AN MP WITH A SENSE OF DUTY Nationalist MP FRANCO DEBONO speaks frankly to Chiara Bonello about party financing, parliamentary resources, the right to legal assistance and environmental issues and other matters :. 24th October 10 “I got into politics very early, and ran for my first election at the age of 23, while still a law student. For the next 10 years I persevered, waiting patiently, working relentlessly, and in the meantime concentrating on my profession” Franco Debono said. Dr Debono has worked exclusively in the field of criminal law, and set up his own law firm. He was voted into Parliament at the last general election, as is the youngest Member of Parliament on the government side. “I have always had to work very hard to get results, both in my legal practice and in politics. I am a very hard worker and my loyalty to the party is not only unconditional, but also unconditioned.” However, since his election Dr Debono has done anything but rest on his laurels, as he has raised various issues in Parliament, and seen action taken on a number of them. “All the issues I raised are in line with my party’s beliefs and principles, from the right to legal assistance during interrogations, to the dignity of Parliament and the environmental concerns of the south,” he said. The former is based on the right to justice and is a fundamental human right, something the PN has always believed in and fought for, as issues concerning Parliament and the environment are pillars of its creed. In general, our country is faring well, he said, notwithstanding the recession and thereforms being carried out in various sectors, from the rent laws to public transport to the Planning Authority. However, his main areas of interest are constitutional matters, justice and the environment.