Peppi Azzopardi, Qormi.
Labour leadership: It's everybody's business
Norman Hamilton (March 27) questioned Xarabank's analysis of the electoral result.
It seems that Mr Hamilton still cannot comprehend that in this day and age, a post-mortem of an electoral verdict cannot be restricted to an internal exercise, carried out by a political party in a closed environment, with access to such analysis limited strictly to the few "chosen ones" or to the "kitchen cabinet" with which Mr Hamilton seems quite acquainted.
Analysing the electoral verdict is also a matter of national interest. Mr Hamilton and his likes should realise that people discuss electoral verdicts everywhere, from band clubs to village squares, to shops and markets. Xarabank, which happens to be the most popular programme in Malta, is no exception, and we will go on discussing all subjects which are important to the people.
Ironically, Mr Hamilton was invited by Xarabank to participate on the panel discussing the electoral result. However, Mr Hamilton refused our invitation by informing us that he was going to be abroad on the day.
He knows very well that this was not the first time that Xarabank organised such discussions. But he didn't seem to get so upset, when the post-mortem on Xarabank was carried out after a Nationalist Party defeat. Mr Hamilton should remember that one of the first Xarabank programmes, back in 1997, discussed the Nationalist Party's defeat at the polls in 1996! Since then, more electoral results analyses were carried out on Xarabank after various local council elections in which the PN was defeated. Neither was Mr Hamilton upset when Xarabank discussed the PN leadership contest in 2004. Ironically, he is now putting down his views opposing any future discussion by Xarabank about who should be the next Labour leader. He argues that the MLP does not need any advice from Xarabank regarding who should be the next leader.
Let us make one thing clear: Xarabank is not there to offer advice to anyone. Xarabank is there to analyse, inform and discuss. Full stop. Could it possibly be the case that Mr Hamilton cannot differentiate between "discussion" and "propaganda"? Is he assuming that the Labour party's delegates are so naïve and gullible?
At this stage, we'd like to point out to Mr Hamilton that Xarabank has already invited the contestants for the post of MLP leader to participate in a special programme prior to the actual voting day. As always, we will give them equal space to present their arguments and visions. This programme will have exactly the same format of Xarabank that discussed the PN leadership contest just days before the PN leader was chosen (February 27, 2004). Ultimately, it is totally up to each and every contender to do well and convince. It is not up to us. This was the case for the PN leadership candidates and this will be the case for the MLP leadership contestants.
On a personal note, I hope that like every other citizen in this democratic country, I am allowed to have an opinion about who will make a better MLP leader, and a better prospective Prime Minister of Malta and of all the Maltese. This is not only Labour's business. This is everybody's business.
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Bill Millam
Apr 3rd 2008, 03:12
The Malta Labour Party cannot be more IMFARRAK than it currently is!
And these are the same people who pretended to be "ready" to govern Malta. It is to the Maltese electorate's credit that they have repeatedly rejected the MLP and what it stands for at the polls, 3 times in a row!
Viva l-Partit Glorjuz Nazzjonalista!
Frank Camilleri
Apr 3rd 2008, 00:09
I am sure that after the MLP third consecutive defeat since 1998 Mr Hamilton would need a holiday. I think that for our dear Mr Know-it-all, this MLP defeat came on him 'bla Agenda'
Amanda Mallia
Apr 2nd 2008, 22:09
I will go one further than Joe Martinelli - MLP don't have to be in power to restrict freedom of the press. Just take a look at the way they attack - be it verbally or otherwise - the people who have the guts to say things the way they see them, like Peppi Azzopardi himself, Daphne Caruana Galizia (yes, Mr Laiviera - my sister, lest you try to "out" me again, as if that should rubbish anything I have to say) and Lou Bondi, for example.
JOHN SCERRI
Apr 2nd 2008, 21:40
Dear Victor, after reading your last comment I do not agree with your statement.
May I kindly remind you and all readers that during the 80s Labour govt. when there was only one Local TV station and one Local Radio station we had a long period, when serious political issues were being experienced by all the population, when news omitted all PN activities and the leader of the opposition's name 'Eddie Fenech Adami' was never mentioned - this is pure fact and part of history.
You do remember these times as much as I do.
The truth sometimes hurts but there is nothing better than the truth if one wants to be credible.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 2nd 2008, 20:26
Even though I pride myself in describing myself as a 'Xarabank-hater' and nor do I have time for Peppi Azzopardi's opinions, usually, here, I must admit that he's right. Perfectly so. If NH prides himself in having his BLA AGENDA when we know for a fact how untrue that is, Azzopardi has his Xarabank.
Yes, it's everybody's business as to what the MLP is going to present US, the whole populations, with!
Edward Mifsud
Apr 2nd 2008, 20:05
It is not Mr Hamilton that thinks that Labour delegates are gullible or naive, but all those who want to change the rules now that the race is on so that all party members can vote. Clearly, this was not the case when Gonzi became PN leader and more so PM. This is a matter for discussion when all has settled down. Any one of the candidates for the post could take case to court and block the process arguing that the rules were modified after the process started.
We are still waiting for a Xarabank on the mistra scandal. Maybe, Peppi is waiting for the PN to force him to resign first?
Joe Vella
Apr 2nd 2008, 18:21
Dear Mr. laiviera, how short is your memory, or you have been living in a dream. Don't you recall when the premises of this very site was ransacked and put on fire.
Maria Dolores Fenech
Apr 2nd 2008, 18:20
Any comment about the PN's general conference BEHIND CLOSED DOORS?? How come nobody said anything about this?
Is this anybody's business?
Charles J Buttigieg
Apr 2nd 2008, 17:37
Pep,you run a good show and I watch it whenever I can,as to bias I have my views but bias after all may only be a perception and sometimes ill conceived. What I find strange is that all my Nationalist friends of whom I have plenty,find you nice,friendly and think that Xarabank has no bias. On the other hand, my left leaning friends that are relatively slightly fewer in number consider Xarabank as an extension of the PN propaganda machine even though they consider you nice and friendly. Do you think that Labourites have an in built persecution complex and the Nationalists supporters are better equipped to pass just judgment?
Normally I am not one to generalise but who in Malta can dispute the sad fact that when a person makes a statement half of the population plus 1580 agree and the rest disagree and vice versa Pep.
David Stephen Ganado
Apr 2nd 2008, 16:52
Ooohh Victor, still getting hot under the collar are we?
When are you guys going to understand that this sort of reaction will get you nowhere?
Peppi is right; everyone who has a right to vote in this country has a right to discuss the outcome of the election, and as a natural extension has a right to discuss the consequences of the outcome - including the upcoming MLP leadership contest.
It is after all in everybody's interest to know who will potentially be the next Prime Minister!
mark tanti
Apr 2nd 2008, 16:39
Mr Laiviera are you refering the Labour times between 1996 and 1998 or during the Labour times between 1971 and 1987. Please clarify your statement before I decide to reply or not.
Charles Camilleri
Apr 2nd 2008, 16:34
Where were you Victor in Labour times in outer space?
Michael Griscti
Apr 2nd 2008, 16:28
Victor Laiviera challanges Joe Martinelli and says that it is a pure lie that freedom of the press was repressed in labour times......he must be joking.....has he forgotten the "Bongu Malta Socialista" period....give us a break please !
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Apr 2nd 2008, 16:23
Well Mr.Laiviera in the 80's there were big posters of Dom Mintoff and Lorry sant in the "Xandir malta" canteen.....yeah right freedom of expression......by the way when Dr.Gonzi had a studio FULL of Denim workers ( who had just got the sack) and a programme after the Pn's defeat after the council elections...did you call these pro-PN too!??! Or did you open One news the next day and watched a long reportage of what an embarrasing situation Gonzi was put in .........come off it will you!!? If you don't like Xarabank don't watch it!! If you think its pro-PN do not attend ( like you did after the last Budget and took a minibus full of Labourites with you to boo and heckle).......with regards to Pn sympathizers telling Labour supporters who to choose: I encourage them to heed Hamilton's advice and stop short of giving anymore advice after all this party seems to be very happy with leaders like KMB and Alfred Sant!! I used to tell MLP supporters that with Dr.Sant heading the Party there was little chance of their re-election and their reaction was "....u ajma since when do you tell us what's good for us?....you're a nationalist and you're plain jeolous of Dr.Sant....we don't need your advice..." Well seems like time does have the habit of proving some ppl right and others wrong ( for the third time if you please!!)
Viuctor Laiviera
Apr 2nd 2008, 14:10
Mr Joe Martinelli thinks he can say anything he likes - as long as it is against tjhe MLP.
It is a pure lie to say the the freedom of the press was repressed i n labour times and I challenge him to prove it or have the grace to retract and apologise.
Joe Martinelli
Apr 2nd 2008, 13:14
Peppi, from what I see, those who are so critical of your programme are the ones who in their own mind think that the present MLP is the best thing that ever happened since apple pie. Tough to convince them otherwise even if their party lost six out of seven chances to win and the only one they won, failed to hang on for a full term.
My only criticism of your programme is that you should have more control over who speaks when and that anyone who interrupts should have his mike shut down!
Xarabank continues to be entertaining and informative, for the ones who are willing to allow valid information to penetrate their brain.
No wonder in their hay days freedom of the press was so systematically repressed!
Fabain J Brincat
Apr 2nd 2008, 12:57
Positive criticism? That’s an ugly joke. I haven’t heard any positive criticism from ANYONE!
And, you won’t be hearing it from me either!
Very few TV presenters, that try their hand at political discussions/programs, are unbiased and objective. Neither Mr Hamilton nor Mr Azzopardi can be considered as being totally objective in any of their political analysis. Both of them have something to win and something to lose.
“…Xarabank, which happens to be the most popular programme in Malta…”
That reminds me; whatever happened to The Teletubbies?
Alex Ellul
Apr 2nd 2008, 11:59
The future MLP leader will be my leader too. If Mr. Hamilton and the MLP want to consider the MLP leadership contest as a closed shop, then that is what we will consider it come election time. If you leave us out, we will leave you out. Again.
Doris Sacco
Apr 2nd 2008, 11:20
Yes, go on spurning all positive criticism to your party all you Labour diehards, that's the way to ensure that the MLP will never be an all-inclusive organisation. You don't attract floating voters by unjustly attacking popular tv presenters as you are doing.
Wally Vella-Zarb
Apr 2nd 2008, 11:08
"Xarabank is there to analyse, inform and discuss. Full stop. Could it possibly be the case that Mr Hamilton cannot differentiate between "discussion" and "propaganda"?"
Fine words, Mr Azzopardi!
Unfortunately, your distinction between 'discussion' and barefaced 'propaganda' is quite indistinct, judging by the very few times that I forced myself to sit through one of your programmes.
The fact that it is voted 'the most popular' does not mean much to anyone who sees the way that guests are chosen and the way that they are cut off short or harassed when their opinion clashes with Xarabank's agenda.
Without doubt, Xarabank will continue to be voted the most 'popular' programme; too bad that 'popular' and 'quality' do not necessarily equate.
Victor Laiviera
Apr 2nd 2008, 10:35
Yes, Mr Azzopardi has a right to an opinion about the MLP leadership - but once he chooses to make that opinion public it will be subject to public scrutiny.
And we cannot have much faith in the sincerity of such an opinion since it comes from a person who has consistently used his position in the media to aid the PN whenever and however possible.
A case in point is the choice of subjects for his programmes.
There were cases when the subject was chosen and put up with less than 24 hours’ notice when it suited the PN government/party.
Other subjects never saw the light of day.
Perhaps Mr Azzopardi would like to prove me wrong by putting up a program, with a balanced audience and participation, which would discuss MEPA with particular reference to the SpinValley/Safi Supermarket/PP Busuttil Villa permits and how Dr Gonzi is keeping/not keeping his promises to personally reform MEPA?
And I don’t expect to be fobbed off with the excuse that the JPO case was discussed on Bondi+. On that kind of programme, we only hear what Mr Bondi wants us to hear.
Paul Inguanez
Apr 2nd 2008, 10:31
Peppi - may I suggest that if you want to give a better service to the public at large refrain from doing any more political programmes. You can do a world of good discussing apolitical topics (social, environmental, religious etc) in your Xarabank but whenever the subject is of a political nature, your company's partial and biased agenda against the MLP and what it stands for comes out like a sore thumb.
danny attard
Apr 2nd 2008, 10:17
I perceive as pseudo-interest all the attention being given by pro government sources as to who should be elected leader of the labour party. We should perhaps be served a mouth-watering 'discussion dish' as to how the present government plans to rule this country with a one-seat majority given ALL the prevailing circumstances. Or perhaps we should be served a discussion that will identify ALL the winners and ALL the losers in the so-called Port reform, and ALL the players who brought about and implemented this reform. Mr Azzopardi has all the right to have an opinion about who will make a better MLP leader as each individual has the right to have an opinion on Mr Azzopardi’s opinion.
Philip Borg
Apr 2nd 2008, 09:51
Readers will certainly note that when it comes to MLP matters, it is "everybody's busniness", but when it comes to PN matters, the thing stays put simply as "where's everybody?"