UPDATED: Muscat takes a PN view of MLP headquarters!

@ Charles Marsh

Before advising others to learn some history, you'd better take a refresher course by reading Malta's post-war history to base arguments on factual, historical information rather than baseless, fictitious ones.

It's a myth to state that Labourites had to emigrate in the 60s because there were no jobs for them, having voted Labour. Emigration was rifer during the 50s when Labour was in office (1955-58). This Labour Government was the first to set up a Ministry for Emigration. The first Labour appointee later emigrated to Australia.

Emigration was the safety valve for Malta's fast-growing over-population resulting from the post-war baby boom. Employment opportunities were few; the main employers being the British Services, the Dockyard and the Government. The Dockyard and the British Services were downsizing their labour force as less work was required during peace time. These circumstances weren't due to bad MLP or PN Administrations. Malta was then a colony experiencing the world-wide post-war economic depression with no industrial, tourism or services sectors to employ thousands of unskilled or semi-skilled (mostly illiterate) workers.

Emigration was a necessary evil. Eventually it proved a godsend for having provided thousands of migrants with better prospects for the future.

@ R. Spagnol

Your response to my piece was entirely out of context - with no reference made to your glass-fronted/glasshouse gaffe. It is evident you've adopted the JM diplomatic-type of answer when confronted with an embarrassing question. A full-blooded reply on any topic the interviewee wishes to air is given - which is completely unrelated to the topic being discussed !! Specifically speaking, you made a mountain out of a molehill due to your ignorance in failing to distinguish the difference between a glass-fronted building and a glasshouse.

Quoting my original piece is irrelevant to the fact whether one is a PN supporter or not. My original comment was ironically and wittily related to the fact that BOTH Parties do not publish their financial accounts. Hence they cannot be held accountable as regards party financing when enquiries regarding capital expenditures or bank overdrafts are pressed. Which explains why my original tongue-in-cheek comment regarding the Maltese people's reputation for being generous to support needy causes was made.

Still waiting for Muscat's apologise in the House of Representatives, fair enough.

But be aware that the whole Maltese nation is awaiting Gonzi to deal with certain cases more seriuosly. We can't accept a Prime Minister who respond allegations and address other statements from a TV show!!!!!

"I won't be surprised if Dr. Muscat finds himself as the "Poster Boy" of the PN in the next Election."

At least we have reached a consensus about the pn party not belonging anywhere and speeding up to the left. I think that the pi en supporters should be ashamed of this or else they're too much committed that whatever the party do is holy or blessed from above.

It's a true pity that I can't show you those photos. Unfortunately the pi en was cunning enough to make up Malta' political history, which is another pity. Let's hope that Joseph Muscat will shed a light on the true history and facts, and maybe we will have other local political figureheads offering an apologise on their favourite TV show!!!

apologise for what for the descrimination suffered by thousands of labour supporters at their place of work, where they were and are still suffering from transfers ,lack of overtime, and loss of promotions, for the descrimination suffered by thousands of labour supporters who had to emigrate in the 60's because there was no work for them because they voted labour, for those who could not get any sacraments from the church because they read left wing papers, for those who could not even be barried in a decent grave because they were members of the labour party. Well I think the apologising should come from the other side of the table, don't you think.

@ Micael Catania

Here is aht another socialist had to say about the political spectrum that you keep bringing up. It leads me to believe that you are still living in th long past.

"- Sant conflict was a wholly ideological, poltiical issue .I have said that the conflict was between a Leftist Mintoff and Dr Sant who had moved his Party into the right wing of Maltese politics.-- a position long discarded by the PN."

For your Information those are the words of Joe Grima, former MLP Cabinett Minister.

the PN have been successfully over the years cause it had the abilty to change and adopt to new challenges in the ever changing world.

@ R. Spagnol

You write, "apologise to the Maltese for the parties' mistakes, if any, which could have offended anyone in the past."

My friend if Dr. Muscat is sincere, first with himself and secondly with the Maltese public, his apology should be unquantified and the onlu y adequent place to make such a statement is in the House of Representatives.

Nothing less, nothing more will be acceptable of Joe Public

.

@ R. Spagnol

As I indicated earliear, the only appropraite place for such apology is The House of Representatives.

@ Mosses Mula

I am also happy with the MLP"s choice of thier new leader. He is a living breathing example of what the PN have done for Malta. I won't be surprised if Dr. Muscat finds himself as the "Poster Boy" of the PN in the next Election.

@ PJ Mifsud

My intention is not to clear off any blame from my behalf. My persistence reflects the labourites wounds credited to some of the nationalists' disappointing behaviour. As the government is saying that it lacks a strong opposition, the labour party too would want a civil and respecting opponent. In my opinion, certain Nationalist who may seem as a mojority on each block, are annoying the readers while making labourites victims and the pn more disappointing. I have persisted with my comments as I did not defend any statement which could be classified as misinterpretation.

I admit that with your comment you may have inspired me or made me recollect the harsh situation which the pn's hardcore lies in. As you may know I used the term "Nationalists". I don't recognise how (by the simple statement of "Just a little more than the amount the MLP spent to build their own glass-fronted headquarters on the opposite side. The Maltese have a reputation for being generous to support needy causes !!") I could consider you as a pn supporter.

Remember that one does not have to be necessarily a pn supporter to criticise a labour opinion.

I have left on my last comment a link to a web site showing some interesting photos which surely could change also the Nationalists' opinion about political violence, even in recent years. Apparently this is not allowed on this blog.

I am fully aware of the incidents caused by a very few number of labourites. A Nationalist is the least person who should generalise the whole rival party as their party too should be responsible enough and offer an apology for the damage caused by its supporters. Lets stop fooling around and keep pretending that the pn's hooligans are some sort of martyrs.

I must admit that you keep impressing me!! You wouldn't accept Muscat's apologise on Bondi+ and anywhere he preached, and then you expect Gonzi' statement on Dissett about the Mistra scandal to be appreciated??? If any, the government should immediatley fulfill the pending request of normal citizens who had won against him in the tribunal of injustices. These are still pleading justice which the government seems to deny from them.

Dear R Spagnol

Your persistence is admirable - probably in the vain hope that having the last word is tantamount to being publicly exculpated. I totally agree with your view that Nationalists who compare the glass-fronted MLP HQ to a glasshouse should be taught to realise that their outdated views are disgusting and reprehensible. And if this should make your day, I'd say that the new PN HQ is even more glass-fronted than its MLP counterpart. In fact, YOU had previously compared it to a glass boat. Actually, a FIBREglass, glass-bottomed ( to sample delights of marine life) one would be much more realistic !

There existed no ulterior motive behind my choice for describing the MLP HQ. Had I realised that such words have politically-offensive connotations to nit-picking minds, I'd definitely have omitted them.

The first reaction to my reference to the "glass-fronted MLP HQ" came from you. To quote verbatim you wrote:
" Nationalists really impress me - they refer to the Labour HQ as a "glasshouse.............."

If that isn't a case of misinterpretation which you deny, then it's definitely proof of your rushing to the conclusion and not knowing that "glass-fronted" and "glasshouse" are not synonymous !!

I cannot help but feeling joy towards the fact that Muscat was chosen to head the new labour party. I support the PN goverment for all the work they have done during all these years and i am sure that the MLP could not have done better. I say this without any lack of respect for the labour party because come to think of it i am a socialist at heart. Politics in Malta is a strange thing. I bet that many labour supporters do not have a clue about the socialist ideology and same goes for many PN supporters. Well as i said i am happy for Muscat as i truly believe that he is a decent chap and a worthy leader of the opposition Party. Even we PN supporters have to admit that a strong opposition benefits the country. Let us stop acting childish and work hand in hand making Malta and not our Party the priority. There is still a long way to go for Malta and we can only reach our goals through unity. Keep that in mind.

@ R. Spagnol

Dr. Muscat's apology is empty and hollow. I, for one, expect Dr. Muscat that the first statement that he utters out of his mouth ones he takes his seat in Parlaiment is to offer such an apology. Any any apology from D. Muscat on behalf of the MLP should be unconditional.

@ A Gauci Cunningham

Quote - Let's hope that this new establishment (the new PN HQ) will not encounter any other harsh situations similar to those SET UP by the Nationalists in the 1980s !!!! - R Spagnol

Mr AGC, R. Spagnol must be referring to the attacks on the PN HQ during the decadent Socialist era allegedly carried out by Nationalists disguised as Labourites who did so in order to shift the blame on innocent MLP hooligans and thugs. Probably when Joseph Muscat apologised for these unfortunate incidents in the name of his Party, he also did so on behalf of these pseudo-Labourites !!!! Pleases remember that according to Mintoff, The Times establishment was totally gutted by a bunch of hot heads on Black Monday (15th October 1979).

The best thing that a Nationalist should not do at these moments is to re-visit the 80's. Joseph Muscat was honest and courageous enough to apologise to the Maltese for the parties' mistakes, if any, which could have offended anyone in the past.

Before you start with your annoying routine of mud slinging and you speciality of victimization, you must recollect the so-called "accidents" in Zebbug and in any other locality in Malta where Nationalists caused danger and trouble.

Point taken PJ Mifsud, The bewilderment should be in the case that you were so much generous to provide a description of the mlp headquarters. I wonder further than you try what was your true intention behind your description. Actually I did not misinterpret anything as I was commenting about the disgusting attitude of some Nationalists towards the glass-fronted mlp headquarters. And the proof is obtained by spending most of the time hanging around with Nationalists. It has nothing to mock about especially now that also the pn headquarters obtains a facade full of glass panels. I'm atonished at how you didn't recognise the point that both parties have matched their likes in adding glass to the facade of their headquarters. Labourites need not to feel jealous as they felt the same excitement and satisfaction when their hq were finished during the 90's. Your misconception remains in the fact that you addressed the wrong person as I don't see any blame in my postings. You simply rushed to conclusions which could not be attributed to what I wrote.

R.Spagnol---which of the events in the eighties were "...set up by the Nationalists.."??.....The ones Joseph Muscat felt so bad about that he actually and rightly so apologised for ,in the name of the MLP, on his first appearance on Bond+??............

i think we are all missing something...JM is moving our cheese. Very good on his part and although i never voted labour i very much like his style (and stratagems).

Dear R Spagnol,

I appreciate your admission that my description of the MLP HQ as "glass-fronted" IS AS IT REALLY IS. I also welcome your declaration that YOU went a step further to remind readers that another deragatory term is used by the majority of Nationalists in this respect (any proof?). I have my own views about equating glass frontages to claims of political transparency, but I'd rather not go into that matter.

I wonder how you have accused me of having made a sarcastic statement when you yourself admitted that "glass-fronted" as used by myself means what it really is. I was only making a fuss about something you deliberately and knowingly chose to misinterpret for your own ends. I never attempted to put the blame on others, but always insisted that the blame lay squarely with the sole culprit whom I have always addressed.

Noel Cutajar-----coming from a supporter of a Party who regards anyone and anything with the least bit of dissent as a traitor, snake, licker and whatnot is quit rich.........

.....Mr.Cutajar taking in consideration that the total majority of the bloggers here aren't blind i don't think anyone needs your infinite wisdom and intelligent observation of the fact that I have a double barrel surname of which ,may I state, I am very proud........very much like Debono Grech, Sciberras trigona, Attard Montalto, ellul Bonici, Mifsud bonnici and all the rest..................but I guess being the master of objectivity, unbias and political balance Mr.Cutajar thinks that if you have a double barrel and you're Nationalist then you're a "kiesah" and "pepe" and "tridha"..............just goes to show the very sad mentality of some die hard labourites!!!...........but thanks for calling me "friend" it does soften the prejudice one, little, teeny bit!!

Theres a sight that we havent seen before. Two leaders smiling and having a good time. Priceless. I foresee good things to come from the new Labour leader and our Prime. Lets appreciate the moment and drop the critisism.

Always going on about who is the best I sometimes think a bunch of 5 year olds are writing these blogs.

@ Joe Galea

There is nothing worst than for one to give advise and not to head his own advice at the same time.

@ PJ Mifsud

The fact that I mention part of some nationalists' ignorance when dealing with the labour party about their headquarters, means that I was responding to your previous sarcastic statement??? You chose to mention it as "glass-fronted" as it really is but I went a step further from your opinion and reminded the viewers what really is the term used by the majority of the Nationalists. That's all! You're now making a fuss on silly arguments and trying to push on your blame onto others who solely wanted to add certain information about the headquarters. If you read carefully through my first thought, the keyword of the statement is TRANSPARENCY.

Others tried to insult or ridicule this fact while still avoiding to comment/respond on other more serious issues. Lets focus on maturity and not onto sarcasm. I think that everybody knows how the mlp headquarters looks and therefore nobody need somebody trying to hide behind a brick wall to describe it for them.....

@Charles Buttigieg
I quote - "Mind your language,it's how many Euro not how much Euros" Half wrong yourself, it should "be how many euros" not "how many Euro", lowwercase e and s for plural unless not on a trans member official document. Not nly is this correct english it is also specified by the EU!

@ R Spagnol

Most of the contents of your last blog are irrelevant to our argument and will be disregarded. I had described the MLP HQ as being "glass-fronted". Certainly nothing deragatory about that !!

You yourself admitted having used the term "glasshouse" - which I didn't use - as being the deragatory term allegedly used by Nationalists to describe the MLP HQ. You stubbornly won't admit that my "glass-fronted" description is totally alien to your implied "glasshouse" one.

If you happen to be a nit-picking type who easily takes offence by claiming that a strong sense of arrogance, vulgarity and insolence were conveyed by my "glass-fronted" description, I pity you. There's no point in pursuing the argument further because I've come up against a brick wall.

In these circumstances, I'd agree with Charles Buttigieg's wise decision. I respect Mr. Buttigieg as a decent, level-headed and moderate opinionist even though I don't always share his views. In this case, some blogs, as witnessed, have been debased not solely to a personal level, but worse. One has to be constantly on one's guard to check every word used because it is clear that some words carry politically-offensive connotations to nit-pickers.

@Joe Vella: How sour are you? Can you ever come up with some positive objective comment? Your problem is that you are seeing Joe Muscat gaining greater momentum everyday, in a way that Gozni falsely has to comply not to be seen in a bad light. And you PN apologists and venom shooters can't stand this.

Well done Dr. J Muscat keep up the good work.

@ Michael Catania
I agree completely with you...criticism and mudslinging are two words that people like our two barreled friend - AGC does not distinguish.

I am not surprised that the Nationalists' tactics of "ifred u saltan" are back again. This is their most popular characteristic very well-seen in the way they refer to labourites. In fact the term "glasshouse" I used is that popular term amongst the Nationalists which they use to describe the labour headquarters as if it was some sort of funny building. All those claiming their posession onto the Dar Centrali as "our hq" in this blog are very keen to hide the outside perception that the blues uphold against the labour party and its followers. Unfortunately they seem to find it very impossible as even their writings reflect a strong sense of arrogance, vulgarity and insolence.

I am very sorry to say that those who are still picking on silly arguments, were not comfortable enough to answer my questions and doubts regarding the present government where comes more sensible issues. Finally I may not associate myself with such childish attitudes while I send my congratulations to the pn party for its magnificent new home. Lets hope altogether that this new establishment will not encounter any other harsh situations similar to those set up by the Nationalist in the 80's!!!!!

@ Michael Catania

I believe it is the blood sucking Socialist Linches and not the conservatives that come out with "silly:, " immature", "venom", "jealously" statement and so on.

With all due respect I do not believe you have read the blogs below. Who have brought the issue of how much it cost and who have paid for it.

Micheal Catania, go and have a coffee, and then comment.

Why is it that when the heat is turned on, the conservatives come back with comments of "silly" "immature" "venom" "jealousy"and so on. From reading the various bloggs of political nature I am of the humble opinion that for mud slinging nothing beat the conservatives. Do I need to remind you how in the past you denomised Alfred Sant and the MLP. I suppose that is "educated " criticism.

@Charles----very good point!!!.........its like 2 kids----- 'tieghi fih aktar hgieg yuup....le...le....tieghi aktar........ mama...mama....ha nigzak lill-mama......"!!...........but on the other hand why are we surprised?? We do live in a country where we build Kazini full of "Lavur" so that "...we can show them.........." (direct translation of ----Ejja ha nuruhom hiiii....)...

.....but maybe thats what makes Malta such a pleasant place to live in...wonders never cease!!

@ R Spagnol

Can you tell what you mean by the following;"they refer to the Labour Headquarters as a "glasshouse". The intention of the structure of the CNL is to reflect transparency."

Transperency, up my A**. The MLP doesn't now where trasperency starts or ends.

@ All. It used to be interesting for me blogging on ABC’s portal until it got personal, petty and stupid and then I stopped. Hope it would raise the standard a bit here as the arguments are not getting much better
.Our HQ is bigger and nicer than yours, glasshouse not glass-fronted........God give me strength, let’s grow up.

The MLP has nothing to be jealous of the Conservative hq. Whereas the MLP constructed theirs with little contributions from the many , the other side got theirs from the pocketful of liris from the few. Just in case you lot have short memories I only need to remind you of one individual ex- MP who was seen on TV pulling bundles of Liri from every pocket , or was it just A JOKE.
On another note, it is refreshing to see Joseph Muscat on good terms with Lawrence Gonzi. I wonder how long it will last, Joseph has a good head on his shoulder and he is intelligent enough to not let himself be blinded by the hot air generated by these conservative rabble.

Look at the Photo....read the article............... Gonzi and Muscat are speaking about serenity and agreement and sharing nice, light moments...........
.....now read some of the blogs below......................just a pile of venom from people who wish they've lived in the middle ages just to be able to burn the Nationalists at stake...........

...prosit Joe......The new HQ is really beautiful and fitting of Malta's biggest (whether by a mile or a centimetre!!) Political Party....Thanks for the 2 victories and a referendum victory also....thanks for all your time, dedication and hardwork.........

..........and thanks to JOSEPH MUSCAT who at least has the decency, unlike some of you bloggers here, to appretiate what his opponent has suceeded in doing....................JOSEPH MUSCAT is in his Political Spring....GONZI in his seat and most of you here in the coldest and worst of their Winters...........

@charles agius
A typical comment from PN sympathises who view Labour sympathisers as children of a lesser God! Don't you know that the "professional job" done by the PN in re-building their headquarters has been done by Labour in 1994-1995. Did anybody say that wasn't a professional job indeed! From demolition to inauguration it was finished in just 2 years and finished in time for the 1996 general election.

Finally, picture changed... my previous comment is now obsolete. Well Done

Going through the comments, one cannot, not notice, the sublime jealousy of the Labourites. Nothing will change their frame of mind, not Joseph , just no one can. The truth is, that even if labour had millions of Euro to spend they will never match the PN. One simple reason and this goes not just for the building of the Dar Centrali but also for the running of the party, is that the PN does everything in a professional manner. It only when Labour turns 'professional' that the real competition starts! Go on Joseph, change their mentality!

@ Michael Gauci & R Spagnol

There's no need to get so hot under the collar just because I used the adjective "glass-fronted" to describe the MLP headquarters. First of all, this is not intended as a deragatory term but simply as a description. I can assure you that I can see perfectly; I'm well aware that the new NP headquarters ALSO has a glass front.

Unfortunately, Mr Spagnol cannot SEE the difference between a "glasshouse" and "glass-fronted headquarters". I recommend he looks up the words in a dictionary for his own information and tuition because they are two different types of buildings. I will leave comments about the glass boat to other bloggers because I don't comment on banalities.

Mr Gauci, no disrespect or child talk is intended by using the adjective "glass-fronted". It means any building having a glass front, just like the PN headquarters and other modern structures have been provided with to facilitate the provision of light.

wow lm 4 million from pizza nights????? i guess even something from our own tax!!!

Is that where our taxes went?

I got the impression that the Editor picked the accompanying picture very carefully, for me looks like the PM and others are admiring the future Joseph Muscat’s wax figure when it will be placed with the great at Madame Tussauds.

@Joe Vella

So according to your theory of idealism which you gave to R.Cefai, what should be the explanation for the street-Nationalists and party's exponents in favour of Sant keeping his appointment in the labour party?????

Until party financing is made transparent – donations linked to ID cards (&/or Company Reg. Nos.) and thoroughly independently audited – any HQ will be the monument of shrouded investments in future kickbacks.
Honesty, accountability, transparency, Malta’s interest…..my foot!

Not even the biggest political parties in europe own such headquarters. Their HQs simply shows that MLPN's power and influence are out of proportions!

@ Rupert Cefai

As I have written in many blogs, a strong opposition is good for the PN. A strong opposition doesn't leave any room for complacency on behalf of the Governing Party.

The PN is not afraid to fight an election based on ideas.

What should also be noted that the PN demonstrated as to how construction should be carried out in order not to disturb the quality of life for the neighbours. At one stage the PN, at it cost, relocated a number of nearby residence for a period of 2 months.

@ N. Camilleri

If you do not want others to offend your intelligence, then do not offend others' intelligence by that kind of question.

All the comments I read on this article would not please Dr. Muscat very much. In fact he "was quoted as saying: "politics would henceforth be about confronting ideas without antagonism."

If you call the MLP HQ glass-fronted then what do you call the PN HQ ? Will you please grow up and stop this child talk. I suggest you go and see an eye specialist.

Nationalists really impress me - they refer to the Labour Headquarters as a "glasshouse". The intention of the structure of the CNL is to reflect transparency, which is a virtue lacked by those who have recently built a glass-boat!!!!

@Anthony A Mifsud. Mind your language,it's how many Euro not how much Euros. And remember that money is never a problem for Gonzipn. Ask Not. Tony Abela and he will tell you where it all comes from. Coffee mornings,Pizza Night, Maratona gbir and some insignificant contributions from friends of friends.

Joseph Muscat is becoming such a success story that even the Nationalist administration want to be seen with him.

@ Anthony A. Mifsud

Just a little more than the amount the MLP spent to build their own glass-fronted headquarters on the opposite side. The Maltese have a reputation for being generous to support needy causes !!

Why is it important how many euros were spent on the PN headquarters? Its not as if they were from public funding so its none of anyone's business

Who exactly paid for this new headquarters? Please don't insult my intelligence and tell me by various fund raisings and donations!!

Joe Saliba said on Dissett that the Dar Centrali costed Lm 4 Million.

Can any one answear this simple question.

How much € Euros were spend on the New Headquarters of the PN ?

Tony