Updated - Busuttil sworn in as Opposition leader - says Opposition will participate in all House committees

Simon Busuttil was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition this evening, five days after he was elected leader of the Nationalist Party. He later spoke in Parliament, saying the Opposition would be strong but constructive and it would cooperate with the government as long as it was free to criticise where required. The swearing in ceremony, presided by President George Abela, was held at the palace in Valletta in the presence of one of Dr Busuttil's sons, his parents, the Attorney General and a number of MPs, candidates and officials of the PN. Dr Busuttil is due to announce his Shadow Cabinet tomorrow. He has taken over from Lawrence Gonzi, who held the post for just under two months. Dr Gonzi has indicated he will resign from Parliament. WELCOME IN PARLIAMENT The Speaker of the House, Anglu Farrugia, welcomed Dr Busuttil in his new post and said he was confident he would work in the best interests of all the people and parliamentary democracy. He also thanked and paid tribute to Dr Gonzi (who is currently abroad). Quoting British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, Dr Farrugia said that no government could be strong without a formidable opposition. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat...