Former Nationalist Minister and European Commissioner John Dalli, who is now consultant to the Labour government in the health sector, said that if he had had any inkling that he was being imposed on former Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia, he would not have accepted the job. He added that when he realised Minister Farrugia was feeling uncomfortable, he distanced himself to give the minister full freedom.

Mr Dalli wrote to The Malta Independent following an article penned by Marlene Farrugia, Dr Godfrey Farrugia’s partner and also an MP, published on Monday.

Mr Dalli’s full letter is as follows:

“I refer to the article carried in the online version of your paper today with the prominent title 'John Dalli imposed on Health Minister - Marlene Farrugia' (see link below)

Reading through the article one finds that what Marlene Farrrugia said was ‘From the beginning, even by the manner in which John Dalli was introduced to the Ministry.  Godfrey approved, if not actually invited John Dalli to lend his expertise, once he was cleared of any accusations in his regard.  The Prime Minister’s Communications Office however made it seem as if he was being imposed on Godfrey, thus undermining his authority in the Ministry from the outset.’

This is a far cry from what you tried to imply.  Marlene Farrugia never said that I was imposed on Minister Farrugia.

When the Prime Minister announced that I will be assisting in the health sector, he specifically stated that the request for my contribution came from Minister Farrugia.  On several occasions Minister Farrugia repeated this statement to me.  I believe that he also stated this in public.

If I had any inkling that I was being imposed, I would not have accepted.  And when, last December, I felt that Minister Farrugia was feeling uncomfortable because of innuendos in media stating that I took over the Health Ministry (which all who were involved in my work knew was a complete lie), I distanced myself to give Minister Farrugia full freedom of action with regards to the report that I published about Mater Dei.

Two weeks ago, Minister Farrugia sent for me again and asked me to participate in the reorganisation of the health sector which he was charting out.  I expressed my willingness to assist him in the implementation of a much needed reform for the benefit of the Maltese Population.”

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-03-31/news/john-dalli-imposed-on-health-minister-marlene-farrugia-4445667329/