Alternattiva Demokratika strongly deplored the “arrogant and abusive attitude” shown by a PN candidate towards AD spokesperson, Architect Carmel Cacopardo, who until recently was a PN activist.

During the filming of Brian Hansford's Realta discussion programme, aired on Smash TV on Monday, AD said Charlo Bonnici intrusively grilled Mr Cacopardo about his political allegiances, asking whether he had any involvement with AD when he was working as an investigative officer with the Malta Environmental Planning Authority's (Mepa) Audit Office.

Mr Cacopardo observed that he was not asked about his long-standing PN ties (which have since been severed), but only about his links with AD, which were forged after the end of his stint with the Audit Office.

“By asking such blatantly arrogant questions, Charlo Bonnici has revealed a trait which is evident throughout the PN – namely that only those with PN allegiances are fit to hold office. Coming from a 'fresh face' in the PN camp, such statements only serve to instill a deep sense of disappointment with the Nationalist exclusionary attitude,” said AD secretary general Victor Galea.