Prime Minister is once again ignoring a family going through a difficult time, just as he did with Isabelle Bonnici after the death of her son Jean Paul Sofia, the Nationalist Party said in a statement Monday.

Robert Abela has learned nothing from his past mistakes and is now refusing to meet the family of Nicolette Ghirxi, who was murdered earlier this year. To him, people are just numbers, the PN said.

While once again displaying his utter insensitivity to the suffering endured by the family of a victim who lost her life in a tragic manner, Abela refuses to even appoint a public and independent inquiry in this case, which is the family's wish, the PN added.

Opposition and PN Leader Bernard Grech met with Nicolette's family of and explained to them how the PN understands what they are going through during this difficult time following the killing of their loved one.

The PN said it supports their request for a public and independent inquiry to uncover the whole truth in this case and will offer its full support to the family.

Nicolette Ghirxi's family has the right to know the reasons and circumstances that led to the failure of our country's institutions in fulfilling their positive obligation to protect Nicolette Ghirxi's life, the PM said.

In contrast, Abela is showing insensitivity and weakness in how he deals with others, just as he did in the case of Jean Paul Sofia, where he told his mother, Isabelle, that she was being used over the death of her son. Even then, he refused to accept the family's request for a public inquiry until he was backed into a corner and had no choice but to make a U-turn, the PN said.

In reply, the government said that three ministers had met the Ghirxi family and discussions continue behind closed doors, in full respect of the inquiries being carried out. The PM has a meeting scheduled with the family, too, the government said.

Apart from a magisterial inquiry, an inquiry is also being carried out by the Police Complaints Board led by former judge Geoffrey Valenzia and another indepemndent inquiry is being led by former judge Lawrence Quintano.

The government said that it is deplorable that such a tragedy becomes a political football.