A book focusing on the difficult relationship between former prime ministers Dom Mintoff and Alfred Sant by Josef Grech, was launched yesterday morning.

Late last year, Mr Grech had also published another book on Mr Mintoff – Duminku Mintoff u Malta fiz-zmienu.

The Maltese-language book Mintoff u Sant focuses on the stormy relationship between the two men when the latter was Malta’s prime minister between 1996 and 1998. The Sant government was ultimately brought down by Mr Mintoff when he joined the Nationalist Party opposition in a no confidence vote.

Mr Grech launched his latest book at the Vittoriosa Waterfront where, in July 1998, Dr Sant famously called Mr Mintoff a traitor.

The book is based on Mr Grech’s correspondence with the late Mr Mintoff, in which the former prime minister recounted his experiences at a time when he felt abandoned and forgotten. Mr Grech said he regretted not being able to show the completed work to Mr Mintoff, but added that at least, he had fulfilled the promise he had made him.

Mr Grech explained that the book aims to analyse the two politicians’ words and actions in an objective manner, leaving the judgment to the reader.

The book launch was also addressed by John Zammit, who had mediated between Dr Sant and Mr Mintoff – coincidentally, as his father Joseph had done between Mr Mintoff and Paul Boffa.

The 336-page illustrated book is being published by JG Publishers, and can be purchased by calling 9906 1916, by sending an email to [email protected] or from Malta’s leading bookshops.