Matthew Xuereb
Muscat distances himself from GWU's militant language
Joseph Muscat has distanced himself firmly from the language and tone used by General Workers' Union (GWU) speakers who addressed shipyard workers at a meeting in Paola last Wednesday attended by the Labour leader and his deputies.
The following day, the Labour Party issued a statement insisting that the only way forward for the privatisation of the shipyards was via discussion and "pacific initiatives".
Pushed further to clarify his position yesterday, Dr Muscat said the tone and language used was counter-productive and "provided ammunition to those people who are actively working against workers' interests".
At the meeting, GWU general secretary Tony Zarb threatened to march on Castille if the union's demands are not met and former Malta Drydocks council chairman Sammy Meilaq spoke in terms of toppling the government.
Also at the meeting were former MLP leaders Alfred Sant and Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, whose presence reminded many of the "marriage" between the GWU and the Labour Party. Others recalled Dr Sant's declaration that for the MLP, the GWU was the preferred union.
Dr Muscat is perceived by some as having lacked political maturity by being there.
The former head of the Labour media, Alfred Mifsud criticised the Labour leadership's decision to attend in an article for The Malta Independent, saying this would "distance, rather than endear, the growing segment of floating voters from Labour".
Dr Muscat yesterday said: "The language used was definitely not my kind of language. The way forward is discussion. On the other hand, I understand this is not only an issue on the future of the 'yard, but about political honesty.
"You cannot have a leader of a political party in government promising not to downsize the shipyard, but who breaks this promise just a few weeks later."
Dr Muscat said he was pleased that the negotiations will continue today and he was looking forward to a solution that was "in the country's interests".
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Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 20th 2008, 21:59
so E Azzopardi, lets get this straight...Does this all amount to jealousy for workers who through the ages, thanks to solidarity and unity, have managed to obtain better conditions than others?
Do you think that all workers shoudl have the same wages, working hours, conditions etc?
Shades of Lenin?
E. Azzopardi
Aug 20th 2008, 19:48
It is incredible how time has stopped for certain people. They are living in the past. It is a pity because they are applying the brakes to the whole island's progress. And these are the people who say that Malta is first and foremost. I tell them that no one guaranteed me a job when I was made redundant and nobody offered me any retirement schemes. And this was when I was 54. Very difficult time to lose your job. But because I had certain capabilities and believed in myself I found a job soon after and am very happy. But workers are not the same it seems. This is discrimination and governments and unions should be ashamed of themselves. But then who cares about employees of the private sector? They are inferior workers, aren't they.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 20th 2008, 18:54
Once again Vic Vella gets up close and personal...I wonder why I am the only regular contributor who irks him so....strange hux...he sometimes sound like an echo....
As for his declaring to being a hard core nationlist...we stand mouths agape in astonishement.
Anthony Farrugia
Aug 20th 2008, 18:49
@ Ms Carmen Caruana - Your tirade reminds me of Red Square, the Internationale playing in the background and those mummies on the podium (Brezhnev, Kosygin, Chernenko and the other waxworks). Oh well, a woman gotta do what a woman gotta do!!!
We seem to have short memories due to the hot summer sun but anybody remember Arthur Scargill and his major role in the harakiri of the miners' movement in UK ?
carmen caruana
Aug 20th 2008, 17:58
What Muscat says is not important, if there will be the need to go in the streets we will have to go. We will not leave gonzi to do what he want, in the past there were great revolutions, today we make great protests.
Power to the workers!!
F Spiteri
Aug 20th 2008, 17:38
To the author of this article: Matthew Xuereb
Next time try to be less partisan unless you opt to change your employer & transfer to Stamperija. Thank God Alfred Mifsud answered you there and then regarding his comments which you conveniently interpreted the way you opted to.
With reference to Joseph Muscat's presence at the GWU meeting ... was he conducting the meeting to receive the nonsense comments I was reading hereunder???? As far as I know and if we are living on the same planet (quoting from the article) "Dr Muscat yesterday said: "The language used was definitely not my kind of language. The way forward is discussion."
So .. for all those clucking hereunder regarding how they assume floaters would take Joseph Muscat's presence there .... go over the facts without your usual BLUE SPECS!!!!
Instead of losing your energy on Joseph Muscat, why not ask Dr. GonziPN about being the one promising "not to downsize the shipyard, but who breaks this promise just a few weeks later."???
Josephine Cassar
Aug 20th 2008, 15:26
Is this the new beginning? Seeing Joseph Muscat at this militant meeting is going backwards when still supposedly "fresh" especially when as an MEP, he must have been aware that the EU does not favour handouts- handsome monetary retirement schemes-No other firm hands outs such money when it is bankrupt and JM must have been aware of Brussels frowning upon such schemes. I hope the EU takes note of this as well as the fact that an MEP was present for the militant meeting-marching to Castille
Anthony Farrugia
Aug 20th 2008, 13:10
The "Best By" date for Sammy Meilaq's rhetoric is long past. Anybody remember when workers on night shift were caught sleeping in the locker room? These are the type of arisocrats who have let all the other workers down despite the millions of LM (not euro) thrown at the docks by governments of every hue over the past 50 years.The GWU also forced archaic work practices such as when,say, 20 workers were required for overtime and the whole shift had to go on overtime with the bulk of the workers twiddling their thumbs.
Anybody remember the Phoenicia, Sea Malta debacles when the GWU's stand cost workers their jobs.
If I was employed at the docks, I would take the money offered and run like hell............
Patrick Pace
Aug 20th 2008, 12:22
Why attacking Joseph Muscat? he is not the Government!!!
Where is Mr. Promises 300+? Mr Guarantees? Mr Dialouges? 5 months already passed since the election, which of the 300+ promises Mr GonziPN already done? maybe in 4 years time, some months before the next election!!!??? "Bejn paroli u fatti, hemm il-bahar jikkumbatti".
Joe Galea
Aug 20th 2008, 11:10
To the contrary Gonzi almighty doesn't get arsed by this important issued. He just kept silent, after promising security to these wokers, then betraying them as he did. So why attack JM and not GONZI who is the true perpetrator here?
Regarding the Dockyard, if the PN really believe in discussions and all the pompous crap they say, they should do so and not just one fine morning they dictate upon a section of society calling them buggers, etc, and turning things upside down, without any form of consultation.
Joe Galea
Aug 20th 2008, 11:06
Re-JM attending the meeting it's his own right as a citizen. Also, it's in his own interest to hear in persona what GWU says, then he has the right to agree or not. Moreover, it's in his interest to show the Dock workers that he cares about them and his presence surely gave them confidence in him, though he can't do much for them since he is not in government.
So to you all accusing Dr. joe Muscat & MLP, first get your thoughts right before spitting your venom as you have nothing better to do in life.
Daniel Goggi
Aug 20th 2008, 00:19
I stand to be corrected but if my memory isn’t already playing games with me, the exact words of Dr. Alfred Sant weren’t preferred union but "privileged" giving it even more strength...
Joe Borg
Aug 19th 2008, 22:10
@ All
What a bunch of babies! Half of you here are slatering each other with silly arguments. Seems like the split is not in the parties but in the citizens. Funny how certain persons here managed to turn the argument into a religious sermon. Preaching to each other on how wrong it is to "spew venom" while doing themselves in the same breath.
Anyway back to the argument; here's my humble opinion if you allow me to voice it (I'm sure I'll be slatered for it later on):
1) The Dock is loosing money and it's living off my wallet - Get rid of it.
2)There are too many workers for privatisation - They're offered a lump of money (I'd take it)
3) PN breached a promise - Shame on them. Should have thought it through. But I wouldn't dwell on it as both parties breached plenty of promises.
4) Dr. Muscat attended a GWU meeting - Big deal. It's happened in the past and will continue to happen. Live with it!
For those about to call me simple minded: I know there's more to it than I said but I love to simplify things.
Thanks
victor vella
Aug 19th 2008, 21:47
My God Jeremy, I do hope you were on leave today or else don't work in a goverment job lol You would have no end of insults and abuse thrown at you ha Nghidlek lol. I think I have been proved right when I stated that with this attitude there is no new political season. I am a hard core nationalist I admit it , but for the love of God and country we need a strong opposition, and I was afraid that we were going to have another labour leader who iether would be led by the nose or a stubborn one who managed by crisis. To whoever said that it tok 5 days to release the statemnt and realise his error well better late then never.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 19th 2008, 12:37
Thanks I.M Dingli..I aim to please...
well...not everyone apparantely....
Being a Zombie hate figure is rather worrying...: O )
Ray Gatt
Aug 19th 2008, 12:31
What's labour afraid of if the Dockyard is privatized or shut down for good? Maybe that if and when in office they won't have any bullies (headed by the then pm) to carcade on MDD vehicles and attack the opposition leader's residence and the curia. Yes I am upset at the Nationalist govt., that the MDD's doors where not shut for good a long time ago. The Maltese population have carried this anchor round their necks far too long and with Lm900,000,000 in the 'Kaxxa' as some of you call it, many other things could have been done for the good of the people. And what did the country get in return? Absolutely nothing!!! Sammy Meilaq must think we're still just after the 1982 election, since he told the MDD workers that the present govt. is illegal. Grow up Mr. Meilaq. Getting all red in the face and threathing are things of the past. We fought to abolish those ideals and I can assure you we'll oppose any ignorant who tries to bring them back. At least under a PN govt. one has the assurance that if one loses his job, there's plenty more to choose from. INTOM FQAJTUHA L-KAXXA.
Kevin Camilleri
Aug 19th 2008, 11:54
Having read such blogs I do have to coment on certain bloggers. Ther is nothing wrong to say what you have to say regards this article but due to all your respect we are deviating the whole issue mentioning the past ,it seems that such bloggers should grow up and forget about their sentimentalism. But if they wish to mention the past they should be fair and mention also for example, the women right to vote, the children allowance, the 40 hrs week, sick leave ,over time etc etc so readers could easily make comparison. Regards as I have seen these a lot in with which arrogancy bloggers refer to labour supporters as chicken heads, narrow minded atc does that these means that nationalist have some accademical rankings more than the lefties mela we still living back in the sixties were the lower class people were deprived of everything. Pls grow up and lets focus about this national issue in which both workers ,union and esp the goverment will come with a decent solution for everybody.
I. M. Dingli
Aug 19th 2008, 11:38
@ J. Saliba
The only ‘Mr. Undecided, or shall I refer to him Mr. Inexperience, or Mr. Immature or even in all probability Mr. Incompetent’ to use your terms, is the one and only Dr. Gonzi since he’s the one who makes promises but can’t really fulfil them. Saliba you are indeed a blue eyed zombie, just like Joe Martinelli, the Canadian PN Crusader.
P.S. JJ, I love your comments… keep it up!!
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 19th 2008, 10:49
jfarrugia...Don't get all worked up....your typing has gone all awry....
Why do you take someone you call a lout so seriously?.....I don't deserve such an emotional outpouring by a good man such as yourself.....
I should be consigned underground, in a Guantanomo style security facility....just in case I decide to eat your liver or something similar.
Jfarrugia...you really do brighten up my day!
But do not get so worked up for my amusement....
Just relax dear....turn the other cheek wasn't it??
Joe Galea
Aug 19th 2008, 09:29
To all PN lickers who write really nonsense stuff like G Schembri/ J Saliba /J Farrugia, etc etc. Can you realise that this problem arose fromt he fact that your beloved Gonzi lied to these 1700 workers? Where is he now? We haven't heard a single word from him. Yes Joe Muscat has the right to say what he thinks. He can just suggest and criticise what is wrong, but he can't do anything since he is not in Government. Let's criticise Gonzi as he is doing nothing at all other than feasting on his lies.
So get a life and spare us your boring nauseating biased, one-track minded comments.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 19th 2008, 09:28
John Saliba....Liked the Kindergarten joke....Although you did take a leaf out of my book on that one! prosit...
You could have just said that you wanted to change the subject because you were uncomfortable...I would have accepted that....
N. Aquilina
Aug 19th 2008, 09:27
@J.Farrugia regarding your statement"But this government is not going to leave them empty handed. How I would like someone to hand me Lm15,000 to go find another job in the private sector. Why should these only be from MDD?"
I would like to point out to J. Farrugia that not all the workers at MDD are being offered LM15.000. Some workers Under Scheme A (56+)are being offered LM2,000 (Two thousand maltese Liri) and 1/2 their last paycheck after 38 years of service paying their National Insurance contributions and taxes in full. So Please get your facts right.
Alfred Mifsud
Aug 19th 2008, 07:42
For sake of accyracy I did not critcize Labour leader's presence at the GWU meeting. I merely showed that using the sort of tough language as that used at the meeting in the presence of Labour leader make it look like it having Labour's evdient approval which would distance it from rather than endear it to floating voters.. Dr Muscat's clarification helps set the record straight.
ALfred Mifsud
J Farrugia
Aug 19th 2008, 07:42
"Actually its not the Catholic church I have a grudge with, but certain bigots who try to portray images of Malta Cattolicissima and then spew venom and hate at every opportunity...." Jermey J Camilleri's words. I think that his words have neither venom nor hate. Just read his idiotic writings. And he says he has no grudges. He points finngers at those who do not agree with him while three famous fingers are pointing at him. Your place should be underground and not with civilised people. I have no time to waste with louts.
alfred agius
Aug 19th 2008, 00:49
John Saliba and J. Farrugia seem to harbour hatred for the working class not dissimilar in degree to extreme-right class hatred. Their spiteful remarks are an insult to the dockyard workers who lost their lives on their place of duty which is continually a hazard to all that work within the precints of the dockyard walls. These gentlemen seem to forget that dockyard workers come in all shades of the political spectrum , have families and financial commitments to meet and therefore you better put forward sensible proposals rather than indulge in worthless tirades. You both need to spend some time working alongside the dockyard workers to fully understand their psychology as well as learn what it takes to work in that environment and yet find it difficult to be drawn away from it. Please be more sensible and less insensitive on this issue.
CATherine Desira
Aug 18th 2008, 22:17
@ B. Camilleri - And what makes me laugh - is Joseph trying to please everyone - but ending up as I said before pleasing only the diehards of his own party ! - That's what is meant with the "saying" - "hunting with foxes and running with hares" - it is so evident you didn't understand a thing. Are you an elf or what? They too have no good knowledge of the English language.
Joseph Borg
Aug 18th 2008, 22:00
So when are the ring leaders who used to sit on the MDD council used to let and give full pay to culprits whos used to go and protest along the streets of Valletta are going to refund all the payments?
My machines need an overhaul and so I should go to the minister of finance or the PM so as to pay my bills just abot E6000, not much. I have too much overheads and it is only fair to get some compensation.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 18th 2008, 21:32
Dear John, I have no such qualms, and since I have no such fetishes, I shall respond to you directly, seeing that you do read my contributions, and actually take the time to answer them...Honoured....
Well..Can't really respond...because you have once again changed the subject....Am I surprised?...Not really!
Now...JSaliba...
First he is JFarrugia's right hand man, defending him from the likes of well...me...than he questions my relationship with the church.....and then he once again continues his eh...narrow minded crusade against the Labour party.
I used the word narrow minded, because well, you fit in perfectly with the profile you were trying to give to others when calling them narrow minded...
As for the Kindergarten jibe....well...I was expecting that....I questioned your Primary education...and well...I guess you liked that and wanted to emulate...*sigh*
As for calling me a flop...Ouch..I'm hurt...Petrified...Mortified...If I jump from a bridge let it be on your hands....
Well...to be honest....when you call someone a flop...judging by your apparant ideals....I'll take that as a compliment, so i'll give the jump a miss if you don't mind. Thanks....
As to commenting about the article concerned...Come on..You never really did want to do that!
And the blue eyed Zombie shuffles on....
John Saliba
Aug 18th 2008, 21:05
So I.M. Dingli thinks I cannot handle JJ and that I cannot keep abreast with him. My friend, I cannot handle JJ just as much as Dr. Fenech Adami could not handle Mintoff or iz-Zero. Yes, I cannot handle JJ just as much as Dr. Gonzi could not handle Sant and now Mr. Undecided, or shall I refer to him Mr. Inexperience, or Mr. Immature or even in all probability Mr. Incompetent. For our head of state to go where ever it takes to obtain what is rightfully ours is no disgrace. To accept being classified in the same category as Castro and Chaves is disgusting. Please do not metion Nelson Mandela, he was on the receiving end of political violence... Castro, Chaves and Mintoff are the perpitrators of democracy. I challenge you to deny this accusation. Doesn't Meilaq sound like Mintoff? So how can Mr. Undecided glorifyone and distances himself from another? Answer: Hypocrisy
I. M. Dingli
Aug 18th 2008, 20:24
@ J. Saliba
Can’t you keep head to head with JJs comments? Is he too much to handle?
Let me remind you that if it wasn’t for Libya during the 70s, Malta’s pride would have gone down the drain. If it wasn’t for Libya during the embargo, a lot of Maltese workers and businessmen wouldn’t have earned a buck (and they still do). Incidentally I was watching the news quite recently and I thought I heard that a Maltese delegation visited the Colonel….. but thinking about it, it must have been some clip from the 70s news!!
Saliba, can you please tell us where is Dr. Gonzi at the moment? Couldn’t he spare a few minutes from his time to check things regards the MDD saga? We are talking about 1700 persons. I’m completely in favour of closing down the MDD but still, if Dr. Gonzi made promises prior to the election that their jobs will not be touched than…. He must dance to his own tune!
Byron Camilleri
Aug 18th 2008, 18:33
Dear Catherine Desira,
If you're walking with a friend and he shoot someone... are you a criminal too?
Sorry, but your comments make me laugh.
Denis Catania
Aug 18th 2008, 17:48
Isn't that what all Maltese what, no fighting. Joseph Muscat is right distancing himself from violence. When he was at the meeting he had no idea what they were going to say. Are we PN supporters that scared from Joseph Muscat. PN supporters stop attacking this man everytime he tries to unify the Maltese. The floaters are watching and the PN supporters are pushing the floaters away. Remember we didn't win by much. Maybe we should take US politics 101. Our party (PN) don't do everything right, and their party(MLP) don't do everything wrong. Grow up people.
John Saliba
Aug 18th 2008, 17:09
Promise, I will never respond directly to dear JJ. He deserves a kindergarden repeat class- like Fredu and Karmenu, he's a flop. Libya's latest human rights award winner, Mintoff, caused Malta's "Years of Shame" with his quasi-dictatorship. How come JJ concludes that I am narrow minded? Is it because throughout history the Nationalist Party was the government of popular choice with the following exceptions: once it was the Constitutional Party and they failed to remain in government througout the legislature; then it was the Labour Party (not the MLP) that for once they were in government and failed to last the full term. Then on two occassions it was the Malta Labour Party that failed to survive the heat and resigned prematurily. Finally it was the MLP through Mintoff and KMB to cause Malta's darkest years in history. Then there was the other famous Labour victory which in actual fact was a Nationalist victory. Then socialist like L. Coleiro have the cheek to refer to 'the majority of the electorate'. But thanks JL, for confirming that Labour was not suitable to govern. Do you really expect a Labour victory with Mr. Undecided as the MLP leader?
M Briffa
Aug 18th 2008, 17:04
Joe Muscat should have condemned the language used by GWU's officials. Such words can only creat division and hatred among Maltese. But I forgot that the GWU is the right hand of the MLP. Onli see it's papers L-Orizzont and It-Torca
L. Coleiro
Aug 18th 2008, 16:13
@ Mr. John Saliba
Thanks for clarifying your position as a proud nationalist. Of course having taken such a stand makes me really wonder how objective your comments can really be. You fire out attacks of incompetence and inexperience on Dr. Joseph Muscat without any base or argument. No wonder your comments are a reflection of the PN media.
Where is Dr. Gonzi in this matter?? and what about his promises of "Serhan il mohh" and "Hadd mhu ghar rimi"??
And by the way seeing in what state the MLP was just before the election doesn't make Dr. Gonzi look really that powerful as you imply. After all he didn't even manage to convince the majority of the electorate. Truth is that GonziPN really needed all the help of the MLP to win the last general election and the MLP gave him all the help he needed.
On another note Dr. Gonzi's track record since the last elections doesn't promise well at all for the coming 4 years!! I haven't heard of one promise being fulfilled yet so I'll have to wait and see what happens...... and I will keep on waiting and will definitely never forget what was promised.
CATherine Desira
Aug 18th 2008, 15:17
Joseph (or call-me-Joseph) is impressing no one but the diehards in his own party. He is just "hunting with foxes & running with hares". Oh what a leader ! How can he distances himself now when he was so near then ?!?! :) :)
Jeremy j Camilleri
Aug 18th 2008, 15:13
As to the independent enquiry...we still don't want that do we??
Jeremy j Camilleri
Aug 18th 2008, 15:12
Didn' t think that monsinjur is an insult...beats playing childish name games that dear John plays in a desperate bid to impress....
Actually its not the Catholic church I have a grudge with, but certain bigots who try to portray images of Malta Cattolicissima and then spew venom and hate at every opportunity....
Certain church sermons have been known to condemn such acts, but then again, so is helping others, and I am sure that JFarrugia is much obliged at your noble attempt in defending him....
As regards your other arguments...Well...the fact that you declared that you are proud to be nationalist adds strength to my argument, that you are...lets use your phrase....narrow minded, and that no matter what, your position is dictated by others.....
Actually...the term nationalist can mean a number of things....
John Saliba
Aug 18th 2008, 14:28
JJ Camilleri attacked J Farrugia for being a Catholic and then attacked me by calling me Monsignor. It appears that he has a grudge against the Catholic Church.... Yes, it's true, the GWU is no longer an MLP clone. The Union officials have realized that Joseph is far too politically immature to dictate to them. As the saying goes, "they v'e got him under their wing" and that is why he hasn't got the guts to condemn their language and their threats.
Mr. Byron Camilleri, you really managed to insult me. How dare you call me "Independent"? I am proud of being Nationalist. I know what's right and wrong. For your information I am not wasting my time exposing Joseph's immaturity, inexperience and incompetence.
Honestly, Mr. M Buhagiar, what makes you think that the Prime Minister, like Joseph, needs somebody to hold his hands? He did not need any help to lead us into the Euro zone and he did not need any help to give Labour its third electoral defeat (excluding a referendum).
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 18th 2008, 13:03
Mela..Jfarrugia...for the record..I'm agnostic....big difference...Look it up...
As for calling you a good Catholic...well...thats called sarcasm...look that up, its in the same dictionary .
Now, seriously,who am I, an agnostic(still confused) to judge you?..
As long as you enjoy your tooth for a tooth rhetoric and continue to spew venom...well....I thats your business....
As for the 900 million in taxes..then for once we agree...An independent enquiry should solve that little mystery....But Government doesn't want one...strange....
As for animals and human beings...well...the way you talk about the dockyard workers shows that you can't even tell the difference.
J Farrugia
Aug 18th 2008, 13:00
PM Alfred Sant even guaranteed that he won't touch the workers' council at MDD. But he did and he also stated that it was far more better to send the workers home and continue paying them for nothing, than leaving the MDD open and working. But this government is not going to leave them empty handed. How I would like someone to hand me Lm15,000 to go find another job in the private sector. Why should these only be from MDD? Are they something special or what? In the national interest, everything goes. And MDD has been the albatross around the Maltese people's necks. And for your information MDD workers are not the poor folk someone is trying to picture them. They have other part time jobs as well.
J Farrugia
Aug 18th 2008, 12:33
jeremy giving me the honour of a 'catholic' is an honour for me but not for you. Telling me 'as usual your Catholic lust for vengeance and retribution is a shining example for us all', is insulting coming from an atheist the likes of you.. What i've said is the whole truth and there is no retribution involved...only Lm900 million in our taxes which should have gone to much more deserving maltese people, who are sick or lack the commodities you have without working for them.. But your 'love' for animals is much bigger than your 'love' for human beings. And judging by your arrogant use of the words: 'zealot, lust, retribution', I wonder if your life is the same as those words!
Michael Cutajar
Aug 18th 2008, 12:07
@ J Farrugia
While agreeing with you on several points you mentioned kindly answer my question:
Why did Lawrence Gonzi guarantee the shipyards jobs a couple of weeks before the general election? Answers please
M. Buhagiar
Aug 18th 2008, 12:01
@ John Saliba
Rather than holding JOSEPH`s hand it would be better that you hold MR. Par Idejn Sodi`s hand so at least we will know where he is since he seems like vanished in thin air.
And while holding his hand tell him that the people are EXPECTING him to stick to his 300+ promises !! - heard yesterday`s news about l- ispizjar tieghek or whats it called?? another promise evaporating Mr. Saliba .
And you have the cheek of calling Joseph the immature one??
Byron Camilleri
Aug 18th 2008, 11:57
Dear John Saliba,
Since according to you Dr.Muscat is so inexperienced / immature / incapable ...
WHY ARE YOU STILL WASTING YOUR TIME WRITING SOME SILLY BLOGS OVER HERE?
I think that you is the one who needs to grow up, and not Dr.Muscat.
Why go personal all the time?
And while projecting yourself as an independent, I cannot understand how you oppose everything that Dr.Muscat says/does...
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 18th 2008, 11:41
Just for the benefit of G Schembri.if you go through the trouble of reading the whole article you will not that the Labour party statement was issued Thursday, the day after the meeting.
As for Jfarrugia...as usual your Catholic lust for vengeance and retribution is a shining example for us all.
As for John Saliba..in his usual frank, unbiased manner he calls this sitting on the fence.
I guess not agreeing with Monsinjur Saliba's opinion is rather immature of Joseph Muscat. I mean..come on...its John Saliba ta!
The facts are simple....The Labour Party, along with a host of other organisations, agrees with the GWU that the Government is going about this business in the wrong manner.
The Labour Party does not agree with the lingo used....Big Deal!
Just goes to show that, notwithstanding the blue zealot's constant claims, GWU are not MLPclones.
Of course in no way does it satisfy John Saliba and co in their lust for seeing GWU and the Dockyard workers isolated from these organisation, but thats their problem.
J Farrugia
Aug 18th 2008, 11:04
Michael Cutajar are you the only one in Malta who doesn't know that the MDD are bankrupt and that they are living with our taxes and our money like the illegal immigrants are doing? Do y ou want this to continue? Do you know that more workd for MDD means more losses for the people of Malta? Did you know this? At least under a nationalist government no person ever remained unemployed for more than a few months. There is much work to be done, only not in MDD! Are these workers so lazy and ignorant that they do not know how to fend for themselves? My job is not assured and not even guaranteed? So why does the GWU want the MDD employee's jobs guaranteed? Not even Tony Zarb's job is guaranteed! or is there something else behind it? Like NISFRONDAWHOM?
Joseph Grtech-Atttard
Aug 18th 2008, 11:01
May God how many hypocrites exist on our little island!! What if Joseph Muscat did not attend? Would there have been reactions from other similar hypocrites? Honesty is flourishing from Joseph's attendance and from his subsequent remarks. "Better late than never!" Why condemn him for attending? He clearly showed his interest in the workers, whoever they are. Would anyone condemn our president for officially visiting Col. Gaddafi? You men/women full of prejudices! Repent!
Michael Cutajar
Aug 18th 2008, 10:01
The Labour Party must win the floating voters without forgetting the Party`s origins. I don't agree with Sammy Meilaq`s militant language. Who does? Maybe just the workers at the shipyards that are to become unemployed in a couple of weeks time. What is worrying is the way in which the Nationalist Party and its apologists are spinning this story. Why is Joseph Muscat and the Labour Party the subject of such a discussion? Is the Labour Party in Government? Was it the Labour Party that a couple of weeks before the general election, informed the shipyard workers that their job was guaranteed? Why is it that Lawrence Gonzi is nowhere to be seen? There are plenty of questions for him that need answers.
Yes the Labour Party Leader did well to attend and did much better when he called for both sides to meet and discuss.
The Nationalist Government lied once again and now he is facing the music. Should Meilaq`s militant language be the way forward? Obviously not. He is playing in the hands of the Nationalist Spin doctors. The best way forward is for the Maltese to understand that this Government lied and continues lying.
I. M. Dingli
Aug 18th 2008, 09:50
@ G. Schembri / J. Saliba
Qatt m'inthom kuntenti b'xejn! I really don't know why you haven't opted for the post of Leaders within the MLP since you have infinite wisdom. I think you are the two persons who need to grow up!
J Farrugia
Aug 18th 2008, 09:34
So Norman Lowell was tried in court for uttering racial comments (which I do not believe he ever did), and was found guilty and sentenced. And this anarchic Sammy Meilaq, threatens to make a coup d'etat (nisfrundawkom = meaning inwaqqghu il-Gvern) inciting violence, is treated with kid's gloves. Will the Police Commissioner arrest this trouble maker, throw the book at him and put him where he truly belongs? In jail. Malta has had enough of trouble makers. Without Sammy Meilaq Malta would be a lot more better.
John Saliba
Aug 18th 2008, 09:26
So this politically immature Labour leader has distanced himself fro the GWU's militant language. Yet he never went as far as condemn it and declare that he is wholeheartedly against such language. He is on record stating: "The language used was definitely not my kind of language. The way forward is discussion. On the other hand, I understand this is not only an issue on the future of the 'yard, but about political honesty." Again he sits on the fence. Be honest, and for once admit that it was the GWU that broke up the discussion process because of the job guarantee that they want. Can this inexperienced leader explain why shipyard workers will accept early retirement if government will accept to guarantee their work indefinately? Grow up man, ask Dr. George Abela to hold your hand in the meantime.
G Schembri
Aug 18th 2008, 09:19
Why did it take Joe Muscat 5 days to distance himself? Because it took him that long to digest public reaction and realise what a gross mistake he had made.