"I acknowledge the message from those demonstrating and I welcome the constructive and positive engagement with the issues represented by the newly appointed National Officer with responsibility for Gibraltar, Stuart Davies, who I have known for some time. I look forward to working with Stuart and the leadership of Unite in Gibraltar in resolving the issues relating to agency workers in the Civil Service, as I have already said we will do."

He also looks forward to discussing "the issues that Stuart has set out in his public statements. As a member of Unite myself for more than 20 years, I support the right to peacefully demonstrate to make a political point and I will not ignore the views represented by those demonstrating."

This Monday the Cabinet has already agreed it will only have two agenda items, Brexit and the issue of agency workers, so that we resolve the latter matter as quickly as possible, Mr Picardo said.

And adds: "I also look forward to continuing the other good work I have done with Unite in so many areas since I was elected, not least in respect of the introduction of pensions in the private sector and the recognition of trade unions. There is a lot we have done together and a lot still to do."

17-01-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR