Franco can't attack himself

As a lawyer, Franco Debono has every right to represent Cyrus Engerer in a judicial protest against government over the leaking of his police charge sheet. Neither should Debono be prevented from taking on the job because he is a member of parliament. There were many instances in which lawyers who are also Nationalist backbenchers take their government to court on behalf of their clients.

So far, so good. But Franco Debono is not just a lawyer and an MP. He simultaneously wears a third hat. As a parliamentary assistant to the Prime Minister he is part of, in and represents government. It was Lawrence Gonzi who appointed him to the post, gave him an office in Castille and involves him directly in government business.

In this light, Franco Debono should not represent Cyrus Engerer in a court case against the government. How can Franco the lawyer attack the government's case in court when Franco himself is the government? How can Franco the lawyer attack Franco the government man?