Speaker Anglu Farrugia calls at PN headquarters

Updated 8 p.m. New Speaker Anglu Farrugia this morning made a courtesy call on Opposition leader Lawrence Gonzi at PN headquarters. They discussed parliamentary business and procedure. Those present included Deputy Speaker Censu Galea, Labour whip Carmelo Abela and PN whip David Agius. The Opposition had voted against Dr Farrugia's nomination as Speaker, with Dr Gonzi having protested that the Opposition was not consulted about it.  He had said, however, that the Opposition would respect the Chair and Dr Farrugia personally. Dr Farrugia told Dr Gonzi that his role today was above politics and he resigned from the Labour Party as soon as he was appointed Speaker. He also spoke on the importance of the House having an ad hoc parliamentary committee on finance and economy. His new role, he said, was a challenging one but he was committed to do it well building upon the achievements of his predecessors. Dr Gonzi, who had served as a Speaker for nine years, said the PN had always believed in the principle of democracy of which Parliament - the forum where political opinions were expressed and discussed, was a crucial part. Dr Farrugia was deputy leader of the Labour Party until...