationalists. The country needs a change in this attitude particularly in the context of our membership in the EU, which requires wider participation and political consensus."

AD deputy secretary general, Ralph Cassar added "we make a firm commitment that in a coalition government in which AD is participating, no political purges or political vendettas will be carried out. A coalition government will be a government that represents, and acts in the interest of all the people. We will insist, as part of the coalition negotiations, that no more ministerial appointment are carried out. All positions on the boards of directors of public bodies and companies with government shareholding must be advertised and must be filled on the basis of the candidates' competence, willingness to implement government policy and on meritocracy alone. Naturally anyone holding public office must commit to not being political. Today we are presenting a bill which regulates such appointments. The scope of the bill is to make the appointment process accessible to all citizens, transparent and accountable. AD in parliament will push for such a bill to be enacted into law. We will enforce a style of politics that will be conducive to national unity and fairness in public services. There will be no friends of friends, Nationalist or Labour."

Dr. Harry Vassallo then referred to the issue of political injustices. He said that "we recognise that there are many who have suffered injustice from both parties. It will be our task in a coalition government to ensure that all these people are given their due. However this has to be done without causing injustice to others, and more importantly, in a serene manner that does not create political tension. In order to deal with the issue of injustice and corruption we will be recommending that the Ombudsman is granted not only advisory powers, but also greater powers to demand the implementation of the conclusions and remedies his investigations recommend. The current system that sends people from one commission to the next and then to the Ombudsman, and then to court is unacceptable. Justice delayed is justice denied."

Dr. Vassallo concluded strongly declaring that "the only government that will not be a government for its party faithful will be a coalition government with AD. Only we can ensure that the next government acts truly in the national interest. The Nationalists have show that they are unable to do so if left to govern on their own. Labour are already promising to do the same. The Greens will bring an end to this nonsense, and bring about a new style of leadership to this country. We are the people's only guarantee that the next government will act in their interest, irrespective of their political allegiance."