MPs to sit on government boards - Busuttil

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil this evening criticised the government for planning to move legislation which would enable it to appoint MPs to the boards of government entities and authorities. The criticism was made at the end of the debate on a government motion to thank the President for his address at the opening of Parliament. Dr Busuttil also presented an amendment to the motion. He said the amendment was motivated by the Opposition's regret that the government had used the Address for partisan ends and this had harmed the Office of the President, which should represent unity. The Opposition, he said, remained committed to seeking unity as well as consensus within the House. However the Opposition would not shirk its role as the political opposition. Speaking in Parliament, Dr Busuttil said seriousness demanded that the Presidency should be respected. The President's Address, prepared by the government, was full of political slogans and it was aimed at humiliating the Opposition. As a result it had undermined the respect which the presidency should enjoy. The Opposition, Dr Busuttil said, was being constructive in parliament and had declared it would back all seven bills...