The Nationalist Party wants discussion on the new Chief Justice to continue, saying that Prime Minister Robert SAbela breached a gentleman's agreement when he announced that the government's choice was Consuelo Scerri Herrera.

Stopping short of declaring that it did not want her to replace outgoing Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, the PN said  Leader of the Opposition Alex Borg today wrote to the Prime Minister to inform him that he expects discussions on the appointment of the new Chief Justice to continue.

This position must be filled following agreement between both sides of the House, by a two-thirds vote of Members of Parliament.

Borg's letter, in reply to the one sent by Abela, follows the unanimous decision taken Wednesday night by the Nationalist Parliamentary Group that discussions should continue with the Prime Minister on this important appointment, for which the Prime Minister is constitutionally obliged to reach agreement with the Opposition.

"Despite discussions on the appointment of the new Chief Justice still being ongoing, Prime Minister Robert Abela yesterday breached the gentlemen's agreement and confidentiality with the Leader of the Opposition, and showed a serious lack of respect for the seriousness and maturity required when considering such an important office, by unilaterally and publicly communicating the Government's decision to nominate a sitting judge for the post," the PN said Thursday.

This was compounded by comments made to the media by the Minister for Justice, Jonathan Attard - comments issued publicly at precisely the same time that the Leader of the Opposition had just received the Prime Minister's letter informing him of his decision.

Abela also went back on his word to Borg that no name would be communicated publicly before formal talks were concluded and agreement reached between both sides. This was also a matter of respect towards all members of the judiciary, the PN said.

With the full support of the Nationalist Parliamentary Group, while upholding confidentiality regarding what is being discussed between them and with full, mature and dignified respect for the importance of the office of Chief Justice as provided for by the Constitution of Malta, the Leader of the Opposition will not act as the Prime Minister has done.

Until agreement is reached on who should succeed Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, the PN said he will not comment publicly on what is said during discussions with the Prime Minister, which he expects to resume from today.

Alex Borg's letter to PM