Gonzi warns vote for AD benefits Labour

Christine Galea

Mar 6th 2008, 10:22

If AD gets 2500 first count votes their candidate should be able to hold on through the transfer of votes system and get elected without a quota (normally 3000-3400).

As I see it achieving 2500 votes is very much within AD's grasp on at least two districts.

David Gatt

Mar 6th 2008, 04:00

M Buttigieg -why benefit only MLP and not PN too? That's the thing nobody can understand.

Adrian Cremona

Mar 5th 2008, 17:35

M.Buttigieg. Your estimates are way on the high side. However even if this were the case the 4th and 5th candidates could get elected without reaching the quota.That is why even with a head start of 2500 votes AD could get its candidate/s elected.

I will be one of those that helps them do so.

M Buttigieg

Mar 5th 2008, 15:17

Mr Buhagiar, votes needed to elect a candidate vary from one district to another, but it will be in the region of 3500 - 3800. I'm quite sure that AD won't get enough votes in one district to elect a candidate. This will mean that a vote for AD will be a vote wasted. Personally this time I won't risk voting AD as this will mean that a vote for AD will benefit Labour.

Claire Bonello

Mar 5th 2008, 10:16

Michael Buhagiar asks how many votes would be needed to elect a representative from one district. That would be about 2,500 first count votes (it could vary depending on the size of district, second preference votes etc).
Marika Formosa, AD praised the PN for changing his mind and not insisting that Xaghra l-Hamra be turned into a golf course but a national park. AD also welcomed the green measures adopted in the latest manifesto - such as turning Gozo into an eco-island - incidentally something which was suggested by AD last year

Richard Borg

Mar 5th 2008, 09:05

Marika, the greatest PN environmental achievements?? Let me list a few: Go to Tigne, Addolorata,remember the approval of the new ODZ areas, have you been to Gozo lately? How about the 'green' Prime Minister defending the Ta' Cenc development? Remember the attempted rape of Ramla - that I bet will be revisited if the PN wins the election without a coalition. The PN is a fake environmental party.

You mention the EU, Eurozone etc to disprove that there is political stagnation.

However, it may be a surprise to you but I voted for the EU exactly because of the stagnant political system in Malta. My reasoning was that with the EU would ensure the Government would be checked time and again on issues such as envionement, hunting,discriminatory departure taxes etc. However evidently this is not enough. We need a coalition government - like most of Europe have - to provide the necessary checks and balances.

Finally Michael Buhagiar in reply to your uestion - if AD get circa 2300-2500 first count votes that candidate will most likely be elected. I assure you that speaking to people it looks likely that both the 9th and the 10 district could provide that number of 1st count votes for AD.

David Gatt

Mar 5th 2008, 00:15

marika formosa - A vote for AD is a vote for AD. That's pure democracy. You may not believe in people's free will, BUT I DO! If PN is incapable of obtaining enough votes to beat MLP than that's their own problem.

Michael Buhagiar

Mar 4th 2008, 19:01

Can someone here tell me how many votes AD will need from a single district to be able to have a seat in parlament?

marika formosa

Mar 4th 2008, 14:20

I am still waiting for Krista or anyone else to mention one instance when AD acknowledged an environmental achievement of this PN government.

Krista claims that we have had “political stagnation” for the last 35 years or so. If joining EU, joining the Euro zone, virtual full employment rate, a fast growing IT sector, a well established financial sector are the result of “political stagnation”; then may we have more of it.

In the EU parliament elections, a vote for AD gave Labour a third MEP. In this election, a vote for AD is a vote to get Sant as PM.

Krista Camilleri

Mar 4th 2008, 11:34

Marika, I will take you to your task. AD did more than praise the PN. Remember in 2003 they practically told us to vote for another party (the PN) I am sure you remember the slogan 'in-numru tnejt tajjeb ukoll' so please stop patronising.

The PN on the otherhand has been attacking AD since its inception but has increased its attacks in recent years - remember the spin during the 2004 MEP elections where Arnold Cassola was practically branded as a pro-abortion politician?

A vote for AD is a vote for a change in politics as against the political stagnation we have had for the last 35 years or so.

A vote for AD is a vote for AD punto e basta.

Adrian Mallia

Mar 4th 2008, 08:44

John. May I point out that it is Lawrence Gonzi (who as you pointed out made mistakes) who has put us in the situation. Who agreed to the reform of the electoral law to try and keep parliament a 2 party club? He did.

The bent rationale was that then all he had to do was scaremonger people like you into voting PN to keep out the MLP.

Unfortunately from what I am seeing this strategy is backfiring bacause a part of the electorate ae voting with their heads not according to family tradition.

Until now, the PN has ruled out an alliance with AD (although reading yesterday's comments this stance seems to be mellowing) for very obvious reasons. If we were given the choice of an AD/PN alliance AD might end up with 8 or 9 candiates elected instead of 1 or 2 and this is a situation the PN wanted to avoid.

The only way Lawrence Gonzi could have won over this situation was to bite the bullet and incorporate the AD mainfesto with the PN's. However can you imagine the PN accepting divorce legislation for example?? Not before the party is trashed out of office.

I reiterate has been said before only a strong vote for AD will put an end to this political stagnation and send a message to both parties that the Maltese will no longer be intimidated into voting for the lesser evil.

marika formosa

Mar 3rd 2008, 17:22

To AD sympathisers: Mention one instance where AD said anything positive about PN. For example, never have they acknowledged achievements in waste management ( bring in sites, civic amenity sites, closure of Maghtab, a properly managed landfill etc etc. etc.) And this is a green party. AD have specifically targeted PN to gain votes. AD now expect PN to accept the idea of a coalition with AD.

Voting AD will not get AD elected -it will simply get Sant as PM.

Duncan Bonnici

Mar 3rd 2008, 16:55

Dr. Gonzi does not understand how pathetic his suggestion is and what he implies by the same suggestion. How can a vote for a party means a vote for another when the two parties have different policies? I think its time Dr Gonzi wakes up and realizes that a 3rd party is a reality.

John Schembri

Mar 3rd 2008, 12:45

"The PN which has been in office for the last 20 years (barring the 96-98 period) "
wrote Claire . It seems that MLPad want us to forget who was the inept prime minister during 1996-1998.Alternattiva made a big mistake when they said they are ready to go with ANYONE , for many like me this statement only proves that AD is power hungry.David is stating that I am touchy about PN , really I am touchy about Alfred Sant being re-elected.as prime minister.
The real issues are not which candidates are going to be elected ,( there are corrupt people on both sides) but if I don't get Dr Gonzi (who made mistakes) , we will have Dr Sant as prime minister with a catastrophic track record of mistakes and anti social proposals (E.g. The anti-EU stand , the VAT - CET with cash registers , the removal of the surcharge issue , extending schooling with one year and the OT issue).Like many voters I ask AD to make a ALLIANCE before the Election and then we will not be signing a blank cheque.

David Cassar

Mar 3rd 2008, 10:17

John Schembri, you seem pretty touchy about anyone who takes a shot at the PN. I find it strange how certain people think it is ok for AD to criticise the MLP but if they dare utter a word against the PN all hell breaks loose.
Evidently the sPiN that a vote for AD is a vote for Alfred Sant has gotten to you but after all that is what spin is about. However, nothing is further from the truth and as pointed out below, power prefers sPiN to the truth. Rather than a vote for Alfred Sant, a vote for AD is a vote for change, it is a vote for the real care of the environment, it is a vote for rent reform, it is a vote for the civil right to divorce, it is a vote to recognise the rights of minorities excluded (because the PN continues to be the lapdog of the curia), it is a vote to preserve our status as a secular country - and make no mistake an outright victory by the PN will signify the demise of our secularity. Finally and most importantly it is a vote to change the way politics is done in this country. I will not vote for the lesser evil (I am not that dim yet) and if AD did not exist I would not vote at all.

AD is the only party that deserves my vote for reasons listed above. Furthermore, has it occurred to anyone that whilst the MLPN trade accusations of corruption scandals, no one has targeted AD officials...... If a coalition government becomes a reality I will be proud to have been one of those voters who made it happen through my vote.

David Gatt

Mar 3rd 2008, 05:17

Truly an anti-democratic remark from Gonzi. How can he say that voting for the third party mean that one is voting MLP? Isn't this a free democratic country? We vote as we like Dr Gonzi!

Claire Bonello

Mar 2nd 2008, 21:00

John Schembri thinks that AD has not criticised the MLP. He is mistaken. To give a couple of examples -AD has criticised the MLP's proposal to slash surcharge, it has criticised the MLP's refusal to pulicly disclose any donations made to it. However it has been the PN which has been in office for the last 20 years (barring the 96-98 period) so it is natural that the government's actions should be open to scrutiny and criticism where necessary. It is very worrying to see that the attitude of the PN seems to be that the party is above criticism. This does not bode well for any administration

Dion Borg

Mar 2nd 2008, 18:29

Mr. DeGiorgio – the environment is not safeguarded with the amount of money you throw at it (in friend’s pockets), but with a change in strategy and mentality.
Dear Corinne, AD can be kept “in check” by the other coalition partner, the European Green Movement – and ultimately the electorate.
For a starters however, AD have no strings attached, from shrouded party financing – and this in itself speaks volumes about integrity and reliance to uphold principles.

Corinne Vella

Mar 2nd 2008, 13:46

If a minor coalition partner's role is to keep the government in check, whose role is it to keep the minor coalition partner in check?

Ian Meli

Mar 2nd 2008, 10:56

AD in a coalition government is an answer to many's prayers.

The trend in the past elections has been to vote for the 'lesser evil' party. This feeling is strongest in this election due to the scaremongering by Gonzi.

AD in a coalition government (be it with PN or MLP) will ensure that each of the big parties will not reign in absolute tyranny for the coming 5 years. AD in a coalition government will bring a breath of fresh air into politics.

Do you want the PN or Sant to reign in a tyranny? Then vote AD.

Ian Meli
Santa Venera

John Schembri

Mar 2nd 2008, 10:35

Dear Dr Claire Bonello ,
this is not Switzerland , we are in Malta and in Malta the issue is that AD continuously attacked
the PN and vice versa, we hardly had any attacks between the MLP and AD. It follows that AD is trying to pouch votes from the PN. There is only one plausible conclusion : MLPad . AD will help , Dr Alfred Sant to be prime minister who showed us that he is only good at MUDSLINGING.

Claire Bonello

Mar 1st 2008, 18:24

Marika Formosa thinks that a coalition government is always an instable one. This is incorrect. She is dismissing the coalition governments in countries such as Switzerland, Germany and the Benelux countries where the governments have been successful.
As for Gonzi not being able to work with people who provide constructive criticism - this is a reflection on an undemocratic government which feels that he is above criticism

James De Giorgio

Mar 1st 2008, 14:50

With a proposal to spend 300 million euros out of 850 million euros on the environment, real Green voters ought to vote for the PN!

How can some people still trust a Sant who assured us it would only be one and a half million?

Mind you, vote AD in great numbers, and you'll get that Sant.

Oh and the elected AD guy would be sitting in the opposition. Do you really think Sant wants to share power with AD? I don't think so....

Dion Borg

Mar 1st 2008, 12:53

Hearing what Dr. Gonzi has to say about a Coalition with AD….makes one wonder….
He’s (till now) ruling out becoming a PM and having AD in ‘his’ cabinet, simply because according to him, AD has dared questioned (insulted?) the way Dr. Gonzi arrived at some decisions or lack thereof, and also criticized some issues and policies which his party in govt.
Dear Dr. Gonzi, what’s the big deal, a lot of people have done that independently already. Is it something to get so personal and fussy about? Did AD do anything near the backstabbing at St.Andrew’s at the eve of the last election?
Considering that AD has stressed on Transparency, Accountability and championed the proper interpretation and implementation of EU directives – even when the PN govt tried to bend or ignore them.
If Dr. Gonzi is so sincerely concerned about the alleged danger of a Labour (sole) govt, his comments about working with AD because of unspecified criticism, are as hollow as the electoral law which he had been directly involved in, and which the PN and MLP devised in line with their own party’s strategies.
Dr. Gonzi must decide whether he is going to factually demonstrate that he really cares about our children (and not his party’s short-term’s goals), otherwise all the explanations and promises he may come up with, will lose all credibility!

Guido Mizzi

Mar 1st 2008, 11:22

Clive Demicoli – the reality we live in today is continued political polarization, political hatred, non accountability, non transparency etc etc.. For once we have the chance to start eroding at this! This could happen with enough votes for AD that would force a coalition - unfortunately the electoral system agreed to by the two large parties (they only seem to agree on electoral systems and parliamentary pensions – ever wondered why?) make this very difficult! In the circumstances (largely brought about by the two party agreement referred to), the argument that a vote for AD benefits labour could be true but it is also very true that this could be neutralized if a coalition agreement is reached before the elections (including instructions on how supporters of both parties to the coalition are to vote). Apart from the purely technical considerations of this argument there is the overriding need for a fresh start to the way politics are carried out in Malta. I am quite convinced that most Maltese are not at all happy with the current situation and would like to see the start of convergence of ideas between parties that hold similar principles and the implementation of systems and controls that facilitate accountability and transparency. Why preempt this possibility by scaring the electorate and this as a result of an electoral system that you have been party to? Is it because you want to perpetrate political polarization, non accountability and non transparency? I want to believe that this is not the case – I want to believe that political foresight and courage are perhaps not strong enough at this time! At the same time I also want to believe that (deep down) Lawrence Gonzi understands all of this and will somehow find the courage and political strength to go down this road!

marika formosa

Mar 1st 2008, 09:37

People take things too much for granted. Much has been achieved during this past legislature and this was achieved with good leadership and a stable government.
Economic stability and growth needs a strong decisive government. A coalition government can never be strong, especially if the balance of power is held by one or two seats of a small party. One AD speaker in a debate spoke about the need for a third party to CONTROL the actions of the larger party in government - hardly a recipe for a strong government. Malta already experienced a sort of coalition government. It was the Sant-Mintoff govt. of 96-98 ; in less than 2 years we were back at the polls. If you want INSTABILITY vote for one of the smaller parties. PN is absolutely right in rejecting outright the idea of a coalition.

Martin Dingli

Feb 29th 2008, 23:45

Mike Cassar Totaly right love what you say and lets hope that Daphne will understand what a Coalition can do for the Maltese people. Well done i could not have said it better myself.

J Zammit

Feb 29th 2008, 20:05

Harry Vassallo in his Press Conference on TVM attacked the Nationalists so much I'm really believing that he won't ever be able to enter into any kind of alliance with them.

Paul Caruana

Feb 29th 2008, 16:23

There will be no coalition after the 8th of March and Alfred Sant or Lawrence Gonzi will be prime minister. A good showing by AD will mean one of two things:

1) AD gets thousands of votes at the expense of the PN but fail to win a seat. The MLP gets more votes than the PN and Alfred Sant is prime minister. (We can all agree that AD gets almost all its votes from a demographic that usually votes Nationalist - we've seen that happen in the Euro election.)

2) AD wins a seat. That seat would most likely come from the 9th or 10th district and you can be sure it won't be Leo Brincat’s or Evarist Bartolo’s. Outcome: whether the MLP gets more votes than the PN or not, the MLP gets an absolute majority of seats and Alfred Sant is prime minister. Bear in mind that the electoral districts today aren't what they were in 2003. They favour Labour. If the nationalists get the same vote they got in 2003 they'd still have fewer seats than the MLP: the constitutional amendment that guarantees a majority to the largest party doesn't apply if a third party wins a seat.

If you plan voting AD this may sound unfair or unpleasant, but there's no escaping the arithmetic. In the unlikely event that AD wins a seat, that MP will sit on the opposition benches with the Nationalists. And Alfred Sant will be Prime Minister. If you're cool with that then fine, vote AD. If you'd rather have Lawrence Gonzi as your prime minister then vote PN.

Clive Demicoli

Feb 29th 2008, 16:14

In an ideal world a coalition would make a lot of sense but we are living in a reality which is very different from the ideal. The chances of AD getting a seat in any electoral district are nil. There is no coalition to spk of. All that you are doing, by voting AD, is handing Dr Sant the Government on a silver platter. If that is what you want to do then fine...but please, please do not come and tell us that you are doing this to change the way things are being done in Malta, because you are not!

Guido Mizzi

Feb 29th 2008, 11:11

Are we not seeing enough political (and more) hatred across the board? Are we not realizing the need for a fresh start to the way we do politics in this beloved country of ours? There is a real chance to change this ugly state of affairs! Lawrence Gonzi has the power to do this – he has the power to start the process of real national reconciliation! He can facilitate the convergence of ideas and start a process that erodes at extreme political polarisation! Lawrence Gonzi can engrave his name in our nation’s history as the person who changed this state of affairs. Hopefully he will not miss out on this historical occasion!

Marica Vassallo

Feb 29th 2008, 10:54

Mike, I agree with you about the benefits of a coalition and frankly as long as AD is part of ANY coalition the country is pretty safeguarded.....in spite of the spins from Pieta.

The fact that the PN's strategic direction is to scare people to vote for them is synonymous with the saying that POWER PREFERS SPIN TO THE TRUTH and make no mistake the same applies to Labour party.

A coalition that includes AD will also signify the protection of our secular status that is being eroded by the present establishment....things a certain Daphne wrote about....but that was a different person. Futhermore no one will be better qualified and genuine to run our Ministry for the Environment than AD.

I dare to believe that we can finally break the two party political chokehold and that way is to give AD the number 1 preference....and from what I am seeing I am not alone....far from it......

Matthew Borg Cardona

Feb 28th 2008, 18:31

Daphne is really really worried about AD and really really crusading against voting for Green. Hmmm ...

Mike Cassar

Feb 28th 2008, 09:48

Daphne, I thought you were more aware of what goes on in the world around you but evidently I was mistaken. Coalitions can be agreed both before and AFTER election results. The definition of a coalition government (check wikipaedia) is a "government cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several parties cooperate". The word cooperate is something that neither the two main parties nor you seem to comprehend. Countries which often operate with coalition cabinets include: the Nordic countries, the Benelux countries, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, Israel and India. Switzerland has been ruled by a loose coalition of the four strongest parties in parliament since 1959. I am also puzzled by your comment that when you mention that the will of 3000 people being imposed on that of 300,000. Are you implying that the entire voting population of 300,000 is going to vote PN or are you implying that only 3000 voters in Malta and Gozo support divorce. In either case you are mega wrong on both counts. Please do not come back and tell me that the 3000 votes are relating to a particular AD candidate getting elected because that applies tenfold to the PN candidates as well. Daphne, whilst I respect your right to your opinion I really have to say that over these few weeks (and I honestly mean this hand on heart) that you are the single most factor that is convincing me to vote No1 for AD. Once Malta has a coalition the parties will have to change their dictatorlike stand. We will have a much better and more inclusive government and I believe even you may understand the benefits of this.

Claire Bonello

Feb 27th 2008, 18:13

AD's "unique selling point" if we can call it that, is precisely its distinct identity and thefact that it is neither the PN or the MLP. It has taken a stand on issues which both have skirted around or dismissed. AD has criticised both (constructively) as when it said that Sant's surcharge proposal was unfeasible, and when it questioned PN's tax band workings. If AD was just another PN wannabe, voters would stick to the real thing, wouldn't they?
Coalitions are not always formed between parties with equal negotiating power. There are several where there are minor coalition partners. Our electoral laws permit any political party to contest. It can attract votes from any cohort or demographic (as both the PN and MLP do). There is no question of "preying" upon unsuspecting voters. Voters are well-infformed and are free to vote according to their beliefs

Mark Grima

Feb 27th 2008, 16:44

It is true to say that the most stable coalition governments are those that face the electorate on a joint-platform, rather than trying to cobble one together after the event. The coalition topic will continue to run. It’s a PR success for AD if nothing else. AD's chances of a seat are very slim within the current un-fair electoral mechanism. The systematic attempts by the parliamentary cartel to keep the threshold above a democratically just level is designed to disenfranchise minority points of view. Liberalism and secularism in Malta are the chief victims.

The only way to apply pressure to the system is via the ballot box. Voting PN and then writing stern letters in April to Fr Lawrence about our 16% threshold will get you nowhere. By voting AD, pressure will be applied where politicians feel it most. It is sad to see certain correspondents spending 5 years advocating liberal, secular views as a potential cure for our society's parochialism and small-mindedness, yet, come election time, threats to the status quo are treated like terrorist plots.

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Feb 27th 2008, 15:04

And which party does AD have similarities with, exactly, Claire? Its 'unique selling points' are precisely the things that appear in neither parties manifesto. You are being disingenuous in mentioning the formation of coalitions after elections, without also mentioning the chaos this causes for months if not years. Also, you fail to point out that those coalitions are usually between parties of equal standing that can never hope to govern alone, and not between some tinpot Johnny-Come-Lately with a single seat and a major party that can form a government alone.

James Micallef

Feb 27th 2008, 15:02

Regarding divorce (or spring hunting, rent law reform, or any other controversial legislation), I agree completely with DCG that neither a hypothetical AD-PN nor AD-MLP coalition should (or even could) ever pass a law that was not agreed by both coalition partners. But passing the legislation is not the point, the point is putting the legislation on the table, and putting the topic on the national agenda. The point is that these subjects are currently made taboo by the PN and MLP because neither of them want to take a stand on the issues. They know that taking a stand either way they will antagonise a small but electorally significant sector of their core voters, so they won't touch the issues with a barge-pole. We've seen what's happening with spring hunting, where both large parties are off-loading responsibility onto the ECJ and saying they will respect the ECJs decision. They both know that Malta is in violation of EU law, they both know which way the ECJ will rule, and Malta will possibly get fined. They don't care, because the whole charade will allow them to tell hunters that the decision was enforced by the ECJ, not their fault etc etc. Of course I don't expect politics to change overnight, but a vore for AD is a step in the right direction.

J Zammit

Feb 27th 2008, 13:34

All of us should understand that with the way electoral divisions have been drawn up, Labour will have 33 or 34 seats, ie a clear majority in Parliament. If AD manages to elect an MP, the only way the PN can then increase its seats by virtue of the Constitutional amendment is if the PN has 50%+1 of no.1 votes.

Claire Bonello

Feb 27th 2008, 12:16

Actually many of the coalitions in other European countries are formed AFTER the elections. What happens is that the parties publish their respective manifestos (in the case of AD it has also published its priorities for a coalition so no hidden agendas or surprises there) and then a coalition government is formed depending on which parties have the most similar priorities. Obviously concessions are made by both coalition partners depending on how willing they are to work together and compromise. With regard to the divorce issue, I would hesitate to state that people are voting for either the PN or the MLP specifically because there is no mention of divorce in their manifestos. There are probably many people who will vote for the major parties DESPITE the fact that they continue to ignore a situation where divorce is available to some and not to all.

James De Giorgio

Feb 27th 2008, 12:15

I feel that those Alternattiva supporters who want to vote AD, of course should vote for it. What worries me is that PN voters who vote for AD are in this case eventually voting for an MLP government. Why is this? Firstly, I don't think AD will elect a member in parliament. AD needs 17.5% of the voting share in a particular district to elect its very own candidate. Uhmmm, I don't think that's realistic. At all. Secondly, voting for AD will help MLP get a larger share of votes than the nationalists. It's logical, no? Therefore, for AD supporters, it's Vote Harry, get Harry. But for the rest, it's Vote Harry, get FREDDIE. Another thing; it's very dangerous to vote for change, just for the sake of change, without really evaluating what the other party will cause once in government. I appeal to all voters to vote. After all, bad politicians get elected by the people who don't vote.

G Grixti

Feb 27th 2008, 12:00

Has anyone bothered to ask themselves why the MLP have kept mum on how they will use the 850 million Euros? Could it be that they plan on takign us out of the EU and therefore not have access to those funds?

Some may think it is farfetched but if I had the potential to use that sort of money to better my country I think I would use it in an election campaign.

Think about it ....... not a word on how to utilise 850 million euros .....

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Feb 27th 2008, 04:00

Mike Cassar, you show scant respect for the wishes of the electorate and no regard for what they are voting for. Coalitions should be agreed upon BEFORE general elections and not afterwards. People are voting in this election for the programmes being put forward by the parties, and those parties have no right to change the programme after people have voted for it. If divorce is not in the programme of either the MLP or the PN (it isn't), then the PN or MLP government in coalition with AD (dream on) can't come along and say, "Ah, but we're going to have divorce after all, even though you didn't vote for it." What kind of arrogant, mad reasoning is this? How dare you even begin to suggest that the will of 3,000 people be imposed on the will of 300,000? Now that would REALLY be single-party dictatorship!

Claire Bonello

Feb 26th 2008, 20:57

Alex, I was quoting you directly when I used the word "dictating" but it's not a problem. You cite stability as one of the reasons for not being keen on a coalition government. However you will agree that the stability of a coalition depends on its partners. I find it hard to imagine that AD will bring about the dissolution of government on a silly whim. The fact that it would have listed its priorities beforehand and indicated certain no-go areas will serve as a much needed check on government. Again I dont think this is such a bad idea - having untramelled power for 5 years and then telling the electorate "Vote for me again otherwise you get the other lot - and they're worse" is not desirable

J Zammit

Feb 26th 2008, 18:47

It is evident that us voters who favour AD but don't want Labour in government should vote no.1 PN (for the candidate least likely to get elected), then no.2 AD and further numbers for the PN. Labour is definitely nowhere near being a credible alternative.

Alex Vella

Feb 26th 2008, 17:22

Dear Claire, I’m afraid that you misquoted me there. I never claimed that AD is dictating anyone how to vote. I stated the clear fact, that whoever gives the no.1 to AD will not know for which Prime Minister s/he voted for. This is a fact, since AD wants a coalition without wanting to lead it and telling us with whom.

Regarding your last statement you are right, coalitions can be agreed post election, but many factors make that a dreadful option for Malta. Imagine if AD would have the responsibility of choosing who will lead the country, imagine if this hard decision would take days to come (as in Germany) and then remember what happened in the 80s (which still radiates in the present). It may be a risk with a low probability of happening, but if it does happen it will create unprecedented fiasco in the country. That is why I believe that pre-election alliance would have been a much better, and a more accountable strategy. Let’s face it, AD had two ways of going about in forming a coalition, and in my opinion they chose the one that is more favourable to them at the cost of being irresponsible, or, to be less hard, naïve.

Having said that, I am completely in favour of a coalition, but one that is build on responsible grounds. Finally, call my statements scaremongering or any similar fancy adjective. I am being 100% honest and most of all REALISTIC

James Micallef

Feb 25th 2008, 20:08

By the same reasoning, PN supporters who do not give AD at least their last preference would also be helping labour. Its not a stretch of the imagination to think that a situation could arise where towards the end of a count, there is a seat contested between an AD candidate and an MLP candidate with PN candidates elected or eliminated. In which case even a last preference for AD could help defeat the labour candidate. Nationalists sceptical about this should just think of the precedent in the EU parliament elections, when if enough of them had given a preference for Arnold Cassola, then labour would have elected 2 MEPs instead of 3

Claire Bonello

Feb 25th 2008, 18:41

Alex Vella - AD has no intention to "dictating" to anyone as to how s/he should vote. In fact its 2003 campaign slogan was "It-2 jghodd ukoll" - encouraging cross-party voting. Unfortunately this attitude is not shared by the other parties who seem to think they have an unalienable right to people's 1st, 2nd, 3rd and subsequent votes.
As to the matter of whether a coalition should be formed prior or subsequent to elections - there are many countries where coalitions are formed AFTER to elections allowing all the parties to campaign on different platforms and then find their common ground after being elected. AD has published its priorities for a coalition and its manifesto, so the electorate can be well-informed as to what its voting for.

Joseph Briffa

Feb 25th 2008, 16:54

My dear Claire..you accuse me of my 'petty and depressing views about voters' motivations'; you would be surprised what motivates voters. Remember the gullible thousands that voted labour in 1996 because they believed in the promise of the removal of VAT, so they could continue to cheat in income tax?. Some decades ago a PN candidate who came from a staunch PN family even contested the following elections on a labour ticket because he felt he was let down by the PM of the time who did not help him to pay less succession duty when one of his parents passed away. I have heard voters say that they will abstain or vote for another party simply because they did not manage to get an appointment with a minister or his secretary accusing the minister of arrogance Several pople say they will not be voting for their traditional party because most of the council flats in their locality were allocated to sympathisers of the opposing party . And haven't you heard of traditional several nationalist hunters say they will abstain or even vote labour as they feel they were taken for ride by PN on the spring hunting issue? Do you think that the majority of voters stop to reflect about whether the country's well being has improved or detoriorated during the previous five years? If that were the case the PN could put their mind at rest. Or do you think that all voters keep remembering whether a party's promises were kept? If that were the case then MLP should indeed worry. They say the memory of the public is very short: that is why alot of politicians promise one thing today and the opposite tomorrow and manage to get away with murder. Even Christ was welcomed with palms one day and then crucified within a few days.

Caroline Grech

Feb 25th 2008, 10:07

Mike Cassar: you make very valid points indeed and in reality so does Alex Vella. However on the point of coalitions, unless I am not imagining things I recall quite some months if not a year ago Harry Vassallo stating that divorce would feature in any coalition government with AD. So there was a signalled intention from AD to be a partner in Government. Unfortunately there was no reply from the PN until now because obviously the scaremongering strategy was not decided back then. I think AD's position is clear - AD is ready to work with those who want to work with AD provided its election points such as rent reform, social justice etc are included in the legislature. I know that a number of scaremongers have tried to scare me to vote PN on the premise that the MLP will pull Malta out of the EU. In this unlikely event, an AD coalition would pull down the government before anyone pulls us out of the EU. So much for the spins and more spins. As very well pointed out by Mike Cassar we need to depolarise....while we still can.

Alex Vella

Feb 25th 2008, 00:01

Dear Mike Cassar, I concur a lot with the points you make. I also think that most of ADs proposals are very realistic. However, it irks me that by giving my no.1 to AD, they will be taking away from me the right of choosing the Prime Minister of my choice? AD for some reason wants to dictate this to me. I say this because AD already recognise that they are not capable to attain an absolute majority, so they have to choose between Gonzi or Sant.

I will not give the no.1 to AD because if they were really serious and transparent, they should have started coalition talks weeks ago, not post-election. By starting talks pre-election the parties in coalition would have both a coalition manifesto and a party manifesto and everyone would be 100% sure for whom s/he is voting for. After all this is how it is done where coalitions thrive, have a look at Scandinavian governments.

I ask you to ask this question: Why is AD afraid to take sides pre-election? (My answer is that just like the rest, if not worse, they have a deep crave for power).

Alexander Abela

Feb 24th 2008, 21:53

Gonzi should have also mentioned a vote to AN, not just a vote to AD.

Ian Meli

Feb 24th 2008, 21:04

It's a boon for us mortal citizens that Daphne speaks about the obvious. She is repeating what the PN are saying.
The truth is that she's trying to squeeze a reality which does not exist.
Alternattiva Demokratika have consistently been saying that they will make a coalition with the political party which accepts to work on the most of the 6 priority points as per coalition manifesto, such as rent law reform. The offer is still on. Nothing more.

Mike Cassar

Feb 24th 2008, 19:57

Daphne: Simon Fenech may need a lesson in math and democracy but of late you need some in intellect and humility. Let me kindly explain your nonsensical argument. To form a coalition the parties need to agree a joint program of what the newly formed government will do in its legislature. The greens have already made it clear this will feature in any future coalition. Therefore unless the PM opts to go into Opposition that could translate into his own political demise, divorce in a PN-AD government would be on the cards. I know that the PN has ruled out a coalition to try and scare people like me into voting for him but I assure you it will not work. In my opinion the PM made that statement not because he is desperate but because in reality the PN is way ahead possibly just short of a 50%+1....he won't reach the mark with my No1 though. This country needs to depolarise itself and AD is definitely a sure medium to do this.

Claire Bonello

Feb 24th 2008, 16:21

Joseph Briffa talks in terms of "paying back the party voters traditionally vote for" because the voters did not obtain a council flat or mepa permit. What a depressing and petty view of voter motivations. Ever considered the fact that voters don't think in those terms Mr. Briffa? Maybe they just want to vote For the things they believe in and not out of petty vindictiveness

Mark Grima

Feb 24th 2008, 12:45

I actually don't see any realistic hope of an AD seat let alone a coalition this time round. However, congratulations to AD for keeping themselves in the electoral spot-light over this. Its been fascinating to watch our politicians being pushed into giving an opinion on this hypothetical scenario. The best Gonzi can come up with is that he won't co-operate with those who criticise him. Brilliant! Astonishingly, even someone of the calibre of Ranier Fsadni regards this as a sound political argument (see his last article in The Times). The survival and growth of AD (or a similar liberal movement in the future) is important. Their destruction as collateral damage in the bid to finish off Sant is too high a price to pay this time (although it wasn't in 96, 98 and 2003). We can have it both ways. A number 2 for AD will have no impact on the PN's hatchet job on Sant, but this is not the way Daphne and others are spinning it. The destruction of AD as a political force seems as important to them as ending Sant's career.

J Zammit

Feb 24th 2008, 12:35

AD should have reached an agreement with the Nationalists BEFORE the elections and then campaigned with them as an alliance. That would have meant that people who don't want Labour in government would still have felt safe voting for an AD candidate. Unfortunately, AD was too busy denigrating the Nationalists to even think about the only scenario which can lead to AD MPs in Parliament. So now, people who favour AD but don't want Labour in government have only one choice: to vote no. 1 PN due to AD's own lack of foresight.

Joseph Briffa

Feb 23rd 2008, 20:14

Mark Grixti Did I understand you to say that 2008 will see traditional labourites voting PN because of the good feeling in Malta as a result of the PN's good performance? I have yet to see this happening. . A party in opposition stands to gain votes, while a party in government stands to lose votes from party followers who feel they didn't get what they expected.. a council house or a flat, a berthing place for their boat, a building permit for four floors rather than for seven, more assistance from a minister or his aides, etc etc. Some of these people would want to pay back their traditional party by voting for a third party or by abstaining, even though they are convinced that they would just be helping the other big party; they just do this to settle a score. Of course, not all disgruntled members of the electorate are that vindictive and selfish, quite a chunk will use the council elections to vent their spleen rather than the general elections. Alot will at the end of the campaign decide to vote again for the government of the day and pay back a particular minister by giving him/her the lowest of preferences or, bypass him completely, and move on to third party candidates. The last option would be the most sensible and proper thing to do in the general elction, if they don't want to risk throwing the baby with the bath water and end up with the opposition party in government.

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Feb 23rd 2008, 14:48

Claire says that AD in coalition will be able to stop the government pulling out of the EU. So it's going to be an MLPAD coalition then, is it? The level of refusal to accept the obvious, in this forum, is beyond belief. The next thing we'll be talking about is a coalition with Father Christmas and the tooth fairy.

Mark Grixti

Feb 23rd 2008, 12:40

Joseph Briffa, what is amazing is how people think that in 2008 there is a such a thing as people voting NP or MLP all there lives. People vote according to the need of the time and so it be - simple logistics. Some will switch their vote within the big parties others simply give it to smaller parties while some choose not to vote at all (still making a statement). Its 'Cikku il poplu' finally that dictates they vote for who and for what reason they did so.

Miriam Galea

Feb 23rd 2008, 01:39

Teach us more mummy Daphne...teach us more please. In few years time you might apply for a job in the 'repeater' (upps sorry) the reception class :)

Joseph E Briffa

Feb 22nd 2008, 19:24

It's amazing how some people just refuse to accept facts. How many traditional labourites intend to vote for AD.? NIL. Where do the votes for AD come from? .....disgruntled nationalists. Conclusion: vote for AD and get MLP. It's obvious: no two ways about it. It's simple arithmetic. Source: the council elections... when AD get more votes, PN get correspondingly less votes. If some disgruntled nationalists can live with labour in government, then it doesn't matter for them whether they vote AD or MLP. But if the majority of disgruntled nationalists can't stand labour in government they must vote PN, simply because they have no other choice. Payback time is in the council elections and not in the general elections. What kind of change do disgruntled nationalist hope to get by voting for AD in the general elections? With the chances of AD getting a single seat being very remote, they would simply deprive PN of their votes, benefiting labour in the process. The change they would get by voting for AD is a change to a labour government. If they do not want this change they have only one choice; they must vote PN.

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Feb 22nd 2008, 18:57

Simon Fenech: you need some lessons in maths and democracy. You say that a Nationalist government will not legislate for divorce, but that a PN-AD coalition (which has been ruled out) will be able to do so. How? Because AD will have 33 seats and the PN will have one seat in this fictitious coalition? A party with one seat in a coalition, where there is only a one-seat majority on the government side, can derail legislation but it can't legislate.

Louise Chircop

Feb 22nd 2008, 18:19

Excuse me, but has the PN the divine right to govern. So what if people choose to vote AD or MLP? Isn't that what democracy is about? Is Dr Gonzi so sure that unless those voting AD vote PN his party will be relegated to the opposition? Shouldn't this be the time , then, to reflect, on why people are not choosing PN, but are opting for more promising parties. All parties should be aware that our vote is not thiers by right - and no matter how scary they picture the future , many believe that the time has come for change.

Mark Grixti

Feb 22nd 2008, 18:05

Amanda Mallia, I am certain that you know very well the MLP has accepted Malta's place in the EU and has no intention of pulling out. I think the local state of the environment is much more of priority and AD seems to fit the bill in this regards, something that I understand I could not do prior to Malta's accession for obvious reasons. Those reasons are not valid anymore not to be able to vote AD this time.

Claire Bonello

Feb 22nd 2008, 17:41

I agree with Amanda Mallia that REMAINING IN THE EU is definitely an issue. Having always been a pro-EU party I am sure that AD in a coalition would oppose and put a stop to any major party who suggested withdrawal from the EU. However both major parties have stated that they are in favour of success WITHIN the EU, so I see no reason for concern in this area. Also bear in mind that withdrawal ffrom the EU is a very remote scenario seeing we have entered the eurozone, Schengen etc. To date I have no indications that there any proposals to do away with our currency and to withdraw from the EU.

Jessica Mallia

Feb 22nd 2008, 15:52

Amanda - unless you have not noticed the 'Staying in Europe' is a spin from desperate scaremongers. Can you find one RECENT clear text...where Alfred Sant has said directly he will pull Malta out of the EU? Do you remember when the PN rolled out the 'spin' that Arnold Cassola was in favour of abortion during the 2004 MEP elections? A spin that backfired big time.......This is a similar nonsense punto e basta. Make no mistake I am not a fan of either Alfred Sant or Labour. However no one will lead me by the nose to vote for a party I have lost faith in during these last 4 years. Mark Grima - I couldn't agree more with your statement about a liberal secular state. Some people refer to turning back the clock if the PN end up in opposition. However another 5 years of a PN government (with no coalition) will turn us into a Vatican satellite state. The real promoter of EU principles and values in Malta is AD not the PN. At the end of the day the PN gave us Europe but it is a Europe 'a la Maltaise'...ask the anti hunting lobbies, the environmentalists, those who are denied the right to divorce ....and the list is long.

Ian Meli

Feb 22nd 2008, 15:40

Like many people, I voted in favour of a referendum because the EU can bring justice where it lacks by imposing adherence to EU directives.
Ms A. Mallia, the biggest issue is why the PN government has failed to adhere to several EU directives.
Why has the spring hunting season not been closed down for good yet?
Why is the sewage still being dumped into the sea?
Why have environmental impact assessments not been carried out for several large projects as is required by EU directives?
Why has the stakeholder consultation almost brought to a complete halt?
Why does the government keep secret tens of public funded reports when they should be free to all?

The auditor's report issued by Perit Carmel Cacopardo about the Sant Antnin Recycling Plant saga, highlights many of such wrongdoings.

Is this the PN government you voted for? Actions speak better than words. Such actions signify that the PN government has not yet embraced the real meaning of the European Union - justice, democracy and meritocracy.

Ian Meli
Santa Venera

Victor Laiviera

Feb 22nd 2008, 15:10

More scaremongering from Amanda Mallia - the party line is being well toed.

Amanda Mallia

Feb 22nd 2008, 12:23

Mark Grixti - you stated that you will be votiing AD, now, that joining the EU is not an issue any longer. You may not have realised that REMAINING WITHIN THE EU is a great issue indeed. Maybe you should watch the whole recording of THAT university debate to see what Alfred Sant had to say on the matter - That he will ignore the result of any referendum, but will only take into account the General Election results. Considering that he publicly stated that the"Yes" vote in the EU referendum was a "Partnership" victory instead, you should seriously think twice where to cast your vote should you want Malta to remain part of the EU.

J. Zarb

Feb 22nd 2008, 12:00

We need to consider our right and obligation to vote seriously. Do we really want to turn the clock backwards to the days when we were ruled by an autocratic regime (the ingredients for this to happen again are very much there...though perhaps they may be latent at the moment!) It is so easy to lose one's sense of security and democracy, you know. Consider what we have achieved together over the past twenty years and what we stand to achieve again together over the next years IF we have a strong government that can continue to deliver promises...new beignnings are always a bit iffy, they tend to spell dark cavernous mazes and labrynths...I prefer the clear paths, myself!

mark grima

Feb 22nd 2008, 10:54

Bomb threats, arson attacks, and acts of political intimidation are a total disgrace. The fact that the police seem incapable of finding the perpetrators after so many episodes is frankly unacceptable. Daphne deserves everyone's support...... The editor should re-name this forum "Green Tunnel Vision Meets Blue Myopia". The majority of people in this country agree that Labour is in shambles. Daphne's vision for the future seems to be formed on this premise alone. I differ from her only because I add a second premise: the importance of the survival and growth of a liberal, secular third party beyond 2008. If AD are wiped off the map, where will we be in 5 years time? Charles Mangion as Labour would-be Prime Minister, Michael Asciak as Minister for Public Morality, and Josie Muscat as the only third option? No thanks. Think back to the end of 1997. We thought our European future was a century away. Look at us 10 years later (with genuine thanks to the PN). I will use my green tunnel vision and look 10 or 15 years ahead, instead of Daphne's myopic 5.

Graham Crocker

Feb 22nd 2008, 10:53

Lets imagine 2008: 46% MLP,43%PN,11%AD. Last Election 2003 47.51%MLP,51.79%PN,0.68%AD Where did that extra 10.32% come from guys?

Corinne Vella

Feb 22nd 2008, 09:48

James Micallef: " A vote for AD is a vote for AD and will benefit AD and no-one else" - do you realised what you've just said?

Simon Fenech

Feb 22nd 2008, 08:57

Daphne, you mention that the road to divorce is long but heading in the right direction. With all due respect, how dim do you consider people to be??
The road to divorce is a non-starter if the PN get elected to government without a coalition. Our dear Prime Minister has gone on record to state categorically he will never introduce divorce legislation. Unfortunately divorce legislation will only have a chance if there is a PN/AD coalition or worst case that the PN is relegated to opposition. So far, I am choosing AD 1 and PN 2 onwards.....maybe a bit more scaremongering nonsense may finally cast out any doubts that I am wrong to go past the No 1 vote.

stanley cassar darien

Feb 22nd 2008, 00:08

1. It is not fair to judge Sant for his spell as Prime Minister, see if we had to judge PN for the first 2 years of this legistlation then clearly things would be totally different.
Gonzi does not really deserve to loose this election cause he really has turned things round for PN, however politics can be cruel and unforgiving. Sir Winston lost the British election right after leading his country to victory in the second world war.
My problem with this party in goverment is that after all these years, we still do not live in a fair society. We live in a country where black people cannot walk into bars, where gay people have no rights, people cannot divorce and start a new life.The only people who actually debate abortion are men. The new hospital for example does not even have facilities for male or female nurses to take their kids with them when they are working.
The system where political parties are funded by whoever and that these funds are not made public is of course bizarre. They have tv, radio, and newspapers, yet insist on mass meetings and having those silly political bars/clubs. What a waste of space,when they can be used for a better cause.
I am disappointed with Sant because he really should have made a bigger effort to polish the image of the Labour Party, something which of course effects undecided voters. There are a lot of people in the Labour circles that should have been given more space. A big problem I have with AD is that they have no females contesting the election.

James Micallef

Feb 21st 2008, 20:38

Sorry, Daphne but you're wrong, the boundaries are not what's wrong with our electoral system, and I do not propose a single nationwide ballot. What's really wrong with our electoral system is selective proportionality. What we need to fix, is that proportionality should apply to all parties that reach a reasonable nationwide quota.
I remember that a "Gonzi commission" even proposed a 5 per cent threshold as being reasonable, way back in the days when AD was not perceived as being able to get close to this threshold.

Mark Grixti

Feb 21st 2008, 18:29

AD will be getting my number 1 now that joining the EU is not an issue anymore. Having at least 1 AD representative in Parlament is beneficial for the country and the environment as a whole would stand to benefit, something this country badly needs

Keith Sammut

Feb 21st 2008, 18:15

I a person want to teach a lesson to ministers, MP's etc... pls don't generalise... Blame them not the party!! At the end of the day everybody is free to make his choices, however if someone bugged you big time, then don't vote for him/her vote for somebody else. However if the vision offered by the PN is to your liking, give Gonzi a chance by voting for new blood.
AD may have some good ideas but is it worth risking having a Labour government in power? I don't know how you feel but putting a control freak as PM is not ideal for intelligent business people.

Ian Meli

Feb 21st 2008, 17:36

Vote PN if you want PN.
Vote MLP if you want MLP.
Vote AD if you want AD.

Is it so difficult to express yourself? Why are so many people interested in complex esoteric equations. Your vote is yours, and you give it to the party which you think is most interesting in today's scenario.

Vote AD if you want a clean new party who intends to form a coalition and join the government. Vote AD because AD has already declared its coalition agenda. Vote AD if you don't want the fear saga that the other party will be elected to continue forever. Vote AD because only AD has the environmental credentials to secure a good environment for our present and our future. Vote AD if you don't want the other 2 parties to retain their absolute power and thus continue to trample over people.

Ian Meli
Santa Venera

Ian Briffa

Feb 21st 2008, 15:54

After voting for PN in the last elections to ensure we got into Europe as the people had decided in the referendum, this time around I will be voting AD.

I'm tired of these scare tactics from the government and I'm tired of the way the country has been managed in the last 5 years.

My vote is NOT for MLP so stop saying that Mr. Prime Minister. You can only fool some people who do not understand the system with that rubbish.

James Formosa

Feb 21st 2008, 15:36

Aren't election times great? It makes life quite interesting. Anyway give your vote to whom ever you want! However I believe that if there are Nationlist sympathisers out there who are disillusioned (these are the ones gonzi is addressing) and think they need to teach this administration a 'lesson', (however do not wish to see Dr.Sant in power)
they need to go and vote for the new faces and that way get rid of the webs and weeds. Spring cleaning time Gonzipn!!!
Anyway best of luck to all parties and hopefully this electorate will get a government (coalition or not) that best suits it and is the best outcome for all :)

Ray Calleja

Feb 21st 2008, 15:13

Why are the PN affraid of lossing seat to AD?I will vote MLP as PN and Ad are the same .Pn seems to be heading for a big lose.Voting PN is suicide.

Renato J. Costigan

Feb 21st 2008, 15:07

Mr.Chris Mintoff to whom do you think that you want to teach the lesson to the PN or my children's and your future and many more others? Think it TWICE my friend before it is too late.

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Feb 21st 2008, 14:39

Is this the tunnel-vision section of the on-line forum? It looks like it. A democratically elected government which is dissolved every five years, in a country with all the checks and balances of EU membership, is a completely different animal to a dictatorship. A dictatorship is what they have in Cuba. You undermine your own arguments by making such wild assertions.

John Spiteri: how will a vote for AD help you get divorce, or anything else for that matter? The road to divorce that we're on is a long one, but it's heading in the right direction. What you propose is taking a side-turning into nowhere.

James Micallef: ah, so the electoral system is rigged, is it? The only thing that's wrong with it is the electoral boundaries. And by that I don't mean removing them altogether, as you seem to be suggesting, so that Malta and Gozo become a single district and each time we vote we're faced with a ballot paper like a lavatory roll, listing hundreds of candidates we don't know from Adam.

C. Mallia: you think the Nationalists need to be 'thought a lesson'. I would hazard a guess that you're the one who needs a lesson, in spelling. What lesson does this government need to be 'thought' exactly? That it shouldn't have cut the deficit down to almost nothing, brought us to full employment or taken us into the Eurozone, attracted billions of euros in foreign direct investment and opened up new areas which have generated thousands of jobs? Now if they had done what Sant did in 1996-1998 (recession and soaring unemployment), what kind of a lesson would you be teaching them then, if somebody who does well deserves your punishment? I can't bear to read any more similarly nonsensical arguments; it's too disturbing. Maybe people like C. Mallia expect the government to fill in their tax return and do their grocery shopping as well, so as not to be 'thought a lesson.'

Robert Mercieca

Feb 21st 2008, 14:07

Francis Zammit

Feb 21st 2008, 14:01

Coalitions never work, see what happened in Italy. It also gives an unfair advantage to the party that the electorate has voted the least for. If AD does gain its 2 seats this time round, whoever it agrees to a coalition with will have to do what it says otherwise it's back to the polls, or the formation of a new unstable government.

PN may be needs to be taught a lesson and it can. I intend to vote 1 PN but I won't give my vote to a backbencher not to the well-established clique. This should help change the party by putting new faces in parliament.

Claire Bonello

Feb 21st 2008, 13:58

The problem with the present system of having long periods of one-party rule (because the "lesser of two evils" mantra is drummed into voters' heads - even when shopping) is that it allows the party in government to do anything it likes during that term - even if it goes against the electorate's wishes. Take the example of illegal spring hunting for instance. Every time there is a survey or a poll, the overwhelming majority of respondents say they want it abolished. But the major parties ignore this and carry on regardless, coming up with the pathetic "European Court decides" excuse. There are other examples of disappointing inaction by the government. Why is it acceptable to write blistering critiques of maladministration and questionable behaviour during the course of the legislature, and then to vote only for the same party which has acted in a disappointing fashion? That would be sanctioning all the things formerly criticised.

Chris Mintoff

Feb 21st 2008, 13:09

C Mallia said "The PN still did alot of good and will get my number 1, but they must be thought a lesson regarding their arrogance in the last five years. My 2 and 3 will go to AD."

Yes, giving PN the 1 will surely teach them a lesson. Tsk Tsk!

Chris Muscat

Feb 21st 2008, 12:55

Dear Daphne, Mark Grima is correct in his term single party dictatorship. Can you tell me how many times a PN member of parliament voted against his party?... something that happens in other countries... I think the reply is never. And if one of these MP's ever did so, it would be the end for him.
So, in fact dear Daphne a single party government provides nothing more than a single party dictatorship where the word of the prime minister is not to be messed with.
What a refreshing difference it would be to have a coalition. I know a bit about coalitions since I have lived and worked in two European countries ruled by coalition governments for a number of years.

Kurt Vella

Feb 21st 2008, 12:23

I tend to agree with the conclusions of C Mallia. AD can never form a government, it wants to be in parliament, granted. The number 1 counts to form agovernment.
Does AD really wants an MLP government with the risk of throwing away all the principles it upheld in the referendum campaign?
My number like C Mallia will go to PN to guarantee my future and that of my family and country. I will vote for new PN candidates to give Dr Gonzi the opportunity to form a new cabinet with fresh blood, further I will also vote for the AD but surely not my number 1.

C Mallia

Feb 21st 2008, 11:46

You know dear Daphne, making sweeping disgusting conclusions such as "Alternattiva Demokratika have become the hare krishna of Maltese politics, springing out at you with their mantras and their chants when all you want to do is get on with your shopping", does not augur well of a professional journalist. People have the RIGHT to have differing opinions than you without being resorted to name calling.

The PN has messed up especially with regards to the environment, and Gonzi saying that he takes over MEPA, just before elections, is not going to fool anyone, but just compounds that MEPA had big problems. You are just another scaremongerer, like many others especially about AD. The PN still did alot of good and will get my number 1, but they must be thought a lesson regarding their arrogance in the last five years. My 2 and 3 will go to AD.

Mark Grima

Feb 21st 2008, 11:41

I can't work out how Daphne equates my accusation of the PN being a "Single Party Dictatorship" with "Sant saying referendums don't count". Obviously, being an AD voter impairs my ability to distingish a brilliant argument from a total non-sequitor. She spends 5 years sticking her neck out on serious issues that few journalists would tackle, at no small risk to herself. I respect and admire her for that. Come election time, she goes totally haywire. Lawrence Gonzi has gone from "quiet Mr Nice Guy" to gushing demagogue in a couple of weeks. Daphne must fogive me for not sharing her obvious excitement over this whilst I do my shopping.

James Micallef

Feb 21st 2008, 11:17

I see that Daphne mentions "the sovereign will of the electorate". How can she speak about democracy when she knows perfectly well that our electoral system is rigged so that its possible for a party to get 15% of the nationwide vote without 1 seat in parliament? How can she speak about the "sovereign will of the electorate" knowing perfectly well that once elected, government MPs will always vote with their party, no matter what the issue, no matter what was in the electoral manifesto, no matter what the electorate wants?

Finally, no one has answered the basic fallacy - why should a vote for AD benefit Labour? This will only be the case if potential AD voters are exclusively disgruntled PN supporters, but this is clearly not the case. There are the core AD voters who would not vote PN anyway. There is that section of MLP voters who want rid of Alfred Sant, would never vote PN, and would vote AD without any problem. A vote for AD is a vote for AD and will benefit AD and no-one else

J Zammit

Feb 21st 2008, 10:53

With our system, talk of a coalition is a nice dream, but only a dream. AD has always done well in local council elections (in some local councils garnering even more votes than it did in the MEPs election and actually managing to elect councillors), but when it comes to a general election people think and act differently. And look what happened in Italy. The greens were in coalition with the left, and they couldn't even collect the rubbish in Naples. Our best bet for the environment is Dr Gonzi who has had the courage to change his decisions and who, if he wins, will have the authority to change even more.

John Spiteri

Feb 21st 2008, 09:17

This is an interesting concept. Voting for new faces with the same darned policies. One person that will not change is the PM and if he does not change no policies will change. Do you imagine Lawrence Gonzi legislating divorce for example. If so you can start believing in Santa Claus as well. This is why the "democratic dictatorship system" needs to be overhauled.

ray pace

Feb 21st 2008, 08:58

does anyone follow what happens all over the world. isn't it obvious that a party leader requests the electorate to vote for his party and not another party? isn't it obvious that alliances change - see what is happening in italy and what happened in belgium due to the small parties. it is not a question of lack of democracy,frustration or a leader/party not having any visions. dr gonzi has given ample proof of what he can achieve. there is no reason why he should not change his team if re-elected as pm and he is on record saying that he will be having a new team. the pm has the perogative to form his cabinet and i am sure that in the less than 4 years he had as pm, he had more important things to look at so as to make malta the country it is today than change the cabinet he inherited with all the repercussions this would have led to.

Jurgen Bugeja

Feb 21st 2008, 07:37

We need a change.Can you explain to me how Gonzi is saying that he achieved a lot of records in these 4 years but did not win the 3 local council elections and 1 MEP election.I think this is the record!!!

Simon Schembri

Feb 21st 2008, 07:22

Unfortunately in Malta (as with other foreign countries I guess) its always a choice of the lesser of two evils. The PN's record in certain areas (road construction, MEPA just to mention the major two) was deplorable. Yet considering Labour's policies, various u-turns and confusing proposals (not to mention that they are still stuck with the same people who have been around longer than PN ministers) makes you realise that after all there is no choice. I am surely not ready to vote for any third party as that would mean a vote for Labour. So for all those undecided or vying for a third party - better opt for new faces within PN rather than electing Labour by default!

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Feb 21st 2008, 01:58

Mark Grima calls a democratically-elected five-year government a "single-party dictatorship". This is like Alfred Sant declaring that referendums don't count. Both statements ignore or disparage the sovereign will of the electorate. Presumably, tacking an AD seat obtained with the support of just 3000 people onto the government benches will then make it the sine qua non of democracy? I can't help but notice that AD akkaniti are beginning to sound like the brainwashed members of a cult movement, repeating jargon and stock phrases: single-party rule, single-party dictatorship, tyranny of the oligarchy. It's just too tedious. Alternattiva Demokratika have become the hare krishna of Maltese politics, springing out at you with their mantras and their chants when all you want to do is get on with your shopping. And like all cults, they just won't let up or leave the rest of us alone. I wish I had the time and patience to trawl back through the newspapers over the last couple of years and discover exactly at what point the desire for a mere seat in parliament become the fixation on power and a coalition.

Ralph Cassar

Feb 21st 2008, 01:17

M Saliba is voting PN for transparency, honesty and justice? Was he asleep for the past years? An MLP/PN duopoly leads to arrogance.

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Feb 20th 2008, 22:24

Well done Keith Mifsud!! I agree with you completely!! Thank God I've alraedy managed to convince my family to vote for a new candidate who seems to be very promising............new blood in the cabinet will surely be most welcome !!!!!............If the PN is re elected I do hope that Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando is given the Environment Ministry he really deserves it!!

Jesmond Bonnici

Feb 20th 2008, 21:30

All new parties build their voting base over a number of decades and that's what AD are doing. At the European Parliament elections, AD were only a few hundred votes away from electing a candidate. The chances of them having an EP next time are almost 100%. And this is thanks to the thousands of forward-looking voters who do not believe in the PN's prediction of a doomsday scenario.
In any case, nobody can hold AD supporters responsible for a labour victory. If the PN loses the election, it only has itself to blame.

Dion Borg

Feb 20th 2008, 21:14

The PN’s priority is its own interests, and it would do anything to avoid eroding its grip on power…..and this is clearly exposed when one considers - the 16% undemocratic threshold plotted with the MLP, plus the shrouded party financing (whilst practically across the whole EU we profess to belong, there is more democratic representation and Party financing is transparent).
Moreover, if as alleged the PN’s is dead worried about a Labour govt,, WHAT EXACTLY IS HOLDING the PN from DISCUSSING A PRE-ELECTION COALITION WITH AD (no backstabbing this time pls)? With this Dr.Gonzi would surely keep Labour at bay, unless Labour has an absolute majority.
The PN’s egocentric ‘over my dead body’ stance, corroborates that all the talk about Malta’s interest by the PN is just hype, and they really & truly prefer a Labour govt., rather than “allowing” AD sustain the momentum and ever increasing popularity, that will erode the MLPN and their acolytes grip on power. I am not ready to play into this dishonest game…and thus will vote AD.

Reuben Agius

Feb 20th 2008, 20:39

Like many other AD supporters I am totally frustrated by the Hobson’s Choice I am faced with. I would dearly love to have a voice in parliament; I would dearly love to influence major decisions; I want to live in a safer, cleaner, more transparent and less dishonest country but I do NOT want to be governed by Dr Sant! Much as it turns my stomach I have to go with the lesser of two evils and vote 1 PN and 2 AD. The risk of letting in Dr Sant by default is much too great!

James Micallef

Feb 20th 2008, 20:30

Gonzi's argument, besides being a prime bit of scaremongering, is a logical fallacy that is easily exposed by reversing parties. Sant can use exactly the same reasoning and arrive at the conclusion that a vote for AD would be supporting PN. Exposing the fallacy in turn exposes the underlying assumption being made by Gonzi, which is that the PN 'owns' the votes of voters who have decided to vote AD or are considering doing so.

We keep hearing that coalition governments are unstable and 2-party systems are better. But in reality the example of instability we are given is Italy, a completely exceptional case with its 30-party coalitions and Machiavellian politicians. The 2 and 3-party coalitions everywhere else do very well thank you. And please lets not confuse our 2-party system with the 2-party systems in the UK and US. They are mature democracies where MPs represent their constituents in parliament and vote on principle even if they have to go against the party line, and where there are clear and transparent rules on party financing. Here in Malta MPs represent their party in government and toe the party line consistently, whatever the matter voted upon, and the parties need their financial backers to win elections. The bottom line is that our 2-party system is an eternal loop of single-party dictatorship beholden to the same interests. The only way to break out of the neverending circle is to elect a third party.

Oh, and to answer an earlier post, having a "manifesto ... vibrant with environmental proposals" is not the same as being "the true green or environmental party". The PN environmental credentials are: proposing a golf course in Xaghra l-hamra (u-turned out of political expediency); expansion of development zones even when there are 50,000+ empty homes; allowing spring hunting even when its against EU law; the complete mess at MEPA; the unconditional surrender to developers on any issue; the only EU country with 0% of electricity produced by alternative means. AD is the only party in Malta that has any credibility on environmental issues.

J Zammit

Feb 20th 2008, 20:09

However much we might like AD, and however well-intentioned AD might be, a vote for AD would have the unintended consequence of getting Sant in government. This is how the system works; whoever gets most votes governs. And AD is unfortunately only targetting the PN. Mr Cacopardo has been publishing a 'secret' report he himslef wrote! Quite unbecoming of a movement I used to support. I now doubt whether I will give my no.2 to AD.

Keith Sammut

Feb 20th 2008, 18:42

I think that frustration is very evident in the PN camp. It seems that the PN strategy is not working according to plan. We live in the unfortunate state where people give value to allegations more than they give to policies proposed. It seems that Labour are again on top at the moment... once again they have nothing much to offer but a hand full of corruption allegations and number of recycled ideas. PN's plan is right, the vision great, the leader too.... the problem is simple... the PN has forgotten the grass roots all throughout these years. The message is clear - You want change? Vote for new blood within the PN. . . I will!

Elisa Borg

Feb 20th 2008, 18:35

Come on how ridiculous, are we saying that AD supports MLP now? We are simply playing into the hands of the PN propaganda... How quickly have we forgotten that big election when AD very plainly told its supporters to vote for PN? Now I call that integrity. And now, because AD is criticising PN - and believe me PN deserves criticism - we call it MLP in disguise? THIS is proof of how red-vs-blue minded we all are. No wonder the PN can't resist misleading us, the hunters, students, cohabiting couples... cos we believe them!

Andre Chetcuti

Feb 20th 2008, 18:07

What did the vote for AD in EP election lead too..... a labour MEP......What did a vote for MLP in 1996 lead too.....a fall in government and so much uncertainty.....Let us not compromise our future

Kevin Pirotta

Feb 20th 2008, 17:54

A number of you out there, genuinely think, that there exists the possibility of AD garnering 3000 + votes from any one district. I for one think that this is highly unlikely though to be fair accurate pointers to gauge actual AD support are hard to come by. Telephone polling, I am quite sceptical to , as replying AD seems to me an easy way out for the respondent not to commit him or herself as to which of the main parties he or she actually intends to vote for. It goes without saying that some of the respondents would actually be voting AD, question is, what percentage of them. Another form of assessment would be the all too popular rallying of the troops as done by the traditional parties last weekend coupled with a somewhat lesser gathering for the AN at Zejtun. The AD appears to shy away from such a form of event, preferring to opt for it's top officials to focus on different issues, often of an enviromental hue as is befitting of a green party and thus ensuring TV exposure come the evening news. In the absence of an effective barometer as to actual AD support in the country, there exists my fellow countrymen, the all too real probability that every no 1 vote going AD's way is going to translate into an unutilised vote when it comes to electing the next party to power. The AD has, and perhaps not without reason, has something of an axe to grind with the PN vis -a- vis the support the AD lent the PN in 2003. AD faithful, perhaps I repeat, not without reason, feel that their support was never reciprocated/ appreciated in the subsequent years, and here I feel lies the root of the problem. AD is seeing this election as payback time and is only too happy to appeal to disgruntled PN supporters. Sadly it is here that AD 's inconsistency comes rushing to the fore.It was only too happy to help one party 5 years ago and now despite the progress registered in these five years and yes together with the mistakes, the jobs for the boys, the forever to finish laying a road or bridge amongst others, is guilty of what almost amounts to switching allegiance to the other main party, when deep down they know that the PN offers the more viable electoral manifesto to say nothing of track record than the MLP. Said MLP has been offering " New Labour " and " Bidu Gdid " for some 12 years now and I 'll be damned if I can find or see it !!

Maria Agius

Feb 20th 2008, 17:44

Frankly I don't give a dime...ehm euro cent..... what happens. If the PM wants me to vote for his party he has to earn it not scare people off voting AD (or AN for that matter). It is obvious that this was a preconceived strategy to force voters into a corner and some of the blogs listed below prove this. However this strategy is as shortsighted as they come. In my case it just antagonises me to vote AD no 1 and stop there............instead of continuing his party. After all, he is the one who has ruled out a coalition not the voters he is trying to attract. Chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta!

S Lia

Feb 20th 2008, 17:26

Dear Matthew Grima - Re Polls Are the 'reliable sources' that informed you that the MLP has an advantage of more than 20000 votes, the same sources which the MLP had before the 1998 elections which were predicting a glorious victory for MLP? I'll think twice before mentioning polls.

M Saliba

Feb 20th 2008, 17:07

There is no need for Gonzi to tell me not to vote AD. I judge him from what PN did and from what is going to be done by it. I am voting to transperency, honesty and most of all to Justice!! Everbody can have a slight tendency to be corrupt. I am not hinting here or implying whatsoever that PN is to be accused of corruption. So why vote AD if AD can be corupt as well as much as MLP? "Who has no sin cast the first stone"..goes the gospel saying.

Edward Mifsud

Feb 20th 2008, 17:03

How pathetic you are Mr Alex Zammit. As if anyone is going to believe that you were not going to vote. The turnout will be high as usual, maybe a bit less than usual but it will not be below 92%. As far as polls are concerned polls are polls and can give a wrong impression. It's the way the PN is behaving that shows that it is trailing and this is why it is trying desperately to provoke MLP supporters to commit some stupid act. I am certain that this tactic will fail.

Saviour Abdilla

Feb 20th 2008, 17:01

Adrian Cachia couldn't be closer to the truth... there isn't a hint of colour in AD's electoral manifesto... you'd at least have expected green!!

Ralph Attard

Feb 20th 2008, 16:56

Jesmond Bonnici: As you mentioned the European Parliamentary elections, may I remind you that all "those citizens voting for an AD candidate " actually did NOT elect one single MEP. What we had instead was the election of 3 Labour candidates, representing the only political party in Malta which so vehemently opposed EU membership for a good decade and more! The MEP elections have shown us very clearly that yes, a vote for AD helps elect a Labour majority! History itself proves it.

M.Aquilina

Feb 20th 2008, 16:55

Mr. Matthew Grima can say whatever he wants. He can make all the statements in the world and declare he knows this from sources within the MLP. For me such statements are lame. I personally do not believe such predicitions. Anyway, Alex Zammit you would do us all a favour if you stop pretending you were a floating voter or a non-voter cause you were PN all along and won't fool anyone with such comments.

Karl Serracino

Feb 20th 2008, 16:51

The mathematics are very clear:
1-Vote MLP = Alfred
2-Vote AD or AN =MLP=Alfred
3- No vote = vote goes to MLP = Alfred
PNGONZI is completely right.

Christian Abdilla

Feb 20th 2008, 16:10

Time and time again, everytime there is an election, this particular 'zombie' is resurrected - incidentally, which party would be favoured by the 'Azzjoni Nazzjonali' votes ? Both major parties have not yet sounded a warning on this !!!Hearing the two major parties speak, all votes given to AD and AN would be wasted ! Who are they to state whether MY vote is wasted or not ? Each party is out to attract voters by presenting its best case to the public - in the end, the voters decide for themselves.

Alex Zammit

Feb 20th 2008, 16:08

Thanks to Mr Matthew Grima for the secret information he provided us from the Labour party. Thanks to you - You actually convinced me to go out to vote: 1 to PN and 2 to AD. I don't want Sant in power. I would have preferred PN-AD coalition, however if this is not possible for the time being, I don't have any other alternative except to go out and vote... uffa! However thanks again Mr Grima...

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Feb 20th 2008, 16:03

Sorry is anyone saying that you can't vote Ad??............
if the MLP gets 1 vote more than 50% we will get a Labour govt.? If you think that the MLP is as bad/good as the PN go ahead and vote Ad!! But if like me you think that the MLP is not a viable alternative (.....and NO its not just because of big bad Sant.........its because of his big bad policies!!) then yes voting AD could mean an MLP govt by default as many of the labour supporters are hoping!!

Simon Schembri

Feb 20th 2008, 16:03

It is clear that Labour are heading for an election victory (by default), without the need of a coalition. The PM is aware of this and that is why he is urging people who do not want a Labour Government to vote PN and no one else. The PM was equally clear that he is not ready to form any coalition government with a party (AD) with the sole agenda of criticizing government. The choice is clear PN government - vote PN; MLP government - vote MLP and any other party.

Joseph Mizzi

Feb 20th 2008, 15:55

Charles Debono has hit the nail on the head ... till yesterday, PN acolytes and apologists had been harping on this theme ... the fact that now Dr. Gonzi has resorted to the ploy himself renders the situation REALLY very desperate.

Jesmond Bonnici

Feb 20th 2008, 15:45

There we go again. They're trying to make us feel guilty for voting AD, as they did in the Eurpoean Parliament elections.
Those citizens voting for an AD candidate can actually elect an AD candidate. And then things can only get better.

CHARLES DEBONO

Feb 20th 2008, 15:39

Reading between the lines it looks like the PN is heading for a big defeat, and they know it.

Mario Mercieca

Feb 20th 2008, 15:26

I fully agree with the pm not to form a coalition with AD. If the electorate want to try Alfred Sant again they may do so. Maybe he change, maybe he is wearing the sheep skin, or maybe he has learned but Voting AD will only get MLP. The choice is clear. All the people who vote MLP in (AD+Floaters) will soon find out after the elections of their mistake, but even a week is a long time in politics let alone ten years.

Adrian Cachia

Feb 20th 2008, 15:22

Why does it have to be White or Black???

It's about time we see some Grey..

AD will surely help....

jvgrech

Feb 20th 2008, 15:17

Having repeatedly pointed out to P.M. Gonzi and other Ministers the need for the administration to safeguard Third Party lives as a result of abusive Development works - and been repeatedly simply ignored - the last thing I wish to have is anybody telling me how I should vote. I am out for Change and no amount of scare-mongering by the P.M., Daphne and others is going to affect me one little bit. The goings on at the University if anything have strenghtened me in this resolve.

Joseph Micallef

Feb 20th 2008, 14:58

Dear Mr. Fenech, I had initially considered you as an asset to AD's effort but following your performances on TV, I came to the conclusion that in terms of power aspiration, AD are not different to the rest.

Your (AD's) problem is compounded by the superficiality and fundamentalist nature of your policy proposals. Take for example the rent reform issue on which I have signed to AD's effort. Whilst in principle it is an important initiative you have failed to flesh it out and it smacks of higher opportunistic interests. For example have you ever considered how many of these properties, are not designed to meet the requirements of today's living and some do not even meet basic health standards - Had you done that you would need to de-list all such properties in Valletta.

Since MPL-AD seems to be the only coalition possible, how would you reconcile your championed environmental conscience with the surcharge promise which is the anti-thesis of environmental protection. In this context is a coalition beyond opportunism possible?

Alfred Cassar

Feb 20th 2008, 14:26

May I remind Ms Martha Falzon that we did try a different government between 1996-98 but the majority of the Maltese realised that it was a mistake.
I admit it's healthy to have a change sometimes. But if I see that there is no real alternative, and if things are generally going in the right way, I don't see why we shouldn't vote for the same party for 10, 15 ,20 years of more.

Joseph Aquilina

Feb 20th 2008, 14:22

All I wish is for someone from AD to answer me the following: Can I vote AD if I do not wish Dr.Sant to become the next PM of Malta? And if the answer is no then does that mean that AD (at least indirectly) supports MLP? I believe if AD wants to play fair then they should answer questions like these before the elections and not after!

Edward Mifsud

Feb 20th 2008, 14:11

You don't have to be a genius to understand that the PN is terribly scared of AD especially on the 9th and 10th districts. They know that a good amount of ex-PN voters will opt for AD and so the scaremongering strategy.

No party owns votes, but it is clear the AD and AN will eat away at the PN's portion of the electoral cake. We'll see what happens.

Alfred Cassar

Feb 20th 2008, 13:54

AD in parliament in a coalition is very dangerous, see what happens in Italy (60 elections in 60 years). However AD is a very good pressure group and I would like to see AD represented in parliament but not in a coalition.
The only change AD can bring in a coalition government is that we sill start having an election every 6 months instead of every 5 years. Those who want a PN government and an AD representative in parliament, better not risk and give number 1 to PN.

Matthew Grima

Feb 20th 2008, 13:31

For those quoting polls:- The information which I got from reliable sources within the MLP is that present polls show an MLP lead of over 20,000 votes over PN... Gonzi should know this too. He is limiting the damage.

Claire Bonello

Feb 20th 2008, 13:22

Lawrence Gonzi is ignoring the fact that there are some voters who would not vote at all if AD was not in the equation. I am one of those voters. I find this "Vote PN or else...."attitude to be rather insulting to voters who are not convinced by the PN's track record in office. Please don't drag out some botched project of a previous Labour government to justify the PN's inaction on many issues. The PN has had a good 10 years to give a convincing account of itself. Perhaps this issue should have been adressed instead of embarking on an AD scare-mongering campaign.
I find it rather odd to see that the PN feels hard done by because AD criticises its performance and projections. Is the PN above criticism now? Incidentally AD has also criticised the MLP on its surcharge and other proposals and published estimates and workings of what both measures would cost the Maltese tax payer. Tonio Fenech refuses to come up with the goods. Why? - Coalitions aren't as flimsy as georgette nightdresses. They are usually formed after the coalition partners decide on a coalition document which includes certain issues on which the parties decide upon. For example, AD would say that it would no longer form part of a coalition if its partner decided that withdrawal from the EU was an option. Then - and only in such cases- the coalition would be dissolved. Would that be such a bad thing?

J. Tanti

Feb 20th 2008, 13:22

Up to some time ago I was going to give my vote No. 1 to AD. However, following the recent scratching attack against Rene Rossignaud (ex-AD counsillor), I changed my mind. That was very unethical to attack this sincere person. He knew what is going on behind the scenes, and decided to resign. He is a very nice person and was elected with a large number of votes. He always worked hard for the council and did his utmost with respect to everyone. Why was he attacked and vilified personally? I will instead be giving my vote to another party. I m' still considering whether to give my 2nd or 3rd preference to AD, unless a public apology is made to this guy.

Edward Fenech

Feb 20th 2008, 13:19

The coaliton already exists. It is made out of the big parties and the big boys who finance them. They are the ones that allowed our country to be butchered - and now the Prime Minister wants to reform MEPA.
Voting PN or MLP won't make a difference because all it will do is perpetuate the tyranny of the oligarchy that runs this country.
I broke away from the strangelhold of the two-party system and now work with the only party that has never sold itself to big-business. All of you can do it. All it takes is a bit of courage and an undersatnding of who really runs our country.
If you still believe that it is Dr Sant or Dr Gonzi who will be running this country and not the guys who write the cheques, then vote for them. If you can open your eyes and recognise reality you will vote otherwise. Anything you choose to do, I will respect, because ultimately your will must be done.

E Tabone

Feb 20th 2008, 13:01

I'd like of you who are critising Dr Gonzi's "warning". Tell me.. I'm really curious... What was your reaction when Dr Sant said that a non-vote in the referendum means a "no" vote and that an invalid vote in the referendum means a "no" vote..... hmmmm curiosity is killing me! Even Lino Spiteri claims that most of the AD votes would be coming as protest votes to a PN government... Now are you questioning Lino Spiteri's knowledge of the electorate?
One can exercise their right to a protest vote as much as they want... (clarification: Gonzi didn't forbid anyone to vote AD) The fact remains:
1. AD win a seat, MLP wins - PN refuses coalition with AD - MLP Government;
2. AD do no win a seat - PN opposition I can assure you that the PN will never say (like Sant interpreted the referendum result)... "PN won" because if you add all the non-voters, the invalid votes, the AD votes, and the PN votes, they add up to more than the MLP votes.... Only a leader who thinks that the electorate is stupid has done that once - and we all know what happened :)

Ian Meli

Feb 20th 2008, 12:51

Alternattiva Demokratika takes action with responsibility. Why did the government failed to issue the MEPA auditor's report about the Sant'Antnin recycling plant? It was Alternattiva Demokratika who managed to reveal the report and the truth that the PN wanted to be hidden from the citizens. Does the PN government think people are stupid?

Joseph Aquilina

Feb 20th 2008, 12:47

All I wish is for someone from AD to answer the following:
Can I vote AD if I do not wish Dr Sant to become the prime minister of Malta? And if the answer is no then does that mean that AD (at least indirectly) supports MLP?
I believe if AD wants to play fair then they should answer questions like these before the elections and not after!

Dion Borg

Feb 20th 2008, 12:45

Prosit! We’ve really scrapped the bottom now…we’re attacking AD’s environmental credentials! Simply unbelievable!!

Kenneth Bowman

Feb 20th 2008, 12:34

I can't understand why all this negative reaction towards Dr Gonzi's statement on this coalition hype. It's extremely simple really:
1. If you believe in PN and what it stands for - Vote PN
2. If you believe in MLP - Vote Labour
3. If you believe in AD principles - Vote AD.
However, if you vote AD simply to get back at PN (which is what AD seems to want people to do) then indirectly you are voting for Labour. This is a fact as nobody, except maybe Claire Bonello, truly believes that AD can garner the 3,000+ votes in a single district. With the changes in electoral law unless AD obtain the required 3,000+ votes in the 10th District, then the party with the largest amount of votes will win the election. In a close-call election as this one, if AD "win" 6,000+ votes across the country these will come from former PN voters, meaning that PN & AD together may have a majority of votes together but Labour will govern. The PN message to its electorate is - vote for who you believe in, but if you think that you can vote AD and still get a PN government as part of a coalition - Dream on - This will not happen! Vote AD gets Labour. Fullstop. You can't really be expecting Gonzi to encourage voters to vote for another rival party can you??

Renato J. Costigan

Feb 20th 2008, 12:24

I am answering Mr Mark Bonello where he mentioned the 'bahh' that I have written. Can you mention one thing that it is of great interest to our children's future.
The tax free overtime (paid as flat rate) like as it was during the Labour Party in power between 1971/87. The education (repeater class) as there was a disastrious situation during the same labour party. The surcharge, same as the Vat /Cet during the 1996/1998 Alfred Sant's power.
And the list continues. You also mentioned the 'psychological intimadation'. I don't know how old are you. But if you are old enough you still remember those days when PN supporters were beaten, cannot vote for their party and so on and so forth.
I have worked for nearly 30 years at the ex-Malta Drydocks. I still remember workers being beaten because of their belief. That is really the 'psychological intimidation' because we still remember those days and these are part of the story of the same Labour Party.
Some members who were in that party are still there especially Dr Alfred Sant now leader of this party.
That is why we defend the GonziPN and ask people to revoke and think twice how they vote so that history won't repeat itself. And, by the way, I certainly have nothing wrong in my DNA because I had a family of 5 chldren. This is a democratic country and you are free to vote whom you like but be careful so that history won't repeat itself. Better safe than sorry in english and, in Maltese, is 'ahjar uf milli ah'

Joseph Mizzi

Feb 20th 2008, 12:21

This is the situation as I see it:
Hardcore, convinced Nationalists will invariably vote PN.
Hardcore, staunch Labourites will invariably vote MLP.
Then there are Labourites and Nationalists who reason things out, and are discerning enough to give AD or AN a chance this time round.
Dr. Gonzi hilariously attempted to convince this latter group, who have arrived at this intelligent decision through careful deliberation, by going on national television explaining to what he imagines as gullible voters the "vote AD, get MLP" statement.
Be careful, Dr. Gonzi ... we know exactly what we're voting for!

Elisa Borg

Feb 20th 2008, 12:19

Mark Camilleri is making the same mistake that Daphne Caruana Galizia made:

If a third party is elected, the newest laws will not apply.

Why? Because when Joe Saliba and Michael Falzon changed the electoral laws they only changed it for MLP and PN - they left out third parties.

If a third party is elected, we will return to the same system we had in 1981 (the seat system).

This is entirely the fault of MLP and PN, because they knew what they were doing when they left third parties out of the law.

It is very irresponsible of them.

And cheeky and underhand.

mark grima

Feb 20th 2008, 11:58

I'm not surprised to hear such a crass statement from Dr Gonzi. Here is a man who has cut his teeth fighting for, or against, single party dictatorships. He has worked so hard with his colleagues, and traditional adversaries, to stifle any chance of an accountable, pluralistic system of government. His ambitions are very much in line with the founding principles of the Nationalist Party. His slogan needs a little extension to get anywhere near being honest: "Yes, together everything is possible, as long as you only vote for me, and don't criticize anything I do".

Mario C. Ellul

Feb 20th 2008, 11:38

It is very obvious that at this point in our political evolution, a vote for AD is a vote for the MLP. Apart from the fact that a study of past voting patterns proves this, the prime minister has already categorically excluded any coalition with AD on the basis that they are acting as the MLP. So the only coalition AD can make is with the MLP.
As I have had the opportunity to write before, does AD think that it can handle the MLP when the ’96 ’98 administration (read Dr. Sant) took decisions without even informing his ministers?

I say grow up, be representative, yes please find fault with the party in government, but also point out the faults in the opposition party. As it is AD is only bashing the PN
whilst turning the blind eye at the outrageous and outdated policies being presented by the MLP filled only with hot air and promises, and conveniently forgetting the last MLP administration. On the other side of the fence the PN is making its promises and proposals on what has already been achieved and can be seen and touched.

AD’s present attitude is of a seat in parliament at all costs, or at the cost of the PN. One would argue that there is nothing wrong with this, big parties can start from being small. But is it the time? Are we to put on line what we have gained? And here I am not talking about TVs and mobiles, but freedom and democracy. Are we to elect a government with dubious democratic credentials by default? We have recently heard statements on DNAs and referendum validities and the EU.

Can AD handle such situations and ideas in a minority coalition?

Saviour Abdilla

Feb 20th 2008, 11:27

If Miriam Galea is so concerned with the potential rape of our land, she seems to be the only one in the AD camp. I invite her to have a look at her party's (oh the self-control to avoid using " ") manifesto and all it portrays is a hurriedly drawn-up document without any vision. Telling me what you want to achieve is NOT ENOUGH!! Tell me the means to that end. Show me you have seriously thought about your objective by telling me what you intend to DO. And seriously now - "if there was no AD's presence and constant pressure...!" - do you really believe this? As far as I recall it was mainly NGO's who blasted the government constantly - with AD opportunistically showing it's face wherever convenient.... the same NGOs whose worth the government has now started to appreciate; and with facts - by trusting them with custody of important projects like Majjistral. Come on Ms Galea... take off those blinkers.

Meilak

Feb 20th 2008, 11:07

I am trying to follow as much as possible the political debates that are shown on the local stations and trying to arrive to a conclusion.
Dr Gonzi’s statement reflects a situation whereby one of the two major political parties has taken a stand on a possible coalition. It is clear from what is happening that PN does not want to be in a coalition with a party that is attacking left right and centre all PN’s statements.
I recall debates whereby AD could easily give an estimate of how much the tax cut suggested by PN would cost the country but never said how much MLP's tax reform on overtime will cost.
If you are an independent party, one has to assess both sides of the picture and then arrive to a conclusion. AD leader has also publicly criticised Dr Gonzi's way of doing things. If he wants to be in a coalition with PN, then this is not the right way forward. Once we are on this subject, it seems that 50% (let us be unbiased) of the population are criticising the PN’s logo of "Gonzi PN ......".
I do not know why all this seems to be creating a fuss. If we look at what is happening abroad, we can easily see that other countries do the same. It’s a way of carrying forward a political campaign. Let us not remain chained to how politics was being performed in the past. If a party decides so, and they think it is the right strategy, then let it be.
Having said this, it’s the PN delegates that had voted Dr Gonzi to be the new party leader.
One last comment. For the sake of clarity, PN have not been in power for the last 20 years as is being said. Between 1996 and 1998, there was the labour government in power after they had won an election. It is the duty of all Maltese citizen to vote. Let us use it all wisely.

T. Cini

Feb 20th 2008, 11:06

Do you remember Dr Alfred Sant when he had to call election in just 22 months claiming that he did not have time to do all his electoral plans because of Mr Mintoff. Do you want an election every 22 months or so putting instability in this country, like in Italy? Then Vote for AD or AN. Furthermore why do PN has to make a coalition with a party who was born to reform Labour Party, has been criticising PN ever since and now they pretend to save us all from the worst, which for AD is claiming it is wrong to have a one party governing because that will bring stability.
They would like to see us like Italy, election every year or two. Dream on AD, we are no fools! If you want coalition go with Wenzu Mintoff and Tony Abela who are your former members and do it with them. We want stability and not instability! Who every wins should govern for 5 years!

nicholas borg

Feb 20th 2008, 11:06

Hearing you saying like that means that you are afraid from the elections Mr PNGONZI. Its time for a cange for the country, so voting LABOUR is the right choice.

martha maria falzon

Feb 20th 2008, 11:01

So it seems that GonziPN is really desperate for votes. We can not vote AD, we can not vote AN, we can not vote MLP and we can not choose not to vote. We have to vote PN in government for another 5 years. Will that mean having the same party in government for 25 years? Please...stop panicing and give me a break!

Joseph Micallef

Feb 20th 2008, 10:57

Dear Claire, while I have great respect for most of the members and efforts of AD, what Dr Gonzi said is undisputable and based on an objective analysis of the efforts by AD over the last legislation.
I also understand that after 18 years the appetite for a seat in parliament has matured into a desperate survival crave. If not, how could AD justify a coalition with both parties who both state that a golf course is necessary, or else how could AD justify a coalition with the MLP (which is the more likely development) vis-à-vis the surcharge proposal which is the antithesis of environmental protection.
In my opinion AD has over the past 5 years missed a great opportunity to establish itself as an alternative, because rather than focusing on a horizontal effort to convince voters, it has predominantly crusaded against Dr Gonzi, who with all his self-confessed limitations, is respected by the majority of Maltese.
Moreover, a further blow to AD was Dr Cassola’s participation in the defunct Italian coalition. Apart from showing the instability of such a proposal, the coalition was glued not by shared political values but by personal dislike to the opposition leader, that is politics not for the common good but against an individual whether justified or not. This, not to mention the further blow related to the crass incompetence of the Italian Greens and the coalition epitomised by the Campania refuse management tragedy. Re the PN, AD has an axe to grind and this is more than obvious.

Mark Camilleri

Feb 20th 2008, 10:55

I just want to remind Ms. Claire Bonello that the electoral law was changed unanamously last year and now parties can govern even with only a relative majority. So if for example thr PN gets 48% MLP gets 49% and AD gets 3%, MLP will be in government. If AD elects a seat it will just sit on the opposition benches, next to PN. So for those wanting to vote AD, give no. 1 to PN and then continue on to all the other AD candidates. Remember that for AD to get a seat they need almost 3000 votes on one district so if you give your no. 1 to AD and they don't get elected your vote will be lost.

Elisa Borg

Feb 20th 2008, 10:54

I can accept PN with AD , but not PN alone. As for all those Sant-phobics among you... In a 2-party democracy, you have to accept that at some point the other party will get elected. A 3-party parliament will make that prospect a little bit less 'scary'.

Kurt Vella

Feb 20th 2008, 10:50

I agree with C Mallia. I myself would like to have the third party in parliament but not at the expense of risking my country's future. For this reason 1 will go to the PN and in my ballot paper I will also include AD. I don't want to risk the future as some did in 1996 by getting Dr Sant as my Prime Minister.

Joe Gatt

Feb 20th 2008, 10:50

Votes are not the property of any party. We are all free to choose how we vote. However, if we are to vote responsibly, we should be aware of the consequences of what we do. AD has no real chance of winning a seat.
In the very unlikely event that it did, the source of its votes, our electoral system and the current electoral boundaries would combine to give Labour a majority in the House. So like it or not, the practical effect of voting for AD (even as a second preference) will be to help the MLP get elected. If in spite of this, people still want to vote AD, good luck to them -- and bad luck to Malta. However, they should vote AD with their eyes open. Facts are facts. Vote Harry, get Fredu.

Frederick Abdilla

Feb 20th 2008, 10:49

How pathetic! What a sorry state. Instead of politicians urging us to vote for them because they have something to offer, what we get is scaremongering like this..."don't vote for that party, because the other party might win". God save us all.

Joseph Aquilina

Feb 20th 2008, 10:42

I cannot understand all the fuss AD is doing over Dr Gonzi’s comments. I mean what did you expect the guy to do ask people to vote for AD, AN, and MLP? I only have one question for the AD supporters over here; who do they prefer to see as next PM of Malta? Keeping parties aside and being realistic, who do the AD supporters here believe is the right choice between Dr.Gonzi and Dr.Sant? It is important that the electorate knows such things before the election since most of us are voting for the leader not the party.

Kenneth Xuereb

Feb 20th 2008, 10:42

It would be a big setback for this country if any government is held hostage by one single MP elected from a small party. A potentially unstable situation where the tail wags the dog. We've had it from the horse's mouth last Monday when Dr Vassallo was asked a hypothetical scenario in which an AD MP would bring down the government. The reply was "the decision to develop a golf course!" These people would be ready to throw the entire nation into uncertainty and snap elections over a golf course!!! This kind of extremism is no better than that of the hunting lobby which the Greens revile so much.
AD and its supporters such as Dr Bonello (the "Vote George get Lorry" banner springs to mind) have been nipping at the PN's ankles for the past 4 years and now they entertain talk of a coalition with the same party?
Dr Gonzi did the right thing in metaphorically slamming the door in their faces. Coalitions abroad are in place for months or years before an election and present their proposals as a common platform. AD's strategy was hardly one of a coalition partner.

Daniel Formosa

Feb 20th 2008, 10:30

I am really baffled by the thinking of Ms Claire Bonello..What is the change AD can bring about? I believe that the true measure of a party's drive for change is the electoral manifesto...I invite readers to read the manifesto of AD..it's totally 'visionless' with no true measures that will make a true change..their forte should have been the environment but its just a mere flop...nothing concrete and no proper measures on climate change...give me a break...if readers have a look at the MLP manifesto one realises that this party just does not know what it is doing...I mean they have been 20 years in opposition preparing for election day ... and what do they produce? A half-baked manifesto with misprints and new additions on a weekly basis.
So even in this case - if we just look at the environment side of the manifesto there is nothing concrete...just sweet talk of studies and plans...then on the other hand we have a party that is able to re-invent itself and offer a clear vision for Malta, a long-term one based on education, the environment and a sound economy...the environment is given lot of importance with new and innovative measures such as a Trust that will buy land to ensure its open for public access...this is a party with a vision to improve our quality of life...so dear Ms Bonello if you really want to leave Malta in a better place than you found it, then PN is your guarantee...look at its successes in the past 20 years and they are a commitment that PN can improve our country....

Ramon Casha

Feb 20th 2008, 10:24

Why call them "mistakes"? These are lies, pure and simple. A vote for AD is a vote for AD, followed by whichever second/third preference votes one chooses. If AD don't get a seat, it will still be down to MLP vs PN. If they get a seat and nobody gets an absolute majority, their conditions for a coalition are openly available and contain no insurmountable hurdles. Of course, if Gonzipn remain adamant that they will absolutely never enter into a coalition with anyone, one has to ask whether Gonzipn truly has the country's best interests at heart. Not that we don't already know - the actions by both PN and MLP to build up obstacles against AD getting elected are nothing short of crimes against democracy. Neither PN nor MLP own my vote! If they want it they must earn it.

Karl Serracino

Feb 20th 2008, 10:23

I am a parent too...I cannot risk my children future like this. This is no test exercise. We are talking about the future of a country and a generation. I already lost my chance in the 1980's!!!!

Christian Ellul

Feb 20th 2008, 10:19

I'm sorry to read Damien Grima's comments. Such comments concern me alot and make me think. I truly believe that one definetly cannot compare the number of mistakes the PN did when compared to those by labour. Every move Labour did since 1996 was a total mistake, everything! Examples: Vat, early election, 33 taxes, their stand over the EU, referendum vote, reception class, overtime pay, surcharge cuts, above all Alfred Sant - leader for 16 years!
What other proof do you need? How can one criticise a government when there's an opposition dominated by mistakes, mistakes and more mistakes!
I don't agree neither with your opinion that Dr Gonzi is not a statesman, the proof is the last 4 years as a Prime Minister. One cannot but recognise the improvments Malta as a whole made, vast improvments in all sectors, economy, finances, investments, infrastructure, EU and much, much more. How can one be blind to this and instead of criticising Labour for doing nothing in 16 years, some criticise PN.

Steve Buttigieg

Feb 20th 2008, 10:18

Let's face it. If AD elect 1 seat and the party they form coalition with, decides to approve an issue which AD are against, will they vote in favour or against? If they vote in favour what do we need AD for? If they vote against, can we afford new elections every 6 months?

Alex Buttigieg

Feb 20th 2008, 10:16

The question posed to the Prime Minister was not really hypothetical. From what I understand the projections at Elcom indicate that AD could garner 3.4% with two MPs elected in Parliament. What they are not saying is that even in this scenario the PN is leading the MLP by 1.05%. If this is the case its all about power preservation for PN politician's seats and ensuring no one joins the exclusive parliamentary club. Well Dr Gonzi, I repeat what I told the candidates who have graced my doorstep with horror stories of why we should not vote AD.......its time to change the way of doing politics.

Christian Pullicino

Feb 20th 2008, 10:08

I tend to agree with Dr Gonzi. If one analysis in detail the counting process adopted by our country. Giving first preference to AD or AN, will result exactly as Dr.Gonzi described. I invite everyone who disagrees to check out the details of the counting process for himself.

C Mallia

Feb 20th 2008, 10:04

OK. So giving the number 1 to PN in my books will still help the PN, but giving the number 2 or 3 to AD or even the last preferences, may still help AD to win a seat in parliament and this is what many people would like to have: a seat for AD and not vote PN out of government

Damien Grima

Feb 20th 2008, 09:54

I thought I heard it all but it just keeps getting worse and the same mistakes repeated. The scaremongering policy is only proving that there is significant support for AD. Instead of analysing where he is going wrong and maybe righting those wrongs the PM is conceding nothing and has joined the pathetic scaremongers wagon.

In my very humble opinion, one thing that Lawrence Gonzi has demonstrated of late is that he may be a politician but he will never ever be a statesman.

Charlene Fabri

Feb 20th 2008, 09:37

I am sorry to say that Mark Bonello forgot to mention the 2 year Labour government when stating that the PN had been in government for 20 years (1987-2008). I wonder why certain people are trying to make us forget about the two years when Dr. Alfred Sant, who is proposing to become our Prime Minister once again, was in government!!! Dr. Sant himself in using this trick whenever journalists ask him about those two years and answers that such judgment should be done by historians. Are the Labour Party and his followers so ashamed of their past?!

Victor Fiorini

Feb 20th 2008, 09:37

I didn't know votes were the natural property of parties! Wow, I'm gonna have to ask my grandparents who to vote then! To think I was going to vote for AD this time round. Thanks Gonzi, I surely would not want to upset my sacred family tradition. What a way to do politics... and this is our Prime Minister, not some renegade MP!!!!

Daniel Formosa

Feb 20th 2008, 09:37

Dr Gonzi is absolutely right..voting AD means voting MLP indirectly and above all a vote to AD is a wasted one...I remain impressed at the lack of vision of AD in their electoral manifesto...this so called green party is so vision less in its environmental proposals that I question what AD is really after...it just shows that its main line of argument is anti-PN and anti Dr Gonzi...this was even proved by Rene Rossignaud in his resignation letter...on the other hand the true green or environmental party is the PN as its manifesto is vibrant with environmental proposals which include the involvement of NGOs....hence all those people who used to vote AD for green issues should start to question if AD is still that green or is it just becoming an anti-PN party...

D.MANGION

Feb 20th 2008, 09:25

So let's sum it all up again.
According to some philosophers writing here.
1-Vote MLP = Alfred=disaster.
2-Vote AD or AN =MLP=Alfred=disaster.
3- No vote = vote MLP = Alfred = disaster.
Therefore no choice except vote PN.(sic!)
Never has the PN been furthest from it's ideals of Christian Democracy, freedom and pluralism.

David Magri

Feb 20th 2008, 09:25

Come on Gonzi!! What are you afraid of? Is this how you want to get the votes you have probably lost back?

Apart from the tax bands (which we are all sceptical about seeing that they could have implemented in the last budget), your government has not really given the electorate any decent proposals that effect our daily life.

Try and be more open with the electorate and then you may actually get the votes you are to lose to AD back, With comments like these you are just losing even more votes!!

Miriam Galea

Feb 20th 2008, 09:22

It is so evident that for certain people a democratic parliament means 1 party in Government at all costs. Did not expect this from Gonzi's mouth. So far I thought that his ministers are arrogant. Now it shows that this is all in the family. Kuragg AD, the more they try to SCARE us from you, the more sympathy (and votes) you are getting. Let's make history together.
Dear Prim Minister, when AD gets elected...it's the country which will benefit.
Imagine what would have happened to Gozo in the last two years, if there was no AD's presence and constant pressure...! Gozo would have been raped the same way as Malta...Ta' Cenc, Ramla l-Hamra, Hondoq...
I can understand why the people out there are so scared by AD's presence in parliament. And the more such statements against AD, my family, friends at work and myself are becoming even more convinced of AD's contribution towards the benefit of ALL (not some).

John Azzopardi

Feb 20th 2008, 09:22

The electorate gets the government it deserves in the end. Views like those of Mark Bonello and similar others are worrying indeed because they lack substance.

Mark Bonello

Feb 20th 2008, 08:53

Nice comment Mr. Glanville! Gonzi, just as his predecessor did in 2003, is once again trying to scare people from voting AD. This can in turn be called a psychological intimidation! The big 'bahh' that Mr. Costigan mentioned would only occur should a GonziPN government be elected because the arrogance and intolerance that we are currently experiencing from PN politicians and civil servants is reaching new heights and would therefore continue to increase. Let us admit it, a government, whoever is in power, would become outdated and old after just a couple of electoral victories let alone after 20 years. This happened to the MLP in 1971 - 1987 and to the PN from 1987 - 2008!

Keith Grech

Feb 20th 2008, 08:47

I don't understand Gonzi's strategy. He is running this campaign alone when we do not have a presidential election and nothing has been said on the most important issues such as pensions, reducing the construction industry and bridging the welfare gaps that exist between private and public employees. I also believe that it is time for the Maltese electorate to vote for a number of new faces across the board. Secondly, whoever is in public should appoint people from all walks of life to various govermental or parastatal positions. We need a grand coalition to take us ahead in Europe.

ray pace

Feb 20th 2008, 08:33

Yes, the PM is right, vote AD and get MLP, there is ample proof of this - see local council election results in certain if not all localities over the years and you see the writing on the wall.

Bernard Glanville

Feb 20th 2008, 08:32

yet again more 'scare' tactics, beware the big bad Sant and his party of Labourites. I mean really does our government really think so low of us? This is a democracy and we'll vote for whoever we wish. If we were to listen to those that propose never voting for a third party cause it ain't got a chance of winning we'll be dooming the possibility of ever seeing a third party winning a seat in parliament. Even if we only get close to electing someone from a third party, this will inevitably give confidence to the people that it is possible, and the next time round, their dream will be surely fulfilled. In other words it's your choice and exercise it as you wish.

Renato J. Costigan

Feb 20th 2008, 08:26

I fully agree with Roderick Vella that a vote to either the small parties especially to AD would not only be a vote to the MLP, but will put the future of our children and our grandchildren in a 'bahh' future. My appeal to those who are still undecided is to think again and won't be egoistic looking only for themselves but they have to look forward at the future of their families especially their children. Don't forget the Alfred Sant 1996-1998 government. It is still fresh in our minds.

Roderick Vella

Feb 20th 2008, 07:49

I fully agree with the Prime Minister. Unfortunately AD is using a wrong strategy of always attacking Dr.Gonzi. AD haven't you realised that you are making things too obvious? Those who are thinking of not voting MLP and vote to one of other parties be careful! Such vote will favour MLP.

Bernard Cachia

Feb 20th 2008, 07:40

Well, this is a bit hypothetical as the polls aren't suggesting that AD will be close to winning a seat. However, even if the polls are wrong, I don't see the PN ever agreeing to a coalition with AD when it would clearly be the long-term loser out of such a deal. And so would the country, I'd say. Isn't it better to have the people directly electing their government than to have governments being decided by a few people in closed meetings after the election?

D. MANGION

Feb 20th 2008, 06:17

This is outright bad strategy. A repetition of the EU parliament election errors. After the coming electoral defeat, you (the leader cum strategic group) will be asked to resign in bloc. Then the party will start its re-birth.

M Mifsud

Feb 20th 2008, 02:05

How is it that if you vote AD you vote MLP? It seems again PN is resorting to damage limitation and negative campaigning.....this after what happened in University debate shows a PN in panic.

Dion Borg

Feb 19th 2008, 23:58

Dr. Gonzi, why are YOU so reluctant to offer yr alleged ‘safe pair of hands’ to AD? Hasn’t AD proved time and again that it factually champions EU principles and standards – even when govt tries to avoid/bend them? Aren’t you serious about wanting a refreshed cabinet and new way to doing politics? Or absolute alternating MLPN govt. is so dear to relinquish!
Aren’t you “loosing” the 2nd preferences of those who will be voting AD 1st preference, with such self-defeating approach?