Public awaits liberalisation benefits - Muscat

Mark Spiteri

Jul 20th 2008, 07:21

How sad people can be.
Comments are sometimes so "bla sens".
Dr Muscat stated facts on current happenings and the tragic story of the Fishermen.
Did one notice he spoke in the name of the public(see heading).
@J Buttigieg / C Camilleri / N Barry / K Spiteri / L Muscat / :Mentioning the past was out of subject in the context of the article.
@ Jack Skelt / Pauline Barabara:You really have a way with words.Being destructive is an our old way of sayind"Whatever the goverment does,is wrong".Have a look at the out come of the strike,who lost ? The striking THUGS and we The Public,without mentioning the loss of millions of euors in all sectors of Trade.

Edwin formosa

Jul 20th 2008, 05:33

"bullies in the Cabinet"!!! How clever of you JM. I perfectly know what you mean because I am a pre-1987 maltese citizen.

mark tanti

Jul 19th 2008, 22:38

Now that the Public Transport strike has come to an end one cannot
but praise our authorities for the way they handled a delicate situation which
might have escalated beyond control at any moment.
The whole police corp should be praised for managing the situation with
minimum force so that nobody gets hurt. I understand that many people were
caught in traffic jams and they pretended that the police should bulldoze
the buses out of our roads but this was not the way to act.
Praise should also be given to our courts who acted correctly and firmly
by keeping under arrest those bullies who broke the law.
This is why we should never generalize when few members of these institutions
do not behave correctly.
Dr Muscat this is how we Maltese want to see our police corp operating i.e eliminating from our country any kind of bullying wheter it is political or any other form of bullying. Regarding cabinet bullies I suggest to Dr Muscat to make some research in our Parlament history to see who were the bullies who phisically attacked NP members in parlament when in opposition.

Paul Aquilina

Jul 19th 2008, 21:43

Now we have a nauve Leader of Opposition who has no seat in Parlamanent. Everyone thought Labour are going to better without Sant but this new leader is a joke. He has no control and is already showing signs of immaturity.

He tries hard but has so far been very unsuccessful.

Labour are doomed once more nobody takes them seriously

Alfred Grima

Jul 19th 2008, 19:21

@ Mr A.Farrugia. For your information the President of the Hearses Assossiation is none other than the Vice Mayor on behalf of the PN in St.Paul's Bay Local Council.

philip pace

Jul 19th 2008, 17:40

It is a democratic and positive way of putting one words on a paper, in our case we just use our computors to leave our comments.

But in reality I wonder how many of the commentators really use the public transport. In my case, I don't have a car and I commute by the same public transport, therefore I know what type of transport we have.

Years ago I challenged the then Minister of Public Transport Censu Galea, that together we use the public transport for one day for an experience. He did not take my challenge. I explained to him that if he did not use the public transport then how the hell does he know about it and in that case wanted to justify the increase in fares. He mentioned something about rotten apples ( as there were some drivers who gave a bad service). He failed to see my point of view and he lost a golden opportunity to rectify our amatuerish public transport.

So many years after, we still have the same type of service which I think that with even liberalzation won't improve.

Try to use our public transport service and you see!

laurence schembri

Jul 19th 2008, 17:30

@ Dennis Catania
So I will ask: Please do not come back again. Since the Maltese economy has not improved, even with your coming and going, I find your efforts are a waste of time.
On second thought you wlll be welcome, to improve your English, if it is at all possible.

Randolph Bugejna

Jul 19th 2008, 17:19

@Jack Skelt. indeed a few here are not bright at all. Especially those who seem unable to distinguish between the 'strike' and the 'violence'.

Your argument that 'strike was avoidable, hence full responsibility lies with the govt.' suggests that there is a right to violence together with a right to strike.

It is within your right to criticise government's way of handling the issue.. but ignoring the part played by the violence suggests that you too are one of those being blinded by political colour.

Jimmy Magro

Jul 19th 2008, 17:05

@Jack Skelt
Fully agree with your analysis. One colour is frequently used by objective persons. Had the government discussed the liberalisation of the hearses directly with their association, it would have been possible to reach an agreement around a square table. The strike and all its negative consequences were uncalled for, although of course the transport owners have all the rights to protest about their sector. Finally a sum of 230,000euros will be paid to a small sector; this was paid out of our taxes. Think what has to be paid to the other sectors now that a high benchmark has been set.
Reforms such as these should be applicable in a future date and regulated by law. The level of ministerial discretion is so high in Malta that we rank like a Monarchy or a dictatorship. Had this reform been made through legislation, Parliament would have discussed the issue. In our case, Parliament was totally surpassed.
If the government wants to liberalise other sectors it should make a law to that effect and state that it will come into effect, say in 2013 so that all stakeholders would take steps to adjust to the sector’s competitive forces.

Josepb Buttigieg

Jul 19th 2008, 16:56

@ Joseph Farrugia
Talking about bullies and violence - how come all those bombs, (letter bombs included) between 1980 and 1987 stopped suddenly after the 1987 elections?

Denis Catania

Jul 19th 2008, 16:36

@Jack Skelt. Two ways this problem could have, avoided this mess.
!. Yes if they would have talked, and came to a resolution.
But that didn't happen.
2. If the Police Commish John Rizzo would have taken strong steps to protect Castille. The trouble makers that were on Castille,would have been arrested, swiftly on sight and the rest would have protested peacefully. If you noticed they gave up only after arrests were made.But when they seen they attacked one of the most important places in Malta, and got away with it.Than they assumed they have the country on it's knees.It's only when arrests were made that things calmed down. Although not enough arrests were made.And thugs are still on the street bragging about, how they put us on our knees. If something happens to one our ministers by a violent Transit Worker. It would be on John Rizzo . The police did a great job, but their boss held them back, or he didn't have enough equipment.Either way it's his fault. John Rizzo knew this was coming.
Liberalasation had nothing to do with it. That's an EU LAW.PM Gonzi or Victor Spieteri can't change that.

A. Charles

Jul 19th 2008, 16:27

Are you for real Mr. Jack Skett? I have never read so much bitter bile as you have written.

TONY FORMOSA

Jul 19th 2008, 16:19

@Pauline Barbara & Jack Skelt
Both of you provided us with a few laughs simply by showing your true colours on a hot summer day.Perhaps the heat blocked your grey matter completely.
You're both to be pitied...like Victor Spiteri & his lot.
Babs as you always said....education may solve most problems. Pl teach Barbara and Skelt a few intelligent comments.
TONY FORMOSA
TONY FORMOSA

Charles Camilleri

Jul 19th 2008, 15:59

I wonder how labour would have handled similar situation. As for bullies labour must know something about them. We have suffered years of tyranny from bullies during labour's years. So please stop such nonsense. Austin is doing a good job in the interest of us all. Instead of trying to find the needle in a haystack, we should all condemn the violence and bullying of the strikers and call on our courts not be be lenient with them to serve a lesson to others. P. Barbara you are hopeless at making a summary of a situation. Austin has often said that the door for negotiating is always open but no Minister can allow a situation where he is threatened with strike action if he does not give in to the drivers demand. The lesson is that with violence and bullying you get nowhere and only harm the country. The only way is a civilised one through negotiation.

Noel Barry

Jul 19th 2008, 15:57

I can assure you Mr Skelt that I am not out of my mind. Why dont you explain why the strike was avoidable. You say that the strike was handled very badly. By the police you mean. Did you expect the police to act with exaggerated force. Then what. The strikers hit back and violence is on all the streets. This is not the way a democratic goverment works. This is not the 70s with the SMU and other thugs beating citizens. And which balloon exploded in the goverment's face. As far as everyone knows, except you, it was the union who stopped the action and not the goverment who gave in. The goverment wanted liberalisation and that is what there will be. As for reputation. Strikes are held everywhere, all over the world. Roads are blocked everywhere and violence erupts in all these strikes.

Louis Muscat

Jul 19th 2008, 15:15

@Jack Skelt. Your comment doesn't deserve an answer. It just makes me laugh.

Denis Catania

Jul 19th 2008, 14:51

This guy Joseph is the best thing for the Maltese people and probably the MLP. Off course they throw stones at each other that's what politics is all about.. He denounced the violence and he publicly asked the Transport Federation not to strike. Me as PN supporter always wants a strong opposition. That's what balances a great Nation like ours. The opposition(MLP) had some weak leaders in the past.I thank the PN for keeping the Nation balanced on their own. Which I command them for that. But you have to command Joseph so far.
@Michael Debono don't put down Maltese abroad, yes we do have a say in our country. We keep coming back for visits and putting money in Malta's economy.Maybe you should tell us not to come back home.Or maybe pull our Money out of Maltese banks.Think before you answer.
@Mario Bonnicci and Laurence Schembri Should he decide to ask us not to come back again. For the Nations interest please ask JOSEPH and Minister DeMarco if that would be healthy for the Maltese economy?Or ask Minister Tonio Borg what if they pull their money out at once what will happen to the Maltese economy and MalteseBanks.

Jack Skelt

Jul 19th 2008, 14:38

Just a summary for the not so bright or the ones blinded by too much blue or red;-

1...Strike was avoidable, Hence full responsibility lies with the government.
2...The strike was handles very badly hence all the damage that we will carry on our shoulders for many years.
3...The end of strike does not mean that public transport will get any better any time soon if ever.
4...Government tried to bully and the balloon exploded in his face. The government lost control for full 3 days of the country. The whole country lost on revenue and reputation.

Those who say the government deserve praise are plain out of their mind. The government failed the whole country on all fronts. And in the end there are no winners just us citezens who lost

Pauline Barbara

Jul 19th 2008, 14:36

A summary of the strike issue:

Drivers: Lets talk or we strike

Austin (Silga) Gatt: You dare threaten me with a strike, no way am I going to talk to you so go ahead and strike

Stirke starts, millions are lost in buisness, people aggravated.

Austin (Silga) Gatt: Ready to talk now?

Drivers: Ok then

Strike over, and dear oh dear so many who worship at the altar of Austin Gatt really believe that a strike could not have been avoided.

M Camenzuli

Jul 19th 2008, 14:13

Joe Muscat cannot stomach this hands-down victory for public opinion brought about by the strong pair-of-hands of this government.

He just couldn't avoid a dig at Austin Gatt because deep down he did not want the government to win this standoff.

Yes, we should have more 'bullies' to deal with protection, restrictive practices, and the lack of competition Labour supports. Softies just cannot do it.

Well done Lawrence Gonzi and Austin Gatt!

When it comes to privatisation of the Drydocks and reform of rent laws, public opinion will again be with the Nationalist government.

The Nationalists are bringing about not just change, but change for the better.

Joe Muscat, on the other hand, keeps sitting on the fence - as he did yesterday, equating bullies with 'bullies'.

If he were bringing about a new political season, he would have given unreserved support and congratulations to the government.

But Joe Muscat keeps showing that he's the presumptuous ‘politikant’ who's wearing a suit two sizes too large!

Kevin Spiteri

Jul 19th 2008, 13:44

A Farrugia

Sour grapes I'd say!

What do you mean labour sympathisers? Are you refering to Victor Spiteri?
Do you know who attacked Castille in the late 80's ?

Check the facts beofre you speak

Michael Debono

Jul 19th 2008, 13:29

@ Mario Bonnici and Laurence Scehmbri: don’t pay any attention to what Maltese living abroad write about events in Malta.
This A Farrugia whoever he is but who comes to vote though living for years abroad apparently knows what political party every Maltese living in Malta supports.
People like this ought to frighten us since they have supernatural powers. They may provoke a disaster just by gathering their thoughts and pronounce a Hoo-doo!

Joseph Agius

Jul 19th 2008, 13:21

My question to Dr Muscat is: If he does not like bullies in the Cabinet why is he still surrounded by bully future cabinet ministers?? .....and by the way 'thank you Dr Gatt for your wise strategy.

L Vella

Jul 19th 2008, 13:16

So we let the bullying bus drivers run the country as they always expected to do - see the way they drive on the road and you don't need to wait for any action. If we need 'bullies' in cabinet to stop this arrogance THAN SO BE IT. Dr. Muscat, you do have a lot to learn.

R. Buttigieg

Jul 19th 2008, 12:59

@ Jack Skelt...

do yourself a favour and go back to elementary school. You should by know realize that this country does not want to have such a service any longer. we need a more modernized and efficient service that is also good for the environment.

The government did the right thing whilst you are talking trash.

get your stories straight mate

Mark Brincat

Jul 19th 2008, 12:47

A. Farrugia, those were not Labour sympathisers ... don't talk bull please ...

Those were just people who were promised a thing just a few months ago before the election, just to be publicly betrayed a few months after, when the promises had no more raison d'être!

Hypocrisy? I guess so ...

Louis Muscat

Jul 19th 2008, 12:39

I don't know what JM meant by bullies at the cabinet. Look who's talking. Time seems to make one forget the past. It's easier to criticise from the opposition benches, but when one has to take decisions, it's another matter.

Joe Borg

Jul 19th 2008, 12:37

@A Farrugia.

How can your comment be so partisan? Most of the maltese happen to have an opposite opinion than yours. This opinion is backed up by the way these road bullies have been left to do whatever they wanted for the last 20 years, and the letters sent to them each time a referendum or a general election was going to take place.

Anyways can you explain to the rest of us how you concluded such statistics? Maybe somebody can hire you as an NSO officer. You seem to have the right credentials.

May I remind you also, that whoever classifies labour supporters as hamalli, injuranti etc. is generalazing, is being obtuse and consequently less credible. Labour's ideology has a social concern for the well being of the Maltese and when these ideologies were respected, the whole community prospered.

Christopher Briffa

Jul 19th 2008, 12:34

It is heartening to hear the new Labour leader condemning bullies, I remember times, not so long ago when Labour used bullies to block the path to democracy. These bullies were used continuosly during the sixteen years of Labour rule and especially towards the end of that rule up to 1987. A for the comment that the cabinet is no place for bullies, perhaps Dr Muscat should have his mentors explain to him how Dom Mintoff used to rule Malta and how he handled similar situations in the past, apparently the bright kid needs some history lessons.

laurence schembri

Jul 19th 2008, 12:17

@ A. Farrugia
``who srtiked``....``Castille``...do yourself a favour, go back to school.
Better still, change colour and you might learn something!

Mario Bonnici

Jul 19th 2008, 12:01

@ A. Farrugia

Look who is talking about partigianism!! Your comment is full of it.
So those who striked were all labour supporters??!! And all labour supporters are violent people??
You really must love labour Mr. Farrugia.

joseph farrugia

Jul 19th 2008, 11:56

The people want more bullies in the cabinet than cowards in the opposition who only are there to watch then to act in the interest of the country.

Renato J. Costigan

Jul 19th 2008, 11:48

Why talking about bullies in the cabinet, Dr. J. Muscat?

Do you think that Dr. A. Gatt (not to be bully) just stay hands across
looking GALLARIJA?

Dr. J. Muscat do like the cross ie. look upwards and downwards then
to the left and right, then talk.

Noel Barry

Jul 19th 2008, 11:47

Mr Skelt, you openly criticsed our Prime Minister and the goverment during the strike, but not a single word of praise or even a thank you for the way this was handled. I do not know if you understand Maltese or not, but years back, the PN had a slogan which said IS-SEWWA JIRBAH ZGUR, and this is what happened. Instead you say that the goverment should bear full responsibility. For what. For an illegal strike. Come on Mr Skelt and come to your senses. Anyway we now know that you are one of those who is always criticising whatever the PN goverment does. Please be patient for another 5 years and see what you can do for this country and not what the country can do for you.

A Farrugia

Jul 19th 2008, 11:34

The liberalisation process is now a reality and this is no thanks to Joseph Muscat and his party. They absolutely did nothing. Even the least help Joe Mizzi tried to give was tainted with partigianism. So much for labour. And by the way almost all those who striked were labour sympathisers. And this was manifestly shown in the way they attacked Castille.

Jack Skelt

Jul 19th 2008, 11:29

Well Said Dr. Muscat,

The Strike which cost the country millions was avoidable, so the government should bear full responsibility. The country spoke loud and clear no place for bullies no where, espicially in the cabinet.

As for liberalisation hope that we see the benefits and there are no deals under the table

M. Schembri

Jul 19th 2008, 11:17

@ Paul Galea - What are you implying exactly?

Paul Galea

Jul 19th 2008, 11:03

Bullies . Look who is talking now . Let's be serious .