Government accuses GSD of exploiting fire fighters for political stunt

The Government is accusing the GSD Opposition of exploiting the professionalism and bravery of Gibraltar's firefighters in last week's One Bayside fire for a political stunt.

The Minister with Responsibility for the Fire Service, Leslie Bruzon, says Joelle Ladislaus should remind herself following the standard Azopardi-GSD playbook of turning everything into a political game won't do her any favours, as it has been proven not to work.

Leslie Bruzon says Gibraltar's firefighters know they have the full support of the Government; and claims to have open lines of communication with the brigade.

He points out their request for an aerial ladder at a cost of £1.3m was not only approved, but the Fire and Rescue Service was involved in every stage of the design and build.

The bespoke platform is in the final stages of production.

The Minister adds the GFRS had undertaken a full overhaul of their breathing apparatus equipment and had also requested the purchase of a Compartment Fire Behaviour training unit, which is due to arrive within the next month.

As a result, he adds, recurrent expenditure has almost doubled under successive GSLP-Liberal governments.

The Government says it can only wonder whether the GSD, who constantly and repeatedly calls for spending cuts, would in reality show the fire services the same respect and support.

"Most importantly, it says, the professionalism of Gibraltar's firefighters should be seen and celebrated for what it is and not exploited by politicians who simply want to barge in on the limelight."