PN must explain its backing for Pullicino Orlando - MLP

Paul J Mifsud

Apr 7th 2008, 15:13

Reading through the reams written upon this topic, I can well understand why several bloggers are trying to make political mileage out of it. As to the PM's direct responsibility, none of the MLP apologists had the audacity to confront Wayne Hewitt's arguments about the stark facts. Hewitt rightly stated that immediately upon hearing about the JPO/Mistra case, Dr Gonzi...
1. reported the case to the MEPA Auditor and asked him to make a full enquiry.
2. reported the case to the Police Commissioner to see if any irregularities were involved.
3. gave Alfred Sant the opportunity to face JPO face to face on TV to prove his claims
4.and excluded JPO from the new cabinet pending the Police investigation.
This amply demonstrates that all the necessary action was taken. Now if JPO lied to Dr Gonzi and to the public, that is a different matter and JPO himself should seek the only honourable way out of his predicament - resign his seat in Parliament to be replaced following a by-election by another PN candidate. One must also question whether Dr Sant' s timing in revealing the case was ethical. Was he not bound to report the case to the Police Commissioner as soon as he got wind of it? Did he try to make political capital out of it by spilling the beans in the last week of the campaign? Such strategy misfired because JPO attracted the public's sympathy and ended up being elected from two districts.
Permit me to direct two quips in reply to those appearing in this blog.
To Mr Martin Dingli. Under normal circumstances, a difference of 1,500 votes in a general election between the two main parties is not considered to be a hammering. However when we were led to believe that the MLP was going to win the elections by an absolute majority of around 15,000 votes and ended up on the losing end by a 1,500 vote difference, that CAN BE CONSIDERED as a hammering.
To my old friend and classmate Victor Laiviera.
When you stated that
"not only should JPO resign immediately but those who backed him up right until the very last day before the election should shoulder their responsibility and resign as well".
I hope you were not referring to Dr Gonzi who is completely to be exonerated. If you want to see the MLP back into power, do it on your own merits by winning a general election. The MLP is now in the ideal position to make use of a "bidu gdid" to elect a new leadership to start reforming and revitalizing the Party.

D.Camilleri

Apr 6th 2008, 11:23

Mr.Jean Pierre Attard it seems that the tears of JPO effected you a lot....." why you're wasting your time trying to defend JPO & try to hide the truth " Don't forget that more than 51% of the POPULATION are against you ....( it doesn't mean that they agree with MLP too) but for sure don't agree with JPO & Co... good day :)

Jean Pierre Attard

Apr 4th 2008, 21:36

I would like to ask the ex-opposition leader Drrr. Alfred Sant a question. Dr. Sant why are you trying to hurt people's feelings, by just slinging mud onto someone? I would also like to ask him, why after accusing someone about something, then run away from reality and confront him? I think that if you have the exact information about the case you should have confronted Hon. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and MAYBE you should have been prooven right. But the right for you is so far, the person which has given you the information could have given it wrong to you. The MEPA revealed that JPO had nothing to do with the case it was all the fault of the Board, but wait we still have to wait for the police verdict which should also keep clear Hon. Orlando. I also think that the libel which he has open against you will prove you WRONG and as he said you should pay a good price for what you tried to do against him, which till now its a bit in your favour, and it is because you said whatever you wanted to but NEVER gave the chance to let him talk. The only time which he had some chance you didn't leave him explain the situation out to the public. This was in the media conference from where you had all the time you want and he only had 30seconds, and the only thing he had the right to do is ask questions. You didn't give him the right to do so!! Is that the kind of Prime Minister the maltese citizens were going to have? Can you explain why we should have given you the right to govern Malta instead of the great leader we currently have. Dr. Sant, everybody makes mistakes, some are forgotten and some aren't. You have made some great mistakes which couldn't be forgotten from the Maltese.

Martin Dingli

Mar 30th 2008, 01:05

Were it not for the MLP's intervention one of Malta's most scenic valleys would have been lost for ever.The reason why the Nationalist party backed Pullicino Orlando is because? Well i leave it all for you to ponder on and look at the facts.
My only wish is that Mistra Bay will continue to be enjoyed for all and not turned into some horrible night club. Oh and Daphne Caruana Galizia the labour party was not hammered the pn only won with 1200 votes if i remember correctly. Is that a Hammering?

Daniel Micallef

Mar 29th 2008, 14:24

to all those astonished at people still defending JPO... i'm not surprised... arrogance has gone beyond their control now. They can't express themselves without being arrogant. According to some of these people, labourites have no right to express themselves, since the Labour Party lost the election. Neither those who don't strictly agree on everything with PN. All they want to listen to is praise for the flawless PM, who started the new political style by informing the opposition about the PFP decision with a telephone call.

valerie muscat sacco

Mar 26th 2008, 22:35

Daphne Caruana Galizia! PN must explain its backing for Pullicino Orlando can you read the title again and again???????? are you still backing jpo? give us at least one reason why are you doing so! no wonder why! you're suggesting what mlp should do! i will give you one suggestion, it's better if you give some lessons not to say rude words in public.

Philip Vella

Mar 24th 2008, 21:59

Dear Daphne and co! How on earth can you continue to defend JPO and PN! Are you living in another world!!

victor cutajar

Mar 24th 2008, 11:58

At the moment the best thing to do is to let the authorities decide what action to take against irregularities regarding the JPO case. It is useless and unethical to pass on judgements and point fingers at whoever is involved.Time will tell and we will know the trurh.I too did trust JPO and still do, although some declarations and other information released so far do not point in JPO favour, but as I said I will wait and decide after everybody plays down his cards.

I do not side with Dr.Sant, but if this was a case to bring to the public attention, well done Mr.Sant. Lest we not forget that quite a lot of other accusations made by Dr.Sant are still in balance in regards of other members of parliament. We cannot say the same thing regarding proof about these cases,as happened in JPO's case.So was it real mud slinging when considering that from a number of cases pointed out by Dr.Sant only one case materialised? We will let time judge.

I do have faith in Dr.Gonzi and i am sure he will do the right thing and also i am sure that JPO is quite a gentleman and will take the right action at the right time..

J.Scerri

Mar 22nd 2008, 03:28

I think that before the Police investigation are over about this case, no one should judge Dr. Pullicino Orlando. Than after we'll have all the time.

But it would be interesting to hear from the MLP admin what will be their reaction to the Police's report, but they have to tell us before the Police finish the investigation and give their judgement.

Will they trust it & accept whatever is the result or in the case that the investigations will find nothing wrong on Dr. JPO, they will say that the Police are the PARAVENTU of PN again !!! The MLP is not new doing these games, everyone remembers what happened before & after the 1996 election, NO ONE WAS FOUND GUILTY from all those Nationalist MPs accused !!!

David Gatt

Mar 21st 2008, 02:29

Daphne Caruana Galizia - If you are trying to deviate attention on MLP instead of JPO's case then you're doing a big dis-service to your country. Shame on you.

M Micallef

Mar 20th 2008, 21:36

Whatever happened before the election now is over.

The question now is this:-
taking in consideration the quite hard auditor's report, what is PN and Gonzi going to do?

Are they going to continue carrying JPO under their banner?

the truth is that Sant was accused of mudslinging - and "giddieb" when now facts show otherwise.

JOHN SCERRI

Mar 20th 2008, 19:24

Dear friend Andrew Sciberras You did not get it wrong. Dr. Gonzi said this will be a government for all. And so it will be .
It is our duty as you rightfully stated to keep the govt. alert at all times.
My specific comment relates exclusively to both parties not governments .
The article's title states a clear distinction - PN and MLP.

J.Buhagiar

Mar 20th 2008, 14:51

To Anthon Buttigieg and his reply to Dr. Cardona.

You said – “Please Dr Borg Cardona, if you have any evidence that any members of parliament (of any side) exert pressure on MEPA officials for their own benefit please make it public, because we not only expect to know but we want to know what is happening behind the scenes.”

Let me say at the outset that I do not wish to go into politics. Political behaviors and attitude mean different things to different people. The arguments are endless and I find the attitude of some unacceptable especially Daphne Caruana Galizia.

In any case, even the church had members that failed and that had to go. Doesn’t mean the Pope/Church is corrupt.

The important is - JPO is a Maltese Citizen like me - the auditor’s report is clear enough.

Like Anthony mentioned, I feel that the important is what is happening behind the scenes.

I am no Sherlock Holmes but as I understand it from the little knowledge God gave me, no one does anything completely out of the norm for nothing.

You give me one good reason why the board would proceed with JPO’s approval against all odds knowing that they have to go out of conformance with many MEPA & EU de-facto rules and regulations?

Perhaps they did it for free?

Could be!

Andrew Sciberras

Mar 20th 2008, 14:24

Mr John Scerri's comment epitomises what is basically wrong in Malta - the lack of distinction between party and government. Half the Maltese population backs GonziPN, the other half backs Labour, but we all of us have a right and duty to scrutinise the government.

I have it from the horse's mouth - the Prime Minister - that this is a government for all .... or did I get it wrong?

Victor Buhagiar

Mar 19th 2008, 20:30

To Alfred Farrugia: Please go on harping on the subject. You have nothing else to say. You lost. An JPO who I hope will resign, got elected because your ex-leader would not confront him. Your party lacks ideas. So go on and talk scandals. That's all you're good at. Oh, why don't you talk about your own or have you forgotten the past? But I forget: No regrets. As for a moderate leader, why not adopt the tactics of the 70's? That's when we had a saviour and a democratic Malta.

E. Aquilina

Mar 19th 2008, 19:00

Mr. Albert Farrugia, you have my total sympathy. It must be hard to see the promised land which your partly led you to believe was so within your grasp vanish into smoke. I would tackle your party about that and not Dr. Gonzi or JPO. The Mistra issue is in the hands of justice and one has to wait for the final outcome.

JOHN SCERRI

Mar 19th 2008, 18:48

MLP should itself do a lot of explaining before 'DEMANDING' explanations from anyone else.
What has MLP been doing for the past 20 years in opposition excluding the 22month disaster it spent in GOVT?
MLP says it does not need any advice on how the party should proceed , so using the same reasoning MLP should mind it's own business and concentrate on what those who voted for MLP in the election are really DEMANDING from MLP... many explanations !!!!!! - Why were they fooled by their own party and driven to think they won and let out to celebrate . Yet again this is at least the third time this happened including the EU referendum bluff at Marsa. MLP supporters deserve to be treated much better by their party after contributing so much money for so many campaigns !!

v. muscat

Mar 19th 2008, 16:08

Do you think that jpo is going to resign? It will be very hard for him now to do so, he was elected from two districts, it will be a challenge sitting in parliament this time with ALL the opposition's mp's sitting infront of him. No way, but i think Gonzi should have done things properly before.

Patrick Casssar Trigona

Mar 19th 2008, 14:27

Dr Sants only concern was getting the maximum political mileage from this affair by waiting for the most opertune time to use his aligations.This is the reason he lost credability,the question of wether JPO is guilty or not must be left to the court wich is independent of both political parties,the fact is JPO was elected due to dr Sants inaction.

Anton Buttigieg

Mar 19th 2008, 13:35

To begin with, I think that the current system where a person or a group of people simply resign from their responsibilities to avoid being held accountable for any of their misdeeds is outdated. Hopefully, the new prime minister will look into this matter while reforming MEPA. He will also need to make sure that the members of the board who resigned on the eve of the election are brought under investigation too. This is the least to be expected in a modern democracy. Otherwise the faith of this country is to become another Italy.

Dr Borg Cardona has already made comments about the Pullicino Orlando case in other articles today and said that it is up to JPO discretion to resign or not and I agree with him. It seems like he is now changing his mind and expect him to resign if found guilty. Well, Dr Cardona, as you said earlier it's up to him. And please note that if JPO is found guilty he would have lied to the Maltese people not only to PM and party leader. It's this kind of arrogant comments and attitude that many people in this country are fed up of Dr Borg Cardona, and this was clearly evident in the election result.

And please Dr Borg Cardona, if you have any evidence that any members of parliament (of any side) exert pressure on MEPA officials for their own benefit please make it public, because we not only expect to know but we want to know what is happening behind the scenes. This country would be eternally grateful to those people who make light on such issues.

As for the little elves let me tell you that 'what doesn't kill them will make them stronger' and while it's true that they have to go through the pains of finding a new leader the PN's own backyard is one big minefield at the moment.

Andrew Sciberras

Mar 19th 2008, 12:58

No such luck Dr Borg Cardona. Maybe what many people haven't yet realised is that the MLP won the majority of votes (and seats) in Malta. The PN only obtained a majority in Gozo! Ironic isn't it. But rest assured GonziPN is in for a bumpy ride and the sooner the realise that the better.

Mark bonello

Mar 19th 2008, 11:09

We have just given a confidence vote to Dr.Lawrence Gonzi because he has proved to us with his admireable capabilities in dealing with;1 reorganising a political party whilst becoming the country's prime minister with an already made cabinet; 2 Leading our little big Malta by the hand through its first paces in the EU;3 Dealing with our disastrous finances and bringing them to ship shape;4 Enabling malta obtain the highly regarded Euro; And finally obtaining negotiated funds and conditions which are the envy of many a nation and in the meantime finishing a state of the art hospital albiet at a high cost. To say the least a remarkable 4 years for a beginner and a novice. Now he has, finally, created his own cabinet and he can direct his own government after such a grand "running in".
JPO's situation might be a huge affair for JPO himself, certainly not for the prime minister. I am sure that when all investigations are concluded, we will have a very level headed reaction by the prime minister and looking back at his track record, I am sure he will act accordingly and in the best interests of our little big nation, as he has always done.

Anthony Mizzi

Mar 19th 2008, 01:59

Wasn't the architect involved in the Mistra Spin or Sin Valley project Paul Camilleri, Dr. Gonzi's cousin?

I find it quite hard to believe that no word was passed between cousins about such an enterprising project?

Mistra Bay will continue to be enjoyed in its natural beauty by future generations thanks to Dr. Alfred Sant and certainly not to the likes of those who supported JPO , including Joe Saliba General Secretary of P.N. ,before the 8th March 2008

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Mar 19th 2008, 01:08

That's odd - isn't this the political party whose leader said he won the referendum? And then didn't resign when it turned out that he hadn't won it, after all?

Why doesn't the MLP call for the resignation of its deputy leader, who was found to have been evading income tax while a cabinet minister? More to the point, why doesn't the MLP just zip its lips, now that it has endured its fourth consecutive hammering at the polls? Doesn't it have more pressing matters to attend to?

A Tonna

Mar 19th 2008, 00:37

To Andrew Borg Cardona

I guess we couldn't care less whether JPO lied to the PM or not - they always all to happy, and eager, to cover up for each other probably because they all know too much about each other's smelly socks. We don't believe whatever any of them say anyway. Trust in politicians has long evaporated.

What I find actually worse than lying to the PM was that JPO had the gall to lie to the whole Maltese nation, and cry about it too. Sorry, he`s simply not fit to be trusted as a MP. No way around that.

A.Tabone

Mar 18th 2008, 23:39

For those people who are wondering why MLP did not produce the report before, I believe that the reason behind it is because an investigation before the election would not have had the proper outcome. I mean who was going to investigate it ? The same MEPA board that resigned? If that board was allegedly corrupt then why would MLP trust them with an investigation which can determine the outcome of an election? MLP didn't even trust the police commissioner!

I don't think think that MLP had any other option except producing the report at the last week including their facts and let people decide for themselves. It's better than having them being decided by a pre election investigation which could easily have been manipulated.

Whilst I do think that Dr.Sant is not the perfect man and he made lots of mistakes, I thank him for saving Mistra. When years will go by people will see that beautiful piece of land and say that it is there because of Dr.Sant. I am saying this not because I have already judged JPO but because whether JPO is guilty or not, the application was accepted for the discotheque.

Being a person who appreciates our beautiful country, I thank Dr. Sant for his work, and his campaign served to save one of the most scenic places in Malta.

Thank you Dr.Sant.

C. Catania

Mar 18th 2008, 22:22

i ask JPO 1 question.... who was the real Mudslinging.. Dr.Sant? or you? It's a shame for you and shame on the PN to have backed you before the elections!! this is the Government that was chosen for the next 5 years?!! I hope Dr.Gonzi will take action!!! Unbelievable!!

R Abela

Mar 18th 2008, 21:13

When going through the comments below I confirm what a tribal country we are living in.

Those who think who are more educated and democratic than the other half, including contributers in our dailies, try to offend the other half through the language they use and trying to shut off the other half whom they consider have no right to breathe.

To be fair, this time around Dr Sant was proven right. The MLP has saved Mistra. No one can deny that JPO lied not only to the electorate but also to Dr Gonzi and I think he should suffer the consequences of this.

Those who are blaming MEPA employees confirm that they still had understood nothing on the case and how MEPA operates.

The MEPA employees made a strong recommendation against the granting of the permit and as happens with more than 25% of the cases they saw their recommendation being overturned by the board (DCC) who decided the application. I am sure that the MEPA Auditor has dozens of other reports where he found that the DCCs or even the MEPA board acted wrongly in their decisions. Please note that these boards are all appointed by the Prime Minister, except for the member representing the Opposition on the MEPA board and the Planning Appeals Boards, the latter appointed by the President.

On the Mistra case one should point out that the decision was not an unanimous one but there was one member of the DCC who was conscious on what was going on and voted against but unfortunately the majority won.

Please let's not be childish in our comments. I'm sure that all of us deep in our heart agrees that should this development have taken place on JPO's land we would have lost another environmental jewel.

Daniel Micallef

Mar 18th 2008, 19:50

the arrogance of some people is astonishing. i can't beleive that such intolerance to other's opinion still exists in 2008. The PN won the elections so what? Does that mean 50.66% of the population cannot express its opinion from last Saturday till 2013?

JOHN SCERRI

Mar 18th 2008, 19:45

Some advice......During these past 8 weeks much has been said , much has been speculated upon, many have been accused of this and that .
In the end one must accept and admit reality , whether it being an election defeat or otherwise.
Facts are Facts and they cannot be deleted.
History is based on Fact not Fiction.
Let no one assume but always check the facts .... and the facts of the case in question are not all out yet.
It is very easy to assume what one thinks is the truth but it will then be very difficult for one to admit being wrong when the truth is in front of one's eyes.

Joseph Grech-Attard

Mar 18th 2008, 19:17

Mr Borg Cardona careful. If both sides are doing what you alleged they are doing they are BOTH doing wrong! And ALL should be, at least, reprimanded, not excused. However, the higher one is in society, the more one should be careful of setting a good exampleespecially to our youth and also if one is all the time findng faults in others and teaching what is right. Might should NOT be right.

As to you Mr Hewitt, desperate is not the right word to use........we are sad, as is normal, but we are also hopeful since we know that people who live with the sword will one day also die by it. Let's pray for their poor souls.

And, by the way, why are people so unsure of JPO's guilt and yet, the same people, were so sure that Alfred Sant was mudslinging? (nice new word everyone is using....reminds me of 'state of the art' for Mater Dei)!!!

Renato J. Costigan

Mar 18th 2008, 18:41

May I ask which part of the MLP commented about Pullicino Orlando because at this moment there are more than one fuction within the MLP.

As Salvino P. Busuttil said we have every confidence not only in the Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi who is governing from Castille but in all the Ministers and the Parliamentary Secretaries.

Don't forget that the MLP is still trying to find the cause of their defeat. Why not bring someone from the FBI?

Well done Mr. Busuttil for your comments. I fully support those comments.

Anthony Busuttil

Mar 18th 2008, 18:34

Andrew Borg-Cardona, who knows what would you be saying right now had the JPO story been on the Labour side, election or no election? Rather than giving it a rest, you might be wondering, in your own fancy way, how many similar cases could have gone unnoticed.

As for your 'little elves' remark, I was led to believe that racism had to do only with DNA. Or doesn't it, really?

Paul Savona, as far as I know Joe Saliba has been reported as being thankful that the MLP came out with the contract so late, otherwise JPO would have cost them the election. Now you're blaming Sant's intention for leaving it so late.

David Magro

Mar 18th 2008, 18:18

Who is going to be accountable ? If I park a car on yellow lines I will have to pay a fine...no arguments. In this case who is going to be fined? No one ? What a shame. We need a Robespierre.....shame on you JPO, have courage take a step forward ...resign! Be like us us the common citizen.Sorry, I have lost faith justice. By the way, I await a program on Xarabank on this Mistra matter...isn't it a journalistic investigation?

M. Camilleri

Mar 18th 2008, 18:03

The MLP turned JPO into a hero. The response came from the electorate. The MLP should have revealed the documents and made the accusations well before the election date was annouced. In this way, the investigations would have started earlier and thus giving ample time for the PN leadership to decide weather to allow JPO to contest or not. The problem with the MLP is that it has been crying foul for years, through its leader, and no one deemed it fit to take the facts to the commission against corruption or to the police commissioner.

H. Farrugia

Mar 18th 2008, 18:01

Sour grapes are crying out loud. better concentrate on the MLP leadership races instead of on JPO? The Nationalist Party lost votes because of all this rumpus. The fact remains that the Nationalists were voted in by a majority of the people (being 1, 10, 100 or 1000, it is still a majority) and are now Governing Malta with as much power as Mintoff in 1971, and Alfred Sant in 1996 had. And Labour will have to come to terms with this reality. Please concentrate on the renewal of the MLP. Why is Malta, at least half of the maltese population, so afraid of the labour party? And how come the people are not afraid of George Abela as the Leader of the MLP, should he be elected as the true leader of the MLP? Ask yourselves that question and you will see that trust and confidence is on such statesmen such as Gonzi and Abela. Others are just day dreamers. This is just a controversy being raised by the illegitimised leadership of the MLP in order to keep the party faithful quite for the time being.

Noel Barry

Mar 18th 2008, 18:00

From what I can see, most of you posting here condemned the PN for what happened to Harry Vassallo, but none of you had to guts to apologise after we knew the real truth. Now let's hope that this is repeated in the JPO case, you will not do the same. Our beloved PM already stated in public and on numerous occasions that "min hu hati, ihallas bil qares" I repeat what I said previously. Why don't MLP supporters talk about Charles Mangion and Karmenu Vella?

Paul Sant Cassia

Mar 18th 2008, 17:49

Correspondents may or may not remember the so-called Profumo Case from the early 1960s. This concerned the case of John Profumo, Minister for War (I believe) in Anthony Eden's Government. John Profumo was accused of having a rapport with Christine Keeler, an attractive call-girl, who had also had some liaison with a Russian Charge d'Affaires in London. It was not of course acceptable for a Minister to have an affair which could compromise national security, given his particular portfolio. The long and short of this is that John Profumo lied to his Prime Minister and also to Parliament, and was then forced to resign. He then devoted his life to charitable work in the East End, London and disappeared from public life. It is well known that the only major qualification for a position as a public representative is that the person should be "Honourable". Indeed that is how we address our elected representatives: Onorevoli. That is the only capital an MP has. If he loses that, he loses everything, including the right to our respect, and the right to represent us. In the fullness of time, the matter will be clarified, and we can come to our own decisions. The matter is too important to be judged on partisan lines, one way or another. It has to be judged in terms on politically transcendent criteria of probity, accountability, and the standards we expect of our elected representatives. I would expect the Prime Minister who I am sure is far from pleased with JPO for the embarassment he has caused him (and indeed already indicated this by excluding him for consideration to the cabinet),to take clear action if it is clear that some element of deception, dissimulation, or obfuscation took place. John Profumo redeemed himself not merely by his resignation, but also by his subsequent good works amongst the poor. I am sure that our Honourable representatives of whatever colour will agree unanimously what constitutes "honourable" behaviour.
The sub-text of all this is the cultural construction of honour/dishonour: for the Brits (especially the Conservatives) it is usually illicit sex (its not their fault: they're Protestants!), for the Maltese and other Mediterraneans, it's usually money...(it's not our fault: we think we have too little of it)..Each society falls for what it believes it lacks.

J. Mifsud

Mar 18th 2008, 17:36

JPO, please resign immediately. If not, please, PN, do your duty and make him resign.

No more crocodile tears. Please!!!!

Albert Farrugia

Mar 18th 2008, 17:36

Dear Andrew BC. Some chance that Labour will shut up! That is what you wish, but you will be very disappointed. Yes, I am disappointed and sad that this government managed to scrape through. However I am sure that the Opposition will not give one minute's rest to the one-seat majority government. Not one minute of rest, I assure you. Some are clamouring for a "moderate" to lead the MLP. What for? Maybe someone without the guts to tell the government exactly where to get off?

Andrew Sciberras

Mar 18th 2008, 17:30

All the answers to those who are trying to minimise the damage in this scandal are included in the Auditor's report. Also the police have statements making it quite clear that JPO knew who applied for the permit and what for. According to the statements he called Mepa offices on several occasions to influence the decision. In my book that is called abuse of power.

All in know is that this government is still in what is known as the honeymoon period and already it has crashed into a stone wall. God only knows what lies ahead.

Good luck Dr Gonzi - you will certainly need it!

Joseph Aquilina

Mar 18th 2008, 17:26

I agree with many MLP and AD supporters over here; most probably many inside the ranks of the PN realized what JPO had done after this whole issue of Mistra cropped out! Also like many other Maltese citizens I believe that Dr.Gonzi will take action against JPO if the latter is actually found guilty in court. However MLP supporters can say a lot of words, but the truth is that JPO is in that parliament thanks to Dr.Sant and MLP as well. If Dr.Sant and MLP informed the Police Commissioner back in December when they already knew what was going on, then the Police Commissioner could have started the investigation earlier as well and hopefully found out about any corruption before the election even took place. However Dr.Sant and MLP did not really want the good of this country, nor did they care about our lovely Mistra – Dr.Sant and MLP just wanted to gain a political advantage and waited up till the last two (2) weeks before the election to get the report out! Also Dr.Sant failed to face JPO which gave more credibility to the latter then to the foremost. So yes, in my humble opinion MLP also has a share of the blame for having JPO in our Parliament. For me MLP not only failed all the Maltese citizens by offering a weak alternative for government, but also for withholding important information about corruption in our country in order to gain personal advantage – In other counties such as the UK and US such an action would take the whole party and Dr.Sant to court!! Regarding Dr.Gonzi – I do not believe he even knew where Mistra was before this issue (personally I still do not where this Mistra is!). However, Dr.Gonzi, unlike Dr.Sant, immediately took action. Dr.Gonzi made the report from MEPA available to all Maltese citizens even if this may damage JPO or PN and for me that is enough to show me that Dr.Gonzi is trying to eliminate corruption from this country wherever he sees it. As I said before the 8th of March, this election had to decide who the Maltese people wanted as their next Prime Minister – I took that decision and so far I do not feel I did a bad decision!

Joseph Aquilina

Mar 18th 2008, 17:26

I agree with many MLP and AD supporters over here; most probably many inside the ranks of the PN realized what JPO had done after this whole issue of Mistra cropped out! Also like many other Maltese citizens I believe that Dr.Gonzi will take action against JPO if the latter is actually found guilty in court. However MLP supporters can say a lot of words, but the truth is that JPO is in that parliament thanks to Dr.Sant and MLP as well. If Dr.Sant and MLP informed the Police Commissioner back in December when they already knew what was going on, then the Police Commissioner could have started the investigation earlier as well and hopefully found out about any corruption before the election even took place. However Dr.Sant and MLP did not really want the good of this country, nor did they care about our lovely Mistra – Dr.Sant and MLP just wanted to gain a political advantage and waited up till the last two (2) weeks before the election to get the report out! Also Dr.Sant failed to face JPO which gave more credibility to the latter then to the foremost. So yes, in my humble opinion MLP also has a share of the blame for having JPO in our Parliament. For me MLP not only failed all the Maltese citizens by offering a weak alternative for government, but also for withholding important information about corruption in our country in order to gain personal advantage.

emanuel Buttigieg

Mar 18th 2008, 17:18

Where is the Church's Commission for Environment? During the last weeks it could have gone for a break abroad.

David Busuttil

Mar 18th 2008, 17:12

ghala qed taghmilli hekk Dr Sant, Why you were Kidding Dr JPO, why you were crying ? who was right You or Dr. Sant

Noel Cutajar

Mar 18th 2008, 17:11

I had a dream (with apologies to Martin Luther King)...I saw JPO asking forgiveness that he misled the Maltese...Archbishop Gonzi (God rest his soul) praying at Mistra after the land at Mistra was changed to a nice and small chapel...but I woke up and still the same old story...iva flimkien kollox possible...only in my dreams things will change...

Salvino P Zammit

Mar 18th 2008, 16:57

Elections are not won by such instances,or queuing for an extra hour- who ever is the culprit may he takes the reward he/she Deserves.

Elections are decided by the Honest,Brave Voters who trust their leaders of what they say and perform.,
All of us heard Dr L Gonzi on the eve of the election- if JPO is found guilty he will have to pay- IF IF IF-
But on the other hand he /she who may have tried to Frame Up Jeffrey is to be caught by the authorities and
Pay the dues.

I have every confidence in our Brave Prime Minister Dr.Lawrence Gonzi.Quote- Judge me on what /how I perform.

SPZ

Wayne Hewitt

Mar 18th 2008, 16:51

LOL Andrew Borg Cardona. They're so desperate to cling to something!

Leonard Gauci

Mar 18th 2008, 16:47

The worst thing that the PM can do is to sit on the fence. When all investigations are concluded he should either ask JPO to resign or give him his full backing.

Louis Schembri

Mar 18th 2008, 16:44

The burning question is: was Dr Gonzi or George Pullicino aware of what was in the auditor's report before Saturday 8th March? Common sense tells me that the first as PM and leader of the PN, and the second as the minister responisble for MEPA , both had the means and the authority to enquire and be informed of the damning details of Joe Falzon's report which had already been passed on to the MEPA Chairman Mr Andrew Calleja. If this is somehow confirmed, both of them would suffer politically and their credibility would plummet.

David Stephen Ganado

Mar 18th 2008, 16:41

Once again Victor Laiviera is desperately searching for an excuse to get the government to resign!!
Every person is innocent till proven guilty - therefore the Prime Minister could not ask JPO to resign before all the facts were clear, wheather he believed him or not! If Alfred Sant was really serious about causing maximum damage to the PN before the election he would have made sure he had ALL the facts before presenting them to the public!
At this point the only people who need to resign are:
A) the MLP administration, to leave space for a 'Bidu Gdid' within the party - this will help to provide a proper opposition and future government for malta (wishful thinking);
B) and Victor, to another 5 years waiting for this to happen!!

R. Pace

Mar 18th 2008, 16:36

If JPO is forced to resign, will he be replaced in parliament by another candidate? or his seat will be lost and PN and MLP will have the same number of seats?!

David Buttigieg

Mar 18th 2008, 16:34

Well then Joe Borg, what can I tell you - DON'T shut up, like it makes one jot of difference :)

Noel Barry

Mar 18th 2008, 16:32

H ere we go again. The same thing is happening as in the case of Harry Vassallo before the election. All those who wrote to condemn the goverment where nowhere to be seen when the truth came out. Who are you all to judge and condemn. We have a PM who does what he says so please lets all wait for the police report as well and then let the decisions for the PM. By the way lets talk about Charles Mangion and Karmenu Vella and their income tax instead. Bye bye

BERNARD SAMMUT

Mar 18th 2008, 16:30

jpo it is time to assume your responsability and resign

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Mar 18th 2008, 16:19

How amusing. The MLP's little elves still think their comments are relevant. Your side lost the election and now you really should give it a rest.

As to what JPO should do, well, that's up to him and his conscience - his offence, if there was one (let's wait for all the evidence) might only have been of lying to his PM and party leader. Using influence on MEPA's people is, unfortunately, something many people on both sides of the House do - though of course, if it is eventually proved that JPO did something illegal, he's as obliged to resign as he would be if it is proved that he lied to the PM.

John Borg

Mar 18th 2008, 16:10

JPO may not be the only one who needs to resign. We only voted for PN because we were afraid of Alfred Sant but next time around we may have more courage to vote Labour

Joseph E Briffa

Mar 18th 2008, 16:07

If this affair was leaked to the MLP leadership weeks or months earlier and they kept it under wraps up to a few days before March 8 to cash in on it at the very end of the campaign, it should have dawned on them that people might very well take it with a pinch of salt. along with other allegations of corruption which were not substantiated. Given the timing of the revelation, the possibility - indeed the probability - should have been considered that people could view the allegation as a matter of expediency rather than a genuine concern for the environment. Besides, one must not forget that the MLP leadership had been crying wolf umpteen times and were therefore bound to lose credibility. So alot of people did not believe the allegation; indeed it made JPO a martyr as shown by the number of votes he garnered. This is bound to happen when mud slinging and character assasination become the order of the day. It's no use pleading 'vox populi'. Party leaders are not just any Tom Dick and Harry gossiping on the Church's parvis on Sunday morning and repeating like parrots what they heard the previous week. Party leaders should know that their word carries alot of weight and therefore they must be extremely careful before pronouncing themselves in public. They must also show respect for the electorate who have every right to expect them to tell the truth at all times, exercise prudence, and act responsibly. Just repeating in public what people say and then refrain from taking any action with the pertinent authorities does not exactly constitute responsible behaviour. Repeating allegations without substantiating them in the hope that some people would believe them does not exactly help one's credibility.

Leah Gatt

Mar 18th 2008, 16:05

David Buttigieg please check your childish attitude at the keyboard.

Dr Gonzi has done well publishing the report. Personally I think that JPO hid things from him in the last week of the campaign. Things that may very well have lost them the election. We should give him the space to act as a PM and then either applaud or criticize.

Re MLP the information was sadly released too late and looked like mudslinging now we see that it was a shout against corruption. Whether it was handled well or not is up for discussion.

The next few weeks are going to be very interesting. but i think we should be patient and see what develops.

M. AZZOPARDI

Mar 18th 2008, 15:59

JPO should resign asap. Now that the MEPA auditor has proved that MLP was right the PN has to at least make an apology to the electorate for deceiving it on the eve of the electorate. Thanks to Alfred Sant that this illegal development on Mistra Valley is stopped.

joe borg

Mar 18th 2008, 15:58

How sweet of you, nationalists boot-lickers.......so you want us to shut up huh!!!!! Shame on you all! We wont shut until JPO resigns!!!!

D.Caruana

Mar 18th 2008, 15:52

My conclusion is that JPO 's tears were tears if fear, he did that so that people would pity him. One thing is left JPO and who backed him should resign.
I hope Gonzi will tell JPO to resign.

Mario Genovese

Mar 18th 2008, 15:45

The most of purile comments Mr Caruana!! I win you lose, I win you lose, I win you lose. Just accept the fact that all recommendations re corrupt practices put forward by MLP are now being adopted by Gonzipn while two weeks ago, he was defending all.

Abela S

Mar 18th 2008, 15:41

Joseph Caruana:
Nobody is saying "PN are in opposition because AD + MLP";

What many are saying, and rightfully so, is that majority of voters voted PN government out (50.6%);

This is undeniable fact;

Wayne Hewitt

Mar 18th 2008, 15:41

I definitely agree that JPO should resign his candidacy as soon as a guilty verdict is reached by a super partes judicial authority such as the court of justice. But to say that Gonzi did not do anything on the case so far is simply hilarious and outrageously partisan

Schembri paul

Mar 18th 2008, 15:35

PM is strong enough to persuade JPO to resign.

the time for JPO to prove himself not guilty has come and gone.... He should do the most honourbale thing and resign alone. Leave us to govern in peace.

karen grech

Mar 18th 2008, 15:29

thanks Dr. Sant and MLP for saving mistra valley. Had such a scandal not been mentioned before the election, today we would already have machines turning the valley into a night club.

I hope that Dr. Gonzi, asks JPO to resign. Otherwise if Dr. gonzi backs him, it wouldnt be a surprise if in the coming days we would hear of some other scandal made by the present ministers.

Maybe Bronk Productions have a better job to JPO - il-bikkej!

Joseph caruana

Mar 18th 2008, 15:24

It is funny reading the post that PN are in opposition because AD + MLP have majority. It is almost as funny when Sant said that they have won referendum. Another 5 yrs in govt. for PN and Another (yet again) 5 yrs in opposition for MLP.
And mind u PN wont loose govt. like Sant did. Sant is the one and only.

P.S. JPO should resign

Ray Abela

Mar 18th 2008, 15:21

The PM would do well to address this issue asap and in a very transparent manner. This could be Malta's "Mistragate"....

Mark Psaila

Mar 18th 2008, 15:21

Let's for a minute forget what happened before the election.

ONE QUESTION:-

Is gonzi NOW going to accept this sort of person in his cabinet or within the party?

NOW - what is going to happen?

The report from the auditor is pretty clear.... and leaves no space for interpretation.

we already now PN acted wrongly before election, but at least you can give us answers of what you are going to do now?!

Miguel Fenech

Mar 18th 2008, 15:15

I perfectly agree with nmuscat. MLP must utilise this chance to rebuild itself, in a stronger manner, although 5yrs is a very short time to build a strong reputation. As to Mr. Buttigieg's last comment, losing is very acceptable and has been accepted. But losing does not mean shutting up for 5yrs, believing that everything is ok. You would be going against what Gonzi himself said that he is there for everyone and not for those who won only.

David Buttigieg

Mar 18th 2008, 14:59

Victor Laviera -you would like that wouldn't you!!

By the way, I looked for you at Castille as you told me to on another blog but there was no sight of you.

And oh dear, have the two words "Shut Up" hit so many nerves - still haven't got over losing have you?

Miguel Fenech

Mar 18th 2008, 14:48

As regards comments that "Gonzi gave Dr. Sant a chance to face JPO", I shall only say that from now onwards, we should do PN and MLP mass meetings at the same time and place so that everyone will have a right to "face each other". If you feel that provocation is healthy then you could agree with this idea! I certainly don't agree with provocation, especially when you personally know that you are lying. As Dr. Sant said, JPO could have taken any airtime he wanted from NET to put forward his (false) case instead of provoking others.

vincent busuttil

Mar 18th 2008, 14:44

Let us comment when this story ends, then one can judge. I think the PM did what he had to do for the time being. Using cases like these to try to win an election in the last week is equally immoral.

nmuscat

Mar 18th 2008, 14:42

Reading through all this hullabaloo this question sprang to my mind....but why is it that the electorate still believed the PN enough to give it the mandate to govern for the 5 years to come? Why is it that nobody believed Dr. Sant when he came out with the JPO accusations and other stories? Shouldn't such a scandal together with other factors, like for eg:

1. there being no national issue at stake which in turn underscores the faults of the government of the day,

2. a government which had been there for 10 years (and a number of years prior to Dr Sant's election to governemnt in 1996),

3. the arrogance, mismanagement and scandals that certain ministers were associated with,

4. the rampant disgruntlement amongst PN supporters,

(and the list goes on), shouldn't all these have secured a sure win for the MLP?

And although the logical answer to that is a resounding YES, the reality is that the electorate answered NO.

Putting all this in perspective, the MLP should seriously sit down and analyse in depth why they lost an election that was so easy for them to win, and refrain from issuing such statements as the one above saying 'i told you so'.

Please let the investigative authorities do their work (even though in some cases these were said to be a 'paraventu') and the results of their reports will certainly speak for themselves. We are not stupid you know.

Miguel Fenech

Mar 18th 2008, 14:40

Dear Mr. Hewitt, ignoring certain comments is a reply in itself. Whatever happens to JPO is irrelevant and won't heal the damage done. But if you really believe that Gonzi did not know anything about this from before, doesn't this reflect negatively on any leader of any group or party? Wasn't this a serious, transparent and accountable gvt? ;-)

Charmaine Debono

Mar 18th 2008, 14:37

Wayne Hewitt you are right... the law states that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. How could Dr Gonzi ask him to resign before he was really and truly found guilty. had the MLP spoken before, not left it just to the less minute (how convenient) this could have been cleared before. as it is it was too late and there was nothing else DR Gonzi could do than he did!!! i really think it is very childish to regard this as the reason why PN won the election. Don't you all think that it is better that one examines why for 3 times running, the electorate still thinks that a PN government and not an MLP one is what the majority want?

Alan Xuereb

Mar 18th 2008, 14:36

So where's the Hero (Sant) in all this? If there was no election, could it be the MLP remained dormant as in the past 5 years? Why is all this talking taking place right now and not when "somebody" knew about it from the first instance.Could it be to win some more votes in name of corruption?
No the PN did not back JPO. Have it done so, Mr Gonzi would not have gone to the police for further investigations.
BUT as for Charles Mangion and his cheques, Alfred Sant did not go to the police for further investigations but did it himself. WOW how credible to make me vote MLP next time.

Paul Savona

Mar 18th 2008, 14:36

Yes, you are right, we are a democratic society, and as such, individuals are "presumed innocent until proven guilty".

As far as the PN goes, I do not see any wrong doing by standing behind their man until the facts are clear. In fact it was Gonzi who commissioned this report and police investigation. Held him from a position etc.....

I must admit, I for one thought that there was something "fishy". However this does not give me license to form a lynching mob. If there is proof wrong doing (and it certainly seems that way) I would hope that the PM will act accordingly and to a satisfactory conclusion.

I must say however that I am a realist and I know that whom ever is in power will "bend the rules" (aka corruption) to their own advantage. There are many shades of gray to hide behind. The question is who will do best for the country while lining their pockets. Although I do accept this fact, I do not condone blatant corruption and lies and as such I would hope that the PM will do the right thing when the time comes. If not, it will certainly cost him credibility between all voters.

As for the MLP wanting explanations, the report came out yesterday, not two weeks ago! Now if the MLP came out with their "proof" a few weeks earlier rather than on the eve of the election (obviously a strategy, albeit a failed one) we would have had this discussion before the election.

m ciappara

Mar 18th 2008, 14:26

we have authorities in place to protect the intersts of society. this is a case which clearly shows that the authority in question did not fulfill its responsibilities and should be held accountable

Olina Tretyak

Mar 18th 2008, 14:23

What JPO did, even indirectly, he applied for permit.

Even I could apply...with no avail.

The question is WHY MEPA ISSUED IT? Mepa is authority, responsible for that.

Board just resigned..and..ends in the water? JPO faces music alone?

Malcolm Buttigieg

Mar 18th 2008, 14:21

Dear Mr Zammit

The MEPA employees recommended a refusal for this application. The now infamous DCC Board A which resigned 7 days prior to the election approved the Outline Application for the discotheque.

Also, MTA applied to carry out 'embellishment' works at Mistra Bay, which among others include the creation of parking spaces.

Incidentally, the Outline Application for the discotheque which was approved bY DCC board A is also closely linked (or knit) to the application by MTA for the so called embellishment of Mistra Bay. Why?

In the Auditor's report, it is stated that MTA responded to MEPA to inform the DCC Board that it does not object to the development of the discotheque, or to put it bluntly, MTA is in favour of the project for the discotheque and is implicitly in favour of the destruction of the natural habitat of the area.

Victor Laiviera

Mar 18th 2008, 14:09

The MLP is perfectly right. Not only should JPO resign immediately but those who backed him up right until the very last day before the election should shoulder their responsibility and resign as well.

Anthony Cassar

Mar 18th 2008, 14:04

I fully agree with mr hewitt. now I am waiting to see if dr pullicino orlando is man enough to admit he was wrong and resign from politics once and for all !
as a nationalist voter it's the least i can expect

Byron Camilleri

Mar 18th 2008, 14:03

To Wayne Hewitt- "Of this case, Gonzi came out stronger then ever before!" - Gonzi publicly gave support to JPO and accused Sant of mudsluggling, Now things are more clear. I strongly disagree with you where you said that Gonzi came out stronger than before, but I think that the Maltese now know who was honest and who was not before elections.

Who decided to try to win by being honest and let the country decide, and those who did anything possible to win.

R. Gauci

Mar 18th 2008, 13:58

Mistra Valley should be renamed as Sant Valley.

steve busuttil

Mar 18th 2008, 13:57

the only real truth is that JPO needs to step down and retire from the political arena before he is asked to by the PM.


I am absolutely sure Dr Gonzi will deal with this matter in a professional and responsible way just as he has done with all other issues that have come to his attention. He has already passed all the information to the MEPA auditor and Police Commissioner and that is much more than has ever happened in Malta's colourful political history.

A Daley

Mar 18th 2008, 13:52

Why is everyone ignoring you dear Wayne Hewitt? Because you are a looser, that's right, the majority is now in opposition 50.7% against GonziPN. Should these 50.7% retort to CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE and PASSIVE RESISTANCE? Only time will tell! Let’s wait for the next budget! Where were you dear Wayne in 1981?

Georgina Zammit

Mar 18th 2008, 13:52

Why putting pressure on Dr. Gonzi? He knows what needs to be done. Infact he has already shown this, by first reporting the case to the MEPA Auditor and to the Police Commissioner and then by making public the Auditor's report and approving the latter's plan of action.
I ask," Is this an attempt by the Labour to shift everyone's attention from the miserable state the party found itself in after the third Nationalist electoral victory?"

joseph zammit

Mar 18th 2008, 13:46

It seems that Charles schembri is happy enough paying his taxes to people employed in selected posts where their job is to safeguard the Maltese interests. Lets try to put politics at one side and try to solve these problems together before it gets too late! One has to remember that these same people approved several other permits. Should they not also be investigated? And then yes, whoever was involved in corruption has to pay - being an ex-member of parliament or a civil servant.

Dr. Keith Grech

Mar 18th 2008, 13:44

To Mr. Hewit I say that the least that PM Gonzi, as leader of the PN, could do way request JPO to withdraw his candidacy on the PN electoral ticket. Rather than so doing, GonziPN defended JPO throughout until the election. I don't know about you, but I distinctly remember JPO at the side of the PM at a Mosta event crying in public and playing victim. I also distinctly remember PN General Secretary Saliba accompanying JPO to PBS in his supposed new role as journalist. And by the way, is anyone investigating the how and the why the DOI issued a press card to someone that is clearly not a journalist?

Theresa Micallef

Mar 18th 2008, 13:33

This is a new one "mudslugging"! You surely mean mudslinging, something which made up the very essence of the Sant campaign. In fact he accused every P.N. member including dr. Gonzi of corruption with that shocking "korruzjoni" billboard. In fact, it cost Labour the election. I think it's time MLP supporters started to be honest with themselves. never has there been a time when nationalists have wanted a credible opposition so much as now, but we keep getting the same old ridiculous arguments.

Derrick Camilleri

Mar 18th 2008, 13:32

Dear Harles J Schembri , i would like to know where you read in Mr.Zammit comment that no action should have to be taken against JPO ?

Joe Galea

Mar 18th 2008, 13:32

David Buttigieg, I think you should shut up and if you want to speak say something with sense.
Dear Wayne Hewitt, Gonzi did not give Sant an opportunity to face JPO, he hid himself behind him to avoid embarassment before the elections. Next step to Gonzi is to force JPO to resign, otherwise GonziPN parliament is already tinged , let's not forget the other ones who were again elected.
Dear Joseph Zammit, JPO signed the contract of this irregularity. Months before he pressed MEPA to facilitate the permission on behalf a third party called Dominic. Is JPO innocent? GonziPN played the 'denying lies' game. They knew of what JPO did, so they are as almost equally perpetrators.
We again ended up with a face-lifted government that appears corrupt. I think Dr. Sant deserves a lot of apologies.

j.cutajar

Mar 18th 2008, 13:32

"iva flimkien kollox possibbli" either the Prime Minister resign or JPO. This is intollerable. Who is responsible must face the responsability. Please Prime Minister act and force JPO to leave the parliamentary group. Some must give example of the way to do politics.

david spiridione zerafa

Mar 18th 2008, 13:30

i expect that someone will take responsability in this country and will resign from his post.

i expect that the former minister of envoierment and mepa gorg pullicino will take full responsability.

Alexia Galea

Mar 18th 2008, 13:30

It’s always the same story, before the election so that votes are not lost everyone stays quite and try to defend each other see Dr. Gonzi, the PN Party & Officials, Nature Trust and the others, and after the election everyone condemning each other. It’s seems that the majority of the Maltese want it this way. I hope that in the future things begin to change.

harles.j.Schembri

Mar 18th 2008, 13:24

Joseph Zammit wrote this......
Why is it that everyone is putting Dr. Pullicino Orlando on the blame and not the employees at MEPA that are paid by us Taxpayers? Should they not be held personally responsably for such abuses?...are you living in Malta I ask....boy you guys really know how to defend your guys in the party, but I ask Mr.Zammit, what if this guy was a labour MP....then what would he have said??????please be honest in your answer,,,which I already know.................

M Gatt

Mar 18th 2008, 13:23

From a PN supporter.

I hope Sant enjoys his retirement, and health because even though he did not win, he saved a pristine valley for future generations.

PN, unfortuantley, has some thinking to do.....

Wayne Hewitt

Mar 18th 2008, 13:23

LOL. Everyone ignored my comment below because it cannot be rebutted? How convenient! :-)

Derrick Camilleri

Mar 18th 2008, 13:21

I agree 100% with Mr.Joseph Zammit. He's right.!

Manuel Xuereb

Mar 18th 2008, 13:20

A fact and a question:-

JPO seems to be the centre of the web. He even called many times various officials and put pressure on them to approve the permit.

the question now is:-

Will PN distance itself from JPO?
YES or NO.

We want answers, please.

S.Muscat

Mar 18th 2008, 13:15

Thanks Dr. Sant and MLP for saving Mistra.

A Daley

Mar 18th 2008, 13:13

GonziPN won on false pretences and have shown hypocrisy at it's best or is it at it's worse. Looks like fascism is still rife in Malta! Try that in UK and you'll win THE HYPOCRITE OF THE YEAR!

Joseph Zammit

Mar 18th 2008, 13:13

Why is it that everyone is putting Dr. Pullicino Orlando on the blame and not the employees at MEPA that are paid by us Taxpayers? Should they not be held personally responsably for such abuses?

Byron Camilleri

Mar 18th 2008, 13:04

This shows how the PN are willing to do anything just to get votes, instead being honest to the Maltese citizens. I think that if the PN accepted the accusations, kicked out Jeffry Pulucino Orlado out of the party before the elections, they would have won the elections also. But why lie? Defend a person who even a complete idiot would realize that there were huge irregularities.

And if this was not enough, try to rediculate and accuse Dr.Sant of mudsluggling!

Dr.Goni we want the new way of doing politics, and not this way!!!

Franco Farrugia

Mar 18th 2008, 13:01

No, Mr Buttigieg, ... why 'shut up' followed by the polite 'please'? Are you trying to shut up anyone who is asking the same question?
I think that JPO has led everyone astray, including his own Party leader! I think that the Party needs to EXPLAIN how and why. Or is it all the same to you, whether politicians lie or say the truth to the electorate?
It is not a question of calling elections again - that's a silly notion. But everyone has a right to ask questions, and you won't certainly be the one to tell anyone else to be quiet!

Miguel Fenech

Mar 18th 2008, 13:01

Congrats Mr. Buttigieg, a very deep democratic comment indeed! Pity that the rest of the 400,000 residents in Malta are not treated royally like JPO.

xuereb manuel

Mar 18th 2008, 13:00

“Accusations of corruption are inevitable and difficult to refute” – Mepa Auditor

that says it all.

Joseph Grech-Attard

Mar 18th 2008, 13:00

Oh dear. This is serious. You want us to shut up? Is this the new democracy and unity under gonziPN rather than PN? In that case i shall SCREAM rather than shut up. Shame.

Wayne Hewitt

Mar 18th 2008, 12:59

Immediately upon hearing about the JPO/Mistra case, Gonzi...

1. reported the case to the MEPA Auditor

2. reported the case to the police commissioner

3. gave Alfred Sant the opportunity to face JPO face to face on TV

and last but not least

4. excluded JPO from the new cabinet

what else was he (Gonzi) expected to do???

how many times do we need to repeat these things before the MLP stops venting its election defeat frustration?

Of this case, Gonzi came out stronger then ever before!

Victor Sammut

Mar 18th 2008, 12:56

Dear David Buttigieg. Why should the MLP shut up? This is arrogance on your part at its very best. We are a democratic society and yes, the majority want to hear and want to give the opportunity for all to speak and air their opinions. Let all sides speak and write and then as intelligent human beings we form our personal opinions. But please let us open our insular minds and tolerate others. The right of expression is sacrosanct to all.

George Busuttil

Mar 18th 2008, 12:56

Yes shutting up would be nice wouldn't it. The truth is that GonziPN knew what was going on befor the election and not only did nothing but played the part of the ever virgin saint. In my and a lot of other people's book that is hypocresy and political dishonesty.

j.cutajar

Mar 18th 2008, 12:54

Now that the Mepa auditor report is public the Prime Minister must put in practice that who made such a huge mistake and did not say the truth must leave the parliamentary group and resign. We expect action not rhetoric words.

David Buttigieg

Mar 18th 2008, 12:40

Oh please shut up.

I suppose next you will expect the elections to be called again!