Monday, March 12
Labour wins local council elections
The Malta Labour Party wins 53.2 per cent of the votes, three percentage points over 2004 and nearly 10 over the PN, in the 2007 council elections, increasing councillors in six of the 22 localities contested. Three of these councils, Xaghra, Gzira and Mosta, were previously Nationalist. With an overall 43.9 per cent of the vote, the Nationalist Party slipped 2.9 percentage points from 2004, the last time an election was held in these 22 towns and villages. In Munxar its support plummeted 13.2 percentage points. The PN lost councillors in six localities. In Attard, it lost a seat to AD. Nigel Holland, who contested the Floriana poll, was the only independent councillor elected in this round. Three independent councillors had been elected in the 2004 election.

Tuesday, March 13
Hunters to be arraigned
A number of people are expected to be arraigned and face charges related to incidents that erupted during a protest meant to be a peaceful show of force in favour of hunting last week. A number of people who allegedly threw bottles during the protest had been identified from photographs taken by the police.

Wednesday, March 14
Ex-Judge jailed for two years
Former judge Patrick Vella is jailed for two years after he pleaded guilty to accepting bribes to reduce the jail term of a drug trafficker on appeal.

Thursday, March 15
Doctors fear new hospital may not open on July 1
The Medical Association of Malta fears that Mater Dei Hospital will not start operating on time despite the government’s insistence it is doing all it can to ensure its opening on July 1. MAM general secretary Martin Balzan said the fear stemmed mainly from the critical shortage of doctors in several departments.

Friday, March 16
MEPs approve anti-hunting resolution
The European Parliament urges the Commission “to redouble its efforts to persuade the Maltese authorities to comply fully with Community law” governing hunting, approved by 300 votes in favour, 253 against and 33 abstentions.

Saturday, March 17
Drug courier arraigned
Liberian national Benedict Nyumah was arraigned before the Court of Magistrate Michael Mallia, accused with importation and possession of cocaine, and with intention of selling the drug. He filed a not guilty plea.