Updated - PM's offer to Opposition MPs still stands - government

The government said this evening that the prime minister's intention to offer specific roles to Opposition MPs, including executive roles, would continue to apply despite comments by PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil against the MPs taking up such offers. In a statement, the government said that despite the electoral result, the government would not render the Opposition irrelevant. Democracy dictated that whoever was granted the people's mandate should respect and submit to the scrutiny of the public and political adversaries. This government would not steamroll over anyone. It believed everyone could contribute to the country, hence the prime minister's intention to offer specific posts to Opposition MPs. Earlier, the Labour Party said that Dr Busuttil’s position reflected a negative attitude which showed that the PN would retain its negative policies of the past if he became its leader. The PL regretted his comments, saying the prime minister was proposing to nominate members of the Opposition to government boards and other entities. His purpose was to involve everyone in the running of the country, thus using the best brains in the interests of the country.