Gozo minister Giovanna Debono has denied allegations made by Opposition Leader Alfred Sant and insisted that Dr Sant should check his facts rather than embark on mud-slinging campaigns.

In a statement, Mrs Debono said that the Mario Camilleri to whom Dr Sant has been referring is not employed in her private secretariat, as is being claimed, but works in the Projects and Development Division of the Gozo Ministry. Moreover, she said, it was the ministry that had alerted the police to the alleged wrong-doings. The police investigations are still under way, she said, and it would be inopportune to comment about the case at this stage.

The minister said the ministry abided by the laws and had referred the case to the police for investigation. She said a responsible politician would not comment about pending cases, thereby interfering with justice.