Hamilton's deal

Norman Hamilton (April 10) accused Xarabank and the undersigned that on top of our agenda is the need to show our preference for particular persons to form the new MLP leadership. We would appreciate if Mr Hamilton actually reveals the identity of these persons whom we are allegedly helping out. Moreover, he should also point out in what way Xarabank is helping them!

Mr Hamilton wrote that we are discussing this topic ad nauseam. It could be the case that Mr Hamilton is very busy on Friday evenings and consequently he isn't even aware that Xarabank never ever discussed the MLP leadership as a topic by itself. That we will be discussing it in due time is a given. To date, the only programme which referred to the MLP leadership contest was the programme analysing the electoral verdict. Incidentally, this programme had been planned prior to the election and its subsequent result. Moreover, all parties, including the MLP, were invited prior to the voting day. So, whatever the result, Xarabank was going to discuss the electoral verdict.

Incidentally, Mr Hamilton failed to notice that the allegation regarding the buying of votes by the PN was actually aired for the first time during that same programme. On the day, Joe Saliba was asked why so many former PN ministers were not reappointed and the issue of their being informed by SMS for their non-inclusion in the Cabinet was also brought up. Is this proof enough that Xarabank discusses all topics of public interest across the board?

Why is Mr Hamilton making all this fuss, especially at this point in time? Why didn't he advise the MLP to protest with the Broadcasting Authority about what he refers to as Xarabank's "bias"? Mr Hamilton knows that in 11 years Xarabank was never found guilty of imbalance or of lack of impartiality. He knows that Xarabank never lost a libel case. On the other hand, as Mr Hamilton knows too well, both Where's Everybody? as a company and myself as an individual did win a libel against the MLP!

Ironically, it was not the undersigned who showed his preference towards any MLP leadership contender. But, surprise, surprise, in Xarabank there was Jason Micallef who blatantly rejected George Abela's candidature on the spot! That same Mr Micallef who, like Mr Hamilton, loves to identify the MLP's malaise in Where's Everybody? Now, how's that for looking into one's own backyard?

By the way, Mr Micallef hasn't yet accepted my challenge for a televised debate on the matter. Maybe, Mr Hamilton would like to join Mr Micallef in this debate? Alternatively he could offer to host the much coveted event on Bla Aġenda. I'm greatly looking forward to that. Deal?