Louis Galea to be nominated Speaker
Former minister Louis Galea is to be nominated Speaker when the new session of Parliament opens on Saturday, the Prime Minister has announced.
Dr Galea will serve for at least two months until the post is discussed with the new leader of the opposition after the MLP leadership election. The government has invited the opposition to nominate one of its MPs as Speaker, subject to a pairing agreement. Dr Gonzi said that should no agreement be reached in those talks, Dr Galea will remain in the Chair for the legislature. He was, however, prepared to step down if agreement was reached.
Dr Gonzi said the government was prepared to see Labour MP Carmelo Abela retain his post as Deputy Speaker for these two months but it would expect him to step down if no agreement was reached by that time on pairing, since the appointment of an Opposition MP as Deputy Speaker was always linked to a pairing agreement.
The opposition has said that for the coming two months it will consider pairing on a case by case basis. Pairing is an arrangement whereby opposition MPs are 'paired' to government MPs and will not vote in the House if the government MPs are away on official business.
Dr Galea was an MP from 1976 until the last elections, when he was surprisingly not returned.
He was a minister in all Nationalist governments since 1987, holding the portfolios of social policy, home affairs and more recently, education.
Dr Galea was an active member of the student movement in his university days and headed the PN youth movement before serving as party general secretary between 1977 and 1987, where he distinguished himself for his organisational skills.
Dr Galea succeeds Anton Tabone, who served as Speaker for two terms.
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Albert gauci Cunningham
May 7th 2008, 18:50
..........between 1998 the PN stopped the pairing agreement because the MLP govt. wanted to take a vote even though the Leader of Opposition was very unwell..........before repeating what you've heard Mr.Marsh check your facts.........thats what your Pary did when Eddie was sick................when Dr.Sant was sick! Anyone who uttered his name was considered a ruthless, evil being!!!! double standards and crass hypocrisy!!!!!!!
charles marsh
May 7th 2008, 16:38
@ Wistin Schembri at least we are not the liars Party.
And by the way if you have short memory just ask somebody to remind you what PN did between 1996-1998 when labour had a majority of nearly 8000 votes but only one seat more in parlament
Albert Gauci Cunningham
May 6th 2008, 20:17
NIKITA ZAMMIT ALAMNGO-------Who gave you the authority and the political insight to decide for those who didn't vote and say they voted MLP.......if this is what young Labour supporters think then no doubt the Labour Party in Malta is suffering from a chronic illness called ARROGANCE and the problem is of gargantuan proportions..........those who did not vote did just that and they showed their disdain towards both the PN and the MLP.........any argument to the contrary is a shameful act of typical spin from "spin masters" who have forgotten that they're writing on The Times and think they're on "tajjeb li tkun Taf" on One radio!!!!!!.......................The PN got the relative majority of the votes in the last election and it is a completely legitimate govt....its a pity that ppl who should know better are left to be led by their noses as they did when they went celebrating on the 9th of march only to be returned home in total embarrassment.......but Nikita and those of her ilk soldier on hoping their dear Joseph would topple the Government down.........that's how much these people have changed!! That's how much they want to become the "natural Party of Govt." ---by basking and waiting in glee for the day when some MP would topple the PN down in a drama similar to that in birgu!!!.....this Party cannot start afresh itself let alone how much it would have given a Bidu Gdid to our nation!!!....coming to think of it Thank Goodness they lost!!!!!!!!!
Michael Attard
May 6th 2008, 13:51
I think that both MLP and PN supporters are making a big confusion about the percentages at the last election.
51% did not vote for Labour, and they did not vote for PN either. The majority of the population is currently not represented by the party governing the island. It is neither represented in the party serving as opposition. Since in Malta, God forbid we should come with a solution similar to what is in force in Germany right now (both the big parties share the government), we have a situation where effectively the minority is ruling. This doesn't mean that the majority chose MLP. It means that the majority did not chose PN, and PN has an obligation also the majority of the population.
We should stop this discussion from descending into vile partisan banalities, "mine is better than yours".
Wistin Schembri
May 6th 2008, 10:53
@Charles J Buttigieg
Thank you for your lessons about the constitution (Karta tal-Incova?) and discrimination.
@ Charles Marsh
That's the spirit...Tell PN "don't you dare ask for co-operation"...keep on being the "NO" party.
steve busuttil
May 6th 2008, 10:26
It is very strange how some people have a selective memory! Do these Labour supporters really believe that 51% voted for a party and is not represented or are they confusing the result with 1981? Or are they doing the same mathematics Alfred Sant did after the EU Referendum?
While there are issues i am not happy with, the PN government has always worked for the people and taking us into Europe is their biggest triumph. Labour have complained and played the NO game going as far as to committing political suicide in 1996 by calling an election that clearly showed Malta did not want an MLP government.
Sort out your house, elect a respectable leader then maybe you will get your turn to govern this country and in the process give voters the alternative government that Malta deserves. In the meantime stop these sour grapes!
charles marsh
May 6th 2008, 09:52
OK Gonzi has the right to appoint anyone he wants as Speaker but he should not pretend and should not have any pairing from the opposition. In his heart Gonzi and the PN know that this election was not won but stolen so now don't you dare ask for cooperation from the opposition.
And please all of you die hard PN supporters don't mention 1996 as you used all resources so that labour could not govern. Now it's our turn!!!
Wistin Schembri
May 6th 2008, 09:17
@Ronnie Pellegrini
It is amusing (and terrifying) that you call Dr Gonzi's offer for an MLP-nominated speaker arrogance. It is very rich coming from you and your background.
@ Paul Vella
Please carry out your research well. In 1996 PN in opposition accepted a pairing agreement with a PN deputy speaker (Michael Bonnici) while the speaker was MLP (Myriam Spiteri Debono). Now Dr Gonzi is arrogant enough (ask Ronnie Pellegrini) to propose an MLP speaker.
As I did with others (who opted for silence), I challenge you to discover what happened 1997 and publish it. You will find a best practice case of arrogance. It will make MLP blush.
Michael Attard
May 6th 2008, 09:13
This has nothing to do with who has won and whatnot! It is a simple case of adopting two measures. For MLP to have the post, the MLP has to relinquish an MP. For PN to have the post, and NON-MP is brought in, effectively adding a vote to the government in power.
Are we going to contest that point also now ?
Francis Attard
May 6th 2008, 09:10
I, like many others, do not care whoever gets the salary as a speaker of the house of representatives as long as I haven't any chance to be considered for the job. Being Peppu tal-blu or being Karmnu tal-ahmar, for me doesn't make any difference, I will not be getting a part of his salary, anyway. When are we going to grow up in this country?
D. Micallef
May 6th 2008, 08:56
H.Farrugia... the Government for Labourites issue... i think it was settled long time ago when even the PM admitted to adding the word ONLY to spin the statement.
regards the speaker, i expected the government to practice what it preached, and appoint one of it's MPs as speaker. So many frustrated ex-ministers, they would have been spoilt for choice.
Claude Camilleri
May 6th 2008, 08:25
I would have thought that the passing away of the much-loved Sir Anthony Mamo, recognised by everyone as a true symbol of national unity, would have inspired our leaders, when considering persons for national posts, to appoint persons who are apolitical and who are perceived by 100% of the Maltese as being a good choice to foster unity amongst all Maltese. It's a historical fact that no Prime Minister has ever managed to emulate the much-maligned Dom Mintoff in this respect and had the courage and good sense to look beyond party interests when making these top appointments.
David Magro
May 6th 2008, 08:24
PayBack dating back to 1980`s ! Its like watching "Trading Places" Dan Akroyd and Eddie Murphy.
victor battistino
May 6th 2008, 08:15
Well...anyone thinks that Gov't is stupid enough to jeopardise the one seat majority...I have been praying that all these pro-MLP bloggers grow up and realise that 2008 is not in the by-gone 80's...there is more freedom for media, there is more freedom of speech.....and yes, Parliament is a much more reformed institution thanks to Dr.Gonzi who has performed one of his first 'national' reforms during his successful tenure as Speaker !!! What now Labour ? Louis Galea comes with 32 years experience......nobody can take away the reforms this gentleman undertook........the Courts, the ETC, the FTS.......so on and so forth.....Labour - just sit tight and watch our country doing its merited progress !!!
Charles J Buttigieg
May 6th 2008, 08:04
Wistin Schembri is conveniently missing the point like some other Gonzipners do when beaten on grounds of logic. It's not about an elected Government nominating one of its own for the chair,that is acceptable in all democracies. It is about setting a condition on a Labour nominee which does not apply to a PN nominee. Outside parliament a thing like that goes against the constitution,discrimination due to political belief,as simple as ABC.
H. Farrugia
May 6th 2008, 07:37
The sheer arrogance of the MLP supporters is unlimited. Who said that Labour Government will be a government for the Labourites?????? (Jason MIcallef) And that all the people who will administer the country HAVE BEEN CHOSEN prior to the election date? . So let them grumble as much as they like, while the Government works for the national interest. 15 years in Opposition! Always NO, NO. It gives me the creeps.
J Abela
May 6th 2008, 06:05
So there you have it. Doesn't this feel like deja vu..... the arrogance of the 1981-1987 MLP administration (minus the violence): PFP, and now this.
But I have to give it to GonziPN: it's true: flimkien kollox huwa possibli. As long as you are part of that circle making up the flimkien! How about that for an inclusive style of governance?
These actions are either being taken out of sheer panic due to the wafer thin majority, or else are well and truly arrogant.
With the right leader, Labour needn't worry too much (as long as play their strategic cards right) - looks like this legislature is going to be a right shambles and parliament hasn't started meeting yet.
Ronnie Pellegrini
May 6th 2008, 05:21
Arrogance at its best. THis is not a surprise.
Mark Pisani
May 6th 2008, 03:26
What do the MLP supporters expect? PN has the bargaining power as THEY WON THE ELECTIONS - therefore, the PN will do what suits it best. Why should PN be charitable towards the MLP - regardless of the pitiful state they are in? Would MLP choose a nationalist speaker or president?
It is incredible that you guys cannot get over these simple facts! What comforts me is that your arrogance stems from your utter bitterness for losing - yet again.
edgar gatt
May 6th 2008, 01:02
Yes Nikita the super maths expert, 51% voted against the PN and you know what the PN is going to govern for the next 5 years. And do you want to know more. If Joe Muscat ,sorry DR. Muscat is elected leader, the PN shall be there for 10years not 5 years
Christina Borg
May 6th 2008, 00:07
05/05/2008
Well done PM Gonzi for having the courage to accept Alfred Sant’s proposal, and for finding a good soul like Dr. Louis Galea who is ready to accept the responsibility of Speaker of the House for an initial temporary period of two months or until MLP get their act together.
Imagine that … Dr. Louis Galea is humble enough to accept the post of Speaker of the House knowing fairly well that in two months time an MLP new leader might realise that PM Gonzi’s offer concerns one of the most prestigious public offices in our country and accepts the offer.
MLP now has no more excuses on this issue given that their ‘temporary solution proposal’ has been accepted. Let us now wait for the 5 June 2008, or maybe a few weeks after the MLP Leader election, for a sign of hope for a new MLP.
Hubert Zammit
May 5th 2008, 23:14
Labour represents Labour and that's it. If 51% of the population wanted Labour to represent them in Parliament they would have voted Labour. I know how to do my maths and I did see the results. And the results said that Labour got 48.9% of the votes, not 51%. So if 50.7% did not want a PN government, 51.1% did not want a Labour government. So please fellow Labourities, stop trying to represent even those 2% who voted either AD or AN or invalidated their vote.
Noel Barry
May 5th 2008, 22:39
You labourites do not surprise me at all. You lost a record of elections and still you want to govern and dictate from the opposition. Tell me please. Who was it who said that a labour goverment would be only for Il-Laburisti biss? Was it Gonzi. No I dont think so. We governed for 5 years with a 1 seat majority and we will do so again. So please be patient. Maybe your turn will come in 5 years time.
Martin Camilleri
May 5th 2008, 22:27
Another arrogant move by Dr Gonzi in just eight weeks from the March election. It is the way how we do new politics? It is this way of being PM of all the Maltese people? Since then he has done nothing to prove his words.
Vella Paul
May 5th 2008, 22:06
C Serri - got the point; So if we have to follow history, the way you are doing, then Dr Gonzi shouldn't expect Pairing, as PN in opposition never agreed to this.
Matthew Caruana
May 5th 2008, 22:05
I was one who commented about appointing insiders, or clear pro PN people, for governmental roles, such as Gordon Pisani. However I feel that in this case, PM Gonzi is right to give Dr. Galea such an important role. I think, he deserves such honour. This time it has nothing to do with blue eyed boys or whatever you want to call it. One should criticise what is done wrong and praise what is done with integrity
It was a pity that Dr.Galea was not elected this election. I will also be in favour if he is nominated for President. He is a man of integrity and respect, and who did serve the whole nation.
Victoria Grech
May 5th 2008, 21:59
There go the piano lessons!
Wistin Schembri
May 5th 2008, 21:55
@Borg, Micallef, Butigieg and Fenech,
Are you aware what happened in 1996?
MLP Government appointed Not Myriam Spiteri Debono( MLP, not MP) as speaker while the PN Opposition accepted a pairing agreement. True or not? So how do you explain your current reaction?
Please don't keep on confirming that MLP is the "No" party.
Galea James
May 5th 2008, 21:49
How come it is ok for PN to choose a speaker who is not an MP, but not MLP? I mean, does Gonzi think so lowly of the opposition, to treat them this way? and if so, MLP should react by saying no to pairing - that is it.
After all between 1996 and 98 PN said no to pairing... so MLP would only follow their exmaple, nothing more nothing less.
Maria Pace
May 5th 2008, 21:49
This is so not surprising!!...everyone gets his turn in one way or another just as long as you're blue-eyed.
Nikita Zammit Alamango
May 5th 2008, 21:46
Yes Hubert, the MLP does represent 51% - if you re able to do some maths u realise that the opposition represents all the ppl that did not vote for PN. The result is 51% .
And as for Mr Galea... not so much of a surprise. Good point R. Borg
PSammut
May 5th 2008, 21:31
Hubert, you are right 51% did not vote labour but 51% voted against the PN. Go back to the election results and do some counting. I am not surpised at this decision. Gonzi said he will be the PM of all Maltese people but so far he has done nothing to prove his words.
J.Azzopardi
May 5th 2008, 21:26
I suggest that Mr. Abela will not accept the Deputy Speaker post and IF AN AGREEMENT is reached when the new Leader of Opposition takes Office, the matter will be reconsidered. Meanwhile carrots by the Govt. should be refused outright. Dr. Galea has had the biggest whitewash in his political career and the Office of Speaker is just one step away from another more respected Office in the near future.
However the electors refused to re elect him, but this 'Govt for the boys' does not in any way take note of the message by the voters who gave Galea a whipping. Labour should not forget the hard time it was given when in Office and the withdrawal of the pairing agreement when it suited the PN. Tit for tat, men.
C. Scerri
May 5th 2008, 20:51
What colour are these boys (and girls) - maybe red!!!
Emmanuel Attard Bezzina June, 1971 - September, 1976
Nestu Laiviera September, 1976 - January, 1978
Kalċidon Agius January, 1978 - February, 1982
Daniel Micallef February, 1982 - July, 1986
Paul Xuereb July, 1986 - February, 1987
Joseph M. Baldacchino February, 1987 - May, 1987
Myriam Spiteri Debono October, 1996 - August, 1998
r borg
May 5th 2008, 20:02
Jobs for the boys is the order of the "new" goverment in the highest institution. Gonzi does not surprise me.
Hubert Zammit
May 5th 2008, 19:51
Just a small note. Why do labour supporters talk as if they represent 51% of the electorate? Its not like 51% of the electorate voted Labour.
Joseph S. Micallef
May 5th 2008, 19:28
You can all rest assured that the back-scratching will go on and on. It was always part of the PN culture and always will be. So all you other ex-Ministers. ex-PSs, ex-MPs, persons about to resign (that's you Joe Saliba), persons they want to resign (that's you JPO ) just wait a few weeks - your turn will soon come. As for all you others Maltese citizens who are not members of this super race of blue-eyed boys, you can just lump it. For the next 5 years at least.
Charles J Buttigieg
May 5th 2008, 18:56
Perhaps the Prime Minister may find a way to explain to us why the nomination for a speaker from the side of the opposition carried with it the condition that the speaker had to be an elected member whereas if chosen by his side somebody from outside the House will be acceptable. Are Labourites children of a lesser God or is it just sheer arrogance and\or abuse of power? 51% of the Maltese voters would like to have a response.
Maria Dolores Fenech
May 5th 2008, 18:41
Dr Louis Galea is a gentleman suitable for the job. Good choice. But I thought that the government was going to appoint a speaker from one of its MPs just like he wanted MLP to do!! So, if no pairing, no labourite deputy-speaker! Is this the way how the PM is going to treat the MLP?