As time goes by this government grows more and more intolerant to criticism.

Not only have certain columnists been singled out only to find themselves in the cross-hairs of government propagandists’ political ‘shotguns’ but we have even had cases where the PM himself – who usually tries to project himself as a tolerant person – singled out an independent demonstrator for carrying a particular placard during a recent pro-environment demo.

But as far as Ministers go there is no doubt that the most politically paranoid is Minister Austin Gatt who has reduced the MITI website to a mud-slinging platform (more reminiscent of the PN website) as can be evidenced by his and his people’s hysterical reaction to the MLP’s ICT vision statement as well as to my recent questions and probes regarding the state of play of the Smart City@Malta project.

Following reports which appeared in the columns of an independent Sunday newspaper I issued a statement outlining how government had fallen behind its own schedules regarding the start up of the ICT project in Ricasoli while asking whether any parts of the project were to be earmarked for real estate development as well as for the construction of a golf course. The latter two questions were posed by yours truly particularly in the light of the Minister’s Communications Officer’s reluctance to confirm or deny the report carried in the said Sunday newspaper.

When reacting to my statement while confirming that the project had fallen behind schedule MITI once again refrained from confirming or denying whether we shall be seeing real estate development and a golf course at Ricasoli.

They also found time to accuse me of trying to throw spanners in the works as well as to undermine the IT project.

This is far from the truth.

We have openly supported the ICT component of this project not only in Malta but also in our discussions with Tecom in Dubai. But to expect us to take a similar position on potential land speculation is another matter altogether.

At the time of writing the extent of real estate development and the golf course issue both remain undisclosed.

My call was not a call for incitement. But a mere call for transparency on government’s part.

If the Ministry has – as reported – already submitted a Project Development Statement to MEPA which includes plans related to the project, then, in my opinion, both the Ministry and MEPA itself were obliged to reply and shed light on the issues being queried by the media and by our party.

I can hardly see how any disclosures on the matter could imperil ongoing negotiations with TECOM if there has or has not already been agreement in principle with them – subject to MEPA approval – whether to go ahead with land speculation and a golf course.

While admittedly in previous statements Minister Gatt had mentioned hospitality facilities, at no stage had he ever made any reference to real estate and golf course development.

Are these the components that are necessary to turn the admittedly derelict Ricasoli area into a state of the art ICT and Media Park?

If the Minister merely has office space in mind that is one thing. But if he also intends to extend it to residential accommodation apart from the customary lodging area for “imported” ICT personnel then it is another matter altogether.

Our position remains crystal clear. “Yes” in principle to the ICT project. “Wait and see” regarding the ancillary activities which might not be directly related to the project itself. That is until further details are forthcoming.

Italy’s new dynamic foreign policy

I must confess that I had my reservations when Massimo d’Alema was appointed Foreign Minister in Italy. I feared that he could turn out to be dour and suffer from communication problems. But not only has he fitted perfectly in the role but he has given Italy’s foreign policy a new kick-start and dynamism, particularly as far as Mediterranean affairs are concerned.

The way he has handled the Lebanese issue showed professional expertise while his emphasis on strong bilaterals shows that even if one belongs to the European Union one’s room for manoeuvre is not as restricted as one would imagine. His stance so far has won him the backing of both the Lebanese and Israeli political forces.

I am pleased to say that so far I have been proved wrong.

Tribute to a gentleman journalist

Paul Carachi contributed much as a Parliamentarian in both local and international fora but I will always remember him first and foremost as an eminent journalist who could be incisive without being personal in his attacks and investigative without being speculative. His contributions in English were an inspiration to me when I first started contributing articles to the then Malta News before I had actually taken the plunge in the political arena.

I never got to know Paul all that well although I had met him a number of times in his days as a local councillor.

When I first entered Parliament he had already bowed out of the House of Representatives.

It is easy to pay tribute to someone who has just passed away.

But words fail me in summing up his commendable and unique contribution to the local journalistic scene.

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Leo Brincat is the Main Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and IT