Update 2: Muscat takes George Abela to the stage in Labour EGM

saviour cachia

Jun 15th 2008, 01:08

@V. Cauchi
Hope by now you are aware of the news item carried by last Saturday's Malta Star, titled: 'All labour leader candidates agree to support Joseph Muscat'. It says all and does honour to Joseph , George, Michael, Evarist and Marie-Louise, (and obviously all those who backed them in the leadership contest) for having kept their word and gave a clear sign that their common opponent is none other than Gonzipn. What was missed in 2008, I am confident will not fail in 2013. Dear Prime Minister, as Dr. Joseph Muscat said on winning the leadership, Labour means business and will drive in full gear towards Castille. Beware of failing to honour the pledges which helped the PN retain power. Different times are certainly ahead.
As on the eve of the election Gonzipn managed to heal the rifts (?) within the Nationalists Party, Labour can also. Dear prime minister in the best interest of Malta do not forget the film Annie get your gun. Anything you can do, Labour can do better. In the coming years Labour will become the natural party and government of the Maltese and Gozitan electorate.

Denis Catania

Jun 14th 2008, 17:39

I want to congradulate Joesph Muscat for showing respect to the Great PM Dom Mintoff. This respect was over due. Me as a PN supporter he (JOSEPH)scares me. But as a Maltese he makes me proud he will make Malta a 2 party nation again.He seems that he will unify the party and not divide it. Which is not only good for MLP but for all Maltese. Now that my dad finally seen Italy win the world cup again, all he needs is to see JOSEPH become PM.Then my dad would consider his life complete. Worst thing for a nation is to see no shifts of power. For the Maltese people sake GOOD LUCK JOSEPH.

simon zammit

Jun 14th 2008, 14:38

TO ALL PN SUPPORTERS.....I THINK YOU DIDNT READTHE ARTICLE BY YOUR COLLEGUE DAVID CASA!!!!. SO IF NO PLS DO IT!!!. THIS WEEK IT WAS AND THEN COMMENT!! HE WROTE AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE ABOUT JOSEPH MUSCAT SO YOURE ALL POLITICALLY PARTISAN MORE THEN DAVID SURE. GD LUCK JOSEPH GEORGE ABELA. YOU SHOW MATURITY AND I KNOW THAT WHAT YOUVE DONE IS APPRECIATED BY THE MODERATES FLOATERS AND ALL THAT WANT TO SEE THIS COUNTRY UNITED.

a.dalli

Jun 14th 2008, 11:51

This is an awesome sight............

Ian Azzopardi

Jun 14th 2008, 10:34

What I like about Joey Muscat is that he apologised for the violence of the 80s. All the previous labour leaders denied such a thing and even worse said that they were a result of provocation and / or being actually done by PN people to make it sound like MLP was doing it. With Joey's apology he has showed to all and sundry that the MLP leaders and supporters were lying. He basically called you MLP supporters liers and apologised in your stead. Joey's PN past made he realise that the MLP supporters can't go on with this lie and made amends for it. Effectively vilifying you

P.J. Mifsud

Jun 14th 2008, 10:03

@ M Darmanin

Your quote - "What makes Joseph Muscat so strange? Is it because the Labour Party decides to make leaders out of ordinary people?"

Answer - You're mistaken again. Leaders must be EXTRAordinary people. Ordinary people are common riffraff who have no sense of leadership, let alone to be appointed leaders of the Opposition in the hope of becoming Prime Ministers in future.

David Gatt

Jun 13th 2008, 23:59

@Albert Gauci Cunningham

If I were such a hardcore PN supporter like yourself I would still be enjoying my party's win. Instead you seem to be worried, and unfulfilled. What is the reason?

dominic zammit

Jun 13th 2008, 22:46

Dear Albert Gauci Cunnigham, I still say it was a''tkaxkira''..... While MLP has gained 5 seats in parliament, PN could not manage to reach the 50% + 1! After all, MLP has chosen a promising leader and he is Dr. Joseph Muscat; my man. Finally, John Dalli and Austin Gatt are sharing the power if not dictating Dr. Gonzi ..... how about that as a '' tkaxkira''.

One more thing Mr. Gauci... When PN threw mud on me it back fired on them .... the usual PN policy ....''terinata'

P.J. Mifsud

Jun 13th 2008, 22:22

@ M Darmanin

One does not attain credibility according to the number of votes garnered. Alfred Sant gained more than 34,000 votes but lost three successive elections because his policies weren't considered credible. Were JM's backers aware that he was a confirmed Euro-sceptic who criticised and undermined NP plans to achieve EU membership? Did they realise that the Partnership plans for Malta favoured by Alfred Sant and his puppet JM were turned down by the majority of voters in the 2003 Referendum and General Elections? Do you know that Muscat refuses to admit that the MLP lost the referendum? Did they realise that JM was an opportunist who owed his popularity to the vitriolically anti-EU TV programme he conducted (Made in Brussels) which ridiculed an institution to which, later on, he would boast of having been elected to?
By what criteria can JM be evaluated a successful MEP? Just because Schulz said so in order to give JM a helping hand to win the leadership race to the detriment of the other contenders? If this is the criteria you use for evaluating JM's credibility, I'm afraid that you're grossly and foolishly mistaken!!

martin portelli

Jun 13th 2008, 19:50

YES interesting spin to convince the politically naive. What George Abela seems to be pointing out is for delegates to remember that Joseph Muscat is their chosen leader. Standing ovations from past history are nothing to go by. Not good enough but can't do with out him is it `? The new leader is big on photo ops it seems. Hope Joseph Muscat keeps in mind that reconciliation isn't about photo ops for the sake personal political gain. Can't see George Vella getting misty eyed about this. Might see him hug George and Mintoff for the good of Joseph Muscat maybe. Now that will be something worth seeing ! Must congratulate the man for admitting (on Charlon Gouder’s ‘vici versa’ )that Joseph Muscat should keep in mind that policies sometimes have to be changed because they're incongruent with what the electorate wants. Pity he didn't offer the same advice to Alfred Sant in 1998 and 2003. ( Seems Dr. Vella is the most committed Euro-convert now) Wonders never cease.

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Jun 13th 2008, 16:53

DOMENIC ZAMMIT-----Are you the same one who used to tell me what a "tkaxkira" the PN are bound to get??? ...........I dont need to swallow anything dear Dominic If G.Abela has really been rehabilitated back in the MLP good luck to him....but last time I heard Abela talking he wasn't very "friendly" and clearly said that the Leadership race was not clean and fair............................you should know how valuable hugs and kisses are............

..........................you got a-lot of hugs and kisses from the MLP but when push came to shove they gave you their back..........when you needed them they took you for a ride..........when the PN vilified you, where was the MLP???...........hugging and kissing somebody else probably!!!

hallina Dumink!!!!!!!!..............

M. Darmanin

Jun 13th 2008, 16:01

@Daphne

Joseph Muscat has no credibility? Gaining more than 34,000 first count votes and being a successful MEP for Malta, has not given him a slight credibility? So, can you please help me to establish the criteria for being credible?

And again what makes Joseph Muscat so strange? Is it because the Labour party decides to make leaders out of ordinary people?

V. Cauchi

Jun 13th 2008, 16:00

@ Saviour Cachia
Let's not rush. There is no Joseph and George tandem.

Joseph won the leadership election and Geroge, like the true gentleman he is seems to be ready to offer his valuable services to the Labour Party and its leader Joseph Muscat. The leadership issue wil be settled to-night with the elction of the two deputy leaders.

You wrote " If Joseph really takes George on board, am confident that those of us who backed George for leader will give our share to see the party back in power. But we are expecting concrete moves from Jospeh regarding George, moves that respects the potentially that the former deputy leader can offer to the party"

I cannot beleive that you are really pledging your support to a Labour electoral win with such an arrogant and senseless pre-condition

P.J. Mifsud

Jun 13th 2008, 15:16

@ Dominic Zammit

Referring to the above photo you deduced that George Abela is pointing (obviously his finger, no need to say that) at Joseph Muscat and saying "you're (not your) the man ".
Well, he might as well be saying " here's the bloke who'll lead you to a fourth electoral defeat! "

Ian Sammut Dacoutros

Jun 13th 2008, 15:11

@ V. Cauchi

Dear Mr. Cauchi this isn't a healing process started by JM and the MLP it is an advertisement for us all to watch the television program with the Purple Dino there is an MLP remix for the song - 'I love you, you love me, lets all hug 'n rebuild the MLP' contact me for full lyrics.

It is loosing the funny factor now and actually getting serious; JM is literally riding the wave of the sorry leader who just wants to get along with everyone. The greatest majority of the speeches I have heard from this guy all repeat the same thing about how great the MLP was in the past and how he wants to make love not war within the party - this is going to be our Prime Minister in 5 years - Dear God I hope not!

Francis Attard

Jun 13th 2008, 13:01

I cannot imagine how he did it but he did it. Joseph Muscat is perfoming miracles. He is fabulous, great, marvelous, unique, wonderful, superb and whatsoever. He is a luxury for this small country of ours. And it's only the begining!!!
I dare say that, losing the election was highly beneficial to the Malta Labour Party.

V. Cauchi

Jun 13th 2008, 11:52

@ Daphne Caruana Galizia

I feel that Labour's healing process initiated by Joseph Muscat is too hard for you to stomach.. Brace yourself Madam there is more to come!

P.J. Mifsud

Jun 13th 2008, 11:47

@ Shirley Attard

" Divided party ? Who's the author of this fiction? We are a united party "
Haven't you heard about Joe Debono Grech's and his daughter Joan Borg's resignations from the MLP? Wake up!!

saviour cachia

Jun 13th 2008, 11:41

@ David Magro
I agree 100 per cent. With Joseph and George tandem, the MLP can easily put the ball into the Nationalist Party court and the MLP for 2013 and can rebuild the majority it enjoyed previous to the 1996 general elections.
If Joseph really takes George on board, am confident that those of us who backed George for leader will give our share to see the party back in power. But we are expecting concrete moves from Jospeh regarding George, moves that respects the potentially that the former deputy leader can offer to the party.
We do not intend to form any clique, but stress that our views are not ignored as George after all had proved he enjoys support too from the electorate and delegates. Well done for Joseph to emerge winner, and the intelligent moves he did in his first week as leader. Heavy pruning has still to be done to get the MLP back in shape. Yes the MLP should be the party of moderates and progressive, but it is wise to take notice of George's advice to make the MLP , the electorate natural choice.

Alfred Grima

Jun 13th 2008, 11:35

Dear Daphne Caruana Galizia, the last person that can talk about credibility is you.Please do us a favour and give us a break.

Roberto Vella

Jun 13th 2008, 10:22

It is strange how some readers and bloggers insist on Dr George Abela as being a very valid person and a great asset to the Labour Party. It is strange as apparently this positive assessment retains its validity for as long as he remains out of the party's fold. Now that he is slowly showing up at Labour HQ more often and is being warmly received...well...his strong character seems to have vanished in thin air and the person who once was credible, mature etc etc etc is now, by the same warped logic mentioned earlier, nothing more than a puppet who is willing to let himself be manipulated for the benefit of others. Now either certain people want to denigrate the Labour party at all costs or else these same people made a very wrong assessment of Dr George Abela to start with.

Dr. George Abela was and still is a gentlemen and a political figure of high standing. His involvement, albeit as of now still minimal, within the labour party should be welcomed and encouraged. The Labour party no doubt needs more of his involvement and more of Joseph Muscat's vision and enthusiasm.

Dominic Zammit

Jun 13th 2008, 10:08

Swallow this Mr Albert Gauci and Co, if you take a look at the photo you can see your answer Dr George Abela is pointing his finger towards Dr Joseph Muscat and he is saying your the man.Well done Dr Joseph Muscat your the man

Vincent Marmara

Jun 13th 2008, 08:28

Well Done Joseph and well done George, this is a very good sign for the Labour party. We are really showing that we are uniting more and more together. This first week was great for Joseph, great start.

This move has noting to criticize about it, all people that are critisizing, I can't say anything else then they are simply jealous about such a move.

Joe Galea

Jun 13th 2008, 08:27

@DCG I think your Gonzi was a strange choice chosen by the strange PN delegates (of whom 6% didn't vote for him).

@Peter Portelli, it is the end of your PN's government arrogance.

Let me remind you all, that Gonzi won the elections by a wafer thin majority and he succeeded because the MLP screwed up in the electoral campaign...clear and simple. So Gonzi is no God after all, he is just lucky. After the elections he is already screing up all of us with his decisions and broken promises.

I think all those trying to spin lies and doubts are surely all those diehards PN's who are seeing their Party's future being glared more and more as days pass by. Well done JM you are the first true politician in Malta. Embrace all the valid people and let them work with you forming a solid rock party with a very bright future.

Francis Attard

Jun 13th 2008, 07:44

I presume that Joseph Muscat promised George Abela, secretly, that he is going to get rid of Jason Micallef for good.

David Magro

Jun 13th 2008, 06:30

The Winning Team.
Joseph & George....PN beware !

Pauline Barbara

Jun 13th 2008, 02:03

@ Steve Grech

As you said Joseph Muscat has only been Leader of the Labour Party for a week - but he is already having an effect on the political scene, envisaging changes that once they are in effect will bear fruit. We are not glorifying him but commending him for the positive impact he has had so far on - on a party that isn't totally broken but lets say we have quiet a few bandages covering wounds that need to be healed.

Initially I must admit I was sceptical about Joseph's credentials, but he has proved me wrong big time. He has shown me that he has ambition, charisma, understanding, modesty, he has managed to stay positive despite the hurdles - every new leader gets a honeymoon period but Joseph Muscat despite not being afforded this leisure is coming up trumps.

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Jun 13th 2008, 01:55

Muscat is hoping a little bit of Abela's credibility will rub off on him, because he certainly hasn't any himself. After all, if it worked for Sant in 1996, it might just work for him. And Abela is condemned to a political life of lending credibility to strange men who became leaders because of the strange inclinations of party delegates.

Stephen Abela

Jun 13th 2008, 01:21

Well done to Joseph and George . You really impressed me today ! Thats what I call being inclusive . Now Joseph has to find the right words and actions to get back Michael Falzon .
I am sure he can do it ! Good luck once again Joseph ! You re being super !

Jennifer Cosaitis

Jun 13th 2008, 00:43

It does seem like someone's is trying too hard...

Shirley Attard

Jun 12th 2008, 23:43

Divided party? Who's the author of this fiction? That's only what PN supporters are trying to lead their "merhla" to believe.

We are a united party.

Why don't we appreciate the effort JM is making right now, barely he stepped in as a leader he's constantly on TV, Bondi+, Dissett, Xarabank... And this is just the opposition leader after all. I think such programs would be doing a greater service to the public were they to invite the current PM and question him about the PN promises that haven't yet been fulfilled these past 20 years. Or question him on other topics which were omitted from pre-election propaganda, like reducing the income tax bands (without the reduction of benefits not mentioned in propaganda-pre-election-talk), like the abrupt decision to remove financial support for people who decided to buy solar-heated water-heaters/appliances for the sake of our environment, like the removal of the aiding scheme to rebuild old wooden balconies to help preserve the character of our villages, like the abrupt removal of the incentive given to young 'married' couples to purchase their own property before the general elections of March 2008........ and so on and so forth...

V. Cauchi

Jun 12th 2008, 23:35

This is the stuff a new way of doing poltics is made of. No hard feelings and a genuine love for the Labour Party by gentlemen who do honour to the word.

There ar not enough words of praise for Joseph Muscat and George Abela - and also Marie Louise Coleiro Preca for her joint statement of yesterday with Joseph Muscat - for thier demonstration of unity in the interests of a stronger and a winning Labour Party.

The Only way is Up takes a real meaning after to-day's events

Charles DeMicoli

Jun 12th 2008, 23:19

Joseph, you're the Man. It's about time someone came around to take Maltese politics out of the stone age.

michael zammit

Jun 12th 2008, 23:07

VIVA LABOUR.UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL and as we re unite we.ll be stronger than ever

Albert Farrugia

Jun 12th 2008, 22:53

@Steve Grech
A bit worried now aren't we? The PN is going to have to rethink totally its strategy now that the MLP means business! In a few days this Joseph has managed to instill in us once again that European socialism is back again in force! The power of what is happening in these days since last Friday will only be apparent in the months to come. See how the right choice was made? And a big PROSIT goes to Dr George Abela who was made to appear a bad loser on Bondi+. The cries of joy of delegates, which we could not hear on PBS, were a clear indication that George is needed in the MLP like water in the desert. And he is not back!

Joe Caruana

Jun 12th 2008, 22:45

@ Martin Saliba

It seems that you have been in power for over 20 years since Dr' Joseph Muscat was elected as the new MLP leader. (congrats to him). How can you say sour grapes to us PN supporters? Remember we are still in Government and we will be there for at least another 5 years, What are these sour grapes? Sour grapes are those people who go out carcading in the morning and cry in the evening!!!!!!!!!!

Noel Barry

Jun 12th 2008, 22:45

To David Gatt. Sad news for the MLP. Another 5 years in opposition. HAHAHAHAHA. We celebrate in goverment. You celebrate by electing new leaders. Bring them on so that we will add them to the list of your defeated leaders. Mintoff, KMB, Sant,. Who's next.

Louis Fenech

Jun 12th 2008, 22:27

well.....I had always been so critical of George Abela but I also have to acknowledge that this was a nice act of solidarity towards the new leader. And yes, (to be fair) I appreciated this.

well done both!

Maria Dolores Fenech

Jun 12th 2008, 21:56

Well done Dr Muscat. But I would also like to say well done to Dr Abela when he shook hands with Jason Micallef even after all the differences between them. Great job all of you. Those who supported Dr Abela should follow his example and accept Dr Muscat's invitation. Then this would surely be a winning team.

Charles Agius

Jun 12th 2008, 21:49

Well done Mr Muscat. Having George beside you will do wonders for the party. But to get elected to govern, you need credibility. Well this is going to be even harder to achieve!. You must now start moving the earth which holds so many "parassiti". Throw them in the the fire . You are young , but I very much doubt how daring. Shake "them" off their feet and clean up the party. Don't waste any time. No side jobs or attachments for these guys.

Joe Debono

Jun 12th 2008, 21:31

Everyone knows the story of David & Goliath? No more comments needed, guess you know how to read between the lines.

R. Dalli

Jun 12th 2008, 21:30

Bear Hug everyone, mwa mwa

David Gatt

Jun 12th 2008, 21:10

Well done JM and GA, we need you both onboard.

Sad news for PN, hahahaaa

Joe Grima

Jun 12th 2008, 20:52

A political coup if there ever was one. After all the rumours that George Abela would not cooperate with Joseph Muscat, here they are together with Joseph sharing centre stage with George Abela. The second building block in chronological order , but really the first in importance is set. The first building block was set on Sunday. Now here is the unifying block, fusing two great positive thinkers into one single political purpose. In tandem they alreadty represent a formidable force. And the team building has only just begun. Go for it guys.

JOHN SCERRI

Jun 12th 2008, 20:49

The message Dr.Muscat is trying to forward is RESPECT towards others and not just tolerance.

There is a great difference between respecting one's different opinion than just tolerating it.

How many bloggers from ALL political parties are ready to understand this?

Steve Grech

Jun 12th 2008, 20:39

So far Joseph has done little politics. What he is doing, i.e, trying to unite the party is something fundamental but there's nothing spectacular about it.

He's doing nothing special or out of this world, he's only trying to clean the mess his predssor left behind him.

So before you start glorifying Joseph and making a big fuss out of nothing remember that this is nothing, he is still laying his foundation. You can't overrate this man jsut because he's getting people behind him, because they're supposed to be there in the first place.

If you choose to glorify him just because of his first week in his position, you would be openly and implicitly admitting that the MLP is broken down and worn out.

J. Mifsud

Jun 12th 2008, 20:30

I would have been more pleased had Dr George Abela won the leadership contest, although I must admit that so far Joseph Muscat is living up to my expectations. I must congratulate the MLP delegates for not choosing Dr Michael Falzon because lately he has shown to one and all that he did not deserve the third placing, let alone lead the party. He definitely lacks leadership and he is a sore loser. I bet that in the next general elections his vote count will be diminished by a very good percentage. Well, I would not trust him with my vote.

And to Mr Joe Caruana : ......... grow up man and try to be your own man. Try to wash off some of your political brainwashing.............

john borg

Jun 12th 2008, 19:48

The MLP is still a divided party...ut so is the Government! It is so clear now that we have three governments administering this country: the Gonzi Government, the John Dalli Government (his criticism of the PN's electoral promises) and the Austin Gatt government.
Believe it or not, Lawrence Gonzi is facing huge problems, not only economically but even politically because he is unable to control John Dali's and Austin Gatt's actions!
This is one reason why Joe Muscat will surely end up a winner....more will follow!

M. Buhagiar

Jun 12th 2008, 19:42

This morning with Mr. Mintoff.
Now with George Abela.

Joseph Muscat - You are simly THE BEST

We are ALL behing you.
You are our PRIDE AND JOY .

Keep it up !!

martinsaliba

Jun 12th 2008, 19:40

@ Joe caruana & co.

It seems that its just sour grapes for all you PN fanatics.

P.Sammut

Jun 12th 2008, 19:39

Prosit Joe Muscat. I hope you manage to help this country get rid of the GonziPN incompetence and all the lies then said during their campaign.

We want fresh air.

Joseph Caruana

Jun 12th 2008, 19:33

the raw business isn't the cheers, nor the mass meeting..
but the changes that need to be done!

c.busuttil

Jun 12th 2008, 19:29

He is teaching us all a lesson. He is showing us the only way to arrive at people's hearts, through positive reinforcement. It could be all a lie, possibly it is - who cares, it is a pleasure to watch and hear - such a breathe of fresh air. I actually manage to bear listening to a Maltese politician - I don't need to change channel - he does not insult my intelligence nor my human dignity. PN catch up!!

Paul Grech

Jun 12th 2008, 19:20

The man is gradually proving himself. Not just words, but action to unite the MLP and be a good opposition for the benefit of our country. More to come. Good luck Joseph !!

M. Camilleri

Jun 12th 2008, 19:11

Better than PN Divided, aka JPO & the lies Saga

oh you're still living the illusion that all is happy and going well inside the glasshouse at Pieta'..
sorry to be so cruel

I. M. Dingli

Jun 12th 2008, 19:06

@ Joe Caruana

Pro PN persons are never happy with what ever takes place within the MLP. Mela, Dr. Sant was a person with whom you couldn’t hold any conversation and now Dr. Muscat is not good neither because he is too open.

I am sure that if Dr. Abela was nominated as leader persons like yourself would still find something to complain about him even tough most PN supporters favoured him for the position of MLP Leader.

What do you want Mr. Caruana? Is the PN leader flawless?

peter portelli

Jun 12th 2008, 19:02

What game is Dr Muscat trying to play ? This all seems to be too much sugar coated politics !!

Maria Pace Gasan

Jun 12th 2008, 19:01

This is very good news...Well Done both Dr.Abela and Dr.Muscat...you couldn't make up a better team.

Joe Caruana

Jun 12th 2008, 18:58

Oh xi hlew!!! MLP Utd!!!