Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi says that the country’s reputation is in tatters as some did not want to see the writing on the wall.
Reacting to the Daphne Caruana Galizia Inquiry Report, Gonzi says that the recommendations by the judges should be implemented but this should be “overseen by an independent commission made up of competent persons who are free from the shackles of political partisanship – whether real or perceived.”
Gonzi, who was Prime Minister between 2004 and 2013, shared his views on Facebook.
"As some of you may very well imagine, there is so much I would wish to say at this watershed moment when we all find ourselves at the “heart of darkness” as Times Editorial aptly put it. But once again, “Din l-Art Helwa” calls upon all of us to stop and think, to try our very best to learn whatever lessons need to be learnt, to refrain from hysteria and instead focus on what needs – indeed on what must – be done now that truth has prevailed once again.
"Let me therefore suggest to everyone that as a start we should thank the Caruana Galizia family for the determination and courage that they have shown throughout this horrible nightmare. They have successfully demanded accountability from the state and this has now been recognised. I believe they have shown us all what needs to be done when faced with evil : stand up and be counted. Fight it till the very end and believe that truth and justice will prevail.
"Secondly, I suggest we salute the three judges not merely for their enormous effort to expose evil and to open the can of worms for all to see, but also and just as importantly, for giving us all a fresh sense of trust in our justice system. In the face of a near total collapse of our institutions in such a brief span of time, at least today the judicial system has given us a ray of hope to which we must all cling as if all our lives depend on it.
"Thirdly, it seems that everyone is agreeing that the recommendations put forward by the inquiry must be implemented as soon as possible. But I would suggest that we analyse carefully what would be the best way of doing this. I count myself amongst those few who would agree that implementation needs to be overseen by an independent commission made up of competent persons who are free from the shackles of political partisanship – whether real or perceived.
"And finally, let us all understand the tragedy that has befallen on us. Our country’s reputation is in tatters. It is in tatters because some refused to see the writing on the wall. Others refused to accept reality when this was staring them in the face. And others chose to look the other way because they were making hay while the sun was shining only on their pockets. All of this happened because when faced with life changing choices, the dice fell on the side of what is popular rather than what is right."