Sant limits confrontation with Pullicino Orlando to court
Labour leader Alfred Sant this evening insisted that he will only confront Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando in court and in the presence of his lawyer.
"He expected to have a debate with me, but I will not talk to people like him," he said, referring to Dr Pullicino Orlando’s invitation for a face-to-face duel of words over the alleged case of corruption in Mistra Valley.
Dr Pullicino Orlando, admired by many for his stand on the environment, had his reputation tarnished by the Labour Party with accusations that he was involved in a plan to destroy the pristine valley. In a bid to clear his name, in the past days he was turning up at Dr Sant's events challenging him to reply to his questions, but each time Dr Sant turned away.
Instead, Dr Sant chose to present the documents and evidence of "this corruption" to build a nightclub taking up to 8,000 revellers, to the Police Commissioner.
"What did (Prime Minister Lawrence) Gonzi do? After some time he sent PN general secretary Joe Saliba to back him, and again said nothing. Then we see Pullicino Orlando crying on television," he said, in a sarcastic tone, as the crowd gathered in Qormi jeered.
The event kicked off with fireworks as the crowd greeted their leader with a display of colourful squibs (suffarelli), which were outlawed some time ago – lit right under the nose of three policemen – but which have suddenly resurfaced to usher in party officials in style.
Photo caption
Labour leader Alfred Sant talking to supporters in Qormi.
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Tania Muscat
Mar 6th 2008, 01:29
You know, what strikes me about this whole episode is not really the question as to whether JPO was right/wrong about the Mistra Case, or right/wrong about turning up as a journalist, or even whether the BA was right/wrong in accepting that. The fascinating thing for me was how a person aspiring to be tomorrow’s Prime Minister can be completely thrown out of balance when faced with an unexpected turn of events from those he obviously expected. A good politician is someone who can successfully veer any unexpected challenge into an opportunity. It will certainly not be the last time that an even more forceful challenge than that of JPO will occur and the question remains: how will Dr Sant react then? By refusing to deal with the situation and by even refusing to react? Or bring in the police over an issue which simply demanded an apt reply rather than the enforcement of law and order?
G. Xuereb
Mar 5th 2008, 14:51
I wish to clearify something,about the colourful squibs you mentioned in your article. I was present at Qormi and I can ensure you that they weren't lit amongst people but several meters away. They didn't present any danger to people what so ever at any time.
An another thing,Pullicino Orlando was present in PBS as a journalist and as you know this goes against the agreement that exists between the Broadcasting Authority and the two main Political Parties,ie MLP and PN. This was the only moment when Orlando challenged Dr. Alfred Sant to reply to his questions, and in my opinion this wasn't the correct time and moment to challenge Dr Sant. With all respect I think that you weren't right in saying that for several times Dr Sant turned away and didn't answer him. Orlando knew about this case (that's why he began to follow Dr Sant in his events),the Labour Party revealed these documents and it is useless crying over spilled milk because it is all clear!!!!
Joe Bugeja
Mar 5th 2008, 11:55
After shying away from JPO, Dr Sant is now shying from confronting the farmers. Can anybody explain?
Michael Tabone
Mar 5th 2008, 10:00
I am absolutely suprised and disgusted with the way MLP has ended up running their campaign this last week. Now I just see MLP's campaign focusing on accusing the PN of corruption, and blaming them for a lmany number of rediculous issues. Their campaign is now spearheaded by mudslinging in, and they've thrown their proposals right out the window, because so many questions have been raised about their proposals and nothing has been answered. (Example: How does Sant expect to half the surcharge and cover the lost revenue)? Sant still avoids that question, and just says the economy will be better....how? Their proposals lack substance and this worries me. If MLP comes to power, what do they plan to actually do? What is their real agenda?
Why have they focused on mudslinging more then proper campaigning by promoting their ideas and proposals instead of mudslinging? PN are the better example, and make MLP look like sleezey slimey snakes ready to strike whenever they see a weakness but not for anyone's benefit.
Joseph Camilleri
Mar 5th 2008, 01:54
Does JPO really believe that we are so stupid so as to believe him that he does not know who he rented his land to?
I was present in Gozo when JPO left Xghejra last saturday and I left more that 5 minutes after him yet he is claiming he missed the ferry please be a gentleman and do not try to mislead people.
Andrew Busuttil
Mar 4th 2008, 23:59
Only in the presence of his lawyer? isn; that what someone says when he has something to hide?
So now we have seen the latest MLP Policy, Hit and Run
Paul Gatt
Mar 4th 2008, 23:10
I am an MLP voter and MLP supporters shoudln't use "suffarelli" if these are illegal... but please let's put things in perspective - we are talking about a minor thing not destroying "Mistra"...
And by the way, I am sure I saw suffarelli in PN's meetings as well!!!
John Schembri
Mar 4th 2008, 22:57
Dr Sant was not afraid to make his accusations in Public so why not face Jeffery in public BEFORE the election. Wasn't the electoral campaign hi-jacked with this ALLEGATION of CORRUPTION?