From Mr L. Brincat MP

Singling out two newly appointed female ambassadors in recent parliamentary questions of mine might have given the impression that I had adopted a “sexist” approach in my PQs. This is far from the truth since on other occasions I have tabled PQs both on newly appointed as well as on serving male ambassadors.

From perusal of the wording of my PQs one can easily tell that I did not set out to cast doubts on the integrity, standing or capabilities of the persons chosen, but merely to verify their respective language and investment and trade promotion proficiencies.

Regarding Tunisia, I am well aware which languages are habitually spoken most, having frequently visited the country.

Since the replies given by the Minister were quite satisfactory I did not take the case further. This shows that I was not out to make capital of these two female appointments. From now on they will be merely judged on the basis of their performance, as is the case with other appointees be they political appointees or career diplomats.

If there is anything which Ms Caruana Galizia and the undersigned have in common it is that we both genuinely believe in gender equality.

Leo Brincat

Main Opposition Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and IT