The government was “totally represented” during yesterday’s canonisation ceremony by Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia and the the Prime Minister’s wife, Michelle Muscat, PM Joseph Muscat said this morning.

Dr Muscat was asked about the absence of government officials at the ceremony during the official opening of the Banif Bank Mosta branch this morning. But he insisted that the government was indeed represented: by Dr Farrugia and Mrs Michelle Muscat.

Dr Muscat said that he saw nothing wrong in being represented by his wife. “She attended in her role as the Prime Minister’s wife, as happens in other countries.” He also insisted that members of the Opposition had attended on invitation by the government and said that this issue should not be turned into another controversy.

Sources confirmed to this paper, however, that the Speaker is a representative of Parliament and not the government, and holds a neutral role, so he cannot represent the government. And Mrs Muscat does not hold an executive role in government, so she also cannot be a government representative.

Last week it was announced that President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella were to attend the ceremony in Rome, during which two Popes were canonised. However, a few days before the ceremony it was announced that the President would not attend. No explanation was given.

PM admits government using illegal billboards

In the meantime Dr Muscat also admitted that the government is currently using illegal billboards, but laid the blame on the contractor. He said that the government will be taking the necessary steps to rectify the issue. Some of the billboards in question had been used by the Labour Party in the run up to the last general election.

When asked if the government would remove its billboards, Dr Muscat said that it would not, but it would make sure that the contractor is compliable with the law.

Sai Mizzi’s results ‘to be announced shortly’

When quizzed by the press, Dr Muscat would not reveal what Sai Mizzi – Minister Konrad Mizzi’s wife – has obtained for Malta in her first year as a government envoy to Asia. Mrs Mizzi is reportedly paid €13,000 a month. The Prime Minister said that the results would be announced soon, when they are 100% confirmed, and claimed that the Minister’s wife has obtained excellent results.

Referendum on Spring hunting

Dr Muscat was also asked about the petition for a referendum on Spring hunting. “The government has a mandate to safeguard spring hunting. There are constitutional tools that allow people to collect signatures, but as for my personal opinion, I think that spring hunting should continue.”

The Prime Minister noted that enforcement against illegal hunting was strengthened and discipline was widely maintained. He complained however, that the situation had escalated, even in the media, with both groups pitted against each other. Dr Muscat said that the government cannot, and will not block the referendum.