Michael Falzon hits out at criticism of polling time extension
MLP deputy leader Michael Falzon this morning strongly denied that the decision to extend polling time by an hour on March 8 had caused the Labour Party to lose the general election.
Sections of the media have been reporting that Dr Falzon is being blamed within the MLP for having agreed to the extension, claiming that tipped the election against the MLP.
But Dr Falzon pointed out at a press conference that there had been problems on polling day caused by a build-up of queues in those localities where voting for the general and local elections was taking place concurrently. Those localities, he pointed out, were mostly Labour-leaning, such as Senglea, Zejtun, Marsa, Zebbug, Zurrieq and Valletta.
When the MLP approached the Electoral Commission with a request to extend the hours in the localities where voting for both the general and local elections was taking place, it found that this was already being considered by the commission, Dr Falzon said. The commission decided to extend polling time by one hour in all localities to avoid confusion.
Dr Falzon said he would not let anyone harm his reputation within the Labour Party, which he had always served loyally and to the best of his abilities.
Dr Falzon made his comments during a press conference called for the MLP to give its reaction to the outcome of the local elections.
Earlier MLP deputy leader Charles Mangion thanked the Labour councillors for their work and said the fact that the MLP had won a majority reflected public appreciation for their efforts. He urged all councillors to put the interests of their localities first.
Dr Falzon said the reduced majority of votes for the MLP had been expected, given the higher turnout. He pointed out that the MLP had lost its majorities in Mqabba and Mellieha by the slimmest of margins.
No questions were allowed during the press conference.
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Amanda Mallia
Mar 24th 2008, 11:03
Pauline Barbara - You said "... may I remind you of the whole history ...". What can I say? I was probably too young to remember those instances, and, seeing that you read most of what I have said (saying that I go on "ad infinitum"), you will realise that I have only mentioned instances which I recall myself. Since I cannot remember the instances you mention, I am purposely refraining from commenting on them, though you should not bring them up simply to trivialize the MLP atrocities. All I can say is that if you think that the church owes an apology, then why not follow it up with the Curia? (Or maybe the MLP has already sought retribution by smashing up the Curia itself in September 1984, though for different reasons, I believe. Joe Grech Attard should also take note, since it was a very close relative of his who drove me home from the Valletta office I was in on that fateful day, for which, incidentally, I am thankful to that person.)
Amanda Mallia
Mar 24th 2008, 10:52
Joe Galea - Unlike what you may think, I have only posted comments under my name.You are therefore not justified in attributing many "happenings" to me, unless, of course you think that I am responsible for the PN as a whole, despite not even being a member of the PN itself! I, personally, am certainly not one to "sanctify Mintoff" (your words, not mine). My young children already know the man's name, but not for the reasons that you may think. In fact I took great pleasure in showing them the YouTube video of him at the electoral office, since they have long known about him (though in minimal detail which is understable by kids their age). I simply could not resist the opportunity of showing them that not all people - despite looking frail or innocent - are what they seem to be. That was a life lesson in itself! As for you unintelligble words "If there were bad elements in the MLP and the person you mentioned he is still there, your party would have cut his throat long time ago. What we know is that all the thugs and rubbish in the pre-1987 MLP, now you have it and now they are also big part of PN media." - Kindly rephrase that last sentence, since it does not make any sense at all. Meanwhile, all I can say is that yes, people involved in the horrendous '70s and '80s are still very much part of the MLP. Heck, AS himself was president of the MLP in the early '80s at least, and the man himself keeps on stating that he has "no regrets"! As for making Michael Falzon an object of ridicule, it was the man himself who did it. I, for one, am certainly not "portraying him as my future saviour". he may be the lesser of the evils currently competing with each other, but I would certainly not consider him "my future saviour". Why should I? I have known of the man for longer than you have, and no, thank you, the thought of him possibly being MLP leader (hence one day possible prime minister) is not a prospect I relish. (Though, I state yet again, he is probably the best out of the contenders for the post.)
Christopher Hayes
Mar 18th 2008, 14:17
I think David Urpani is spot on. This is a question of democracy not party advantage. The very fact that Dr Falzon is being subjected to this kind of scrutiny and criticism does not say very much for his detractors' democratic credentials. But for some it seems that democracy is an inconvenient means to an end - that end ultimately translating into some form of personal advantage or preferment.
The lack of compunction in voicing this species of criticism, which disguises little more than disappointed avarice and/or selfishness, tells us much about the character of Dr Falzon's detractors.
Pauline Barbara
Mar 18th 2008, 12:04
Amanda Mallia goes on ad infinitum about how the Labourites physically attacked the Nationalists, that the past is very relevant and that Labour should appologise for these wrong doings. I couldn't agree with you more however may I remind you of the whole history: Labourites being attacked by Nationalists during Mass Meetings, a massive amount of firearms find stashed away at the PN Head Quarters, Nails strewn on the streets prior to an MLP Mass Meeting and last but definitely not least the blessed church (on the behest of PN) refusing confession and holy communion to any one who votes Labour and the final insult burial in unholy ground for anyone who supports Labour. So dear Amanda if Labour owe the PN an apology, the biggest apology of all needs to come from PN. Trying to portray the PN as holier than though will only work on those who don't know or care to find out about the true facts. Finally we all know that PN are masters at magnifying others' wrong doing whilst minimising their own sins to a virtual nonexistence.
Fred Micallef
Mar 18th 2008, 11:12
A blanket of total silence on MLP internal political activities have descended on OneTV and One Radio. Toni Abela and Em Cuschieri have not been heard again since election day on their One Radio midday program, denying their loyal daily followers any further say on the cataclysmic events now happening within the MLP. Newspaper analysts on both MLP media never mention what is going on in the MLP at this crucial leader-selection time even if this issue is the most prominent one in our daily newspapers. MLP supporters are made to turn to other media to get to know what is going on in their own party. Why this lack of confidence in the MLP grassroots? Why is the MLP media machine censuring every bit of news related to the leader election race?
Joe Galea
Mar 18th 2008, 08:37
Dear Amanda,
I have a life thanks. I don't play a double face citizen who one week spits out venom at MLP & its supporters, then the week after becomes a consultant of MLP, like you are portraying yourself. If there were bad elements in the MLP and the person you mentioned he is still there, your party would have cut his throat long time ago. What we know is that all the thugs and rubbish in the pre-1987 MLP, now you have it and now they are also big part of PN media.
Hypocrisy has no limits to the PN. Mintoff was your sworn enemy, now you sanctify him since he was the orchestrator of the Labour downfall in 1998. Michael Falzon was one whom you made really fun of (see you-tube) and now you portray him as your future saviour.
Yes Gonzi said he will be the Government for all with words, we'll see in substance and as ususal under PN governments who gets his fingers in the pie.
If Labour said Government for Labourites (taken out of context and spinned by PN media) at least 1/2 Malta will gain something. With PN government now only the core of the core gain a lot while the other PN less core, just eat the crumbles. The others live on mercy.
Have you ever read Animal Farm? Malta is heading that way in a very sweet covered-up way.
Amanda Mallia
Mar 17th 2008, 22:45
Joe Galea - You said that "Dr. Sant cleansed the MLP from the bad elements". Can you please therefore explain why at least one of these "bad elements" is still very much part of the party?
As for your reference to "all those pathetically mentioning pre-1987 Labour", which I take it includes myself, kindly read my reply to Joe Grech-Attard below, to save me the bother of spelling it out to you once again.
Maybe you are the one who needs to "get a life" ... Meanwhile, try to accept the fact that this government is YOUR government too, whether you like it or not. Gonzi has always stated that his will be a government for the whole country, which is as it should be. (Unlike the "gvern tal-Laburisti ghall-Laburisti" reasoning.)
Francis Attard
Mar 17th 2008, 18:39
Mr.Grima, I am a person who doesn't have any personal ambitions in my life and that makes me criticise whoever I feel needs to be criticised, openly. I am not a reknown articolist, far from it, there are limits as far as abiliy is concerned, but I sometimes expressed my views about certain situations.
Like I said before, unfortunately the electoral law makes it impossible for other parties to make it to parliament, and the electorate is costrained to choose, in my opinion, between the bad and the worse.
With regards to the declaration by Jason Micallef, I wish to quote from a letter written in a local newspaper by Dr.Joseph Muscat MEP in 1998 'Labour cannot afford to revert to tactics, style and people which in the past have made it one of the most morally, physically and ideologically corrupt parties which our country ever had'.
And I dare say 'so be it '.
j borg
Mar 17th 2008, 17:06
Dear friends.
To keep on saying that over jpo,s case it was mud slinging i think its a bit childish . Now even the pro pn media is uncovering that it was not the case. How can anyone seriously consider that the pn or its supporters can give healthy advice to the mlp regarding its new leader.Come the new leader i can assure all of you that the same treatment dished to A.S. will be repeated.
Joseph Bonello
Mar 17th 2008, 16:58
E.Grima - rather than people believed JPO - it was a case that they could not and would not believe Labour ! So this was one of the repercussions of the Labour credibility problem !
J Zammit
Mar 17th 2008, 15:37
It's obvious that Labour is now intent on continuing the mud-slinging general election campaign into its leadership campaign.
E.Grima
Mar 17th 2008, 15:29
Mr Attard, Jason Micallef never said that the labour government will be only for labourites, that is the problem with some people, they have a way of interpreting things the other way. He said that it will be for labourites , but not only. Corruption and accountability do seem to be on the agenda of 143468 of the matese population becasue on the 8th of March they turned a blind eye and voted PN. Mr. Jeffrey’s Pullicino’s Orlando’s lies on the eve of the election, and still people vote for him. I feel really sorry for a nation who accepts everything. Who is accountable for projects that cost more then tendered for, it seems we are becuase, we are paying for it. You changed your mind because Jason Micallef said the words which he did not even say and you believed Tony Abela who didn't even get elected. Can you please tell me for whom was this government mainly, was it for you and me and all the others or for a few? If you are happy with the way the government is stealing money from your pockets, I believe you did the right thing.
Robert Aquilina
Mar 17th 2008, 14:42
Dear Mr. Galea,
I think thatyou are taking this issue too personally, which you shouldn't since the Labour party is one of the main parties in Malta and if one day it will be in power it is in everyone interest that there should be a proper leader. And secondly it is no wonder that you have all this confusion in the Labour party especially if everyone reasons things out the way that you do.
David Gatt
Mar 17th 2008, 13:12
Well said Joe Galea
Renato J. Costigan
Mar 17th 2008, 11:42
To Mr. Joe Galea
A week after their defeat, those in the MLP are still throwing mud, at each other now while the GonziPN (now GonziMALTA) governs the nation with a strong cabinet than ever from CASTILLE.
Another 'Bidu Gdid' perhaps your party might be 3rd time lucky. Who knows.
E. Aquilina
Mar 17th 2008, 09:01
Totally agree with you J Galea, the MLP does not need advice from PN supporters to choose leaders that have kept the party in opposition for almost 20 years! It's been doing the job remarkably well without PN interference.
Joe Galea
Mar 17th 2008, 08:18
All those pathetically mentioning pre-1987 Labour, are showing that since now they don't have anything to attack Labour with, spitting their hatred accumulated inside, they have to say something. What I can say is Dr. sant cleansed the MLP from the bad elements and put it in the PN. We can see them now on NET, PBS, etc. So I think those who are pure throw the first stone. I think a lot of people posting here should get a life and leave others in peace.
Joe Galea
Mar 17th 2008, 08:12
It is unbelievable how PN apologists have no limits in hypocrisy. Before the elections they had made a fool out of Michael Falzon and now they are glorifying and putting him as the saviour (of whom I don't know!!).
What privilige have PN & its supporters dictate who MLP chooses as leaders. MLP can never be in the right for the PN because if Mr. A is chosen, it is because it is influnced by the Dr. Sant klikka and MR. B is chosen MLP is going to split. I think all of you out there should focus mainly on your government and check out that he keeps all the promises he made during the campaign (as he was like Father Xmas promising almost everything to anyone who will vote for him). I think you should all get a life and let MLP resolve its problems internally without any deceitful PN interventions and suggestions.
stefan hogan
Mar 16th 2008, 22:24
Strange feeling of Deja Vu, cannot believe that less than one week after their defeat its back to buisness as usual. Is history about to repeat itself? The writing is on the wall !!
Francis Attard
Mar 16th 2008, 22:07
Dear Joseph Grech Attard, in the 70's and 80's I was a staunch nationalist supporter who used to work at the Malta Drydocks. I always did my utmost in performing my duties as a tradesman, I always respected other peoples' opinions and in spite of this I was unjustly discriminated against.
After 1987, certain attitudes by the then administration, made me distant myself from my past and I decided to join AD. I voted AD for three consecutive elections. In 2003, considering the fact that the electoral law makes it impossible for a third party to emerge successfuly in an election and therefore it was once again a two party game, and owing to the fact that Alfred Sant was against the EU, I decided to give my number one to the PN and then continue on the AD candidates..
In this year's election I was determined to vote only for AD. But the irrisponsible declaration by Jason Micallef, namely that a labour government will be only for labourites made me change my mind and an agreement with this declaration by Dr. Toni Abela, a few days later, convinced me even further to do my part to prevent labour to gain power. I consider such declarations as part of the past nowadays and I really wish them to remain so.
JOHN SCERRI
Mar 16th 2008, 21:21
From seeing and hearing Dr.Michael Falzon on the news this evening I suspect that if things remain as they are MLP will eventually lose Dr.Michael Falzon.
Amanda Mallia
Mar 16th 2008, 20:31
Joe Grech-Attard - There's no need to state that you are an MLP supporter, because even if one does not know you, it is pretty evident in all your posts.
As for stating that "pre-1987 has nothing to do" (sic) - what a cheek!
Do not assume for one minute that because there is so much "water under the bridge" (another Sant quote, I believe) that people can, or will, ever forget.
Of course pre-1987 events are relevant! And very much so, too.
It is by acknowledging the past (and apologising for it) that one might gain some credibility, but it seems that we will never get such an apology, judging by the fact that Sant has "no regrets".
connie borg
Mar 16th 2008, 20:23
The MLP has a lot of facelifting to do Whenever we say or think MLP those bad old days come into mind.Why can't they really adapt and choose the right one,I'm sure they have ! .
Ray Abela
Mar 16th 2008, 20:21
Hi Francis.....with all due respect...how old do u think Michael Falzon is?? In the 70's and 80's he was probably not evening thinking politics, never mind belonging to any old guard...as for the mudslinging brigade, I have one thing to say to them...mud sticks, sticks and bakes...El primo is no baker but he knows mud, he's seen quite a bit of it....
Amanda Mallia
Mar 16th 2008, 20:20
Francis Attard - Michael Falzon is roughly 45 years old. I suppose that should answer your question about where he was (in the party) in the '70s and '80s.
As for the new MLP leader's primary task being "that of cancelling the bad image of the pre-1987 era", well what can one say? In my opinion, Michael Falzon would not be the right person to do that. You see, despite having spent his childhood and youth in the heart of Sliema (Amery Street, to be precise), he seems to deny the fact that there were Labour wrongdoings (to put it mildly) in those years. There is in fact a video of him on YouTube, saying something along the lines of "Kienu jsawtuhom? Qalu li kienu jissawtu!" (As in Nationalists being beaten up in the bad old Labour days.)
Unlike what Alfred Sant said, history is not just for historians. You have to admit that past events did take place (and, heck, apologise for them!) before you can gain any respect.
Corinne Vella
Mar 16th 2008, 20:19
Yet another press conference that does not allow questions by the press? That's not a promising start for the post-Sant era.
Mark Formosa
Mar 16th 2008, 19:28
The choice of the new leader will affect all of us. The new government has to remain in check by knowing that a valid opposition is there to take it's place if it becomes corrupt or unpopular. The role of the opposition is not to oppose but to trim laws during the baking stage.
The new leader has to appeal to the nationalists and the floaters, not just to the MLP's hardliners. Where is it going to get the necessary votes from?
Mark my words. If the new leader is not Papable for the moderate Nationalists, the MLP will split up.
Joseph Grech-Attard
Mar 16th 2008, 19:18
I am an MLP supporter. Mr. Francis Attard I disagree with your conclusions! Pre-1987 has nothing to do. In fact in 1996 the people rejected PN and chose MLP. It is because of what happened from 1987 onwards that the people rejected MLP and chose PN. And i prefer not to point fingers at nobody. Better not to judge because I do not wish to be judged either.
Michael Farrugia
Mar 16th 2008, 17:15
They first leave Micheal Flazon alone at the counting hall in Naxxar, and now the Alfred Sant clique is trying to put him in a bad light as he does not form a part of their closely knit clique. That's how inclusive the Labour Party has become! After three consecutive electoral defeat the ruling Alfred Sant clique just want to hang on, at all costs. They never learn!
Anthony Busuttil
Mar 16th 2008, 17:09
Mark Pisani. Mud-slinging galore, was it really?
Joseph Grech-Attard
Mar 16th 2008, 15:54
What's wrong about campaigning for leader I wonder? Does not everybody else do it? And are we now obsessed up to a point that we call disagreements mudslinging? PN followers did it when Gonzi was elected, if I recall. This is better than conjuring during the night to remove a leader, as happened in the '70s with EFA and GBO!
Tony |Stivala
Mar 16th 2008, 15:35
What mentallity!!!! Next we are going to combine what prophet Anglu said "Gonzi was selling the votes"....... in that extra hour
Francis Attard
Mar 16th 2008, 15:31
I do not know Michael Falzon but if I were to judge him by his deeds and personality, I presume that he is the ideal future leader of the MLP. What he has to control, is his emotions. I don't know what was his position in the party in its bad old days, when in government in the 70's and 80's. In my opinion it is a must that the knew leader will not be someone from the old guard because his primary task would be precisely that of cancelling the bad image of the pre-1987 era which is still preventing voters of opting for the labour party.
tonyscerri
Mar 16th 2008, 15:12
Well the infighting within the labour party has started. What happened to the new beginning. As for the extra hour for voting time which favoured the labour party as Dr Falzon has stated, members of the party are blaming him. would they have preferred winning the election by the fault?
malcolm seychell
Mar 16th 2008, 14:51
It is obvious that Sant's puppets are working against Falzon and George Abela to best two candidates for the leadership.
MLP seems to very happy in opposition for many years to come.
I sincerely wish the best of luck to Dr Abela and Dr Falzon.
Malta needs a decent opposition in parliament.
Amanda Mallia
Mar 16th 2008, 14:37
No questions allowed during the "press conference"? Labour has a long way to go before it can consider calling itself reformed.
They should simply have issued a press release instead!
(Micahel Falzon, Alfred Sant, and all others of the same ilk - A "conference" is a meeting for discussion, and not a gathering to have a bunch of journalists report your monologue. It seems that you have still got a lot to learn.)
Karl Abela
Mar 16th 2008, 14:14
To be fair with Dr Falzon I don't think that it is right to put the entire blame on him for the state that the MLP is now in. Unfortunately the majority of the MLP party consists of a well meaning but unprofessional bunch of people who do not know what it takes to run a political party in such modern times, let alone have the knowledge of how to run a country. This deficit is easily noticed when compared to the campaign adopted by PN with a strategy that was planned from beginning till the very end, with a uniformity in branding, slogans and policies. Even the official song was in line with the campaign and that gives a clear idea that the PN was one hell of an organised party. But what meets the eye is not enough. The contestants of PN all pulled on rope and where consistent with the party policies. MLP have a lot to learn.
Mark Pisani
Mar 16th 2008, 14:00
The MLP leader electoral campaign is already in full swing! First Jason Micallef attacks a prospective candidate on TV, then Sections of the media start attacking Dr Falzon... One can see a similarity between the way the MLP conducts its internal affairs with the way it planned its electoral campaign - mud-slinging galore
David Urpani
Mar 16th 2008, 13:06
I think the important point here is that irrespective of which party stood to gain or not from such a decision, extending polling hours so that all eligible voters wanting to vote could do so is something that should be supported in a democracy. Anything else smells very non-democratic and therefore not in the interest of Malta.
Bill Millam
Mar 16th 2008, 13:01
A press conference where NO questions are allowed? I see the Labour Party in Malta has not changed much from the party I remember of the 80s. No wonder they lost yet another election. I think they are doomed to be THE OPPOSITION PARTY for eternity. Bill Millam Los Angeles USA
Joe Martinelli
Mar 16th 2008, 12:57
In any awkward situation such as losing an election, there always is a sacrificial lamb. Unfortunately Dr. Falzon happens to be the victim, although not many are surprised. Dr. Falzon has been marginalized by the MLP Sant 'team' for a long time. The 'no questions during a press conference' is reminiscent of the Sant style and proves that his web is spread, unbreached and as arrogant as ever. Leadership contestants better beware, unless of course, one or two have already made a pact.
Margaret Pace
Mar 16th 2008, 12:26
'No questions were allowed during the press conference' jumps right at you for the most ominous reasons. Well if it was a Press Conference the press should have been allowed to ask questions. SInce they weren't a press release would have been more in order and thus save the MLP from the criticism of not allowing questions, pertinent or otherwise, to be put to them.