The mayors and deputy-mayors of the Malta Labour Party and Nationalist Party are at loggerheads after they disagreed over legal details regarding the last meeting of the South Eastern Region organised by the Labour-led Local Councils Association (LCA).

According to LCA president Michael Cohen, former president and current deputy-president Dr Ian Micallef objected to the publication of the motions to be presented at the meeting five days prior to the meeting, as the law stipulates that such motions must be published at least six days in advance.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Cohen said he abided by Dr Micallef’s wishes and decided to be as zealous as he was in following the letter of the law; he barred him from chairing a session Dr Micallef was delegated to preside. The president affirmed that it was his right by law to appoint members to chair sessions.

In a press statement, the PN College of Councillors condemned the association’s behaviour saying that Dr Micallef was only doing his duty when pointing out a legal problem.

Mr Cohen said he was glad Dr Micallef was so keen on following the law and, although he had led the association for six years, he had failed to organise a good number of meetings which are also stipulated by law.

Although the PN councillors boycotted the meeting, he said the legitimacy of the meeting was backed by the presence of the director of the Department of Local Councils, the president of the Local Councils Secretaries Association, MLP spokesman Dr Chris Cardona and Minister for Justice and Internal Affairs Dr Tonio Borg. Mr Cohen also pointed out that Floriana mayor Nigel Holland, who contested local council elections as an independent, was also present for the meeting.

Mr Cohen said Dr Borg praised the contested motions which dealt with the security of councillors following a spate of attacks on their properties as well as the socio-economical regeneration of the region.

He also highlighted the intensive work carried out by the association in trying to attract EU funds on rural projects as well as strengthening relations with the Police. The meeting also discussed the problems of street lighting, which is shared by the local councils and Enemalta, and the lack of respect and consultation of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority towards the local councils.