Speaking at a press conference held on board one of the ferries while in transit to Gozo, Dr Sant criticised the comments made recently by the Prime Minister, saying that they showed Dr Gonzi’s insensitivity over the matter when he pointed out that the rise in ferry fares was equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee. Quoting from a report commissioned by the Gozo Business Chamber, Dr Sant said that the change in the tariff could remove some Lm1.6 million from the Gozitan economy.

Referring to the European Parliamentary election, Dr Sant said that Labour’s elected members would work to get Gozo recognised as a region with special needs so that it would be eligible for special funding.

Answering questions by The Malta Independent, Dr Sant said the rise in fares that had been implemented during the Labour administration was part of a restructuring process that came after some 15 years of changes in the costs incurred by the ferry company.

He said that the present rise was the result of the incompetence and inefficiency of the company’s operations and of the Nationalist government. He said that the MLP had warned countless times of the mismanagement that, he said, characterised the company’s operations under its former chairman John Sullivan. He criticised Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono for her interference which, he said, had contributed to the company’s present state.

Asked about the party’s position on the subsidy of the service, Dr Sant said that the party, on a par with the Gozo Forum, believed that the ferry service should be seen as a necessity for Gozo’s social and economic situation, adding that the service is a part of the country’s transportation network and therefore should fall under government expenditure, just like any other “road” would be.