Outspoken Labour MP Marlene Farrugia said that she is ready to ask the Prime Minister for a place on the Cabinet with responsibilities for the environment. 

Writing a post on The Malta Independent portal, beneath a story on the cruise liner terminal in Gozo, Dr Farrugia said that at the start of the legislature she preferred to give a chance to her partner Godfrey Farrugia, once the PM’s intentions at the time was that only one of the two could hold a post in the Cabinet.

She said she continued to do her work as a backbencher, but as things are developing, it could be that “for the first time I request a position in the Cabinet so that i would have done all that is possible for the country”.

She however said that she would still be afraid that she would not be able to work as she likes, but at least “I would have offered by services in an area where I could make a difference”.

The Labour government, she added, found confusion in planning, development and the environment, and there is a lot to do at a time when any decision could be the salvation or condemnation of this country from an environmental point of view.

“I have so much to do that it would be a sacrifice for me and my family (if I were to become minister) but with what is happening around me, at least I would have offered my services and tried all my best for the government to work as promised in the Labour Party’s electoral manifesto”.

“If my request is not accepted, I will continue to work as a backbencher. Whatever happens, Malta and Gozo remain first and I will remain determined and convinced that righteousness should prevail for everyone’s lifestyle to become better,” she wrote.

The post of environment minister is currently held by Leo Brincat.

At the start of the legislature, Godfrey Farrugia, Marlene's partner, had been named Health Minister but he resigned the post a year later after he was asked to leave to portfolio and take on the Social Solidarity responsibilities from Marie Louis Coleiro, who had then been nominated President.