The Government says it is “disappointed but not surprised” that the GSD and its leader Mr Azopardi have again displayed “such poor judgement as to continue to pretend that there is anything untoward about the publication of the latest Principal Auditor’s report.” 

A statement continued: “In doing so, they choose to completely ignore the explanation provided by the Speaker of the Parliament, on the record in Hansard, as to the reasons behind the delay. 

“As Madam Speaker stated when addressing Mr Azopardi in Parliament, which is a matter of public record: 

“It does the Opposition no credit that they should be so ready and so insistent to cast aspersions on the Parliamentary Office before being in full possession of the facts ... 

“I take very seriously any allegation of a compromise of Parliamentary independence in the matter under discussion. I can confirm there has been no such compromise.” 

“The GSD are continuing the same dishonourable behaviour shown by Mr Clinton towards Madam Speaker. 

“What is clear from this approach to debate by the GSD is that the Opposition have zero respect for the Parliament, zero judgement and even less political integrity.”