Borg tells MEPs: 'What you see is what you get'

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg told MEPs at the opening of his hearing in the European Parliament today that he would be independent, objective and, above all, European. Dr Borg placed an accent on his European credentials at the opening of his three-hour hearing, pointing out that he had spent the major part of his political life working to take Malta into the EU because he was a firm believer in its values. The hearing is being held in a packed hall, with some people standing at the back. Those present include Malta's MEPs and Malta's former representative to the EU, Richard Cachia Caruana. Dr Borg described his portfolio of health and consumer affairs as 'the people's portfolio' since its activities directly affected the people. He said he would use his experience, if appointed, to the maximum benefit of the people. He promised to cooperate fully with the European Parliament and to be honest and frank with the MEPs, without promising the unattainable. "I shall be independent, and objective and above all, European," he said. He also said that science would be his guide when taking difficult decisions. He was honoured, he said, to enjoy the support of the two political parties in...