MPs cross swords in first parliamentary question of the legislature

A minister on Monday criticised a Nationalist MP for personally attacking a minister's partner through a parliamentary question - even though neither the minister nor his partner were mentioned.

The exchange took place in the very first question of this legislature, put by Nationalist MP Claudette Buttigieg. 

She asked whether it was proper that a person (name enclosed under separate cover and not published) had gone on leave so that she could directly participate in a minister's electoral campaign, even through home visits. If this was the case, did the minister consider it proper that a person who occupied a sensitive position as director of services to vulnerable children and families should be taking part in partisan political events which could undermine clients' confidence of the services?  

Replying, Family and Social Welfare Minister Michael Falzon said the person indicated in the parliamentary question had always gone about her duties diligently and as expected of her. While she was a minister's partner, it did not result that she had acted in a manner that compromised her duties, as the MP had implied.  

He later added that in the very first parliamentary question, the...