There were no unforeseen surprises for Opposition Leader Alfred Sant and the journalists who were present for the second attempt of a Broadcasting Authority political programme, which took place yesterday afternoon.

Originally, the programme was meant to be recorded on Monday afternoon and aired after the 8pm news, with six journalists interviewing Dr Sant. However, the situation escalated after Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando was included at the very last minute as one of the six journalists who were to ask questions. Dr Pullicino Orlando said he was replacing Media.Link Communications journalist Amanda Ciappara.

However, the Opposition Leader refused to go ahead with the recording with Dr Pullicino Orlando as a “journalist” and walked out.

The BA recording was held yesterday afternoon at 1pm with Ms Ciappara as one of the six journalists asking Dr Sant questions.

The programme was aired after the evening news at around 8.30pm, followed by another BA programme aired at 9.30pm where Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was interviewed in the same format.