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Jason Micallef re-elected MLP general secretary

Sceberras Trigona returns as international secretary

Jason Micallef was re-elected MLP general secretary with a comfortable lead.

Jason Micallef has been re-elected general secretary of the Labour Party, emerging triumphant from a bruising contest where the field, despite having been narrowed to four candidates from the original six, was still wide enough to divide his opponents.

Mr Micallef, won the vote of 370 party delegates (out of 837 valid votes) in an election which was held yesterday evening at MLP headquarters in Hamrun.The result was announced early this morning.

Alfred Grixti won 229 votes, Joe Vella Bonnici 224 and Keith Grech just 14.

Mr Micallef has been general secretary since 2003 but opposition to him hardened after he was partly blamed for the March 8 general election defeat.

There was also no change at the top of the party administration, with Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi beating off a challenge from Wenzu Mintoff.

Louis Gatt was re-elected vice-president.

Joseph Cordina is the new finance secretary while Ray Azzopardi was uncontested as public relations officer.

Alex Sceberras Trigona, a former foreign minister, returns to the MLP administration, having beaten Joe Mifsud to the post of international secretary, a post which he once also occupied, while Aaron Farrugia was elected the new education secretary.

The general conference was opened by party leader Joseph Muscat, who in brief comments thanked the people for the solidarity shown to Labour health spokesman Karl Chircop, who is in critical condition in hospital.

The party delegates will meet again today to vote in 10 members of the party executive and discuss amendments to the party statute, notably on the selection of candidates for the European Parliament elections.

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Comments

PJ Mifsud (on 19/8/08)
@ Ben Grech
Part 2

A final reply, trusting to bridge differences.

@ Dr Muscat's recent decision to appoint a HANDPICKED person of his choice to occupy the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) further confirms my ( and others' ) claims that Mr Micallef wasn't the person suitably qualified to occupy the post of MLP General Administrator.

In effect, this move would automatically and officially downsize the roles of General Secretary and other elected administrative posts within the party structure. In such a way that those elected for their political/propagandistic qualities rather than for their managerial capabilities would find that the terms of reference/responsibilities for the post they occupy are being completely re-defined.
PJ Mifsud (on 19/8/08)
@ Ben Grech
Part 1
A final reply, trusting to bridge differences.

@ I've never disputed the fact that Jason wasn't democratically elected. I respect the delegates' decision. What I and other Labour stalwarts contested was the fact that he wasn't the best choice and least merited to emerge victorious.

@ Jason was publicly opposed by certain party members on an individual basis, not acting in concert as a unit, as was the case with the party machine that gave him its full backing.

@ Although the sender of the anonymous e-mail denigrating Alfred Grixti cannot be definitely identified, it can be safely assumed to which contender camp he/she/they belonged to.

@ Dr Falzon acted in an ethically-correct and gentlemanly manner by identifying himself as the Report author re Jason's past performance. The previous case can in no way be linked to this.

@ One cannot be labelled elitist for favouring adequately-qualified persons for a vital administrative post. In that case, every selection board demanding a university degree as a pre-requirement to appoint administrators would be guilty of elitism. Absolute crap!! Would you label Dr Muscat an elitist were he to appoint as CEO a tertiary-level qualified person?
Edward Cassar (on 16/8/08)
The delegates chose to stick with Alfred Sant in 1998. And Sant lost the referendum and the following election. They chose to stick with Sant in 2003 and they lost the 2008 election. Now they have chosen Joseph Muscat and Jason Micallef, again. I suggest that the same delegates that stuck to Sant and voted Muscat and Micallef (again) in, should resign if the MLP loses the next general election. Because the delegates are the masters here, so they should bear the resonsibility of their choices, both in good and bad times. I also suggest the delegate system within the MLP is reformed so that the spine of the party is not made up of a good part, if not most of it, of semi-illiterate people who who have nothing better to do in their lives than go the MLP clubs to sip beer and wine, play cards, and attend committee meetings that lead to nothing.
PJ Mifsud (on 14/8/08)
@ Ben Grech

My personal expressed opinion on this matter doesn't carry any clout. But when Labour stalwarts such as Lino Spiteri, Leo Brincat, Michael Falzon etc pronounce themselves in newspaper columns, they definitely carry more weight politically-wise than the average delegate (probably illiterate) does.

The well-ingrained perception regarding corruption or political abuse under ANY Administration prevailing among locals doesn't stop there. It manifests itself in the common man's everyday perceptions whenever one isn't promoted, fails an exam, loses a lawsuit, receives a parking ticket etc. The most common response to such misfortunes is likely to be due to prevalent corruption. Common sense demands that accusations of corruption must be proved, even though it may be difficult to achieve, if they're to be considered credible.

The PN government has another 5 years at its disposal to implement their electoral promises. Due to various contrary factors, it isn't expected they'll be implemented in the first Budget. If I were you, I wouldn't pronounce myself so hastily about this. Remember, don't count your chickens before they're hatched!!

Going by your staunch pro-Jason stand, I wasn't far off when I stated that all this anti-Jason blog criticism isn't music to your ears!!
Ben grech (on 14/8/08)
This can go on forever so I won t post further replies.

In short

(1)Jason won 44%of the vote even though it was a four way contest. Thusif it was a two way contest betweem any of the other candidates he would have almost certainly have won anyways. Furthermore if the party machine was fully favouring him why did you claim previously that Jason was opposed publicly by certain members from the same party machine(Dr Falzon,Lino Spiteri,Leo Brincat,Evarist Bartolo,Jimmy Magro,etc)??? Why let an 8pg report by Michael Falzon clearly attacking Jason be sent to the delegates? Clearly the party machine wasnt favouring anybody but was split amongst itself on who to elect.

(2)An email whose origin can not be definetly identified can not be used as an argument. Conjuring one up is rather easy. Why would delegates be swayed by a factitious email and not by the said 8pg report by Falzon????

(3)Favouring the other contenders just because they've got a university level of education sounds rather elitist.

(4)Yes Jason criticized George's canditature publicly, but plenty of other people including George himself criticised Jason's in a similar manner.

The delgates have democratically chosen, and their decision should be respected.







PJ Mifsud (on 14/8/08)
@ Ben Grech

Part 2

@ Michael Falzon submitted an eight page report to delegates outlining reasons why Jason shouldn't be re-elected. Isn't that enough proof for you ?

@ Are you aware that someone clearly backing Micallef conducted a vicious e-mail smear campaign against Alfred Grixti, another contender, unfairly depicting him as a PN "lackey" for having participated in a NETTV interview ? Do you approve of such base, denigrating tactics ?

@ Jason triumphed because, as you admit, the powerful party machine gave him its full backing. And because the opposing votes were split among the three contenders.

@ The other contenders are more suited because they've never behaved arrogantly in private or on television. Academically-wise, they're also better qualified. Their professional background/experience are universally-deemed essential requisites for a managerial post. One is a lawyer, the second a Head of School/University lecturer and the third a Management Consultant/University lecturer.

@ Is it acceptable for a party General-Secretary not to know the number of first-time voters? Is it ethically permissible for Jason to criticize George Abela, then leadership contender, on TV to try to influence his candidature negatively with all Labourites? Please provide answers. Don't attempt to circumvent factual arguments.
Ben Grech (on 14/8/08)
@PJ Mifsud. Nonetheless Jason has the support of the majority of the delegates over the other contenders. Whatever particular party individuals thinks is completely irrelevant. You mentioned a total of seven individuals and yet approximately 900 party delegates had the right to vote. Why do you think their opinion and your’s for that matter should weigh more than all those who actually worked and know Jason (i.e. the party delegates/administration) is baffling to say the least?

With respect to the calls of corruption on the Labour billboards, they were completely uncalled for, but not for the reasons you may think. They were uncalled for because there is already a well ingrained perception among the populace that corruption and abuse of political power are common place under the present administration. Furthermore it is also well known that the chances of ever pinning a member of government with any kind of charges is next to none. So why on earth risk the libel charges?

Oh yes one final thing I fully agree the PN s electoral programme of promises was superior. However PN s record of implementing their electoral promises is a miserable one, and this one would seem to be no exception.
PJ Mifsud (on 14/8/08)
@ Ben Grech
Part 1.

I expected you to comment about what decides an issue from a non-issue. Once you haven't, I presume you've accepted my arguments.

@ That's exactly the reason why Jason least merited to emerge victorious. He formed part of the Select Strategic Election Committee that botched up the election issue.

@ Landslide or no is irrelevant. The party in government for 2 legislatures has everything to lose for not complying to every voter's whims. Most voters expect a change.

@ The reason given is one of the many that contributed to Labour's downfall. The main being that level-headed voters regarded Labour's electoral programme as mediocre and lacking credibility.

@ Have you the nerve to call the PN campaign as denigrating Dr Sant? What about the billboard and mass meetings MLP campaign depicting all Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries as corrupt ? Even Dr Falzon had the guts to state that some Labour billboards were outrightly slanderous. Have any corruption charges been levelled and proven against former cabinet Ministers ?

@ Was Jason discredited SOLELY by Dr Falzon ? What about George Abela, Lino Spiteri, Leo Brincat, Evarist Bartolo, Jimmy Magro, the ex-Secretary of FŻL etc ?
Ben grech (on 13/8/08)
@PJ mifsud you state that Jason Micallef was the least merited to emerge victorious. Could this be because he was partly responsible for the Labour party's loss at the last elections? Yes MLP did lose the last election, but by no landslide. The only reason the nationalist party won was that the voters were led to believe through a concerted camapaign , that although the present government was and still is an abysmal one, the alternative, ie Dr Sant at the helm of the country's government was a less favourable proposition. I personally believe such a campaign went too far in denigrating Alfred Sant. There was little anyone could do to neutralise such attacks in the last electoral campaign. Yes Jason does have a tendancy to reply in kind when faced with denigrating attacks but does this make him unworthy of his present post (well it does according to Net News )? Should we discredit him because Michael Falzon doesnt like him, even when he clearly has the support of the party delegates? My point is that the people who know Jason best (ie the party machine) have clearly voted to keep him. Can you explain why the othercontenders arebetter?
PJ Mifsud (on 13/8/08)
@ Ben Grech

I appreciate your concern to attempt to limit the ferocity of comments being expressed, making this blog the most commented. However, the blog editor has the faculty to withdraw the blog when he feels things are getting out of hand. That's his prerogative, not yours. The amount of space the media devotes to readers' views reflects audience interest for a particular topic.

By what stretch of the imagination can you decide for the readership that this topic is a non-issue? Party delegates have elected to a crucial post a person whose past performance was abysmal and who least merited to emerge victorious. Such an unexpected outcome has rendered the issue a much-discussed item, making it a veritable issue. I assure you that should this election have gone another way as was expected, that would have BEEN a non-issue. Interest generated would' ve been low, with most contributions expressing congratulations to the victor.

Your desire to promote positive/proactive journalism is utopic in the local context due to the lack of tolerance and our love for polemics. A change of mentality promoted by politicians, Union leaders, party newspapers and TV stations has to be established as an initial step.


Ben Grech (on 12/8/08)
@ PJ Mifsud I assume that you have realised that this is the most commented article on the site at present. My previous comment was aimed at questioning the reason for such attention when the issue at hand is so to speak not really an issue at all (when compared with our country’s present woes). Alex Tanti summed up my feelings perfectly in his own comment below that what our country really needs is “Positive and more proactive journalism for the better of these islands”.

Haven’t you ever wondered that the reason behind such ferocity in comments by so many bloggers on such a non issue could stem from excessive focus on the subject by the local media (or atleast particular segments of the local media).
PJ Mifsud (on 12/8/08)
@ Ethelbert Schembri

Going by the various incoherent arguments expressed in your inimitable literary style, you proclaim yourself disposed to celebrate, welcome and take pride in whoever is elected to MLP administrative posts, no matter if the incumbent belongs to Labour's past or present.

You've called upon anti-Labour bloggers whom you described as closed-minded(sic) to change their tune as they're stuck up in the PAST. I wonder how you'd describe one who's ecstatic about having elected an avowed Euro-sceptic to the post of International Secretary - a post the same incumbent occupied over 30 years ago !!

It is advisable for you to take M. Muscat's excellent piece of advice about this matter to come to your senses. MLP delegates have also re-elected to the same posts the President and General Secretary who formed part of the select executive Strategic Election team that brilliantly scuttled the party's chances of success in the last elections. Dr Sant, ex-leader, Dr Mangion and Dr Falzon, ex-deputy leaders, all shouldered their responsibilities, resigned their posts and retired from the administrative scene. Jason Micallef and Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi should have, as gentlemen, likewise shouldered their share of the blame for contributing to the Labour debacle.
PJ Mifsud (on 12/8/08)
@ Ben Grech

Bloggers who wish to comment on various critical problems currently affecting our country have at their disposal numerous sites on the same website where they are free and welcome to post their comments.

Can it be that your misplaced complaint about criticism appearing on this particular topic as being out of place is because it doesn't sound like music to your ears ?
Randolph Bugeja (on 11/8/08)
HAHA ... the MLP has just elected AST as its foreign secretary and some commentators here are pointing fingers at people who have criticised that choice and saying that the nationalists are living in the past?!?!

Excuse me if I find this hilarious..
Alex Tanti (on 11/8/08)
Positive and more proactive journalism for the better of these islands is seriously called for.....
Mr. Ben Grech is so right.
Mark Bugeja (on 10/8/08)
You are 100% right Mr Ben Grech
PJ Mifsud (on 9/8/08)
@ Michael Catania
Part 2

It seems you equate privatisation of parastatal enterprises with the notion of selling off the family heirlooms. There's nothing wrong, economically-wise, in so doing in order to avoid bankruptcy or to invest the proceeds in more viable enterprises. Modern economic theories maintain that the private sector is more conductive to a healthier economy as it avoids waste and overblown workforces to concentrate on achieving expansion and higher profits. No wonder Private employees are better paid than State ones!!

Mid-Med's privatisation is a success story. It was absorbed by an operator of high international renowned standing. It has succeeded to expand its operations base sector and increase profit margins substantially. Its employees and the government have benefitted greatly from the changeover.

Sea Malta was bankrupt thanks to the GWU having negotiated unrealistically high salaries for its overblown workforce, thus rendering it unfit to compete in a highly-competitive, limited market. It was more of a liability than an asset.

The process of privatising Maltacom was initiated by Dr Sant and proved a fruitful project. It was subsequently taken up by the PN government. More shares were offered to the public, although Government remains the majority shareholder.
alan falzon (on 9/8/08)
..are these people serious?..so what does change mean?..
Ethelbert Schembri (on 8/8/08)
Very good point my friend Ben Grech !
Ben grech (on 8/8/08)
With so many critical problems our country is facing, why oh why the fuss with respect to the election of a new opposition secretary general? With the lack of any government solution to our illegal immigration woes, ever growing hospital waiting lists, increases in both national debt and deficit, and nonexistent MEPA reforms, you d think sane individuals would focus their criticism elsewhere.
PJ Mifsud (on 8/8/08)
@ Michael Catania

Part 1

"The proof of the pudding lies in the eating". Proof is paramount. MLP delegates have doubtlessly proved that they intend to retain a conservative party by largely re-electing the same line-up as the pre-2008 election fiasco set-up. Labour delegates are displaying an ingrained mentality to preserve the MLP in a perpetual conservative cocoon.

What qualifies as conservative requires proof; unlike your senseless penchant for labelling those who don't subscribe to your extreme views as "you conservative lot". Not that the term itself is degenerative, since the Sant government (1996-98) was heavily lambasted by Dom Mintoff for applying anti-social economic measures (viz higher W&E charges) - tantamount to adopting conservative policies.

Your outdated mentality concerning anti-privatisation has been abandoned even by Russia - the first country to adopt the Communist economic system. It dates back to the 70s with Mintoff as its promoter (Remember his quip - Aħleb Ġuż) . Contrarily, the present MLP leadership boasts of accepting privatisation (viz the Drydocks) as governmental policy. You must be the sole survivor hankering against State assets created by Labour Administrations being privatised, or, according to a convulsed mentality, being sold off to foreign (not foreing) companies cheaply.

Ethelbert Schembri (on 7/8/08)
Mr J Vella I told you that I am PROUD of DOM MINTOFF, Alex Sceberras Trigona and or anyone else from that past and present of the MLP !!!
At least I am proud of someone and to be clear they are not just anybody !!
Still in the past my friend !!

@ Dr Francis Saliba

You are correct I didn’t mean everyone but only those who are closed minded.
Thanks to point that out .
m farrugia (on 7/8/08)
Insomma at least we will not be making good for JM' s unemployment benefit. Kull deni hudu b'gid. Prosit again MLP. Why can't you get one right for once?
J Vella (on 7/8/08)
@ Ethelbert Schembri:

What's so shocking about you is that you tell US to change and update
when YOU have just elected Alex Sceberras Trigona in a post he held 30 years ago,
after which, 25 years ago, he was signing secret treaties with North Korea.

And you declare that you're PROUD of Alex Sceberras Trigona!

Pleeeaaase...

Labour really is beyond redemption.
David Gatt (on 7/8/08)
Its funny to read messages from PN supporters which are already thinking of the net elections, which.. they are saying they are so sure of winning. Why are you already planning for the next elections??

If you think that by electing Jason Micallef Labour has lost already than good for you. I hope you keep thinking this way and may you spread your thinking as widely as possible. That is what floaters and moderates want to hear from your party.
Dr Francis Saliba (on 7/8/08)
@EthelbertSchembri.

I am amused by your call "To everyone" to change. Reminds me of the army recruit marching out of step with the rest of the squad who protested that it was the others who needed to change step.
Ethelbert Schembri (on 7/8/08)
My dear friend J Vella and everyone.
If you think that buy quoting DOM MINTOFF , Dr Alex Sceberras Trigona and or anyone else from that past and present of the MLP you are going to intimidate me , well you took a wrong way I WAS, AM and WILL BE very proud of them no matter what you others say .

Thanks !!

Now you can continue your litany !!!!!
Ethelbert Schembri (on 7/8/08)
My friend J Vella I am telling to update your writing because if you read again what you are writing is stuck in the past !!

So if I am getting it good , you are suggesting that Malta don’t trade or don’t make diplomatic relations with China , Russia , Libya , Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, The Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia , every Arabic state etc . Or whichever country you think that was evil just because the MLP did trade or diplomatic relations with ?????
Please do update your foreign knowledge cause is a bit confused . I know you think that you or anyone from the PN side know a lot more than anyone else on this planet just because you was in favour of Malta accession in the EU but it only got that far !!!

Sorry I m not getting your updating on this issue
J Vella (on 7/8/08)

Ethelbert Schembri:

When Alex Sceberras Trigona wielded power at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Maltese emigrants writing in this blog from abroad would have been guilty
of Foreign Interference!

Foreign diplomats in Malta were ordered not to talk to Nationalist officials.
If they did, they were Personae non Gratae.

AST went to Pyongyang and even Dom Mintoff.
And when Mintoff alighted from the aircraft,
Kim Il Sung's military saluting him broke into song,
you know which?
MA TAGHMLU XEJN MAL-PERIT MINTOFF.

They sang to their heart's content.
Unbelievable!

AST is so anti-Europe because he was so pro-Communist countries.

Our friends when he was Foreign Minister were the Ceaucescus,
Mrs Elena Ceaucescu was decorated by the Malta Labour government.

And you tell us you updated your policies by electing AST international secretary.

Hallina!
J Vella (on 7/8/08)

In his latest comments after he was elected, Jason Micallef talked exactly as if he has been elected party leader, not secretary general.

He will be "everyone's secretary general" and he will forgive his opponents.

He's so arrogant!

Labour is truly in a mess: this guy has got Joseph Muscat elected, and now himself and the others in his clique.

Who can stop him? (Joseph surely didn't)

To think that in 5 years' time this guy could be the secretary general of the party in government!
Ethelbert Schembri (on 7/8/08)
To everyone

Please change the music cause YOU are stuck in the past not us !!
Can everyone notice that there are some blogs with the same writing !!!

The MLP has updated its foreign policy years ago .
And if you can’t tell us something new on Jason Micallef, Alex Sceberras Trigona, the new leadership and administration please stop writing on them cause as I said , you are stuck in the past not us !!
Your comments are more than 30 years !!

Come on come with new fiction , you are more than capable !!

Thanks to all
m abela (on 7/8/08)
prosit mr muscat!!! you hit the nail on the head!!!!!!
J Vella (on 7/8/08)

Back to Square Minus One
with Jason Micallef and Alex Sceberras Trigona.

Many have spoken here about Jason,
but AST deserves mention too.

It is unbelievable how Labour just takes
diametrically opposite views on everything,
and does this with a straight face!

Not only was Alex Sceberras Trigona adamantly against EU membership,
he even argued that membership needed a full twe-thirds vote in Parliament
as he argued that EU membership breaks
(and obviously, according to him, still does)
Malta's neutrality provisions entrenched in our Constitution.

That is, he was not only arguing against membership
and the great 'tragedies' it was going to cause us
(as Joseph Muscat did in 'Made in Brussels'),
but also that it was impossible to join the EU
as membership needed the vote of Labour MPs,
and they were dead set against EU membership.

Labour has gone back three decades with Alex Sceberras Trigona
in the same post he occupied 31 years ago.
He is against our EU membership,
as Foreign Minister he signed the Secret Treaty with Communist North Korea in Pyongyang,
and he ordered foreign dimplomats not to talk with Nationalist Party officials.

Not only is he anti-European,
he's an embarrassment to Malta.

M.Muscat (on 7/8/08)
Can't you see MLP? The PN -wisely and to their credit- got what they planned - a fragmented and spineless MLP party. If you still don't know, let me explain how they did it.

They were afraid of George Abela, so they praised and promoted him to the maximum. Result - we ousted him.

They did not want a strong backing ( deputy leaders ) to a fragile new leader. They did not want a Gulia/Cardona tandem. So , guess what? they attacked Ang. Farrugia/Toni Abela. Result - we swallowed the bait and acted like imbeciles.

Now the BIG ONE - They wanted Jason Micallef so they opened an all out assault - sort of a bombardment - on all fronts. They even made the best of Michael Falzon, Leo Brincat's, and a host of other genuine MLP followers. And Bingo - they found the Joker- they got an EN PLEIN. We voted Jason in. What a sorry plight ! What a nightmare to be fooled over and over again.

But now, let's be damned cause we deserve it and hope that one day we would have some brains. Who knows ?
d.attard (on 7/8/08)
Hours after his 'election' I came across jason on smash, telling one and all of Labour Party policy on Drydocks, Hunting, economy, pfp, Europe, etc etc to an extent that not even Jopseh dare go. And this a few hours after Joseph said that it is time to stop the talk and start the walk.

Jason had nothing to say about internal (dis)orgainisation and how the party is directing him to carry out necessary reforms (ie his real role); Just talk, rhetoric, coming from a person who has lost most of his credibility...

This is not a personal opinion but a reflection of a widespread opinion I come across held by labourites and who can hardly hold their noses any longer.

Leadership should read the riot act to the general secretary who is to keep strictly to his role, namely that of ADMINISTRATION in accordance with policies and directives handed out by leadership, Many suffering reds need to see this NOW. Much damage has already been inflicted as it is. Many feel like giving up. Joseph, Leo, Varist, send us a ray of something please...
Andrew Grech (on 7/8/08)
The beginning of another END.

On hindsight, the news is not that bad. Lets face it, another person on the unemployed list ain't too good!
Ray Gatt (on 7/8/08)
B. Borg - that is exactly what happened last March!!!
Andrew Camilleri (on 7/8/08)
Whilst I do not agree with most of the choices made by the delegates some of the comments on this blog have been really insulting and show that the class difference in Malta is still present big time!

Calling people hamalli, abjetti and ignorant just because they chose differently than what most people thought? This type of talk only helps to create a bigger divide between various sectors of Maltese society.

What seems to be lost in translation is that the ABSOLUTE MAJORITY of delegates did not want JM as Sec Gen. So it's not that the delegates are stupid and out of touch with the way things are on the outside.
A. Borg (on 7/8/08)
Another 'comedy of errors' is about to be launched... Great choice...

I suggest to get rid of all competent persons in the MLP. You do not need them!!! The MLP delegates are replacing the world's best philosophers... They surely know how to decide for the better of our country.

Well done delegates!!

(P.S. How many "abjetti" and "hamalli" are there among these MLP delegates?)
E Mifsud (on 7/8/08)
Once again I want to point out that I am a labourite and if need be I will give my membership details to prove it. She this is a repeat of Dr Sant's story. People didn't like him and the party insisted in keeping with the unavoidable consequences. The same is going to happen with Jason.

So again I appeal to the new leader (in whom I have full trust) to find a way to make Jason leave his post. I also appeal to all others who have weight to put on pressure and work for this cause. Jason MUST go as soon as possible.
Joe Vella (on 7/8/08)
@ Ethelbert Schembri:

It is unbelievable how Labour just takes diametrically opposite views on everything,
and does this with a straight face!

Not only was Alex Sceberras Trigona adamantly against EU membership,
he even argued that membership needed a full TWO-THIRDS vote in Parliament
as he argued that EU membership BREAKS
(and obviously, according to him, still does)
Malta's neutrality provisions entrenched in our Constitution.

That is, he was not only arguing against membership and the great 'tragedies' it was going to cause us (mimmicking Joseph Muscat in Made in Brussels), but also that it was IMPOSSIBLE to join the EU as membership needed the vote of Labour MPs, an impossibility at the time.

Dear Mr Schembri:
Labour has gone back 30 years with Alex Sceberras Trigona.
He is against our EU membership,
as Foreign Minister he signed the shameful Secret Treaty with Communist North Korea in Pyongyang,
and he ordered foreign dimplomats not to talk with Nationalist Party officials.

Not only is he anti-European,
he's an EMBARRASSMENT to your party!
E.Grima (on 7/8/08)
Morris Borg Gauchi... get a life!!
Joe Micallef (on 7/8/08)
@ Ethelbert - Your thwarted reading of history is even more thwarted than the delegates decision to put JM and AST in the respective post.

I remember as a teenager being unable to reconcile the love for one's country and people with declarations of love to some of the worst examples of mankind, vide Rumania's Caucescu, Korea's Kim il Sung etc.

You see to many, excluding you, that was not love for the country but use of the country for one's own benefit. Malta was prostituted with some of the world's worst for considerable personal gains, like shipwrights and civil servants becoming filthy rich at the expense of national interest.

Some MLP official, this week said he wants to serve his party not his party to serve him. It seems to be part of MLP.s historical modus operandi.!!!

As you conclude…..You now need to work....and really hard if my add!. Its a long way to tipperery!!!
gaffarena joseph (on 7/8/08)
By re electing Jason, and Trigona,is a victory for the P,N.
Where is the new labour, the new vision that they all talked about.It seems, that the MLP, are not ready in thinking and working to form a govt,Take the GWU, for instance,they are still thinking of winning, by bullying,and using all language to impress the people, like they did,last week,when addresing the drydocks workers,but this kind of bullying is over now.
martin portelli (on 7/8/08)
I think E. Mifsud's comment is very sensible. I am very sure the leadership is aware of the nightmare they've allowed to unfold. They should be taken to task however for not having the will to act as leaders should and taken the necessary steps to disqualify Mr. Micallef from contesting. The unsuitability of his candidature was in plain writing in the electoral defeat document and well documented on camera. Only the naive will cling to the apologist illusion that Mr. Micallef couldn’t do otherwise and be given a second chance to dash the hopes of 49% of the population. The will for action by the leadership was absent signifying endorsement that resulted in a predetermined choice .
It is a affront to loyal labour supporters that this situation once again puts at risk any hope for a strong and viable opposition. I fail to see any new saviour stepping forward, indeed we seem to end up with men of straw ( don't you just wish sometimes that parties are composed of and run solely by women , maybe Malta might be jolted out of the mediocrity of patriarchal politics/ journalism and the rest of the ics and isms.)
J. Pace (on 7/8/08)
welldone, issa qabel ma jibdew jghoddu votes, erga mur ghid li rebhu MLP...should have been a new party, but is practically the same...even their negative attitude has not changed..just listen to their radio, tv and their newspaper...they always moan moan moan and criticise everything! where is the new change?

change your stupid attitude or else you will remain there...and so far this new leader has done nothing WOW to win floater votes! still have time though, 5yrs and maybe 10yrs or more with the help of jason...

now yes start criticising me...don't mind...but think prior writing...be intelligent!
Antoine Vella (on 6/8/08)
Dr Sceberras Trigona is a valid person for party and country.He has the same spirit and enthusiasim as ever.
As for Jason he is valid person and keen to work , after some touches he will be bright as ever, Good see Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi and Louis Gatt re-elected. They work hard for party and country. Welcome to Joe Cordina and Aaron Farrugia .
The delegates said their say and we are after all the administration under the helm of our beloved Joseph Muscat.
Mark Bugeja (on 6/8/08)
Well done Jason Micallef. Wishing you lots of luck. This is a very sad day for hardcore nationalists. It is true that you made some mistakes but I am sure that you deserve another chance.It is true that the MLP lost the election but Malta lost an honest Labour Government. Now we are tasting the medication of PN government and will taste more and more taxes in the future. All those destructive comments that were shown towards you by the PN Supporters are really a sign that You and The Malta Labour Party said the truth In your E
Michael Tabone (on 6/8/08)
I know I sound like a PN supporter when I say this and people will criticise me for saying this, but where is the change everyone has been expecting by MLP. I mean Joseph Muscat, sounded promising, but then his deputy leaders were a disaster of a choice. Probably to keep Joseph Muscat in check as everyone is saying. They do after all represent the "Old Labour" in a way.

Now Jason Micallef, one of Sant's boys, and one of the members of the group known as the clikka or the inner circle within MLP. What ever the rumours are, Jason Micallef was far from the best choice. I was sure Alfred Gixtri would have been elected, but yet Labour suprise us again.

Anyway to give a little respect to labour 500 delegates did vote against Jason Muscat, and he won by a majority of 300 votes in total. Still Labours big cry for change has fallen on deaf ears.

Well conclusion, unless you are a hardcore labour supporter, you can see Labour was just talking about change, but didn't like the taste when they heard about the required action that was needed for change to happen.
Michael Catania (on 6/8/08)
@P J Mifsud
I use the word conservative to describe your lot in the full sense of the word . While the conservatives have been in Govt there only intention was to wind back the clock to the old days. Every asset that a labour Govt created to give this nation security and less dependance on foreing powers, your lot has sold to foreing on the cheap, Such things as Mid-Med bank, Sea Malta, Maltacom and so on. Maybe you do not remeber the old days , when you had beggars asking for money at the main entrance to Valletta, or coming around knocking on doors and asking for a piece of bread.Need I go any further . Finally who do you align your selves with in euro Parliament
A Daley (on 6/8/08)

Why are PN lot so concerned about who is elected within the MLP.

If according to these PN supporters, the person or persons recently elected are unfit and will go to make MLP to loose an election, - - for goodness sake, be happy, enjoy yourselves, not show us all as if you are livid with what is happening.

Enjoy yourselves!

Why are PN supporters proving to be such a sad bunch!

Try breathing some fresh air at the new state of the art Garden of Eden that PN erected in lieu of the Marsa Power Station!

Now where did I put those light bulbs?
Dr Francis Saliba (on 6/8/08)
@ADaley
Please admit that a normal gradual evolution of social services occurs continually in all countries under all political parties and it is ridiculous to credit these solely to any one political party, anywhere.
What is incredibly outstanding in Malta is the near-miraculous spine jerking overnight U-turns of the MLP about VAT and membership of the European Union with the cherry on top of the cake going to the newly elected MLP international secretary and his notorious open association with the CNI which no one can negate or gloss over.
Ethelbert Schembri (on 6/8/08)


Dr Alex Sciberras Trigona was never an activist in the CNI and was not against the EU . He just made some programs to explain the work of the EU.
His position was , is and always will be that he wants all the BEST for MALTA. Outside and now inside the EU . He always said that we must be prepared for the every negative that may come and take all and if it is possible more from every good that may come for the best of all Maltese . He even lectures the EU diplomats on international relations .
If everyone notice his position and that of the MLP are alike .
The MLP in his glorious history always wanted the very best for Malta , even if it meant an unpopular position .
If anyone is doubting the position of the leader and the administration of the MLP on the EU just don’t know anything . So please stay quiet in your caves or just pick up the pace !!

I wish Jason all the best for his re-election ! NOW back to work !!

Morris Borg Gauchi (on 6/8/08)
A sad day for Malta, a sadder day for the MLP
PJ Mifsud (on 6/8/08)
@ A Daley

The more you rave and rant penning irrelevant and illogical arguments that are beside the point re the above topic, the further you expose your anti-PN frustration for having to swallow the bitter pill of Labour having sufferred a third consecutive unprecedented defeat at the polls.

You've every right to be ecstatic to celebrate Jason's victory in being re-elected. This is the third time in a row that delegates have landed the MLP in a muddle by voting against mainstream opinion both on a national level and within party structures. They have succeeded to make a mockery of the newly-coined slogan STAGUN POLITIKU GDID.

Apart from floaters and PN sympathisers, a considerable number of prominent Labour exponents publicly opposed the idea of re-electing Jason due to his arrogant behaviour and adverse perception displayed on TVM's "Xarabank" . Among these one finds Leo Brincat, Lino Spiteri, Michael Falzon, Evarist Bartolo, George Abela, Jimmy Magro, Toni Abela, the ex-Secretary of Forum Zghazagh Laburisti, Anna Mallia, Charles J. Buttigieg.....the list is endless. Not to mention the 467 Labour delegates representing 55.8% who clearly opposed his candidature. If that doesn't make sense to you, I just can't imagine what will !!
d bugeja (on 6/8/08)
I see history repeating itself. Dr Alfred Sant suffered 3 lost election and before last election the delegates insisted that he remains a leader. Now Jason knowing that a lot of people are against him in keeping his post as a general secretary the delegates are still insisting that he keeps the post. Well, in future I see Jason taking the decision to go down as Dr Alfred Sant did as he will be the reason of another failure in next general election.
Tonio Mallia (on 6/8/08)
@ A Daley

Au contraire. The PN are extremely happy that Jason is back. Having ,as your opponent, a totally incompetent person just makes it sooooooo much easier! Maybe next time Jason will get the number of new voters right huh?....

Now do be quiet ! Unless you have something intelligent to say.
Kenneth Caruana (on 6/8/08)
Labour United has done it again. I just wonder how the party top brass who openly stated that they won't work with Jason will act now. Labour must really LABOUR to project an image of a united party with all these wide cracks glaringly visible. If these people are so afraid of change, I wonder how on earth they can persuade a nation that their party has new ideas and projects for our country. Poor Joseph... he must grab the bull by its horns if he really envisages an earthquake in the Labour Party. Till now any seismic movements were barely recordable on the Richter scale.
Simon Joseph Aquilina (on 6/8/08)
They only changed the leader (with a person who has always been the favorite candidate of the previous leader) and they want us to believe that the party’s attitude will change. It is really a pity. After PN won the last election I was hoping for a new MLP, an MLP with new faces and new ideas. What I find out is a party who has remained the same throughout the ages – A party that does not listen the cry of the people, neither that of their own people who have supported the party throughout good (and mostly) bad. Internally MLP seems to be a self serving machine, a place where the majority only looks for personal interest and power rather than the good of the country. MLP looks like a wolf in sheep clothing – they look as if they are changing, but are they really?
PJ MIfsud (on 6/8/08)
@ Michael Catania

According to Chambers Dictionary "Conservatives" means
averse to change; a Party that favours the preservation of existing institutions.

I believe you should apply the term "conservatives" to MLP delegates who have given ample proof by their votes that they favour a status quo in maintaining the same persons to occupy administrative posts as was the pre-election situation. MLP delegates have opted for the same unnamed administrators who were publicly chastised in a damning Report as being the chief culprits for Labour's third successive defeat at the polls. You certainly cannot apply the term to the PN because it has effected changes in the administrative set-up even though it won a third unprecedented victory.

It's crystal clear that the two Deputy Leaders, the General Secretary, the President and Vice-President, the PRO and the International Secretary all belong to the MLP old guard. This has resulted in a complete mockery and farce for Labour's newly-coined slogan "STAĠUN POLITIKU ĠDID". Notwithstanding Joseph Muscat's expressed desire to cause an earthquake within the Party structures, the MLP CONSERVATIVE core is bent on having its way to PRESERVE the Party in a cocoon as it has always been since time immemorial !!

maurice schembri (on 6/8/08)
Congratulations Mr. Jason Micallef and Dr. Alex Sciberras Trigona.
Don't let them bother you
D.Briffa (on 6/8/08)
I enjoy reading Daley's contributions...he truely and honestly believes that should labour have won power last election, Malta would be the cheapest place to live in. The price of oil would not have even be felt. The price of food neighter. We would probably be living in heaven.

As for the list of PN being against...you forgot Air Malta, Mr. Daley. You see, I as a conservative or a PNjan (I am more of an Eddiejan actually but that's another story) have no problem admitting past mistakes of the PN, this is totally unlike you, who makes god out of the MLP and worship it.
Just think for one moment, since 1987 till today, think about all the things Labour opposed through it's various leaders and you probably would not have enough space (with the 200 words limit imposed by the timesofmalta.com) to list them out. I think with the climax being...Labour won the referendum...only to be kicked in the butt in the following election for daring to tell Mr & Mrs Poplu, your voice in the ref..meant nothing because I (funny as it may sound) claim victory. Well we know the sad story that followed for MLP then.
laurence schembri (on 6/8/08)
@ A. Gauci-Cunningham
What an honour to find my name added to such a distinguished company.
Thank you.
J Farrugia (on 6/8/08)
@ Franco Farrugia. seems you are not living in this world. You know nothing about politics and how it works. You're just dreaming living in Utopia and not in Malta or the world. Keep dreaming a wonderful world where birds fly and there is sugar candy mountains.
Mark Pisani (on 6/8/08)
A Daley,
Will you stop all these University jokes? 1. They are not funny, 2. Stop acting so defesively. We don't judge you because you did not go to uni, we judge you because your put silly arguments forward - kidding :-)
David Gatt (on 5/8/08)
As a Labour voter I frankly don't give a damn about PN fanatics. I only care about Labour voters, floaters and moderate Nationalists. I know that the campaign to bring down JM was orchestrated by the PN and supported by some brainwashed supporters. I am really happy it failed.

Now that the members have been chosen I expect them to work for Labour's future and I expect Joseph Muscat to show a stict leadership. I'm confident he'll succeed cause the guy has got great guts and vision.
Liam Kelly (on 5/8/08)
Mr. Daley, time to go back to sleep for 5 more years mate!

Your angelic portrayal of the Labour party (both in the UK and Malta) is quite laughable!

The public voted in a referrendum for the EU at the time so therefore it was the right decision for the conservative party to be in it...to suggest otherwise is just wrong.
Giorgio Gelfo (on 5/8/08)
Jason re-elected and a politically dead dinosaur coming back from the grave? Hahhahahaha... This reminds me of the Muppet Show .... remember those 2 anzjani that used to look down from the balcony ? I bet the majority of MLP Delegates look exactly like them.
No wonder I left the MLP years ago....a new beginning my foot !
Time to split the party guys and the sooner the better!
M.D. Schembri (on 5/8/08)
@C Sapiano. The university students stipend is 'supported mainly by working-class people who talk only about politics in a stupid way. ' The 'working class' is supporting their tertiary education through their tax payment just like it probably supported yours.
What arrogance!!
You owe the working class an apology.
Stanley Cassar Darien (on 5/8/08)
There must be something really wrong with the local political scene if we are still giving such importance to the role of the general secretary of both parties.
Sandro Azzopardi (on 5/8/08)
Jason have succeeded in keeping his post but he will never manage to convince me to vote Labour again as long as he continues to be the secretary general of the party.
Lara Borg (on 5/8/08)
Well done to all the contestants - will all of you Gonzi PN stop throwing stuff at Jason - he was elected and enough of it - You can not base an election on 1 person - as for the rest who have a stiff against Jason within the labour party i am sure that they will work themselves out. I can not see anyone pointing fingers at JPO - He lied upfront to all of us and even worse the PM for supporting him - not even to th 95% surcharge - but ofcoarse this is all under the carpert - Jason story seems to effect our life more....Good Luck Jason - i am sure that you will do a splendid Job - let bygoms be bygoms...
J Martinelli (on 5/8/08)
@ A Daley - you are one pathetic person. I will not give you the satisfaction of an argument.

I just wish I were able to get into one of the 370 brains who voted for Jason Micallef, however it would have to be one delegate who voted voluntarily for Mr. Micallef, not because he/she was influenced by his self serving machine. I wonder what makes such a brain tick.

There simply is no logic in confirming a loser unless there is a hidden agenda behind all this. Joseph must be secluded somewhere trying to figure out where to begin.

First he is surrounded by two deputies not famous for being forward looking. On the contrary, they come from the 'dark era' which lately the MLP exhorted us to forget. Then we have Jason who has been given a chunk of the blame for the election loss and the cherry on the cake must be Alex Sciberras Trigona a confirmed anti-EU activist.

Now we know what Joseph meant when he said that he will open his arms to just about every Tom Dick and Harry.

He did so and ended up with the so-so, the bad and the ugly.
E Mifsud (on 5/8/08)
@ Ray Schembri

First it must be said that the MLP is more democratic than the PN, who elect their JS from among just 60 people. Now maybe that's a better way to get the person you want elected, but certainly not very democratic.

Delegates will not change, but they can and will be change by being contested in the local committees and that's what we are going to do. Talking about change and doing nothing isn't going to get us anywhere. We all have to participate in change to make it happen.
A Daley (on 5/8/08)
As for those who keep mentioning that Labour was against EU, there are various lessons that these people need to learn and keep in mind.

PN was against:

Minimum wage,
Pensions,
Women's vote,
The Republican Constitution,
Children's allowance,
I.D Cards, (Remember Eddie - Ser insiru dittatura bl-ID Cards)
Voting rights at 18,
Freedom of speech and Religious belief,
2/3 pension,
Free Health Care, etc, etc, etc.

In UK the Conservative Party took Britain into the EEC, while Labour was against.
In 2008, Labour works hard within the EU while given half the chance the Conservatives would leave the EU.

Does this mean that the UK Political Parties are a farce like PN in Malta?

Grow up, and accept different opinions.

Watch PN bringing in Divorce Laws. Should we start condemning PN because it used to be against? They changed their mind. So what!

So much for saying that you've been to University. Yeah, pull the other one!

Now where did those light bulbs go!
Schembri Ray (on 5/8/08)
I wonder when we are going to have a reliable oppostion. It seems that almost half of the labour delegates are never going to change. It seems that (il-hmar taqtalu dembu hmar jibqa). When are these people going to change? To me they are like the Communists of the past. They have the power to remain there although the people wants a change.
A Daley (on 5/8/08)
Why are you all PN 49% of those that have been cheated by their party getting so hot under the collar?

The person LEAST wanted by PN to be MLP General Secretary has won!

Just lump it in the same way as you are swallowing the vague promises of your party.

As for anyone mentioning that PN people go to UNI. The fact that these persons claim that they know every student's political view is another way of you confirming that we are living in Zimbabwe.

This person meant that we have so many stupid gullible people in Malta, that they vote for the party that could not even deliver a few bulbs to every household, as promised to be received by the end of March 2008. What a farce!

Only Mugabe knows his people, what they eat, where they live, what they believe in and also HOW THEY VOTE.

Enjoy the most expensive place in the EU while receiving 31% of the EU average salary!

Any University student with a first in economics, to shed some light for the next budget?
J Abela (on 5/8/08)
@ C Sapiano
I know the subject is the MLP election of last night but frankly I don't give a toss about what happened.

However I am writing as your attitude is worrysome considering that it came from someone who supposedly took tertiary education.

I studied abroad at an institution ranked much further up than the UoM because I could. Does that supposedly make me smarter/ better than those who studied at Tal-Qroqq?

The fact that there are (supposedly) more Nationalists than Labourites at the university does not make the latter incompetent working class secondary citizens. I know of very able graduates from both sides of the political spectrum.

Remember that the PN gets elected from the working class too. To forget so is arrogant to say the least. You need the votes of the working class too, you know!

Yours is a text book case unfortunately where passing exams does not make one clever. I suggest you apologise to the rest of the people who have written in this column.
James Genovese (on 5/8/08)
some things never change

Jason Micallef is one of 'em
E Mifsud (on 5/8/08)
Lets be frank, JM's confirmation is an insult to all well meaning, genuine labourites like myself. I was not at all surprised with the result even though I was hoping A Grixti would make it. However, there is still time to reverse this mishap. The post can be recontested next time round since these posts are only for one year duration.

So if the the 57% who did not for for JM rally behind one candidate, the incumbent will be thrown out. It's no use lamenting, persist and go for change. Maybe I'm dreaming but it is possible if there is the required determination. We are very happy with Joseph Muscat, but we DO NOT want Jason. So we expect our leader to note our disgruntlement and act accordingly.
Franco Farrugia (on 5/8/08)
@ Mr Charles Camilleri - 'do that do not challenge the credentials of the delegates.' And why the hell not, I ask? Are party delegates becoming sacred cows or something, now, as well? First we have the Party leader becoming some sort of sacred cow - no sooner he is crowned that everybody kneels down in front of him or her and turns him/her into a saint and more! A demigod! Now it seems that even party delegates ... you could see them on the screen .... for god's sake wake up and shake the very foundations of the Parties! Who are the Party delegates? How are they chosen or voted? Do we choose the village idiot to become party delegate? What kind of education and qualifications do they have? From which social dimension do they come?
If you want a good administration, you have to vote for it. If you want to vote for it well, you need to have good delegates - delegates who are not only aroused by flags and party hymns but by ideas and concepts! Delegates who are prepared to give ideas, to understand, and to reflect. For god's sake!
jesmond zammit (on 5/8/08)
well done jason you deserve this ,this is an absolutly bad day for pn supporters ,they know that you are better than p borgolivier.
now it time to work ,to win ,and not steel elections like pn.
dear pn supporters thank you for your advise to not choose jason but the advises we dont take them from opponents.
by the way all this will not let us forget jpo scandal
Charles Camilleri (on 5/8/08)
Enzo any paid member of the labour party can be a delegate. So you can be one of them if you want to and work to change things your way. But before you do that do not challenge the credentials of the delegates.
Peter Bonnici (on 5/8/08)
@Enzo Cachia: by the look of it, it seems the PN selects the MLP delegates. Its all fallen into place nicely.
C.Sapiano (on 5/8/08)
@A.Daley

The fact that there are more Nationalists than labourites at University means something. There are more MLP supporters who are arrogant as they say that the people are ignorant cause they voted PN (Ha Ha!) How rich coming from a party which is supported mainly by working-class people who talk only about politics in a stupid way.

Even if the MLP wins it would have stayed in opposition for an embarassing long time.
I Abela (on 5/8/08)
Just out of curiosity. Is there any PN supporter here who ever critisizes the PN government? Not at home I mean, but in public, like on the website? I seriously doubt it. Why aren't PN supporters concerned with what Tonio Fenech stated in another article on the Times today? Namely that government finances are off target (slightly lol just a few millions). Reaching a balanced budget by 2010 (without sipping every drop of blood out of the citizens) ? Lol, keep on dreaming PN supporters. That was a promise that PN made before the elections, so when MLP was in government they could say that MLP bankrupted the country like 1998 remember? But now, since the MLP lost the election, the PN government is forced to make up for the millions he squandered before the election. So all those of you who are looking for your flags and fog horns for next election, think again. The way I see things, you won't afford a replacement gas can for your horn. That is what you should be thinking and writing about. That is the way politics was meant to be.
Joe Vella (on 5/8/08)
@ B. Borg

Ask Jason, he knows best.

@ Michael Catania

Guess who is hibernating. The PN might be short of policies as you put it. But being short is better then being without any.
A.Gauci Cunningham (on 5/8/08)
A.Daley none of your pathetic comments are going to hide the fact that this Gen Secretary of yours is detested by many labourites and found to be incompetent, arrogant and at times overbearing not by myself or those PN supporters you hate so much but by........

Sharon Ellul Bonici ( watch Xarabank)
Anna Mallia ( watch Xarabank)
leo Brincat (read L-orrizzont)
Ex-FZL President Aaron something (read Times Blogs)
Jimmy magro (ex-secretary Gen)
Micheal Falzon (ex-Deputy Leader)
Charles J Buttigieg (prominent labour Blogger)
JOE Galea (an even more prominent MLP blogger)
Laurence Schembri (MLP blogger)
Toni Abela (who called Jason ---MISS PEPSODENT)

......nothing can hide the fact that thousands of MLP supporters are disappointed at seeing jason back there ,probably more arrogant than he ever was, and noone can deny that the "Earthquake of Change" is nothing but a long gone cliche with no more substance left to it....................bury your head deeper Daley it suits us just fine.........pity is that your pig headedness is going to destroy your party's chances of ever being credible.........you elected JM and threw him in a den of old timers and a pond of sharks

"the only way is uuuuupp"
Emanuel Zammit (on 5/8/08)
I have already posted earlier on. But from all the posts by the pro labour camp on here, it is so very evident that they are all avoiding to mention Dr.Alex Sciberras Trigona being elected as INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY !!!!! ( NO,NO,NO,NO TO E.U. ) Is it possible that there is no one out there from the SOCIALIST CAMP of old to come out and praise this wise decision !?!?!? OR DOES THIS MAKE YOU RED ....... IN THE FACE ????? As the saying goes .....Some things never change.
Matt Bonnici (on 5/8/08)
@A Daley - Oh come on, please don't tell me you really think that ONLY PN is arrogant, deceitful, takes you for a ride and doesn't live up to all its promises... All political parties in the world (past, present and future) are like that. There's only one major difference that makes an INTELLIGENT person vote PN, and that's called COMPETENCE.
Enzo Cachia (on 5/8/08)
It is high time for MLP to hold an exercise to see how the party delegates are elected.

I have a feeling that the party delegates do not reflect the social sphere but in their majority they are a group of elderly citizens who go to their local MLP club for a chat with friends over a cup of coffee. I`m afraid that these pensioners are not up to date with today`s global changes and still reflect the party`s mentality of the 1970s & 80s.
AST`s election is a case in point

Unfortunately these senior citizens are outnumbering the younger ones who are really after a change.

A Daley (on 5/8/08)
Thank you PN supporters, (sorry 49% of livid supporters), for confirming that Mr. Micallef looks like he is a bit of a spike in your back side!

Same as you did when Dr. J. Muscat was elected and you all 49% disagreed because you wanted someone else, you are confirming more and more that your end is near.

Someone here thanked God for going to Uni. Ha ha ha aaaaaj.

One wonders what kind of a person this would have been if he had not attended Uni, because his reasoning is tantamount STUPID! Oh, 90% of the population do not know anything because they never attended University, is that it? ARROGANCE of this sort must come from someone that has swallowed the bait of PN's deceit and lies!

Enjoy your livid and arrogant attitude because you are confirming that Gonzi took you for a ride.

Now where is the doctor of my choice (FOR FREE).

Where are those free light bulbs?

Where is the medicine from which ever Chemist I want?

Oh my God, it's 2008 not 1988!

Enjoy, the divorce law coming through the window!

Deceitful of what?

Taken for a ride or what?

Envy or what?
Charles P Cilia (on 5/8/08)
I am not a MLP follower, neither do I know any of the contestants, however I do follow history, which is there for all to see.

This is worse than when Alfred Sant called it quits having failed miserably in a general election only to be ‘persuaded’ to stay on as leader for the good of the party.

Jason Micallef’s reappointment is clearly splitting the party apart. One only has to follow the many negative comments about JM to conclude that with him as General Secretary the Labour Party has no hope in hell of ever becoming credible and a united opposition party capable of ever being elected to government. Can anybody imagine George Abela, Leo Brincat, Evarist Bartolo, Wenzu Mintoff, Michal Falzon etc work amicably with Jason Micallef. Or, can one imagine the added burden Joseph Muscat is now facing to keep a half floating ship riddled with holes from going under.

The die is cast, the Labour Party is truly heading for a new beginning, the same beginning that begun 10 years ago, with most of the same delegates as dead weight.

Good luck Joseph, it looks like I will never ever have a chance to vote Labour.


B.Borg (on 5/8/08)
@ those who are laughing, celebrating, and concluding the results of next election.

Will be this a matter of who laugh last, laugh best?
Mario Fava (on 5/8/08)
I am proud of being one of those 467 who voted to have a new General Secretary; one of the 55.8% who wanted a change.
d bugeja (on 5/8/08)
some people never learn
James Sultana (on 5/8/08)
Am I mistaken, or did Jason Micallef this time get a higher percentage of the total votes than what Lawrence Gonzi got in the ONLY round with more than one candidate for the PN leadership with Dalli and Galea ?

What`s the problem with a veggie-vendor (are these people who look at the social-class and occupation to quantify a person the same persons who preach that we should help illegal immigrants and not be racists ??) ??? Didn`t one other party in Malta recently have a "bajjad" as its Segretarju Generali ??
Dr Francis Saliba (on 5/8/08)
@MLP delegates.

You remind me of the fable of the scorpion who begged a frog to carry him across a fast stream. Half way across it stung the frog and as both were fast drowning the frog asked the scorpion what could have induced him do something so stupid. To which the scorpion replied "Because I am a scorpion, stupid!"

Does the fable remind you of anything?
Mark Bugeja (on 5/8/08)
Dear Ivan Camilleri,
Today it is a very sad day to the Malta Labour Party because our Karl is battling for life. I am really
disappointed with all these destructive comments towards Jason and some of the comments that PN will be forever in government and making equations that are unbelievable. I am sure that Jason and Micheal Falzon will arrange their differences for the good of the party. I am sure that everyone knows who was wright before the 8th March election. Tell the Shipyard workers, the GO workers, the Public Transport workers. All of you who will be paying a 95 percent surcharge till New Tarrifs will be implemented with more Surcharge included in the Water and Electricity bill. Oh Its Jason's and Sant's fault.
Michael Catania (on 5/8/08)
Wow these conservatives are such a boring lot. Its time that they went back into their holes and hibernate. Is there party so short of policies that that they have nothing better to do but offer" advice to the MLP. Its time they took their own advice and commit hari kari. This island will then be a better place.
josette pace (on 5/8/08)
@c sapiano......l universita tubi hemm ukoll!!!!!! no need to be a gradwat to be open minded at least!
ma nesagerawx!! .....lets see what happens cos till now i ve yet to see the gonzi i voted for
S.Bugeja (on 5/8/08)
That goes to show that nothwithstanding all the talk of a new beginning, hugs and kisses all around it takes two to tango. if the delegates do not want change all the love in the world will avail the MLP nothing. sant's old guard is still strong in the party and joseph is going to have to work very hard to establish his authority. the erthquake has happened but this was not the seismic jolt the party was expecting.
Simon Cassar (on 5/8/08)
U ejja come on! Are we going to elect/vote for a new government, depending on the general secretary??! Decisions are taken by a team, issues are set by a party. Those labourites that are saying that they wont vote Labour next time are talking nonsense. Our country needs a change in government, and not a change in a general secratary of a political party.

Those who are saying that they are floaters and now they are saying that they will never vote MLP are exagerating. We have five years more with this old government and the worst has still to come. Besides the new MLP leader and his team have enough time to reorganise the party and be prepared for the next election.
As regards to Jason, I am not saying that everything was ok in the party when he was the secratary. He admitted that he done wrong in certain areas, and hope that he will change.

Let the work begin so that the MLP will be ready for the next election!
M Grima (on 5/8/08)
The only thing we can decipher from this result is that the MLP delegate membership has become infiltrated by PN activists. There is no other logical conclusion. While the PN rub their hands with glee, the rest of us are forced to face a total disaster for Malta.
J. Mifsud (on 5/8/08)
@ To all those PN supporters who think that they have God's gift of sincerity and love:-

Please stop being a political double-face. Stop auguring this and that. Let the MLP supporters face their problems and please face your own. One good example is JPO. Stop being politically parochial. Do not treat readers like fools.
Joe Vella (on 5/8/08)
@ apgrech

You write; "Some may be very upset about the results but it's better if we accept the wll of the majority and move on. "

May I ask you what majority you are talking about? Wait, second thaught, no need to answear. I figured it out. I bet you had the same Math teacher that Jason Micallef had. Tell is it so?


E. Azzopardi (on 5/8/08)
It is very sad. Many thought that there were going to be all ''new'' faces with New Labour and that in the future many would go back. I do not think this is going to be the case now. Pity as the PN needs a strong and ''united'' oppostion so that perhaps in this country we will one day have a real choice. Having said this, I wish Dr. Joseph Muscat all the best in the future. It seems that he means well but he cannot do it alone. One needs real and good collaborators. Time will tell>
P Debono (on 5/8/08)
When will this joke of a party ever learn?

The whole country will be in a full dictatorship when the MLP finally realises its mistakes!!!!
Joseph Grima (on 5/8/08)
:D
Ivan Camilleri (on 5/8/08)
@Mark Bugeja,
Pls don't be pathetic!!!!! He made mistakes & he admitted them??!! Mistakes you call them? What about those lousy remarks he said in regards to his party colleagues ( you know who?). Are those mistakes? Fleeing from naxxar when he knew what happened hours before was a mistake too?? Leaving Michael Falzon behind to face the music? Still denying defeat at 10pm while PN supporters were all celebrating in the streets was a mistake too? How about not knowing the real amount of new elegible voters?? A genuine mistake i guess you would say!! Its a shame peple like you form part of political parties.......U need to wake up & wake up the party from its death-bed!!!! BTW you lose an election not LOOSE like you wrote.....
Roger Tonna (on 5/8/08)
As Usual , Catholicism at its Maltese best. Better that we pray for Dr Chircop at this difficult moment instead of talking rubbish..
Mario Bonnici (on 5/8/08)
@C.sapiano

What a racist comment!! Well done. I went to University too, my parents didn't. But 3/4 of what I learnt in my life is thanks to them.
And then what's all this fuss about Jason Micallef??!! As if a general election is won or lost according to who is general secretary. What I'm interested in is how the government runs the country. We'll see that in five years time. Surely the next general election will be based an the two political leaders: Gonzi & Muscat.
Yesterday Jason won against all odds. Maybe this shows that he has matured a bit. Time will tell.
B Sant (on 5/8/08)
Dear Dr Cassola, MLP is giving you another golden chance to be an alternative party that the citizen might consider in his vote. Now don't hibernate again for 5 years and wake up just two months before election day.
good luck!
wayne cassar (on 5/8/08)
i am reading all these messages against my good friend jason and wondering why so much hate against him.i'm afraid jelousy doesn't get u nowhere in life.well done jason and keep up the good work.
Ivan Camilleri (on 5/8/08)
@Mark Bugeja, He made mistakes & he admitted them??!! Mistakes you call them? What about those lousy remarks he said in regards to his party colleagues ( you know who?). Are those mistakes? Fleeing from naxxar when he knew what happened hours before was a mistake too?? Leaving Michael Falzon behind to face the music?
Joe Galea (on 5/8/08)
After the JPO farce of the green man of the year, the crying actor and weener, the part-time farmer, part-time journalist, part-time dentist, environmental destructionist, etc. With pride we present the VEGGIE man of the year, full-time arrogant, full-time incompetent, full-time false smiley, full-time loser....please put your hands together for the man who will make MLP lose another election....please welcome Jason Micallef!!!! From now on Jason will perform the main atrractions in the circus...like how to vanish many people in a short time, how to make a party lose an election, how to be a joker on tv programs, how to be arrogant as he thinks he is God's gift to Earth and much much more!!
C.Sapiano (on 5/8/08)
THANK GOD I WENT TO UNIVERSITY - I IMAGINE THE DELEGATES DID NOT
s.bugeja (on 5/8/08)
Joseph promised us an earthquake and there you have it. but earthquakes tend to be destructive....and there you have it again!!!Alex is 100% against EU membership, Joseph admits that the EU is good for Malta. Pepsojase says he will not be accepting Michael's congrats(if they are forthcoming) after he wins. Viva l-ghaqda u l-imhabba. a gift on a silver platter has yet again been dashed to the floor by the suicidal delegates. all the PN has to do is point out the bestmen/women among labour and leave the rest to the MLP to ostracize them.
Emanuel Zammit (on 5/8/08)
Unbelieveable! Just as I started to believe that this country was having a long overdue and decent alternative party to govern our nation ( Stagun Politiku Gdid ) with Dr. Joseph Muscat at its helm, along comes the end of my dreams. The positive hopes I had were ruined by the MLP delegates electing to :
a) Confirm Mr. Jason Micallef as General Secretary and
b) Having Dr. Alex Sciberras Trigona as International Secretary !!!!! ( The Stauncest Anti E.U. Maltese Citizen Per Exellance !!!! )
Now how can the MLP have us believe that they are really on the ' change for a more modern approach to politics mode ' if they cannot make the appropiate choices.
I am not and have never been a Labourite sympitizer I must admit, but as a Maltese citizen, I have always hoped for this Nation to have a strong opposition.One which gives us an absolute assurance of scrutiny of the Goverment when in opposition and one that is trustworthy and resposible enough to respect the will of the people and accountable when in power.
I'm afraid that, going by yesterdays outcome, I've been let down once again.
Noel Cutajar (on 5/8/08)
....boring comments...nothing new to read, just the usual parochial comments....
Frederick Bugeja (on 5/8/08)
Just when you think that the time had finally come for PN to maybe have some real competition (notwithstanding the 2 mustaccuni), PUFF...there it goes! What a farce, it's unbelievable! At least Labour's lucky that the IQ levels of Maltese people in general still leaves much to be desired...
Tonio Aquilina (on 5/8/08)
Well re electing Jason back as Secretary General shows that nothing changed within the back of house of MLP. This does not augur well for Joseph Muscat after having had Anglu and Tony being elected as his deputies.

Good luck Labour and good rythms to the Nationalists
Dorothy Caruana (on 5/8/08)
I cant understand why PN voters are so a happy this morning….on our side we have Jason the pepsodent guy ( like some of u nicknamed him) on your side u have the tissue guy, to wipe of f the ‘ biki tal-kukudrilli’….. At least Jason is not an MP like JPO is, and I’m sure Jason will learn from his mistakes…..

This is indeed a sad day for MLP ..but surly not because of Jason, but because KARL is fighting for his life …
Noel Barry (on 5/8/08)
Who said that the MLP will ever change. And is this the earthquake and the New Political Season which was promised. This earthquake unearthed Anglu Farrugia and now Alex Sciberras Trigona, both of them from the horrible past of the MLP, a past which JM had begged forgiveness for. And how, may I also ask, is JM going to convince AST, who is so much agaianst the EU, that now the EU is good for Malta. And how is JM going to convince Michael Falzon, Leo Brincat , George Abela etc etc etc that Jason is the right man for the job and that they have to work with him.
Joseph Agius (on 5/8/08)
Basic Skills in calcualion for another election defeat:
Joseph Muscat = Alfred Sant
Anglu Farrugia + Toni Abela worse than Michael Falzon + Charles Mangion
Jason Micallef = Jason Micallef
Zrinzo = Zrinzo
Sciberras Trigona worse than Mifsud

Why do they like the opposition benches so much?
Graham Crocker (on 5/8/08)
What the heck is going on in that party? *sigh*.

Does Jason have a invisible string tied to his finger in the photo above?
Franco Farrugia (on 5/8/08)
I still don't see the importance of it all - it seems to me that many of you are wasting your summer days in stupid elections.
Anyway, now, let's hope to see some key people resign from the Party. I mean ... how can you stay in the Party after having heavily criticised a Sec. Gen., openly, and then, having that Sec. Gen re-elected? You wrote and spoke against one of the candidates and the delegates voted in his favour - isn't that tantamount to a vote of no confidence in you? That they couldn't give a damn to what you have to say?
Mark Bugeja (on 5/8/08)
First off all I congratulate Mr Micallef. It was a very difficult contest and was made in a very democratic way. Mr Micallef deserves another chance to be general secretary. He admitted that he made wrong decisions and he excused him but who is Perfect. I dont think that Pn would be in government forever just because the delegates elected Mr Micallef. Jason was given a very hard time by the Nationalist media because he said the truth before the election and now some of us are saying was Dr Sant right. Was he a drunk man? or He and his team of 5 said the truth to all Maltese.
We must pay for the wrong decisions we made on the 8th March election and pay for the drastic increase in Prices and more taxes that we have to pay in the future.
We must not make a character assasination to Jason and try to give him the fault of loosing the election. We must suffer for our mistake that we ve done on the 8th March and see that we will never repeat the same mistakes!!

GEORGE CUTAJAR (on 5/8/08)
Why does everyone keep putting Jason down?

Hey Guys look at the bright side of this re-election - no increase in people out of a job!!!!!!!!

Albert gauci Cunningham (on 5/8/08)
.Lewis Balzan----you must be a delegate...your argument uncovers you............ According to lewis the nationalsits are "unhappy" so this is a good decision for the MLP..........how pathetic!!
..first of all Nationalists are over the moon and they can't be happier than to see the MLP re-elect a person who cannot build a bridge over a pond let alone over the ocean of indifference and bitterness that exists between himself and half the Party....and secondly since when does the MLP depend on the PN's reactions before it makes a move??

......how can the MLP preach ACCOUNTABILITY when its officials are accountable to noone and nothing apart from themselves!! ?? Shame Shame
Vicki Azzopardi (on 5/8/08)
Unbelievable. How could the MLP delegates go against the majortiy of the Labour MP's. Why don't people like Michael Falzon, Leo Brincat, Alfred Grixti etc form a REAL NEW LABOUR PARTY as I am sure that they will have support from all those who were hurt by the way the delegates have voted. This is yet another let down for all the Labour Party supporters who really thought that these past internal elections were going to bring about a New Labour Party.
Mark Bonello (on 5/8/08)
It is incredible how the Nationalist Party can get what it wants out of the Malta Labour Party without even asking ...............sheer class at its best !
Daniel D. (on 5/8/08)
This was a decision taken by delegates like it or it, and it has to be respected like it or not, but the most things I hate is ppl like the witch of Bidnija who are all the time calling the delegates stupid ppl, tigieg bla ras, elves, etc etc etc (I am not a party delegate for everyones info). Is this democracy ??? Calling ppl with different opinions from yours idiots just because they are memebers of the other party !!! In the past the PN has accused Labourites of doing these things and treating Labourites as second class citizens and now doing these things themselves !!!
Claire Borg (on 5/8/08)
Thank God for Jason. Only the Lord knows how much we wanted you re-elected dear Jason. With you re-confirmed we can have a good laugh from time to time and be confirmed in government for the years to come. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!
Manuel Briffa (on 5/8/08)
Jason Micallef, Sciberras Trigona, Anglu Farrugia, Toni Abela...Sant bhala speaker jonqosna. Dak stagun gdid u terremot...terramaxka pjuttost !
A.Vella (on 5/8/08)
One half step forward in the beginning of June, and how many backwards since? 5, 6?
mario borg (on 5/8/08)
in general agreement with Adrian Cardona.
the fact is that the majority of delegates DO NOT represent the labour voter. In my opinion, one of the great challanges that JM must face is to restructure the party and on how party officials are appointed. Unless so, wrong persons will continue to take wrong decisions, leading nowhere except to a permanent place in opposition.
Karl Consiglio (on 5/8/08)
Now Joseph Muscat might mean well, but for as long as there are these kind of guys around him, forget it. Like the old saying goes "Ma min rajtek xebahtek"
Ramon Casha (on 5/8/08)
Is there an election that the PN doesn't win? Now they even won the MLP general secretary race.
Joseph Galea (on 5/8/08)
Only in Malta!
J Martinelli (on 5/8/08)
Congratulations, MLP.

You have just given 'new beginning' a new meaning!
Jennifer Cosaitis (on 5/8/08)
Bidu Gdid my Foot - the MLP never fails to show us how capable it is as a walking circus. The re-election of your dearest Cheshire cat has just wiped away any worries we might have had about a change in government at the expiry of its five year term. Thankyou Jason - you have just showed us kemm inthom partit tal- MICKEY MOUSE !!!!

Oh and Mr R De Battista, I wouldn't be too confident about saying that "the delegates' choice made a lot of sense" when considering the party's pathetic track record...
Ivan Galea (on 5/8/08)
Oh my Oh my!! What a line up......The new kid on the block as leader....the two .'mustaccuni' as his deputies, prince charming as the General Secretary, ex-sailor of HMS Brazen on board too, band conductor as PRO, what more can you wish for!!!!
MLP - Your Party in Opposition for Life!!
Once again delegates have proven their worth......
Benny Saliba (on 5/8/08)
Sadly, I am left to rue the 50 odd years I spent as a party activist. But, anyway, I did it in reverence to Dom Mintoff and the honest, hardworking labnour class. Since the eighties. I've kept hoping for a new sensible direction in the party administration. But all in vain. Clearly, now, we have thrown the party overboard, a long slide to the doldrums.
Benny Saliba
Mike Gatt (on 5/8/08)
More of the same by a supposedly regenerated party. How dumb can the MLP delegates be by re-electing Jason to the post and by choosing an anti-EU person as international secretary? Well, MLP delegates keep on astounding us with their wise choices.
Mark Pisani (on 5/8/08)
wahhahahhahahaha - mr Lewis Balzan you are my hero!!

You represent the mentality of an MLP delegate to PERFECTION!!!

"Ah, well. it seems as if the Nationalists (apologists and all) are not at all pleased with this result. Must be good news for the MLP then"

Exactly their mentality, exactly the mentality of a person who has not yet understood that elections are not won solely with the vote of staunch supporters but also with the vote of floaters...

Anyways, I must ask one point: How can the public expect the delegates, who's most important decision apart from these elections is what brand of Kunserva to buy, to elect the leadership of a party? I think that these decisions should yes be taken in a democratic way, but by persons who have a certain level of intellect, who can actually decide for themselves and for the good of the country, rather than do what they have done all their lives: i.e. obey orders...
Ian Sammut Dacoutros (on 5/8/08)
AST?!?! And JM - ARE WE SERIOUS!!!!!!

Ever been in one of those dilemmas where you need to cry and laugh at the same time!!
Tonio Mallia (on 5/8/08)
In a normal world we wouldn't even be sharing these pleasantries on this website. In a normal world , somebody who failed so miserably in his duties, as Jason Micallef did, would have resigned immediately . But then I guess the MLP doesn't partake to the normal world.

Look at Alfred Sant . 3 lost elections and 1 lost (not according to him) referendum. Despite this he stayed on and Labour Supporters still screamed Fredu Fredu!!!

A new leader was elected and promised an earthquake of a change. New faces ,new way of doing business, no more militancy etc!! Next thing you know he's got Anglu Farrugia and Toni Abela as deputies!!!

I really would love to know the collective IQ of the delegates. The MLP did not lose the last election just because it had a poor leader in Alfred Sant. A big part was also played by the party machinery. So what do they do?

Get a new leader ...great. Elect poor deputies, keep the same General Secretary...bad news.

Well.. maybe not so bad ......if you're a Nationalist.



A Daley (on 5/8/08)

To all those that have been taken for a ride by PN, why do you not accept a democratic process?

Why is it that when someone that hammers PN, according to these 49%, that particular person is the wrong person for whatever job within the MLP?

Why do you all show that you try to DICTATE to others because you think you know best? Arrogance or what?

Is it not the case, that you hate persons within the MLP, that bring to light all the deceitful promises by PN?

Those 49% should try and concentrate and ask Gonzi why they are livid at PN's deceit and why they are already so subdued regarding the economic mess that the next budget will show?

A little bit less arrogance and less patronising from these poor desperate 49% will go a long way, cause without realising, they prove that they have been taken for a very expensive ride by PN.

Suggestions for the next Budget?

You have not accepted the 1981 election ( which was won according to the Constitution) and you keep doing it again when things do not go your way. Keep singing Mussolini's Camicie Nere and now join Mugabe's regime!

Joseph Sciberras (on 5/8/08)
I cannot understand why all these negative comments are being posted. The MLP delegates chose Jason democratically and by a good margin. This is the Sec Gen they want so good luck to them.

Voters will have to judge the MLP as a whole and not just by who the "mexxej" is. They will also have to judge on the basis of actions and not words. The election is a very long time away yet, so there will be ample time for all this.

Katya Zammit (on 5/8/08)
This all goes to show that the MLP works and strives to exclude people who really matter, people who would really make a difference. What are you afraid of?? Oh i see, you're all afraid of who is more capable, more intelligent and of those who unlike Ms. Pepsodent do not like sitting pretty criticising and waiting for a hefty monthly wage.

This all goes to show that the MLP loves to reward those who struggle with all their might and power for their own personal interest and not those who do the same for the interest of the party. Let's face it who would want to go back planting flowers and discussing his green finger on national tv when now he can discuss (or rather mess up) other issues.

And yet another 10 years in government for the PN. Well done guys.
Andrew Gatt (on 5/8/08)
The Labour delegates seem to be stuck in a time warp happily chasing their tail.......ah well! In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is King!
Carmen Refalo (on 5/8/08)
Well done Jason!!! You really deserve the post of Secretary General!! Next time, we will surely win the election - don't target for 2013 because the PN government is weak with a one-seat majority.
Stefan Buttigieg (on 5/8/08)
Good Luck Labour!! Hope that you manage to prove us wrong!
D.MANGION (on 5/8/08)
@ Mike Magri
So do you really think that the MLP should waste its energy trying to balance itself between a minoritarian general secretary and and a majoritarian internal opposition to check him out?
Even trying to explain it requires an effort !!
Why can't MLP utilise ALL of it's energy to UNITE and confront this GonziPN stock?
I'll tell you why....because a good chunk of it's delegates are still Mintoff nostalgic people, who take their decisions on the basis of what the rivals are saying.
Dr. Brincat, Dr. Falzon, I know you do have tons on coherence. Leave this rusty bus...join the real LEFT of Maltese politics! Come and explore what AD has to offer. Others of the opposing camp (also with tons of coherence) have already done this. You can still give a great contribution to Malta! Working side by side with people like Stephen Cachia, Arnold Cassola and Carmel Cacopardo will not hurt you at all !! No anonymous letters, no back stabbing. Just give, and persevere in your social-democratic beliefs. You can do it even within AD!
The same goes to all you disappointed MLP followers. Togother we can change !
M. Ellis (on 5/8/08)
Some commentators assume that because a number of people are NOT happy because Jason Micallef et al got re-elected they are nationalists. I can say wholeheartedly that I voted nationalist for the last 3 elections not out of will but because Labour left me no option. I was hopeful that with Joseph Muscat as your new leader, I ( like many I know) would have had the opportunity next time to be able to choose between three parties. However, I am very disappointed at this result as I don’t think JM can bring about the necessary change and will only be a hindrance for Joseph Muscat. I honestly pray I am wrong, but there past performance leaves a lot to be desired. An appeal to Joseph Muscat is in order. I have no idea how he can do it now, but please get rid of these people for the benefit of the country first and foremost, and for the credibility of labour.
Joseph M. Meli (on 5/8/08)
Ok Jason you proved to the world that you can re-elect yourself with the help of friends of friends of friends who have a vote at the MLP General Conference - prosit ?

Well, RESIGN TODAY and such an event will redeem you in the eyes of your peers.

Think about it and hand in your resignation.

I can take a bit of your blame as the one who voted for you way back in 2003.

Joseph M. Meli - Valletta
John Said (on 5/8/08)
I would like to congratulate Jason Micallef for his triumphant victory in the MLP administration election yesterday. Jason Micallef was the best man for the post... However, I would also recommend him to take care and arrange any mistakes that he (like anyone) might have committed during the last electoral campaign. Jason, be strong!! THE PN DID NOT WANT YOU BUT THE MLP WANTS YOU AT THE CORE!!! Fight for your principles!! In five years'time (or possibly before when remembering a one-seat majority for PN government) we will surely win the election but after years of strong work done by you and your fellows in the administration!! God bless you all!!!
Katya zammit (on 5/8/08)
This all goes to show that the MLP works and strives to exclude people who really matter, people who would really make a difference. What are you afraid of?? Oh i see, you're all afraid of who is more capable, more intelligent and of those who unlike Ms. Pepsodent do not like sitting pretty criticising and waiting for a hefty monthly wage.

This all goes to show that the MLP loves to reward those who struggle with all their might and power for their own personal interest and not those who do the same for the interest of the party. Let's face it who would want to go back planting flowers and discussing his green finger on national tv when now he can discuss (or rather mess up) other issues.

And yet another 10 years in government for the PN. Well done guys.
C Chircop (on 5/8/08)
To commence with, I am a Nationalist myself and have always been so.

The MLP elections last night were run amongst their delegates and elected in a democratic manner in a similar manner to the PN internal elections for Sec Gen and so forth. The fact that there are factions within a party does not mean that the elections were unfairly run. Factions are normal in politics.

The results are well known by now. It is clear that many people wished for a different outcome for the good of the country and political scene. That includes myself.

However, who are we to condemn what choices have been made by the delegates? We may express our opinion within respectable bounds, however not condemn and throw ourselves in a sea of insults.

Good luck to those who have been elected in the different political parties post-General Election. Hopefully, your contribution to the political scene will be positive, honest and aimed at being inclusive within their own party. And hopefully, the ones who were partially responsible for their party's defeat (I am referring to MLP) and got re-elected will realise where they went wrong and adopt a different attitude.
charles baldacchino (on 5/8/08)
these delegates would have reelected dr sant as leader if he had decided to contest. notwithstanding scathing findings by the board who investigated the electoral defeat these delegates continue to make the wrong decisions. there is nothing one can do except great disappointment and unequivocal declaration that this is unacceptable to us labour supporters. if you persist in your stupidity, I will not even collect my vote
saviour mifsud (on 5/8/08)
KONT QED NAHSIBHA SEKK NIVVOTAX L-EWWEL DARBA LIL-LABOUR. JISDISPJACI PERO AHJAR HEKK MINN AR GHAX ISSA NAF FEJN QIEGHED. INHOBBKOM MHUX BIZZEJJED IZDA FLOATERS IRIDU AZZJONI. KIF MA TITGHALLMUX WARA 3 TKAXKIRIET. NIES INTELLIGENTI FIL-PARTIT MA TRIDUX TISIMGHU MINNHOM. META SER TIRRIFORMAW. LI BNEJTU WARA L-ELEZZJONI REGA SAR SUF. TAHSEB LI TISTGHU TIMXU L-QUDDIEM B'SCIBERRAS TRIGONA. INSIEKEN TAL-LABOUR. FL-AHHAR ELEZZJONI IVVUTAJNA GHAL - GHAR FLOK IL-HZIENA (GHAX IN-NIES DEJQUHOM FIL-GVERN. PERO XTAGHMEL BIL-FORS LILHOM IKOLLO TIVVOTA GHAX MA HEMMX ALTERNATIVA AHJAR.
Tony Caruana (on 5/8/08)
BYE BYE Joseph !!



Pity a lot of people were begining to lik you.

Joseph Mizzi (on 5/8/08)
A sad day for the MLP and for our country ... a lousy choice by the delegates.
Abela (on 5/8/08)
It seems Labour had a chance but they squandered it. Instead of trying new faces which floating voters will have ti get to know and TRUST over a legislature, no, why? jason is elected in the hot seat again. pity...
David Abela (on 5/8/08)
OK keep on sleeping Dr Gonzi. Next election = walk over, no trusted opposition, same losing opponent.
Joe Micallef (on 5/8/08)
I understand this is an enticing piece of news.

But may I ask everyone to refrain from making any comments and offer the effort to do so as a prayer for Dr. Chircop, and his family!

Abel Abela (on 5/8/08)
Elementary...

divide and rule
J Micallef 370 - A Grixti 229 - J Vella Bonnici 224
A Grixti + J Vella Bonnici = 453


no divide no rule
A Sciberras 373
L Gatt 459


370, 373
453, 459


need I say anything?


C Calleja (on 5/8/08)
best choice, but now labour must focus on Joseph.

Gonzi had Ninu Zammit, Deguara , Mugliett & amp; co and he won so labourites don't get so influenced by the nationalist propaganda
Tony Camenzuli (on 5/8/08)
@ Randolph De Battista

Hahahaha!!! Dont make me laugh! Jason has five years of experience??? Why didnt he use that experience in the last electoral campaign so that we would now have the Labour Party in government?? What I know is that Jason used his best tactics not against the Nationalist at the right time, i.e. five months ago, but against the other contenders for the post of SG in order to keep his job! Joseph can wave goodbye to ever being in government! The new politifcal season was still born!
TONY FORMOSA (on 5/8/08)
Glory behold!
It must be the silly season or the unbearable heat that played a decisive role on thoughts and more so on delicate actions.
The much abused 'love you all' phrase started to echo at three in the morning and will be continually repeated throughout the day and the rest of the week as congratulatory messages pile in . It doesn't matter much that a 56% delegates' votes being against .
Of course one can hardly discard the open crit from a high number of shadow ministers and members of the party heirarchy.
This is the promised change brought about by a new season full of cherished dreams with emphasis on unity! But that's the way it goes with this lot.
Who mentioned change or changes?
Martin (on 5/8/08)
what a mistake by the labour delegates... this is another loss for us after the loss of the election... a general secretary who cheers at 8.00 AM in the day after of the election before the counting haven't even started... a general secretary who doesn't know the number of new voters...

I did like joseph's choice and his approach but this is a great loss for the Labour Party... can understand the joy of PN supporters :(
S. Caruana (on 5/8/08)
And i was one to think that American Politics is a joke!

Maltese politics, especially within the MLP, is a Pantomine!!!!!!

There is never a dull moment, only hilarious sketches!!!!!!!!!!

Now we have the re-election of the veggie vendor, what a farce!!!!!!!!!

It takes balls to give a vote of confidence to a general secretary who didn't know how many new voters there were in the last election.

Manuel Mifsud (on 5/8/08)
Prepare yourself for a lot of "deja vu". Victory in the EU parliamentary elections next year followed by a number of victories in local elections. Chanting of "viva l-lejber" on TV. Many smiling faces and Jason giving us more of those big smiles. But then, come next general election in 2013, will it be another "deja vu?"
Andrew Camilleri (on 5/8/08)
Please lets make things clear...the delegates are not as stupid as they seem..The absolute majority of delegates did not want Jason back. It's a pity that there wasn't a second round cause I think Jason wouldn't have stood a chance. The only good thing and hope is that these posts are up for confirmation every year so I hope that next year we do see just a single person contesting Jason.
S Vella (on 5/8/08)
@Martin Portelli: perfectly said, i agree 100%, and I AM a labourite.

The MLP's fate has now been doomed by a few so called "delegates". What a pity! They do not even deserve to be called "delegates". If they had just made the slightest effort to sense the public's opinion (especially their fellow party members), they would surely have realised that re-electing JM is the worst strategic step the MLP could ever have taken. Why is a party representing 49% of the country being hijacked by a few individuals who insist on acting so irresponsibly and insensitively to the party's needs?
martin portelli (on 5/8/08)
Looks like some cogs were indeed heavily insured against the new leader's promised earthquake at CNL. popular Perceptions seem to have been spot on. This is an issue of trust now. You cannot seriously believe you will gain trust and credibility by having such an individual in the leadership quartet. By doing absolutely nothing to ensure he didn't contest the post , the leadership chose to back an individual who has cost the party dearly.
Joseph Caruana (on 5/8/08)
This scenario is every Nationalist supporter's dream...

A juvenile leading the party in opposition
a former gardener to head its administation
a former police inspector as deputy leader
a political chameleon as its other deputy leader
and a self-confessed Euro-sceptic CNI member as its international secretary

To me this is a concrete step backward. I wonder if its time to start calling the MLP, the Masochists' Labour Party.
Ivan Camilleri (on 5/8/08)
So......
A new "europe-fanatic-believer" leader (??!!)
A new international secretary who is 100% anti-EU & still urges the nation against it (??!!)
Same president.....(??!!)
Same surrounding staff more or less.....(??!!)
Jason Micallef secretary general again......??????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH GOD FORGIVE THEM......THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY'RE DOING!!!!!!!

Paul Borg (on 5/8/08)
Apparently the labour party is stuck and does not stop and listen to the floating voters not even after three defeats ..............yes they are driving in the new season but with a very old car with Jason and Alex Scib. Trig What about the reforms that the country needs.....how would they do that if they are not capable of doing a real change within......... If you want a status quo vote for labour.....some things never change...MLP is one of them....
D Battistino (on 5/8/08)
Bum Bum Il-Bieb.. ungie.. ungie ungella……Huduh la triduh …..lol.

Joking apart I think the general public, the man in the street, the floating voters and above all the real Labour supports really deserve better. With an international Sec that is against EU, with a Sec General that would work for a Government for the Labour only I wouldn’t like to dream MLP in government! I would like to ask the delegates - Did you really read the Election Defeat Report? Thanks
Randolph De Battista (on 5/8/08)
Yesterday's decision by the party delegates was the right one. The delegates have elected people with potential. With names such as Aaron Farrugia as Education Secretary and Joe Cordina for Financial Secretary, the party will benefit. As for Alex Sciberras Trigona, may I remind all of you that he has loads of experience for the post. Though I personally went for Joe Mifsud, I still believe Sciberras Trigona fits the post.

But the biggest win was registered by Jason Micallef, considering all the attacks coming from both sides. The delegates showed that Jason has yet more to give to the party. With now five years experience, Jason was the best person from the bunch, despite all the fuss. Yes, he needs to learn from his mistakes, but I'm sure he's the perferct person for Joseph Muscat. Moreover, him and Zrinzo Azzopardi will keep on working together as a perfect couple!
So yes, on the whole the delegates' choice made a lot of sense unlike what some people are trying to say!
Lewis Balzan (on 5/8/08)
Ah, well. it seems as if the Nationalists (apologists and all) are not at all pleased with this result. Must be good news for the MLP then. Well done Jason. Your first act now should be to bridge any differences there may be with fellow party members.
lee cutajar (on 5/8/08)
Oh...what a joke, what a farce ! I suggest that a new election will be held, but this time to change the mlp delegates !! Been a labour supporter for all these years, but as from today i changed my mind ! dear jason, you should resign and visit : www.greengardener.co.uk , maybe this web will help you to get a better professional job in gardening, while you might also employ those 370 party mindless delegates. good bye mlp..maybe you will be in government in another 30 years time.
Karl Abela (on 5/8/08)
Gooooaaaalllll !!! What a great AUTO GOAL !!

I can already taste the beer in the next election. Roll on 2013.
Alex Mangion (on 5/8/08)
MASS MEETING TAR-REBHA TONIGHT at FOSOS FLORIANA featuring the newly appointed MLP SG. Diskors tar-Rebha minn Dr L. Gonzi.
Joyce Calleja (on 5/8/08)
@Michael Catania
Rest assured I am not a spoil sport. Most unlike you I face reality but you seem to be blinded by this!! With Jason reelected it is goodbye to MLP. Only minimal changes have taken place but MLP will stay in opposition unless Jason changes his attitude completely!!! There is a saying that goes 'Min jitwieled tond ma jmutx kwadru'!!!! Only time can tell but I have my doubts, always had and eventually I know that I am right all along.
joe saliba (no not him) (on 5/8/08)
JOE MICALLEF Seeing that you are so gifted, can you tell me the 5 super, 5 numbers for tomorrow please.
Dunstan Crockford (on 5/8/08)
WOW!!!! Too true to believe!! Labour had a person like Grixti...and threw it ALL away!!! and with AST back in the team I wonder what the delegates really want!!! A real Kawlata this one!!! I honestly pity Dr.Joseph Muscat!!
Mike Magri (on 5/8/08)
@ D. Mangion et all

For `majority rule` purposes, Jason managed to collect 44.2% of the total votes.
The other three, obviously collected 55.8%.

Therefore, due to the electoral system used, Jason, DOES NOT have the MAJORITY of the Delegates behind him AS STATED, as it is more than clear, that the Majority of the delegates did NOT want him as the general secretary again.

Meaning that, IT IS Mr. Micallef himself who now have to be EXTRA CAUTIOUS, of how to treat the REST OF THE MAJORITY.....!!!!!!!!!!

I am very sure, that Mr. Micallef and the rest of the Administration, knows this VERY WELL..

You see Mr. Mangion, why Mr. Leo Brincat or Dr. Michael Falzon AND THE REST OF THE MAJORITY DELEGATES, should NOT `leave` the M.L.P....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Mangion, REST ASSURED, THAT THEY ALL HAVE TONS OF YOUR SO CALLED.... ``COHERANCE`` .....!!!!

Good Luck M.L.P.


george agius (on 5/8/08)
this is the last nail in MLP's coffin.........shame on all 900 delegates who think they can dictate everything within MLP..... bye bye labour......
Adrian Cardona (on 5/8/08)
How can a party which represents half the Maltese population continue to have it's leaders elected by a group of delegates who, with all due respect, do not represent the average Labour voter anymore? Why are a bunch of middle-to-pensionable age people of very average intelligence and background allowed to continue to lead the MLP into mess after mess? Why should an intelligent, reasonable, moderate Labour voter have to cringe seeing a pointless lump of arrogance like Jason Micallef managing his party? How can Leo Brincat, Michael Falzon and so many others be expected to give their contribution when they know they are going to be continuously undermined from within?
Joseph Muscat would have done well to remain in Brussels, because his efforts to reform the party are doomed to failure. With Jason and his entourage now firmly entrenched in the party executive, and hardliners like Toni Abela (supermarkets for Labour supporters) and Anglu Farrugia (PN bought votes) I really don't see how Labour can regain any of its lost credibility. More's the pity, because Joseph Muscat was starting to leave a good impression.
Labour delegates, the next defeat will be on your conscience.
C.Camilleri (on 5/8/08)
Joseph, get ready for another defeat, last election was the last time i voted labour, my wife has already posted the tessera this morning. No way I will be led by a leader who's got a ball and chain round his feet, named Jason Micallef! Well done Delegati, you obviously are sitting happy on the opposition seats. NO WAY IM GOING TO VOTE LABOUR AGAIN!
Kenneth Cutajar (on 5/8/08)
This is not a matter of like or dislike but when floaters see Jason included in the team, one cant remember anything but arrogance. A person who only believes that Malta should only be managed by Labourites. A person whose smile is fake. Remember at the counting hall, not to show what the situation was, when he realised that he is being filmed he started smiling, when he knew that PN had won the election, he refused to acknowledge defeat, insomma the same as Alfred Sant in the Referendum. Thank you to the other 3 contestants for trying to offer change and proving once again that the essence of the MLP remains the same. Sorry, now we are offered a love affair, but contradicted with a person who on Xarabank declared that this is not on his books by the way he attacked Dr. Abela and the others in the audience who disagreed with him.
T. Mallia (on 5/8/08)
Thank you labour delegates. YET AGAIN YOU DID JUST WHAT WAS EXPECTED. Keep up your 'good' work and you will guarantee Dr. Gonzi many... many years as prime minister.
Marion Pace (on 5/8/08)
What a sad day for our country! How can the delegates elect someone who was partly responsible for the defeat of the MLP. It is not healthy for a country to elect the same party for years, and I am convinced that because of a weak MLP General Secretary we will have a similar result we have had this year, in the next gneral election!
Noel Calascione (on 5/8/08)
This morning nationalists voters are all smiles. Re-election of Jason Micallef is a huge advantage for the PN, they now have their minds at rest of yet another electoral victory. There is no way on earth that Labour can attract any floating voters now !
Sergio Galea Vincenti (on 5/8/08)
What to think or say? The MLP's worst enemy is the MLP however one may wish things to change and people to learn. At least, Dr. Sceberras Trigona brings a baggage of experience which is sorely needed and I hope that this can be conducive for certain people to mend their ways.
Alexander Grima (on 5/8/08)
Oh come on now fellas … Jason’s got a little problem with arithmetic and a strong passion for fluoride … What’s the big deal? Let us all give him a second chance, and if he fails us, we can always try again no?! lol
A. Martinelli (on 5/8/08)
"Stagun Politiku Gdid"

Uwejja...

So much for change. It seems the MLP could only see "it-travu f'ghajnejn l-ohrajn"!!
Mark Zerafa (on 5/8/08)
This is not good news for the MLP and the country. Floating voters are unlikely to be drawn to the Labour Party with the likes of such controversial figures at the helm. What the MLP needed is a radical change, and Jason Micallef does not provide that very badly needed breath of fresh air. Rather, he is reminiscent of the Alfred Sant leadership, which fails to inspire most of us. Joseph Muscat has been putting on a very good show, but Mr. Micallef's presence spoils it all. How can the MLP function as a team if the general secretary is a person prominent Labourites have expresses their misgivings about? It's a sad sad day for the MLP and Malta.
daniela micallef (on 5/8/08)
Joseph Muscat must be as pleased as punch as after all it was his camp that was pushing for the Jason-Joseph partnership. After all it was Jason who pulled the strings to make sure George Abela was not elected and it is only fair to scratch one's back after he scratched yours.

Henry Zammit (on 5/8/08)
Well as Mr Joe Scerri commented i know who i will Vote next election as the PN have kept same faces all the way....ha ha....so that why next time we want a change...
R. Gatt (on 5/8/08)
S***. Now I'll have no other options but to abstain from voting, or vote the Nationalists yet again in 2013......to think that finally the MLP had succeeded in winning the majority of floating voters' trust......pity.......
D.Zammit (on 5/8/08)
Bidu Gdid. A very bad day indeed.
Mario Gauci (on 5/8/08)
I suggest that the MLP gives out free Pepsodent toothpaste to all its subscribed members and delegates. I pity the likes of Leo Brincat, Michael Falzon, George Abela just to mention a few.

What a farce! Bidu Gdid indeed!!!!
Paul Agius (on 5/8/08)
When is the next Government cabinet meeting due? I am sure that Lawrence Gonzi and co will be drinking the finest champagne to celebrate Jason's re-election. 'Visioni 2015' can easily become 'Visioni 2020 now'

As things stand apart from Joseph Muscat, nothing has changed. Behind the 'Joseph' facade its just more of the same.

Do the delegates in all their wisdom realise that the people they are choosing are making them increasingly unelectable??? What a sad day for democracy!!!!

John Debattista (on 5/8/08)

Well done Delagates,now every body must work to Win the next Election let the others worry with their problems and lets hope that the others which were not elected keep working for the good of the party If not they must move away and let the others work for the Good of the Party.
mario mifsud (on 5/8/08)
Well at least he is not sitting in our parlimant, he is the party secretary. If Labour is voted into goverment he has no say in governing the country. I cannot say the same for mr JPO the envirementalist per excellence, nor for mr G.Pullicino the minster who let Mepa develop into a tragic farce and definetly not for our PM who rewarded these same people with his idejn soda
Edric Micallef Figallo (on 5/8/08)
I'm now wondering whether at Triq Herbert Ganado they decided to let PN's next election campaign being run by Jason Micallef et al.
Mark Galea (on 5/8/08)
Pity....I know so many who were thinking of voting MLP next time. Not a chance in hell, now.
Albert Gauci Cunningham (on 5/8/08)
@ Ethelbert Schembri---No one exculded?? How can you be so be blinfolded and naive as to hope for a non-exclusion when the Delegates who profess to represent you have re-elected (with a bigger margin to boot) a person who in the recent past has sought nothing but exclusion, fights, hatred and venom ( not my words).........How can you imagine Micheal Falzon, Leo brincat, Jimmy Magro and others to work with this man when this person was the one who with his unending arrogance pushed these people away??............No Mr.Schembri YOUR party voted for exclusion because your Party believes in exclusion, works for exlusion and feels comfortable with exclusion..............and thats the truth

...........but as we always say people get what they deserve and the Delegates will reap the whirlwind for they have sown the wind.....................in the meantime as a PN supporter ,honestly, I cannot be happier!!!!!
Joe Micallef (on 5/8/08)
Well done MLP!! PN heading for another victory....this time don't blame Alfred Sant....just blame yourselves!!
E Gatt (on 5/8/08)
@ Salvu Portelli & everyone

More than voting for Jason, the biggest gaffe was voting for Alex Sciberras Trigona. Is Labour for or against the EU. Up to a couple of weeks before I saaw Alex Sciberras Trigona on a local TV station arguing against the EU and urging everyone to work hard so that Malta will get out of the EU at the very earliest. With him as MLP International Secretary, is this the official MLP policy now?

MLP delegates, do you know what the MLP believes in? Because we others do not!



Matthew Grima (on 5/8/08)
What a lovely Tuesday morning......Labour ihawwdu u ahna ingawdu!
Rachel Attard (on 5/8/08)
An international secretary against the European Union. What a mess!!!
Adrian Gouder (on 5/8/08)
A profession at university once said something to me I simply could not accept. Now I suppose is that time when I have to go back to him and say "J, you were absolutely right, "where ignorance is bliss, wisdom is indeed folly". I now understand what you meant and agree".
Nolan Vella (on 5/8/08)
Just for another time M.L.P delegates proven not valid (in my opinion)!
E Gatt (on 5/8/08)
I was driving past the PN Dar CEntrali this morning and I saw a delivery of champagne bottles!!

LOL Actually I was nowhere near Pieta this morning but with the Labour delegates voting for Jason Micallef AND Alex Sciberras Trigona they really should be celebrating!!!
André Xuereb (on 5/8/08)
Mr/s A P Grech: Jason Micallef had ample time to show that he's not as bad as everyone says he is; yet, every time, he managed to surprise us by shooting himself in the foot over and over again. He is a terrible general secretary and is useless at promoting unity within the party. He was instrumental in the party's defeat in the last elections and for that reason alone should have hung his head in shame and left able(r) people to fill the post.
Thanks MLP delegates for showing us, once again, that you really do not know how to use your collective brain. While the rest of the country was yearning for a valid opposition--and we had our hopes up when Joseph Muscat was elected--we got rewarded with ol' Pepsodent Smile. Great. Not even a stand-up comic could have dreamt this up.
josephine cachia (on 5/8/08)
My dream that next election i vote for the party in my heart vanished this morning.Sorry for you Joseph,you deserve better.Let the delegates vote with their heart,next election i choose again to vote with my mind.
Ivan Camilleri (on 5/8/08)
WELCOME TO THE 2008 EDITION OF THE MUPPET SHOW!!!!! 900 PUPPETS ON A STRING SHOWED WHAT THEY CAN DO LAST NITE!!!! ENJOY LADIES & GENTLEMEN!!!!!
john fenech (on 5/8/08)
Well done to all the contestants and the delegates who did try to make a difference. In a democratic society that respect and protects the right of the minority, did just that, by accepting 33% of the total delegate’s votes as final.

Now that it’s all said and done the administrative team of the MLP political party, with a few exceptions, remained the same as that before June & August elections.

Dr J.Muscat said that he was going to make a total change within the party(earthquake) so far the visible changes are the that 66% of the delegates and several party heavy weights tried to make a change. Was this want the Leader wanted? If so he and they did not succeed. On the contrary if the outcome was to the leader’s expectations, what does be mean by a total change?

This outcome could be expressed that the only MLP weakness before 2008 was Dr. Sant, since the members of the party administration, with one or two exceptions, have been returned for another term! Or is the weakness the presence of those still clinging to an outdated philosophy, but are influential to resist change!
Joanne Micallef (on 5/8/08)
What a farce
Jeremy Buttigieg (on 5/8/08)
Stagun Gdid ta' Politika Maltija, mimlija b'dahk fil-wicc minn naha tad-delegati.. dawn iridu jirbhu l-elezzjoni?

Better luck next time MLP... you'll have to wait more haha!
Peter Bonnici (on 5/8/08)
Huh !! The PN got their way again !
Michael Catania (on 5/8/08)
Jason Congratrulation on being re-elected as General Secretary. Lookat the past and learn to make an even better General Secretary now and in the future.

@ Joyce Calleja. Don't be a spoil sport.
Norbert Vella (on 5/8/08)
From Heaven to Hell
Joe Galea (on 5/8/08)
What about a mass vot of no-confidence in Jason Micallef and those who are in favour resign from the party...as I already did this morning. How on earth can one work with such a useless arrogant person such as Jason?
J.Bonello (on 5/8/08)
Well done - I look forward to having Dr. Toni Abela abandoned in the counting hall to face the music alone, come 2013. How the NP must be rubbing their hands with glee.
josette pace (on 5/8/08)
zrinzo seems ok but OMG having to see that smirk in every paper every day??? not that i like gonzi s smile anyway! but x hallata ballata fl MLP.....the humble Muscat.....then the ever growling bookends.......a meek zrinzo and a very very sarcastic and antipatku micallef.... well done. INsomma coming to think of it ......they look an image of the pn.....gonzi with GATT AND DALLI.....only their secretary is a much better man than micallef
E.Grima (on 5/8/08)
We couldn't wish for a better result.
Nadia Camilleri (on 5/8/08)
As regards the General Secretary election, this shows one important thing ... that the majority of the delegates, 467 out of 837, DO NOT want Jason Micallef.

What next now? Is he still going to reign arrogant and supreme as before? Only time will tell if this is the TRUE New Labour supporters are craving for.
B Sant (on 5/8/08)
i had a dream.... in five years time we would see a change in government...... all of a sudden i woke up and i found out this was just a dream far away as the horizon....bye bye labour..... thank you Jason
David Wain (on 5/8/08)
The labour delegates who voted for JM are a real sorry bunch and a disservice to their party!!

I want to see whether any one of the usual suspects writing on this blog has the gall to come out and repeat the usual hog wash of "the delegates know what they are doing..." or even funnier "they have the best interests of the party at heart!!" The opposite is quite evident!

What a disappointment!!
joe borg (on 5/8/08)
Wow!!!!!! That's great with Jason Micallef as an MLp Secretary and an Alfred San Yes man as an MLP Leader another win for the P.N. and Malta.
B.Micallef (on 5/8/08)
Old (bad) habits die hard..
Well done MLP, you just gave the PN the next election.
A. Borg (on 5/8/08)
Very new and regenerated party indeed... Jason Micallef still again as General Secretary? Dr. Zrinzo Azzopardi reconfirmed too... The MLP has changed its leader but nothing else. Here we go again...
Daniel Cilia (on 5/8/08)
I cannot understand how the MLP delegates keep on making the Nationalist Party happy. Really who decides who these delegates are? The Nationalist Party? Unbelievable!
Max Zammit (on 5/8/08)
Everybody deserves a second chance and I strongly believe Jason Micallef will prove all his critics wrong, and will always serve the country and the party in the most fruitful manner. Goodluck to all the newcomers in the administration namely Aaron Farrugia, Joseph Cordina and Alex Sciberras Trigona.
Ray Bartolo (on 5/8/08)
one political suicide after the other...
Ramon Casha (on 5/8/08)
Just the person to unite the party!

:D
laurence schembri (on 5/8/08)
If the Delegates thought it was acceptable for Alex Sceberas Trigona to return to the fold, what kept them shy from electing George Abela as the Leader?
Joseph Agius (on 5/8/08)
So we are stuck with the PN for another ten years! There was no earthquake in the MLP Joseph. Unfortunately had high hopes with you Joseph but you alone cannot do anything. It seems that the opposition seats are too comfortable !
Alex Abela (on 5/8/08)
MLP never learns
A. Scicluna (on 5/8/08)
Delegates MUST GO!!
Joe Galea (on 5/8/08)
I really can't believe it that the delegates preferred a status quo. This was sheer ignorance and the delegates voting for Jaosn Micallef lived up to their fame of being stupid and ignorant.
From today MLP can be rest assured to stay in opposition for many years to come. The Jason Micallef saga will end up like what happened in 2003 by re-electing Alfred Sant.

However, MLP have one less member in the party, who is myself. I can't see myself working with persons such as Jason Micallef who is the pure re-incarnation of arrogance and ignorance. He will make everything to make things worse. Joe Muscat was definitely shortsighted on this. Let the chaos in MLP reign once again. We were seeing some ray of light, but last night it was shut down. What a pity!! What a disappointment!!!
Joe Scerri (on 5/8/08)
Bidu gdid. Ha Ha Ha.
I know which party I will definitely NOT be voting for next election.
apgrech (on 5/8/08)
Folks, Jason won by a big margin. Maybe he's not as bad as some may think he is. Some may be very upset about the results but it's better if we accept the wll of the majority and move on.

Jason, try to improve on your attitude - it will help you, the people around you and the party.
Salvu Portelli (on 5/8/08)
Being a labourite i'm really happy that Alex Sciberras Trigona is back in the fold. We need people like him. It's not photos with prominent people that matter but the capacity of a true diplomat to get help from international organisations and friendly countries so that malta would benefit finacially as well as in kind. Thanks to alex we can now enjoy visits by Navy ships. It was he who invited the first one back in the 8o's. I hope that he will now consider contesting again the general elections. He will surely be an excellent Foreign Minister. Joseph well done for the formidable team!
Fleur Hili (on 5/8/08)
Oh what great news.............................Thank you MLP delegates, you save the day once again.

What a farce of a political party!!!!!!!!!
edgar gatt (on 5/8/08)
Toni Abela,Anglu Farrugia, Alex Sciberras Trigona, Jason Micallef. Poor Joseph Muscat. Not a chance in hell of a BIDU GDID. Mind you dear Joseph, you know the saying of scratching my back........... All the MLP now needs is Dom Mintoff as an MP. .......
Ivan Visanich (on 5/8/08)
The MLP are destined to remain in opposition for ever with Jason.............They do something right but another hundred wrong.
laurence schembri (on 5/8/08)
For Delegates read Ostriches. Head buried in sand, thinking with their exposed parts.
David Abela (on 5/8/08)
This was a sad night for Maltese Politics.
Silvan Mifsud (on 5/8/08)
Is this part of the 'earthquake of change' that Dr.Joe Muscat said he will bring about? He seems more interested in bring about a cosmetic change rather than a real one. After 3 consecutive electoral defeats, the MLP was not capable of having enough courage to bring about a real internal change. It really shows that in actual fact nothing has changed within the MLP, and that after all Alfred Sant's clique still remains in power within the party. What a disgrace! Well, it seems that just like 2003, the seeds of yet another electoral defeat for the MLP in 2013 have been sown today!
Joseph Micallef (on 5/8/08)
Then its back to the old gaffes!
Francis Attard (on 5/8/08)
Now the MLP administration is worse than it was before. Therefore, the Malta Labour Party remains the worse of the two parties represented in our parliament.
Franco Farrugia (on 5/8/08)
Now, what would I do had I been so vociferous in condemning and criticising Mr Micallef, and doing my best not to see him re-elected? The only one way out for me would be ........!
F Grech (on 5/8/08)
Game, set and match Partit Nazzjonalista 0-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-0; Thank you Joseph, thank you Anglu, thank you Toni, thank you Jason. Now let the circus continue.........
P Falzon (on 5/8/08)
Remember the really big snake on the Snakes & Ladders board and the feeling you got when you landed on it.........well done MLP - you have just consigned yourselves to the Opposition benches for another 5 years and we have to suffer PN arrogance once again!

Your only saving grace is the fact that the position will be up for grabs before the next election......

What a pathetic party!
Jesmond Abela (on 5/8/08)
Be ready for the next defeat after defeat!!!!!!!!!!!!
R. Caruana (on 5/8/08)
So much for the 'new political season'! Here it ends before it even began!!

After what we heard and read over the last couple of weeks, coming from some of the highest officials in the MLP, there's little doubt left (if ever there was) that Labour is in terrible shape, and the healing has not started. There's little hope left for it to happen, really, with JM's confirmation.

Let's hear it now from Leo Brincat, Michael Falzon, Jimmy Magro etc, and all the bloggers that wrote against Mr Micallef. Tell us what you think is the future of the MLP with such an 'arrogant' General Secretary.

Now all the MLP has to do is to back the GWU on the Drydocks issue, go against privatisation in public transport, etc, to confirm itself in opposition.
J Vella (on 5/8/08)
Bidu gdid indeed!
Dr Francis Saliba (on 5/8/08)
Is this the much touted new beginning for Labour?

Hopes lies eternal in the human breast!
Andrew Borg-Cardona (on 5/8/08)
Toujours ca change, toujours la meme ... forgive my abysmal French, but seriously!?!?!?!!??
Nigel Lawrence (on 5/8/08)
How depressing. We will now be lumbered with the arrogant and emerging dictatorship of the PN with absolutely no hope of any change of government.
Gorg Bonell (on 5/8/08)
Perfect way to wake up on a Tuesday morning... It just gets better and better.. I would have never guessed that labour delgates would have re elected him. All the better for the PN. Prosit ghas-serhan ta mohhi... Gorg B
D.MANGION (on 5/8/08)
Now if Dr. Leo Brincat and Dr. Michael Falzon have and ounce of coherence. They should leave the Malta Labour Party.
martin portelli (on 5/8/08)
I urge every Labourite worth his or her own salt to protest at this travesty. Where will the new way of doing politics head to I wonder. I suggest Mr. Micallef do the right thing for the sake of credibility and the MLP and stand down. He can't honestly believe that he has the support of the greater majority whose votes will count next election! Will he miraculously develop general managerial and conflict management skills to die for? Yes very well we know now that there are at least over 300 delegates who where very happy to lose last election. Shame indeed! What was this a performance bonus? It seems like the PN, MLP rewards incompetence too. What is the assumption/brief that he will just smile and keep his mouth shut? Delegates should be ashamed that they elected as secretary general the person that literally gave the election away. I suggest a change in the Electoral College now if you have a shred of credibility left.
NB
What will he do if the MLP lose next election evaporate on the spot at the counting hall?
Ethelbert Schembri (on 5/8/08)
WELL DONE ! to ALL !!

Now we have to work hard ALL TOGETHER, NO ONE EXCLUDED !!

This administration has to accomplish what the leader has , is and will propose .

Unified after him !!
Anglu Micallef (on 5/8/08)
A new political season?!!!?
Joyce Calleja (on 5/8/08)
OH NO, Mr. Smiley is back in administration, so much for a new MLP change!!! This is definetely a joke since there was a much better choice for a secretary after what he did in the 8th March elections. Get serious for a change !!
mario (on 5/8/08)
nice one

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