The simple facts of the matter, said Dr Gatt, are that the agreement with Microsoft had absolutely no consequence on the computer systems at the Education Ministry. The agreement will not mean that any existing government computer systems will be affected in any way that would render it unusable.

Dr Gatt explained that the agreement will lead to a hefty reduction in the costs incurred, over the next five years, to use Microsoft software. The Ministry said Mr Brincat had already gone back on his word in claiming that he would not be partisan to his criticism of the government’s IT sector.

He said that it was clear the opposition’s partisan instincts always won over pledges of moderation that are put into words, but forgotten at the smallest of excuses.