WATCH | Ian Borg evasive on Abela’s 'contrabandist' claim

Ian Borg refused to say whether he feels Robert Abela should report “Malta’s biggest contrabandist” to the police after his allegation.

When he was questioned whether Abela should take up the Nationalist leader’s challenge, the Labour deputy leader insisted the PN should first say who the experts behind the idea are.

The deputy prime minister also appeared to question the story’s significance, calling it a “non-story”.

“Once we know who they are, one can see what the facts around this story – or non-story – and what steps should be taken, or have been taken, by the two sides,” Borg said.

He said people want to go beyond the claims, and would like to see whether the project is factual and how it will impact their lives.

Pressed further, Borg said he was in no meetings with the individual and the prime minister, and in no meetings with the Opposition leader.

He insisted on knowing who the experts are, as only then can he give an objective answer.

On Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Robert Abela while not mentioning any names, told reporters “the country’s biggest contrabandist” had floated the offshore bunkering idea to him as he did with the PN.

Borg has since denied the claims, making a sworn declaration denying ever meeting a contrabandist or person involved in criminal activity in relation to the Nationalist Party’s proposed offshore fuel hub.