Updated: PM regrets embarrasment to Malta

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi vehemently refused to pass any comments on Commissioner John Dalli’s resignation but said he is not sorry he took the decision to appoint him Commissioner instead of Joe Borg in 2010. He later clarified that he regretted the developments of the past days but Mr Dalli's nomination was the correct thing to do at the time. Asked to give his reaction on the negative impact on Malta’s image due to Mr Dalli’s resignation, the Prime Minister only said that he did not want to pass judgement. Instead he focused his comments on the appointment of a future Commissioner reiterating that this will be done swiftly. When pressed to state whether the appointment of a new Commissioner will be announced following the next cabinet meeting on Monday he insisted that this will be announced 'at the opportune moment'. Asked whether, with hindsight, it was a mistake to appoint John Dalli  Commissioner, Dr Gonzi defended his decision and said he was not sorry for his decision. However, he later clarified that of course he regretted the developments of these last days and the embarrassment to Malta. "However, at the time of Mr Dalli's nomination, it appeared the correct thing...