UPDATED: MLP leadership hopefuls disagree with media ban
The electoral commission overseeing the process for the election of Labour Party leader has written to all those showing an interest in contesting the election, ordering them not to give comments to the press, or face disqualification once nominations open.
The letter, signed by Joe Falzon, chairman of the commission, is dated April 1 but is being taken seriously by the candidates.
In it, Mr Falzon says he has been asked by the chairmen of the MLP Vigilance and Disciplinary Board and the Appeals Board to tell those who are showing an interest in the election not to give comments to the press.
The position contradicts a previous unanimous decision by the same commission not to stop any of the candidates from giving interviews and comes after three of the main contenders, Joseph Muscat, Michael Falzon and Evarist Bartolo already announced their intentions and were given extensive media coverage.
Former deputy leader George Abela, who has indicated he may contest the election, publicly protested over the order, saying that it would amount to an advantage to candidates who have already declared their candidature.
Another contender Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said she would still go ahead with her announced press conference tomorrow (Friday), in which she will officially launch her candidacy.
“I cleared the matter with the commission,” she said when contacted. “So far I have not confirmed my interest in the leadership race in a definitive way, there has only been speculation so far so the directive does not apply to me. I will declare that interest tomorrow (Friday) after which I will then be bound by the commission’s decision."
None of the other candidates appeared to favour the idea of the media ban. Deputy leader Michael Falzon said he disagreed, but said that he is prepared to abide by “any decision that the party takes”.
“It’s not a final decision yet... I agree that there should be some rules which ensure fairness,” he said.
Similarly, Joseph Muscat said he felt all candidates should be allowed to express their views freely on any media, while adding. “I trust that each and everyone of the candidates wants the best for the party,” adding like Dr Falzon that he would abide by the rules laid down by the responsible bodies.
Mr Bartolo was more cautious, saying that he would wait for the commission to issue the terms of reference and react after that.
Meanwhile, Dr Abela has also complained that the MLP electora; commission is considering whether to declare that he cannot contest the election because he is not a party delegate.He said there had been no such objections when he stood for deputy leader in 1992.
Dr Abela said he will announce his decision on whether or not to contest the election at the appropriate time, but he is calling for a level playing field for all the candidates.
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A.Vella
Apr 6th 2008, 18:51
Dear Andrew Pisani,
If we really want to be honest with each other Gonzi never had true competition. I say this because Dalli was accused of wrong practice from the MLP camp. So, Gonzi was perceived as more clean and honest and there was no real option. Therefore I doubt any discussions were truly needed.
And don’t forget a very important difference, that EFA left as one of the biggest winners whilst Sant left as the biggest loser, in Maltese politics. So, the PN just needed to continue on the same track, whereas the MLP is now in a completely opposite situation. If true 'revolution' is to go through and believed within MLP it must be as transparent as possible; otherwise it will be hard to get rid of rumours, since the average voter was kept in the dark.
frida farrugia
Apr 5th 2008, 21:28
dear tony caruana, do you agree same old goverment with same old faces . we were promised to have a new cabinet with all new faces new blood. still believe in p n u leeeeeeeeeeeeee
Suzanne Buttigieg
Apr 5th 2008, 20:19
David Gatt. For your information,
1. I have been victimised by the PN Government because I critisize the PN openly.
2. I voted PN because the MLP manifesto did not make sense.
3. All my labourite colleagues at work and family members prefer George Abela as Party leader and eventually Prime minister. How do you explain that?
4. It is the voters who elect a government. NOT the delegates and NOT even the members.
5. Do you agree with Muscat's speech in the EU not to give funds to Malta for the waste treatment plant?
Joseph Grech-Attard
Apr 5th 2008, 19:02
Well Mr A Debono, do "people who voted gonzi pn but would like to have an alternative" exist? I doubt it. A lot, also in the MLP, speak so, but would always find faults in the 'alternative'. Those who REALLY want an alternative either vote for someone else, or invalid their vote or do not vote at all. At least that is my impression.
Andrew Pisani
Apr 5th 2008, 02:29
Dear A.Vella,
You ask if MLP expect to attract new voters if they keep all their business private. You fail to see democracy in the way things are run. The best way to find out is to see results of others who adopted the same methods.
P.N did just this four years ago. All discussions were kept private. Even though the new leader would be the leader of the country, information to the public was kept to a minimum and we got the impression that the three candidates were best pals. Did this method of secrecy gain new votes? Didn't PN win due to convincing new voters to vote for them? Aren't these the young and intelligent voters A.Vella mentioned? If it happened once, why shouldn't it happen again?
Silence is only lesson 1 MLP should learn from PN. Lesson 2 is how to keep your lost sheep silent after the election by rewarding them and not sending them away.
David Gatt
Apr 5th 2008, 00:17
Suzanne Buttigieg - your comment clearly shows that your are not interested in MLP being a better party. With your advice you're just wishing Labour to have trouble. Since you're such a person I choose to ignore you.
j micallef
Apr 4th 2008, 15:41
I do not envy the men and woman who are showing interest in the MLP leadership race, as most of them are very good material and all mean well.
Whoever succeeds in landing the hot seat come June, will have a tough job straightening the tight corners that the party seems to have a penchant to stumble headlong into, time and time again. Regaining credibility must be the top-most priority - and the toughest. How can a major and glorious party like the MLP - albeit in opposition for so many years now - be taken seriously by the thinking electorate, when it has to renege on its own bad decisions on and on again with nauseating repetition, as in the present situation where its own directive was turned on its head only hours after it was issued? Emanuel Cuschieri was at it again on SuperOne radio today with his echoing battlecry and signature tune of "giddieb" and "giddibin", as if such un-political and unethical utterings and insults in the run-up to the elections made any positive difference to the MLP's chances of victory! Why has Mr.Cuschieri chosen to turn his program into a prolonged and boring one-man sermon, robbing his loyal listeners from their chance to phone in as they used to do for so many years now? It is as if one is telling the party's grassroots that they are not to be trusted to air their opinion live.
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca must surely be aware of all this, and so are the other contenders. They must all know that whoever eventually wears the crown, it will weigh heavily on his/her head when it comes to cleansing time for a real new beginning - not only for Malta but also for the MLP.
John Cachia
Apr 4th 2008, 13:45
Muscat sounds so friendly, so natural, so buoyant, so positive. Party delegates should vote for him. He is the best choice so far
J Galea
Apr 4th 2008, 13:28
The instinct of all Labour leadership contenders not to agree with this ridiculous ban shows that they have some democratic credentials. Perhaps they should jointly defy such totalitarian methods as they are certainly not in the interest of the MLP if it someday hopes to take office. Could it be that Labour has already started the campaign to lose the next general election by shooting itself in the foot in this way? so much for learning lessons.
F Spiteri
Apr 4th 2008, 12:50
People who voted for GonziPN, which were already fewer by 2.5% from the previous election, may not worry too much any more about "who to vote for"!!! If you are updated with what happened, MLP leadership candidates showed Malta already what it takes to be a good leader: the ban had to be stopped.
albert debono
Apr 4th 2008, 11:51
when will Mr Grech Attard and all the rest realize its not about "cheeky gonzi pn supporters" forwarding criticism but people who voted gonzi pn but would like to have an alternative? ...?
A.Vella
Apr 4th 2008, 11:41
Dear Maria Dolores Fenech,
Yes, keep your discussion private, keep your decisions private, no one but those few hundreds have the right to know what is going on, real democracy at its best.
Do you then expect to attract new voters? Do you think that the young and intelligent voters that MLP needs are attracted to the party by these tactics?
MLP will never have a chance until the great majority of the party thinks with your kind of mentality!! And all this comes to a great loss for the well-being of all the country that desperately needs a real opposition.
Francis Attard
Apr 4th 2008, 11:15
I don't know whether Anthony Busuttil is the Anthony Busuttil,I know, who was once the sectretary of the Metal Workers Section of the GWU.
If he is, how does he dare to complain about the fact that no labour supporter has a chance of being employed in government boards.
I f he is the man in question, he finally proclaimed explicitly what people of his ilk must do, namely not to add more comments.
Claire Bonello
Apr 4th 2008, 11:01
It is understandable that Labour supporters may perceive some sections of the media to be hostile to them. There have been clear cases of distortion of the party's message over the years. But this should not blind them to all suggestions or criticism - much of which is well-intentioned. The gagging order does not make sense - all contestants should be able to publicise their platforms and policies in order for the people doing the voting to evaluate their plus and minus points. As it is the ban turns the leadership race into an uneven contest with the contestants who have already spoken to the media having a clear advantage.. Moreover it reinforces the perception that the MLP is closed and not welcoming to new blood or criticism. As for the suggestion that PN supporters are pushing any particular candidate as their Trojan horse - I don't think it is a realistic possibility. Labour supporters can judge every candidate on his own merits and see if he is electable (and not necessarily because the PN say so or otherwise)
Azzopardi Mario
Apr 4th 2008, 10:53
Of the contestants only one can only single out two who can win the next election.These are Joe Muscat and George Abela. The new leader has to win on his own merits, be upright and sincere and he/she needs to have a vision which appeals to the voters. And by voters I mean the floaters and the Nationalists rather than the Labour voters only. Packaging and marketing a leader without any real substance will only lead to failure
C.R.Taliana
Apr 4th 2008, 10:20
I'm a Labourite but I don't agree with this ban. (If I'm not mistaken it's not official as yet). I would issue some sort of rule with which the candidates would have the same chance to appear and be heard in the local tv and radio stations in terms of airtime. Similar to the PAR CONDICIO they use in Italy.
A Cassar
Apr 4th 2008, 10:18
MLP is a truly impressive party... impressively bent at not winning!
I am very confident that the MLP
delegates will make the right decision ... for the PN
Maria Dolores Fenech
Apr 4th 2008, 10:09
To all MLP supporters: please stop fighting among yourselves. Every candidate that is contesting for MLP leader is a valid person, who must be treated with respect. Everyone has the right to support him/her or the other, but please keep the matter private. In the future PN supporters are going to show what you have writter against the new leader and he/she has to answer why he does not have everyone's support.
I don't agree with the said media ban, but if the MLP supporters continue to wash their dirty laundry in public, I think that the administration did not have any alternative how to stop this.
TONY FORMOSA
Apr 4th 2008, 09:45
Bondin please get your facts right and spare us unwarranted thrash.
TONY FORMOSA
Michael Said
Apr 4th 2008, 09:40
Give me George Abela or Joseph Muscat anyday. They are a look to the future. The problem with George Abela is that he will be 65 years old in 5 years time. A Victory for Joseph Muscat will give him a decisive mandate to change the way the party looks, thinks and behaves.The Nationalist Party has been taken aback by Joseph Muscat’s meteoric rise. Joseph Muscat will colonise the centre ground, will be the leader of a new generation of labourites in tune with the public, and impatient to succeed where the Nationalist Party has failed
Martin Grech
Apr 4th 2008, 09:32
Simon Abela is definately living on another planet. He says that people are supporting Joseph Muscat just because they are media personalities and want to retain their place. Well, I am not a media personality but a university student who is craving for a progressive and moderate Labour Party. Joseph Muscat is the only way forward. He will cast aside the legacy of Old Labour and Labour`s failure and will rebuild a modern, moderate, centre left, compassionate Labour Party that will recapture the centre ground from the Nationalist Party. Michael Falzon? old-style, confrontational politics .Yesterdays man with yesterdays measures.
Anthony Busuttil
Apr 4th 2008, 09:24
Andrew Borg-Cardona, I didn't know Gonzi was opening his encounters to the public, did you? But I do note the composition of certain government boards, where no Labour supporter had any chance.
Edward Darmanin, you don't seem to follow commentaries that much, being so sure how many comments are coming from Labour supporters. You could use your search facility and backtrack some names in earlier commentaries, possibly during the electoral campaign. Then you'll know who's advising whom. Of course there are some genuine ones, but then you can tell from the tone.
C Micallef, you might have a point there about reverse psychology, and I see your comment as constructive. But I don't agree with you that George Abela might not be voted in just because the Nationalists are pushing him. And I'm not convinced they see him as their biggest competition. Perhaps their thoughts might be more on the lines of a Labour split. What kind of competition would they have then, with or without George Abela?
Sorry but I'm not adding any more comments.
Sharon Cardona
Apr 4th 2008, 09:18
Dear Simon Abela, can't you read the writing on the wall. It is not the leader who chooses the Secretary General but the delegates. So please stop insulting our intelligence. Michael Falzon is not leadership material. period. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. You say that Joseph Muscat is backing Jason Micallef to retain his post? That's not the case. Can we say that Michael Falzon is pushing Nathalie Attard for Secretary General? sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
David Zammit
Apr 4th 2008, 08:55
I think the MLP vigilance board (not MLP as a whole) is committing political suicide by contemplating not letting Abela contest at this point.
If he was not eligible to contest in the first place (due to statutory issues) then fair enough - every club has its rules but this should have been stated when he first gave his intentions. After so much water having gone under the bridge it seems as if they're trying to frame Abela up.
It not only looks bad in the media but I can just imagine the sympathy that Abela will now get from delegates if he is eventually allowed to contest. Although I don't think they will be too happy seeing him going off to complain at NET and in Nazzjon each time he doesn't agree with something.
But in any case the damage has been done, there will always be this dark cloud over the leadership race now that this 'attempt' has been made to stop Abela from contesting.
Francis Attard
Apr 4th 2008, 08:39
I think that C. Micallef's comment was a very wise one. Henry Kissinger once said 'Ninety percent of the politicians give the politicians a bad reputation'.
I always had an impression that the nationalists are more cunning.
joseph camilleri
Apr 4th 2008, 08:22
I M Beck, please give us a break. We dont need your advice. He then also tells us in his weekly article he doesnt want to read anymore about the JPO saga....he'd rather rather we just discussed labour and its present woes. I must think he gets excited, just like a teenager exploring himself and learning where it tickles.
Simon Abela
Apr 4th 2008, 08:21
Ronald Galea : Come on be serious! So you think that a Leader should be elected on whether or not he made libels against a newspaper for writing inconsistencies about him? If this is your reasoning I hope u never voted for Alfred Sant as he had a boycott against Xarabank and many other programmes on TVM! Michael Falzon was always honest in what he said and did, and the media appreciate that. Let us not say all the media because there is a section of the independent media that are pushing for Mr. Muscat and you know why - because this same section of the independent media is very close to Mr. Jason Micallef that is hoping to keep his place if Dr. Muscat is elected leader.
This is the problem with Dr. Muscat., he has a lot of people that are currently supporting him that actually want to keep their place within the party. These include media personalities, secretary generals, etc.. etc... If Dr. Muscat is elected the party will only change the face but not the content as Dr. Muscat was always very closely associated with Dr. Sant. If Labour Delegates want their party to succeed in the next general election their only hope is to elect someone that will make a difference from the previous Leader.
Miguel Fenech
Apr 4th 2008, 08:18
MLP is passing through both a learning process and a change. Let's all wait and see what happens. I appreciate the input given by some nationalists below, but before speaking of lack of transparency in MLP's leadership race they should go and console John Dalli over what happened in 2004. And it's funny to hear that the new PN scapegoat is now the "spirit of Alfred Sant". Does someone thus believe that MLP needs an exorcist or ghostbusters?
Joe Galea
Apr 4th 2008, 08:16
Well said Andrew Pisani.
Bill Millam, your posts are so full of crap. You might need an 'anger-management' therapy course.
I think in some way I agree what the board decided to do, as some of the contenders the more they talk the more harm they do to the party. I think only one person didn't say anything negative and came out with some sort of manifesto and that is Joseph Muscat. The others just came out crying over spilled milk. Dirty laundry should be washed at home and don't let PN media vultures, feast on what you (MLP leader contenders) say.
Azzopardi Mario
Apr 4th 2008, 08:16
Go on MLP do not elect George Abela or any other moderate who will be able to appeal to the floaters. We are getting used to the idea of voting PN in spite of all their faults.
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Apr 4th 2008, 07:27
Busuttil and Grech-Attard have seen through the Nationalists' plot - they are pushing George Abela because he is actually Lawrence Gonzi in disguise. Why do you think you never see them in the same room at the same time?
Kevin Zammit
Apr 4th 2008, 07:17
I'm no PN supporter. George is trying his utmost ... the rock heads just don't get it. The moderates are not convinced ... and the die hards don't win elections anymore.
Bill MIllam
Apr 4th 2008, 06:58
The MLP has truly lost direction and some of these dictatorial decisions they make go a long way in ensuring that the MLP will NEVER be electable! The Maltese electorate is smart enough to see the true colors of the persons who pull the strings within the MLP and sure enough, they will once again vote them to be the OPPOSITION party yet again in another 5 years time.
Maybe MLP should now stand for
MALTA LOSERS PARTY.
C. Micallef
Apr 4th 2008, 02:18
Anthony, I think the PN know that their biggest competition would be George Abela and that the more they push him and show their approval, the more they will make the Labour delegates wary of voting him in - it's reverse psychology, and it's the way the Nationalists are going to ensure that George Abela loses his chance.
As we have seen during these elections, the people who are most hated by the opposing parties are the ones who get the most support from their party. So my theory is that Labour will choose the candidate who gets most bashing from the PN during the next few weeks, not the one who PN shows clear support for.
Then again, if the MLP does choose George Abela, it will be very damaging to the PN because they will have to compete against a leader who they have shown clear support for.
ronald galea
Apr 4th 2008, 00:43
marco brincat, you compare Dr joseph muscat to joe debono grech, tony zarb and anglu farrugia.please, give us a break. It is so evident that you are pushing michael falzon`s agenda.he is cunning and media savvy?ole ole?libel cases and so on...a joke, simply hilarious
Mark Bonello
Apr 4th 2008, 00:28
Is the MLP trying to create some sadomasocistic reincarnation of the pre-democracy era in the Mediterranean civilization ? Is it trying to create some sort of empire remminicent of B.C. Rome...from here in Malta? Are they unwittingly trying to annihialate the MLP and leave Malta in a one party state??. For crying out loud, open your eyes, get the message! The electorate very painstakingkly gave you a very clear message to change your ways and demeanour! PLEASE TAKE HEED, THE ISLAND WE LOVE SO MUCH, NEEDS YOU TO BE THERE! ......................but seriously
yves cali
Apr 4th 2008, 00:18
The MLP insist in shooting themselves in the foot - and the hunting season isn't even open yet
Andrew Pisani
Apr 4th 2008, 00:12
Well I suppose Labour could have issued this letter after all candidates had their say but who are all the candidates? what is Dr George Abela waiting for? Is he going to contest or not? It's not only George Abela who didn't have his say. I didn't see Marie-Louise Coleiro or Anglu Farrugia on Bondi+ either
After Bondi+ this week, I don't exactly blame Labour with Lou and Nathaniel putting words in the candidates mouths and trying to set them against each other. I think Labour has a lot to learn from P.N. One thing is how not to hang their dirty laundry outside. The Dalli vs Gonzi dispute appeared to be a One TV fairytale. It's funny how the election for the leader of opposition has attracted more attention than the elections for our Prime minister four years ago. I say let M.L.P do as they please, as P.N did, and when the time comes, we hear what the new leader has to say and offer, and vote accordingly. It's funny how some people have already decided who they're voting for in the next general election.
Edward Darmanin
Apr 4th 2008, 00:10
Dear Anthony Busuttil. A lot of the below comments in favour of George Abela seem to be actually coming from Labour supporters. The usual conspiracy theories the MLP have suffered from live on! And yes, I am not surprised that the Alfred Sant clan are still clinging to power. They are repeating the same mistake that AS made 5 years ago. They are assuming that the next election will be won by MLP by default - hence why change. They may be right - what party can ever remain in power for as long as the PN have. It's only natural to expect change. However, real change comes from within, and clinging to the past seriously risks the same result we have just had. Stop blaming PN conspirators. Look within to find your real problem. And perhaps it might just serve you well to listen to your supporters, and the general population for a solution that has long evaded you
J.Scerri
Apr 3rd 2008, 23:59
See what the MLP admin. can do, and this BETWEEN their people! Imagine what they'll do once in the power of all the country ! And they want to speak about DEMOCRACY !! It's better if they buy a dictionary and see the meaning of that word and use it at least inside their party.
They haven't learned nothing from their past mistakes, not even after 4 CONSECUTIVE ELECTORAL DEFEATS. And they still blame XARABANK, BONDI+ ECT. for their electoral fiascos. UNBELIEVABLE
PS: One last idea, why don't they put all the contenders in a house and leave them there till the election day. Obviously without microphones.
Anthony Busuttil
Apr 3rd 2008, 23:30
Why do I keep getting the impression that the Nationalists wholeheartedly prefer George Abela as leader of the MLP? Is it for the good of Labour, is it?
And Ivan Camilleri, I appreciate your deep concern for the true good-souled members of MLP, really I do. Now please tell us your feelings about transparency within PN. Perhaps you could ask John Dalli.
Joseph Grech-Attard
Apr 3rd 2008, 23:15
How cheeky of all gonziPN supporters to advise the party they simply hate. Didn't they, indirectly and hiding the hand that threw the stone, act similarly when gonzi was elected as party leader?
P. Busuttil
Apr 3rd 2008, 23:06
Rose Farrugia is right, all is orchestrated in a manner to keep the Alfred Sant clan which led the MLP from to defeat to another. Dr. Muscat is just a new face supported by the old guard. Nothing will change!!!! For Dr. Muscat to be credible to the maltese electorate and not just to the MLP supporters, he has to state in public that there is no place within the party under his leadership for people like Manwel Cuschieri or Jason Micallef. As I said its the old disguised as new.
Once again I appeal genuinely to all those within the MLP that this is your last chance to make a real break with the past. Your party can't afford to lose another election.
Please don't be fooled by those who have only at heart their personal interest. Their goal is to keep their position within the party for the next 5 years. Their strategy is crystal clear, if you are so blind despite all well intentioned suggestions from people that don't share your same ideals, you will be only harming your party. You have some really good candidates that currently are not well seen by the administration because they know that if they win a real change will start and it is not their interest that this happens.
If you are really MLP supporters you have to seek whats best for your party and not for certain individuals. If you make the right choice now you be sending a signal that the party is really an alternative to the PN. It just healthy for the Maltese democracy to have such a choice.
Amanda Mallia
Apr 3rd 2008, 22:57
Edward Gatt - More than "the spirit of Alfred Sant lives on", I think that it is more a case of "same of Labour tactics"
A Abela
Apr 3rd 2008, 22:54
At this rate, it will be truly 40 years in opposition as the Italian left-wing coalition :-)
F. Gatt
Apr 3rd 2008, 22:49
I just heard that Joseph Muscat has vehemently opposed this decision. So please lets stop attacking people just for the sake of attacking and try to be a bit more mature. The point still is that this decision is a wrongful one on many levels and I sincerely hope that it is changed. The MLP has nothing to hide and a lot to gain by having a public discussion. Something that Joseph Muscat I'm sure agrees to.
R Agius
Apr 3rd 2008, 22:40
.....don't you just love the subtlety and finesse of the MLP.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 3rd 2008, 22:16
No, for all those hopefuls who believe that the MLP can ever change, I strongly suggest that they look elsewhere.
The very fact that there is a 'Vigilance and Disciplinary Board' speaks volumes in the MLP. The more so when you analyse who its members are.
And as regards those criticising Dr Abela for going against the so-called 'Party rules', well ... how can one follow rules which are illogical and insensible? Rules which, in themselves, are partly to blame for the unelectability of the Malta Labour Party?
Please, stop shooting yourselves in the foot, as ABC says. Help the party by being open, by being proactive, by being moderate and not by further closing yourselves up within your ranks and choosing someone who the Party is already on its way to anointing.
Dylan Falzon
Apr 3rd 2008, 21:57
Deja vu !!! Here we go again. Will Labour ever change? Congrats to the PN for the next election as they will surely win. Most of the country believes that with George Abela the MLP would surely win, except the Labour delegates who seem to think otherwise.
Francis Attard
Apr 3rd 2008, 21:54
Success isn't permanent, and failure isn't fatal.
Mike Ditka
Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.
Sir Winston Churchill
If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down but the staying down.
Mary Pickford
In politics you must always keep running with the pack. The moment that you falter and they sense that you are injured, the rest will turn on you like wolves.
R. A. Butler
Marco Brincat
Apr 3rd 2008, 21:41
MLP wants people like Tony Zarb, Joe Muscat, Joe Debono Grech, Anglu Farrugia who are ready to "fight" against the government's decisions by all means and NOT the more moderate, calm, cunning and open-minded people like Michael Falzon, George Abela etc.
So please all you day-dreamers out there stop dreaming that MLP will ever change and be a better party.
They have an identity problem and have sold their soul to their ever growing will for power.
It's a pity that we Maltese don't have other options than PN for national political stability.
John Bondin
Apr 3rd 2008, 21:41
Perhaps MLP should learn from the NP on how these elect their leaders. For example, remember how Eddie Fenech Adami was elected: they met secretly in a house to overthrow Gorg Borg Olivier and afterwards proclaimed him father of Independent Malta. Or how Gonzi was elected, by successive elimination of all the candidates, last but not least John Dalli!
Rose Farrugia
Apr 3rd 2008, 21:20
Well let's congratulate Joseph Muscat as the new MLP Leader. The executive is already biased against all the other, let alone George Abela. The MLP will NEVER change. Can't you see?
Claire Bonello
Apr 3rd 2008, 21:14
There is absolutely no reason for such a ridiculous order being given and cannot see what remit the electoral commission has for coming out with such an inane directive. It is placing certain candidates at a disadvantage and making the MLP appear to be a closed shop. All candidates should be able to comment to all fforms of media in order to make their platforms known to the delegates which will vote for them
Wistin Schembri
Apr 3rd 2008, 21:10
Dear MLP leadership,
Whom don't you trust? The Maltese people or the leadership hopefuls?
J.Spiteri
Apr 3rd 2008, 21:04
I cannot understand why the party is creating so many hurdles for George Abela to overcome to contest the Party Leader election. As a person who supports Dr.Abela's candidature, I am feeling betrayed by my own party as there are some individuals inside the headquarters who couldn't care less about the party's future but care only and exclusively about their own interests. Should Dr.Abela be forced not to submit his candidature, I personally would be finding it really hard to say this is the party I endorse. And believe me I am really sorry to say that!!
tony caruana
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:57
Same old Labour.. ......
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:51
Ok so we let Joseph muscat, Micheal Falzon and Evarist Bartolo speak to the press ( The Times, Bondi+, Xarabank and Maltatoday..) and then we close all the doors for the others to utter a word in public!!!................there are only 2 words to explain this : UNDEMOCRATIC AND SHAMEFUL !!! These ppl don't even trust Labourites like them and then they want malta to give them their trust...........truly pathetic and sad!!
Wistin Schembri
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:50
Dear MLP, please grow up.
Since 1987, I always voted PN except in 1996 when I didn't vote.
But for goodness sake. Malta needs a mature MLP.
I really cannot fathom why MLP keeps on behaving like this. Our country doesn't deserve such behaviour. MLP leaders, please respect your genuine supporters.
Don't copy Enver Hoxha, Jaruselesky, Honecker, Breshnev, Caucescu and the lot any longer.
martin saliba
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:49
Not even a month has passed since the PN won an election that the MLP should never have lost. However it seems that the PN is already on its way to a record consecutive win in the next elections. The MLP seems bent backwards to irritate and distract its supporters let alone any undecided voter. I, at least don't want to be any part of the disgusting ways they try to shut good people up. " Bidu Gdid " My foot!!!!
Suzanne Buttigieg
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:46
Dear Mr. David Gatt
That is exactly what is wrong with the MLP! Valid people are trying to lead you in the right direction but since MLP cannot see the right path, they consider suggestions as threats or sabotage. Perhaps George Abela was right all the time? If Dr. Abela is not allowed to contest, may I invite delegates to write his name on the ballot paper themselves, and vote for the most valid person in the MLP not to say in Malta.
Paul Vella
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:35
Why couldn't George Abela stick to the rules of the game. First he wanted them changed now he's protesting because the Party's electoral commission is trying to organise a level playing field for all candidates vis-a-vis their contacts with the press. If he had enough courage to face the party delegates with the rules as they are today, he could have easily been the first one to "officially declare" his candidacy and he could have taken all the press exposure that the other candidates have taken by taking the plunge and declaring their candidacy. What is he waiting for? By declaring his candidacy, and not just his intention, he would force the MLP to declare whether he is eligible to contest or not according to the statute of the party.
ivan camilleri
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:33
I have nothin more to say......everyone down here expressed my same feelings......
It's a shame that labour never changes its attitude!!
Moreover an insult to its true good-souled members.....appalling would be the word!!
Mario Bonnici
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:29
I always wanted people like George Abela back in the MLP. But he is disappointing me. How can he expect to lead a party which he criticises all the time?!
Please Dr.Abela, if you seriously want to be successful in this leadership contest, calm down a bit and if you have a complaint do it internally.
I still believe in you. But with your comments and criticism you are disappointing labour delegates and supporters.
JOHN SCERRI
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:24
All regulations governing political party procedures are entrenched in its current statute and can only be amended if discussed and approved by delegates in a general council meeting.
Procedures bypassing the statute give rise to assumptions of malicious intent.
If developments keep progressing as they are, I think that what I had suspected might happen to the party will in fact happen some time or other - THE SPLIT.
simon damato
Apr 3rd 2008, 20:15
I am a genuine labour supporter but I ABSOLUTELY CONDEMN THIS DIRECTIVE.SHAME ON WHO DECIDED. i agree with dr george abela. SHAME ON THE COMMISSION OR ADMINISTRATION.
Wayne Hewitt
Apr 3rd 2008, 19:44
Well Andrew, Jason Micallef was clear in Xarabank... he is already biased against George Abela
Malcolm Seychell
Apr 3rd 2008, 19:40
ABC is right.
After have the minority of votes from 1981 till today with the exception of 1996, MLP haven't learnt anything.
The board of vigilance, should have investigated and kicked out Jason Micallef after his comments on George Abela on Xarabank
Those aiming for the leadership should be able to speak to the press. The only TV station were equal time should be given to each potential candidate is One TV.
Shame again on MLP. Even in opposition for 20 years, they manage to make headline news
Michael Griscti
Apr 3rd 2008, 19:38
Absolutely typical of the MLP....will they ever learn.
Seems to me that the saying..'Fuq tlieta toqghod il-borma" might actually have to be changed in 5 years time !
C. Attard
Apr 3rd 2008, 19:31
all contestors for mlp leadership are valid and with a dose of charisma... however Dr.Abela seems that he never wants to obey the party laws. I like the way he talks and his moderate attitude however he wants always everything as he likes.
Renato J. Costigan
Apr 3rd 2008, 19:20
To whom it may concern
What is behind this this letter?
Has this been published with the scopeof helping someone?
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Apr 3rd 2008, 19:07
Is it just me, or is the MLP trying to shoot itself in its collective foot? And does anyone else get the impression that George Abela is being outflanked?
Adrian cardona
Apr 3rd 2008, 19:04
Typical Labour openness and transparency...first they let Joe Muscat, Varist etc hog the limelight in all the papers with double spread interviews, then they close ranks to prevent people like George Abela from making their views known...very very fair me thinks....
Edward Gatt
Apr 3rd 2008, 18:59
The spirit of Alfred Sant lives on.
N. Vassallo
Apr 3rd 2008, 18:52
Well i agree with the step taken by the commission.
I feel that it is about time that these candidates - one of whom will be the party leader - start to appear credible. One way of doing it is to avoid this bickering and criticism on each other.
If one wants the party to be seen as credible, any undercurrents should remain hidden and dealt with within the party away from the public eye.
David Gatt
Apr 3rd 2008, 18:34
How can George Abela expect to lead a party which he likes nothing about and which he declared that for him it stands after GWU in his interests? Maybe Dr Abela should opt to lead another party. AD has that kind of vacancy too, and even AN if I'm not mistaken. Or else he could run for PN General Secretary.