MLP deputy leader Charles Mangion accused the Prime Minister of manipulation yesterday, saying Lawrence Gonzi had twisted an interpretation that Dr Mangion had given about the Labour Party’s proposal to remove income tax from overtime earnings.

Labour’s proposal, he said, did not affect the way overtime was paid to those who worked it; all it did was to leave more money in workers’ pockets.

Dr Mangion said Dr Gonzi should explain how VAT had been raised to 18 per cent from 15 per cent, in spite of a promise not to raise the rate.

Though Dr Gonzi had promised improved health services, services at polyclinics had been reduced or eliminated, hospital waiting lists had doubled, and medicines were not available at hospital.

And Dr Gonzi had promised a reduction in taxation but the tax burden under his government had grown by an average of w116 million (Lm50 million) a year.

Political manipulation and lies would not convince the people, who wanted the change Labour would bring, Dr Mangion said.