UPDATED:Jason Micallef to be challenged

A Abela

Apr 20th 2008, 13:45

He is the right man, for the right job, at this moment in history.

Paul J Mifsud

Apr 7th 2008, 11:37

Dear Mr. Grixti,
According to Mr Catania, you are being manipulated by the PN media in these columns because contributors (be they genuine Labourite and PN supporters and non-committed & floating voters) have expressed positive views about your candidature to the post of MLP General Secretary. Again,according to Mr. Catania, you were given an easy ride (which surely was not the case)in your interview with Pierre Portelli on NET TV before you had even decided to contest the post. Probably this is what made you decide to contest the forthcoming election!!
Again, according to Mr. Catania, the fact that you weren't brave enough to face Peppi Azzopardi on Xarabank as Jason did when he was in the lion's den giving toothpaste grins and throwing gaffes, disqualifies you from contesting because it proves that you are not fit for the job.

David Gatt

Apr 5th 2008, 00:12

Cedric Busuttil - I respect your opinion too but please, get real! If you ask anyone who is the party that attacks personally I'm sure everyone will answer: PN! If we just mention what they said and invented about Dr. Alfred Sant we needn't say more. So please dont tell me you voted PN cause MLP attacks personally, cause that doesn't make any sense.

Charles Cassar

Apr 4th 2008, 22:06

I don't agree with Mr Catania that the PN gave easy rides to Alfred Grixti. PN and co. ie. Xarabank, Bondi + etc never give easy rides to people associated twith the MLP. Alfred's contributions during recent shows made it look easy because he is able to handle any question and any opponent. He is a diplomatic person and communicates well with people of different opinions. He is the type of person who the MLP needs in crucial positions such as that of secretary general. WELL DONE ALFRED GO FOR IT. WE WILL ALL BACK YOU.

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Apr 4th 2008, 17:19

..u hallina..Claire who do you think you're fooling??...so you're saying that all the past five years One News was PROJECTING Ministers and not attacking them........John Dalli, Micheal Frendo, Censu galea, Georg Sapiano, Giovanna debono, Austin Gatt, FZD and all the rest were just projected!!!!.....Who JUST projected the PN? Claire bonello?? Who wrote one diatribe after another against the PN?? Let me tell you what is shameful Ms.Bonello.....going on the eve of the election taking your lovely family all looking horribly depressed and saying that the Police (read GONZI) is going to arrest you because of some VAT which remained unpaid and saying that this was a "frame Up" or something of the sorts to shut him up!! And then we learn that the police went to his hse with regards a robbery!!! That is the true distance you were ready to run to make sure that the PN lost the election and then you had the gall to ask for a Coalition!! And then Ms.Claire bonello writes half a page about JPO on The Sunday times pretending to have forgotten that she was part of a Party which gained a minute number of votes!! neither have we forgotten Claire bonello's article saying that the PN had eggs all over their faces after Dr.Sant's operation....well seems like the eggs are on another face now, so much so that this face didn't even show up at a Net Tv chat show 'coz he wants nothing to do with Net Tv!! Ejj'oqghod ha!!.....you have plenty of things to be proud of as an AD member Claire ( pro-gay, pro-divorce, anti-hunting, pro-environment........) but this election is definately not one of them( where's jo said....still an AD/MLP member?) and your "post election soul searching (yeah right!!!) is even worse!!

Paul J Mifsud

Apr 4th 2008, 16:26

Dear David Gatt,
I'm afraid you have completely missed the wood for the trees with your comment about my reference to DNA. The term, had you read the second paragraph properly, was not used in a jocular manner to poke fun at the MLP electoral defeat. Its inclusion implied that unless the MLP conducts a clean sweep of its policies and elects a new leadership team that possesses integrity, personal values, political stature, charisma, an impeccable past performance and solid principles, the Party will be doomed to occupy opposition benches in perpetuity. I'm well aware that the joke is a bit outdated, having been coined in the aftermath of the election result. However it is still appropriate as the PN has won seven out of eight general elections in the span of the last 27 years. I sincerely believe that the term should not be applied in a degenerative manner to signify the opponents' innate negative traits of character. Its actual meaning denotes "nucleic acids present in chromosones of all plant and animal cells that transmit instructions for passing on hereditary characteristics". (Chambers Dictionary).
The Party is presently standing at the crossroads after having suffered three consecutive general election defeats. It has the golden opportunity to renew and revitilize itself, making a clean break with the past or to opt to build on past experience. A number of worthy candidates have signified their intention to contest the leadership race and other names may still be in the offing. The important thing is to choose the best team for the crucial posts of leader, deputy leaders and General Secretary without eliminating a priori any contenders who have the necessary credentials to compete. The race should also be conducted on a level playing field, unlike the previous notorious one held in 1992 when underhand tactics, subtilness, reports of vote rigging and improper deals were the order of the day.
In a previous blog, you seem to have already eliminated George Abela from the contenders, having described him (along with Lino Spiteri and Joe Grima) as MLP deserters. This line of reasoning clearly displays your strong bias. Ex-MLP Ministers and officials who resigned or fell out with the Party leadership because of disagreements are deserters by your standards. What if they were in the right and the Party leadership was in the wrong? Would their resignation or distancing from the Party still qualify them as deserters? Unless the MLP learns to accept criticism from without and even from within its own members, it will never mature into an inclusive organisation that can attract support even from others having a different political creed.
If the forthcoming elections are going to be characterized by block voting, internal faction pressures, muzzling contenders from expressing their views publicly, undue pressures to eliminate "outsiders" from running and leaving the issues in the hands of party delegates whose number can be inflated or deflated as needed, this will surely not augur well for a highly successful outcome.

Claire Bonello

Apr 4th 2008, 15:30

Cedric Busuttil mentioning a minister or projecting his image is not a personal attack. Mentioning and deriding a politician's appearance and private life needlessly constitute a personal attack. And it's not the MLP or AD which resorted to this

C. Attard

Apr 4th 2008, 10:21

As we all know the party need new faces. I think Mr. Grixti suits for the job. He is an intelligent and hard working person. Well done Alfred.

Remember friends, as Raymond Fava stated he was the only one who remained with Mr. Falzon on the counting day. Mr. Grixti talked really well on different stations.

michael catania

Apr 4th 2008, 09:23

Mr Grixti, Can't you see you are being manipulated by the PN media. You were given an easy ride on NET TV while Jason Micallef wsa in a lion's den situation.If you are so easily taken in by the NP you would not be a fit man to take the position of Secretary General of the MLP

Cedric Busuttil

Apr 4th 2008, 07:21

Dear David Gatt,

I do not want to judge your opinion in which you say that the PN attack personally, however I have a totally different idea. During the election campaign, I read all of the newspapers. Initially I decided not to cast my vote. BUT!!! on one particular newspaper there were nothing less than personal attacks. I am referring to the advertisements where there always stood an MP behind Gonzi (with personal attacks phrases). Honestly this changed my idea of not voting. This is what got me back to vote for PN.
Labour!! out there are lot of people like me who wants a change in this country, but for God's sake - stop attacking personally.

Michael Catania

Apr 3rd 2008, 22:28

To R.J. Costigan and others.
Are you lot trying to tell me that to be a good leader you have to be,
1 a proven lair, if thats the case the N.P has some well qaulified ones, do not need to go into names, after all most of you are supposed to be educated but unfortunately not too intelligent, and one question -who is the "she" in your comments

C.R. Taliana

Apr 3rd 2008, 20:05

Mr.Costigan thus you're agreeing with me that it's better for the MLP to take time to choose the leader.

H P Farrugia

Apr 3rd 2008, 18:55

To Mr. F Spiteri....

Yes, but it was still the case that PN got more votes and the MLP got less... I think that's quite obvious and speaks on its own.

Regarding JPO and al... let's let the people who are doing their job do it well.. after all it was Dr Gonzi who had asked the police commissioner to investigate...

David Gatt

Apr 3rd 2008, 18:28

Renato J. Costigan - Thanks, that was just the reply I wanted from you. With it you clearly showed what kind of person you are and so now everyone can judge how much credible and unbiased you truly are.

Paul J Mifsud - About your DNA joke, it was quite funny and original some weeks ago, I think now you should start looking for a new meaning for the word. Maybe a good one for JPO could be DEJJEM NIBKU AHNA

Renato J. Costigan

Apr 3rd 2008, 16:01

To C. R. Taliana:-

I refer back to the 90's when the MLP elected the new leader. Because there was a hurry th elect him, as you said in your blog ' Il-qattusa ferh ghami ghamlet' because he lost 3 consecutive elections and a Referendum. I think you mistakenly used 'GonziHalf MALTA' with the remark your Jason Micallef said between four walls and that they were alone (cis.) 'iva ser inkunu gvern tal-Laburisti'. And so 'MLPhalfMaltaLaburistiBiss'.

To David Dalli:-

I know who is going to be leader of your party because you don't listen to all the news in the media. I can suggest noone because there isn't one good who can lead the MLP to a victory. Your party is destined to be in opposition until there will be a change even the name and if possible in the colour. To be fair there should be another new and more democratic Mintoff to sow a new seed, so that in future there will be another party with another name. I know many of those labour delegates and they will be influenced with a very little propaganda.

We will hear and see more updates until the 5th of June.

Paul J Mifsud

Apr 3rd 2008, 15:59

I earnestly appeal to all contributing bloggers of this topic to keep strictly to the subject - Alfred Grixti's decision to contest the election for MLP General Secretary. One has to view this decision in the light of its significance to the benefit or otherwise it can offer to Maltese politics (and not just to Party politics). Is it a good idea to replace Jason Micallef with Alfred Grixti? This is not something to be debated solely among Labour supporters because the well-being of a political party which can be called to form an alternative future government is in the interests of all the electorate. In my opinion. In my opinion, Grixti is by far better academically qualified, personality-wise suited, media-wise orientated than Jason Micallef. He also has the capacity to revitalize and reform the Party that makes him top contender to occupy the strategic post of MLP General Secretary . Besides, following the election debacle and notwithstanding that the relative majority margin was minimal, Jason Micallef should have followed Dr. Sant's gentlemanly example and resigned from this top post. Being an important component of the previous MLP leadership, this is the only honourable way out following an election defeat. More especially so after having mentioned that the winning Party (presumably Labour) was going to achieve majority electoral support and that the final result was still in doubt when it was clear that the PN had achieved a remarkable third consecutive election success.

What I find most offensive and irritating in these contributions is Mr. Grech Attard's mention and use of the dreaded term the PN DNA. Much has been said and written about this term coined derogatively for the first time for local use by Dr Charles Mangion. The term implies that the Maltese stock is derived from two ethnically distinct races which is very far from the truth. Mr Grech Attard has more extreme views because he implies that the PN DNA "also holds hypocrisy and character assassination". It is appropriate to remind Mr Grech Attard that the continued use of this despicable term to insult PN voters will not attract a single vote for the MLP neither from PN stalwarts nor from the ever-increasing bloc of floating voters who vote with their minds, not with their hearts. Most of the latter vote PN in a negative manner, just to keep the MLP out of government and out of harm's way and not because they have any special attachment to the PN. Whether the newly-to-be-elected MLP leadership and its supporters (including opinion makers such as Mr Grech Attard) opts to continue to denigrate PN voters in this manner is their own decision. However rest assured that, in case this is so, it may well turn out for the MLP in future general elections that PN DNA actually stands for :
Dejjem Nirbħu Aħna.

j micallef

Apr 3rd 2008, 15:05

What a gargantuan upheaval we are seeing unfolding before us!

Erstwhile ministers were not even re-elected; we have a mini new cabinet now as compared to the previous overcrowded one; brand new portfolios such as the one assigned to Dr.Chris Said are not even well understood by many; new and very young faces as our top political administrators beckon exciting times ahead; the PN secretary job is up for grabs soon as Joe Saliba announces his retirement from his successful incumbency; JPO still insists on his innocence as he awaits the police investigation outcome to bare all. And all this only from the PN side!

The MLP world has even more exciting and earth-shattering changes on its cards, certain to keep everyone entertained for some time to come. Dr.Sant seems to have vanished; one contender after another announce their contestation in the leadership race; party stalwarts queue up for top party posts as the incumbents are challenged; the leader election mechanism itself is being challenged as party members(tesserati) are wating to be trusted in having a say in the choice of their leader; Top party propagandist Manuel Cuschieri cannot be heard any longer on SuperOne radio challenging everything and everyone on a daily basis, and assuring us of a sure electoral win; Toni Abela suspends his mid-day radio program as his avid listeners wait in vain to take part in the daily phone-ins to vent their chagrin and anger at being taken in with repeated promises and assurances of a landslide win over the PN; Anglu Farrugia challenges the very foundation of the election outcome with his allegations of a lucrative market for votes before voting day involving even two ex-misiters without naming any!

I feel almost breathless trying to catch up with all that is suddenly and very rapidly happening around me in this tiny homeland of ours. Who needs soap operas on TV any longer to while away the time!

Alfred Cassar

Apr 3rd 2008, 14:02

Reading a number of comments down here makes me wonder that after all many Labour supporters are quite happy as things stand in their party. The only change they want is just changing the persons.
The real change which the MLP needs is far more than that. Every party after an election must read exactly what the electorate want and make the necessary improvements in the party. This applies both to the party winning the election and even more to the losing party, especially if this same party has lost not one, not two, but three consecutive general elections plus a referendum.
We need at least 2 strong parties which are both capable to lead the country with responsibility and continuity. This will give us the real choice at the next general election.

David Gatt

Apr 3rd 2008, 13:17

Renato J. Costigan - you seem weel informed, also you seem to be able to tell the future. Could you tell us how the heck you already know who the Labour delegates are gonna elect leader??

Ah also... would you mind explaining clearly why Joseph Muscat is a bad choice for Labour leader? And who would you suggest then?

Wistin Schembri

Apr 3rd 2008, 12:34

I have always voted PN but I must say that I am thrilled that finally some people within MLP are plucking up courage and calling a spade a spade. In the long term, our country will benefit if MLP becomes a real alternative.

This necessitates an open party and not the stupid idea propagated by Norman Hamilton et al that what happens in MLP is Hamilton, etc that what happens in MLP is just the party's business.

Nothing short of an intervention in the party's DNA will help.

C.R.Taliana

Apr 3rd 2008, 12:22

Mr.Costigan wrote: "We are in a 'Rebbiegha Bidu Gdid' and after nearly a month your Losers Party is still without a leader and will remain up to June 5. NO HURRY"
It seems to be the same strategy that GONZIHALFMALTA is using when it comes to start working with the new cabinet in parlaiment. Taking it easy with by-elections, no hurry at all. Does this have anything to do with the JPO issue as well? MLP is the opposition party so we can take all our time to choose the new leader what's the hurry? I suppose you wish for the MLP to make a hurried decision. Kif jghid il-Malti, il-qattusa ghaggelija friegh ghomja taghmel.

David Zammit

Apr 3rd 2008, 11:56

@Simon Carbone - Sir, being such an avid blog reader I am surprised that you haven't noticed that most of the PN groupies or accolytes are actually sustaining that Gorg Abela would be a good choice. Take the Andrew Borg cardonas and Daphne Caruana Galizias of this world. The amount of filth thrown at JM is astounding (take Daphne's blog for example). And you think these people have the good of MLP at heart? I don't think so.
So no there isn't any warped motive behind my writing. I merely pointed out that I don't think Alfred Grixti has the media savvy to take on a hard hitting PN sec. gen. (especially if it is Pierre Portelli) I also said that I believe Jason's position is untenable and like him or hate him - he will have to go.
But I'm sure MLP can find a better organiser and media man than Grixti (with all due respect to him, I've no doubt that he is accademically prepared and a genuine and loyal man)

@Charles Cassar - Of course Grixti performed well on Pieree Portelli's! Pierre treated him with kid gloves to try and use and juicy stuff Grixti might have uttered against the MLP and its leadership. He knows he is close to Falzon and he that he might have one or two disputes with the current leadership. One thing people may have noticed is that Grixti let slip that Falzon was in favour of members voting for the leadership. In fact this was not Falzon's official position in the press conf he gave!

On a lighter note I think its positive that so many people are contesting the different positions available. It shows a healthy approach. Far from the 'kicking at each other' comment by Costigan - that really shows where his democratic credentials are!

Renato J. Costigan

Apr 3rd 2008, 11:42

Nr. F. Spiteri:-

The world's ever April joke is without any doubt to choose a Leader. We are in a 'Rebbiegha Bidu Gdid' and after nearly a month your Losers Party is still without a leader and will remain up to June 5. NO HURRY. My question is: Where are the high standard of candidates to choose from??? Some of them are coming from the 70's and 80's government. You said to keep watching to learn. Here you hit the 'bull's eye' because I have learnt many more than you think. The most important is 'NOT TO VOTE LABOUR'. After all, your new leader is going to be MrJoseph 'kollox hu' Muscat and I am sure. That means that your party is going from 'min got-tagen ghal gon-nar'. I wrote in Maltese to be sure that you understand it.
To tell you more that 'GonziMALTA' means that he is the Prime Minister of all the Maltese and not for the 'laburisti biss'. 'IVA FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBLI'.

To J. Galea:-
First of all you have to decide where you work either as a teacher or in the tourism industry. The members you mentioned are all valid persons for the party. I advise you that if you have any proof just report it or do whatever you like. You mentioned the changes. OK you are right for once. But the changes should be overall (even the underwear) because if you stincks you stinck from inside. And that's the problem in the Labour Party because he changes the dress and remains the same. Mr. Joe Galea don't begin from now 'tibni kastelli fl'arja' for the next election because from what is being seen and read things are going to remain the same.

To K. j. Vella:-

You mentioned only one game Dalli vs Gonzi and the best player won. Now he is Prime Minister and the other one is a Minister. BUT in your party there are various games which were inherited from the past. The differnce is that in your party the LOSER is the WINNER. I refer you to the past elections of your leader back in the 90's. and after the 96/98.

F Spiteri

Apr 3rd 2008, 08:19

Is April's Fool being celebrated throughout the whole week? I guess I missed this!!!!! Because it must be some kind of good joke for a PN frantic, to stay 'GALLARIJA' watching the other party sorting his affairs ... ! And what affairs? Having a high standard of candidates to choose the best from the best! Oh, what a wonderful affair to sort!! Keep watching then, I'm sure you will learn something.

I wonder whether Gonzi could stay in your Gallarija with all the embarrising situations he found himself into with JPO along his shadow!!! But ... Flimkien kollox possibli.

And one last thing. Cause this was the best joke ever, and thanks for sharing it ... calling GonziPN GonziMALTA (!!!!!) As if Malta is after Gonzi - he did not even get the majority of Maltese's votes!!!!! He's only governing with a relative majority if you know what this means. GonziMALTA!!!!! Keep dreaming ...

Joe Galea

Apr 3rd 2008, 08:15

Dear Renato J Costigan, Let me explain to you, in every party, when there are contestations for a post, obviously the contenders are competing with each other. So what's the fuss. I think it's better to look at your government and see what are the undercurrents going on. remember it is a weak majority. Remember you have Dalli (whom you called dangerous), JPO (master of lies), Pullicino (put his finger in the pie too, made a disaster out of MEPA), and last but not least Robert Arrigo (who was put aside besides garning a lot of votes).
Obviously since labour lost the election, it needs to have changes within. If PN lost, the situation for them would have been the same. So PN apologists and spinners should let Labour take it's course for renewing itself, and I am sure that finally it will result in a stronger, better, united and more appealing party.

David Gatt

Apr 3rd 2008, 03:50

Joan Camilleri - I don't know if you are a Labour supporter like me but I can assure you that the idea you have that Labour supporters have lost faith in Jason is false. It's something PN want us to believe.

Yes I agree that he should have done better on election day, but u can't just judge him on 1 day. He's been there for 5 years and you can't surely say that he did nothing. It's quite normal for someone that is good to be viciously attacked by the PN media.

That said, I also see Mr Grixti as another valuble candidate. If he'll be elected I'll be happy just the same. May the best man win.

Alfred Cassar - Maybe Labour will continue to have supporters like me who speak their mind without any fear. Surely the PN will continue to have people like you who hide under a Labour Mask in order to put forward their agenda. If there is a party which needs to trash out some people you know as weel as I do that that party is the PN. Gonzi knows that too it seems.

Andrew Borg-Cardona - Well, what exactly is your strategy? Could you share it with us, or is it top secret? And also, could you reveal who do you support? I'm sure you'll say that you're a unbiased floater! hahahaa

K. j. Vella

Apr 3rd 2008, 01:38

I think ''Mr Renato J. Costigan'' forgot about the internal factions in what was then the PN (not GonziPN)... 4years ago... Dalli Vs Gonzi etc ... was Mr Costigan 'gallarija' at the time?

I'm sorry to say but Mr Costigan is utterly mistaken in saying that it's Gonzi Malta, since its a government in minority...... its just the best of 2 minorities, but you're mostly incorrect in stating that it's Gonzi Malta... Pn do not enjoy the absolute majority they had before, and with just 1 seat and 1500 individualsmaking the difference, may god be with you in holding to the trone for the coming 5 years!

Mary Deguara

Apr 3rd 2008, 01:11

I totally agree with all he wrote DAVID GATT and I complete with him we musn't throw Jason in the bin and we must not forget that only JASON had the courage to go on XARABANK after few days that the mlp lost the election and nobody else of the mlp has gone to xarabank that day even Alfred Grixti is one of the officially of malta labour party has not gone to face it BUT at the programm of PIERRE PORTELLI on NET TV that person who is suggesting what we must do to mlp (ma tantx jixtiqilna gid zgur).The last thing is that JASON avolja he was the only one represented mlp and was many oganized against him that night BUT he spokes abbsulutely perfect

Jennifer Cosaitis

Apr 3rd 2008, 00:08

Mr Taliana - Sorry to point this out, but who grins like a Chesire cat at all times and when the boat had ALREADY sunk and the election result known, wouldn't admit defeat? Ah glad to clear up any confusion for you.

With regards to Mr Cutajar's comments, Mr Micallef is not worth making a fuss about. This is called a discussion. And if even this bothers you, you can keep Mr Micallef all you like, as he has never proved a threat to us.

Simon Carbone

Apr 2nd 2008, 23:31

Why is it people like David Zammit criticise any contender for a leadership post in mlp? He criticises everyone except JM. He has been writing in all kinds of blogs. This guy must definitely be a pn supporter, as someone eloquently pointed out in another blogs.

SIMON DAMATO

Apr 2nd 2008, 22:52

MARTIN SALIBA I AGREE WITH U 1000%!!! CLEAN SWEEP IS INEVITABLE.

Charles Cassar

Apr 2nd 2008, 22:26

It is high time that people like Alfred Grixti are more directly involved in the administration of the MLP. We cannot abondon talented and qualified loyal people. It is through that Alfred had been in the party for a substantial number of years but not at top positions such as that of secretary general. Regarding Sean Zammit's comments to this article it is unfair to compare Alfred with Jason Micallef. Alfred's accademical background is by far superior to that of many people involved in the administration of both parties and not only Micallef. His experience in the MLP and in the local political arena makes him a competitive weapon which the MLP is not making the best use of it up to now. He has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Managment from Oxford University and I think he is one of the most intelligent people among in the Labor Party. At the post of secretary general we need professional people, able to manage effectively. Yes I agree that Jason Micallef is still valid for other roles within the party but surely not for the post of secretary general. About the way in which Alfred replied in Xarabank, Sean Zammit must note that the question was not addressed to Alfred by the presenter and Alfred intervened to cover his party and its representatives in the programme. Regarding David Zammit's comments I don't agree that Alfred's debating skills are not good. We didn't see him too much and in cases where he faced people whom you mentioned such as Peppi and Pierre Portelli in the latter's programme he was strong and convincing. Alfred is surely the type of person needed by the MLP to acquire more trust especially from the non-Labour voters up to now. The MLP is lucky that people like Alfred, who surely doesn't need any political party to make a living, are still loyal to the party and are always there, yes as Ray Fava commented even when the going gets tough. Alfred gets going.

Martin Saliba

Apr 2nd 2008, 22:01

Jason Micallef should not be challenged!! As i said in an earlier comment after his arrogant statement towards George Abela, he should resign immediatley. Hence there would be no challenge.

Joe Martinelli

Apr 2nd 2008, 20:59

Careful Alfred Cassar. It seems you struck a nerve there.
However, using a band aid is a bit better then letting an open wound fester.

JOHN SCERRI

Apr 2nd 2008, 20:48

May everyone stand up to be counted.
IT"S AMAZING , that on this site every time someone is mentioned as willing to challenge any post in any party, MLP in particular , it's like the opening of the hunting season - firing from all angles.
Notwithstanding an election defeat I do not understand why so many comments picture MLP leaders as a bunch of losers who are the sole reason why MLP did not manage to attract even a slim majority to win like PN did.
Personally I think both MLP and PN need to dig deep into the roots of this election result .
The party which won needs to find out why with so little and why so many did not bother to vote?
The party which lost also needs to find out why with so little and why so many did not bother to vote?
The question is the same for both so it is not fair to judge individuals personally knowing they all did their best . Maybe yes, their best was not good enough because of lack of experience in the field of communication, public speaking and in the field of marketing the party .
This applies to both PN and MLP.
It is healthy to see people who are willing to 'go for it' as they say. May the best one be convincing and credible enough to win.
The biggest mistake would be to allow for block votes to come into the picture. This will lead to the real disaster.

Edward Mifsud

Apr 2nd 2008, 20:45

This is a democratic process and anyone has a right to contest any post in the MLP. It is a clear sign that things are going to change and the incumbents will only be replaced if others challenge them.

I am certain that all the administrative posts will be challenged and this is positive. So, good luck Alfred.

simon damato

Apr 2nd 2008, 20:05

Im happy to hear this.gd luck Alfred. At least there's someone challenges Jason!Thanks

Malcolm Seychell

Apr 2nd 2008, 20:01

Mr Grixti seems to be a moderate and definetely much better then Jason.

C. E Taliana

Apr 2nd 2008, 19:59

Good luck Mr. Grixti - a man of true values.

Gabriele Tonna

Apr 2nd 2008, 19:17

David Gatt my goodness is there no one else to blame except PN. It's AAAAAAAAALLLLLWWWWWAYYYYYS PN's fault or Net TV or anyone or anything that is associated with the colour blue.

M C. Catania

Apr 2nd 2008, 19:05

dear Renato J. Costigan.. you forgot how the same situation (as you are depicitnig it as a footbal match between the MLP candidates) happened just exactly 4 years ago with your party when Gonzi was elected. the competition and teh so colled "football game" was between him and John Dalli and clearly Dalli didnt accept the defeat. so as the maltese says.. Biex tiskongla trid tkun pur!

Renato J. Costigan

Apr 2nd 2008, 18:38

Dear Mr. F. Spiteri:- Is it not 'confusion' when you see faction against faction inside that party. Now we have the No.4 outsider ie. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. Any More. Might be. There is up to June 5. Take it easy 'Bhal l'inglizi'. It is true it's DEMOCRACY thanks to the PN. Well from the election up to the next election, it is no longer GonziPN but GonziMALTA. Mr. Spiteri tonight that's what I am going to do, to see the Liverpool vs Arsenal match. I am very happy because my party won the election and I am to stay 'GALLARIJA' watching your party trying to sort his affairs and trying to begin a 'Bidu Gdid'!!!!! But I leave you with this Maltese proverb....."Il-hmar taqtalu dembu hmar jibqa'. BYE BYE my friend. Wish you and your friends best of luck.

J. Mifsud

Apr 2nd 2008, 18:36

I augur Mr Alfred Grixti for his contestation. I also agree that Mr Jason Micallef himself was his greatest enemy, especially on Xarabank. When he went on Xarabank he was unprepared, He should have anticipated that he would be grilled. His replies were disastrous and immature. He might be still valid, but not as general secretary. The same is happening to JPO after being grilled by certain journalists before the election.

F Spiteri

Apr 2nd 2008, 17:43

Maybe some PN frantic like Renato J. Costigan would benefit from listening to a wider range of media other than those biased to GonziPN ... you are just repeating what you might have heard or read (bhall-pappagalli!!!). No wonder why lately PN is conveniently forgetting what democracy means. Just reading the comments of its supporters leaves me wondering whether Malta is democratic or otherwise!! I personally describe "confusion" much different than this reader. Has confusion anything to do with receiving such a high level of candidates to be elected for top positions within the party? Enjoy a football match on Sports Channel & you will not be wasting your time & others'!

Alfred Cassar

Apr 2nd 2008, 15:59

Listen guys, seems like MLP supporters are happy with Jason Micallef (according to Lee Cutajar). So if they're happy, let them keep him.
Who are we to tell them they should replace him because he's not professional.
After all with him at the helm, the MLP is winning a lot of elections: the local council ones.

Renato J. Costigan

Apr 2nd 2008, 15:19

To all labourites:-

The only help from the Nationalists to our friends now is that we stay 'GALLARIJA' looking at them kicking at each other like a football team. Alfred G. vs Jason M. ---- George A vs Joseph M --- Toni A vs The rest and the fixtures continue.

It's a pity we cannot bet.

Wind of change -- 'Bidu Gdid' -- confusion everywhere.

Sean Zammit

Apr 2nd 2008, 15:18

I am glad to hear that the post of Jason Micallef as Secretary general of the Malta Labour Party will be contested. However I do not see a lot of diference between Micallef and Grixti. Both of them were officials in the present Malta Labour Party administration and therefore both of them were responsible for the Labour party's electoral manifesto. Both of them were responsible for the various misprints presented in that manifesto. Both were responsible for various electoral proposals such as that of the reception class or the removal of income tax on overtime!!! Moreover do you remember the way in which Mr. Grixti replied to Dr. Louis Galea on Xarabank prior to the election. According to Mr. Grixti the misprint on Labour's manifesto of the 14 week maternity leave was done in order to show the Labour Party's patronage on the issue!!! I don't even think that Mr. Joe Saliba would have ever answered in that way!!!

Once again I think that Labour are going to miss the boat for a radical and serious new beginning within its own ranks! Cosmetic changes are not enough for Labour to be able to win the next general election!!!

Raymond Fava

Apr 2nd 2008, 15:06

I have know Alfred for over twenty years now and in various circumstances. The first I came to know him was as a fellow activist in the youth wing of the Malta Labour Party. He was on the way in and I on the way out due to age. Later on he was my lecturer on Human Resources at University and was also my supervisor on three of my four thesises. He was always there when I and other students needed him and he always encouraged me never to cease studying.

Our meetings regarding the content of thesises always overflowed into the field of politics both local and overseas and I always found him to be extremely well read and up-to-date. He is a good debater and love to cross swords
metphotically speaking, with those who hold contrasing ideas to his. He never black lists people who do not share his views and this makes him a ideal bridge builder especially within the confines of the Party and out of it. His manners are impeccable and he is not a glory seeker.

I am very happy that Alfred has decided to have another go at being elected General Secretary of the Malta Labour Party since he would certainly be a valuable asset in getting the Party on its own feet again following the last inexcusable electoral defeat.

By the way, Alfred remained with Dr. Michael Falzon at Ta' Qali up to the bitter end.

Such is the stuff of which true Party stalwarts. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Rest assured that Alfred has got what it takes.

Keith SC Grech

Apr 2nd 2008, 14:34

Jos. Azzopardi could have not said it better

JOS. Azzopardi

Apr 2nd 2008, 14:14

Congratulations Alfred. Nothing to add with what Carmen Wareing so clearly stated about you. Mr Micallef may be good for One Radio, but on a Party level we should have new brooms all along, to sweep the floor clean and build up a fresh young image.

lee cutajar

Apr 2nd 2008, 14:13

to ms. jennifer cosaitis, don't know why you're making so much fuss about some few mlp supporters whom are taking it against mr. jason micallef. may i refresh your memory and remind you that in the pn camp, pre-election,it was dr. gonzi who took it against john dalli, it was dr. gonzi who took it against jo said, it was dr gonzi who took it against mr.cacopardo , and after election all the pn camp internal and external against JPO, so why this fuss about these few mlp supporters???

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Apr 2nd 2008, 14:05

Darn it, David Gatt rumbled our strategy - we can't afford Jason Micallef to remain at the helm, because under him, the MLP will surely win the next election. Especially if he's supported by Sant's choices.

Alfred Cassar

Apr 2nd 2008, 14:01

David Gatt: If the MLP continues to act like you, then it has a perpetual place in the opposition.
OK keep Alfred Sant, Jason Micallef, Manuel Cuschieri, Toni Abela, Wenzu Mintoff and all the others and you'll be giving another bigger disappointment to Labour party supporters.
Fortunately for Labour supporters and for Malta in general , it seems like new people are coming in to lead the MLP. Let's hope these succeed to take the place of the previous administration because their supporters were being treated like fools.
Let's hope for a 'New Beginning' in the Labour camp, at last!!

Joseph Grech-Attard

Apr 2nd 2008, 13:52

Since when are gonziPN supporters wishing well for MLP? Since their minority representaion in the last general elections? Beware, Alfred, and be prepared. Combined with being winners, when it comes to politics, their DNA also holds hypocrisy and character assassination. May the best man for MLP wins!!

C.R.Taliana

Apr 2nd 2008, 13:51

I wish Mr.Grixti all the best for this new challenge.

As for Ms. Cosaitis's comment I say that it was very appropriate in a way because it pointed out one major difference between the PN and MLP. The MLP are very open when it comes to internal affairs of the party whilst the PN (jafu jahslu hwejjighom f'darhom) and would smile even if the boat is sinking. Always appearing good and happy, at all costs, is one of the strategies which the PN are really good at.

Joan Camilleri

Apr 2nd 2008, 13:41

To my friend, David Gatt. I'm sorry to say but I feel somewhat disappointed by your comments!

When Jason Micallef appeared on Xarabank just days after the electoral defeat he did not perform positively. Unfortunately on the day his worst enemy was not Peppi Azzopardi u Joe Saliba but himself! He attacked Labourites that wanted to return back to the Labour Party and tried to defend his performance throughout the campaign. Let us not forget that he left Dr. Michael Falzon on his own with Louis Gatt and Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi to face the music in the counting hall! Let us also not forget that on the day that the PN where celebrating in the street at about 11.30pm he went on One News and said that the indications that the party had were different from those of the PN when everyone in the Counting Hall knew that Labour had lost - this was a very dangerous comment!

Mr. MIcallef lost the trust of all the Labourites not only before the election but he did so especially after the election!

Regarding those that say the truth please forgive me but you cannot compare Dr. Alfred Sant to Manuel Cuschieri and Jason Micallef. Mr. Cuschieri was on Super 1 Radio for the past five years and continuously attacking the PN whatever the issue and apart from that had been nagging for five years that the election was incumbent and that Lawrence Gonzi would soon be resigning! Is that the truth or was that all made up by his 'sources'???

Please give me a break! Mr. Grixti will be one of the best Sec. Gen. this party has ever had!

bryan sullivan

Apr 2nd 2008, 13:14

some elections back i had the genuine pleasure to co-operate - in opposite camps - with alfred grixti and he was always a gentleman in his actions. i sincerely wish him well.

Joseph Scerri

Apr 2nd 2008, 13:00

Thanks God, for "Bidu Gdid" that we are going to have. I'm sure that Mr Grixti will serve the party without any arrogance and with all the responsability that General secretary have to carry

David Gatt

Apr 2nd 2008, 12:53

Mr. Grixti is a valid challenger, but I wouldn't throw Jason into the bin just because he's now the focus of attack of NET TV. Let's not forget that he had the courage to appear on Peppi's Xarabank just days after the electoral defeat, and everything was organized against him that night. Just remember that the PN will attack anyone who has an important role within the MLP.

We know the story ... the PN media chose to attack personally:
Dom MIntoff, Alfred Sant, Manuel Cuschieri, Jason Mcallef and others which had the courage to talk the truth. The strategy from NET TV also involves in making heroes out of MLP deserters... tipo George Abela, Lino Spiteri, Joe Grima, etc, etc.

Sorry PN, but your tactics are not a secret anymore. I wish Labour well and with the quality of people who will be running for the top jobs I am sure that the party will be much bigger and stronger in the near future.

laurence schembri

Apr 2nd 2008, 12:24

Good on you Alfred, it is about time that someone will come forward to wipe the smile off some faces.

David Zammit

Apr 2nd 2008, 12:22

Although I have nothing personally against Alfred Grixti, I think he lacks debating skills. He strikes me more as a Toni Abela type especially after his contributions in Xarabank before the election. I think MLP need someone who is more of a smooth talker and who knows how to make a point subtely and with tact. Especially if he comes to face Pierre Portelli (rumour has it that he will be the next PN sec. gen.) Having said this I believ Jason Micallef's position is untenable and after such a disastrous campaign he should not even think about contesting. But I don't think Grixti is the right one......

Wayne Hewitt

Apr 2nd 2008, 12:19

A more down to earth chap and definitely less arrogant then Jason Micallef. This is a positive sign for the MLP, that is, if it has to start luring some thinking floaters and begin to appeal to moderate PN supporters. Mind you, it has quite a long way to go considering the last election campaign disaster!!

Jennifer Cosaitis

Apr 2nd 2008, 12:15

It is quite amusing to see/hear MLP supporters so united AGAINST their own party's general secretary after the election.

David Grech

Apr 2nd 2008, 11:56

MLP has to be an inclusive party not an exclusive service. Everbody counts......One thing they should work hard on is not to allow anybody to build a false impression as impressions tend to stick....the media has already started to build this psychological factors.... ....Abela against Muscat.....etc. An internal election is a contest amongst gentlemen for the better good of all. Hence all should have enough space to contribute. An election is only a decision whereby it structures methods how inclusivity is made possible so in 5 years time the MLP can be in power for a long term.

wareing carmen

Apr 2nd 2008, 11:50

Mr Grixti I sincerely hope that you will become our Party's new General Secretary,as I am sure that with your honorable and outgoing down to earth personality, our party can start fresh and reach out to its people.

MIKE MAGRI

Apr 2nd 2008, 11:17

Welcome to the `race` Alfred..

I am sure, that you will make a wonderful, sensible and down to earth general secretary of our beloved Labour Party.

Your experience as a teacher and true politician, should be great assets for you and the party in general.

GOOD LUCK MY FRIEND..

frank grech

Apr 2nd 2008, 10:58

About time!!!!
Halleluljah!!!!

Gerard Mangion

Apr 2nd 2008, 10:43

Alfred Grixti, instead of Jason will make mlp at least the first step for an Internal mlp's bidu gdid, especially if Mr Grixti, Can be a Gentleman as Dr M. Falzon, everybody knows Jason always was a failure, and was arrogant Indeed ! I am a Nationalst Suppoter but for the Good of Malta, I like to see, New faces in the mlp too, After all we are all Maltese Brothers and wish the best for each other. Peace and stability, as P.M Gonzi always held for our Country.

M. Sant

Apr 2nd 2008, 10:41

I do sincerely wish you well in your endeavour to be the Labour Party's next General Secretary.

I know that you will work hard.

Joe Zammit

Apr 2nd 2008, 10:37

Jason Micallef had the sole responsiblity for the lame campaign we had! We had billboards with no message, when we had a message it was conflicting! I can express the feeling inside the party and it is definitely against Jason Micallef especially with his bravados on TV after we lost the General Election.

Good Luck Mr. Grixti - it is only you that can bring back decency in the post of Secretary General of the MLP!

Paul J. Mifsud

Apr 2nd 2008, 10:14

I'm sure that Alfred Grixti can deliver much better than Jason Micallef because he has a more outgoing personality, a better relationship with the media and new ideas how to revitilise the party. Mr. Micallef's sole honourable way out of the debacle is to resign. Good luck Mr Grixti and may you succeed in your venture!

Keith Grech

Apr 2nd 2008, 10:11

Both Jason and Alfred Grixti can serve the party well. Whatever the outcome both should have ample space to work towards a Labour victory in some years down the line. (Keith SC Grech)

Jason Bezzina

Apr 2nd 2008, 10:09

About time.!!!!!!..... good luck to Mr Grixti.... were Jason Micallef to deliver at the same intensity as his smirk i am sure that things within the Malta Labour Party would have progressed sooner. One ought to realise that criticism isn't the key to success but a clean - simple strategy - with of course end results would have been more appropriate. Come on let the long waited wind of change begin.

Angelo Vassallo

Apr 2nd 2008, 10:03

It has become quite clear now that the so much spoken about "Bidu Gdid" was not intended for Malta after all, but as we are experiencing every day that passes; this was intended for the MLP itself.

Both the leadership and the administration failed miserably.

Although I never supported neither Dr. Sant nor his party, all the leadership and the administration should now resign "lock, stock and barrel" and allow new blood be injected into the veins of the MLP.

E.Borg Bonello

Apr 2nd 2008, 09:10

The wind of change has really started now within the Labour party... Alfred Griscti is a new fresh wind that can revitilise new ideas, can also be a factor for engaging new young voters to join in for a new set up that finally will get the much needed majority that Malta needs now more than ever. Fingers crossed for you Fred...

Karen Micallef

Apr 2nd 2008, 08:45

Mr. Micallef promised a lot but failed to deliver! Good Luck Mr. Grixti you are definitely more capable of doing the job!

Joe Galea

Apr 2nd 2008, 08:23

Good luck to Mr. Grixti and good riddance to Jason. Enough with Jason's arrogance, incompetence and unprofessional behaviour.