Thursday, 21st August 2008
Muscat campaigner to be made CEO
Broke ties with MLP in 2004
James Piscopo
A member of Joseph Muscat's core campaign team during the leadership race, James Piscopo, has been earmarked to take on the new post of MLP chief executive officer.
The move could happen within the next couple of months, Labour sources have told The Times. Very few people within the party were privy to the news but the PN's daily, In-Nazzjon, broke the news yesterday, to the surprise of many Labour insiders.
The young candidate, who turned 30 in May, would not confirm or deny the news, saying only that he was focused on his family right now. Last Sunday his wife gave birth to the couple's first daughter, Julia.
"I have no comment to make on the matter... for the time being I'm focusing on my family," he said.
Even Dr Muscat was evasive, although he did not deny that Mr Piscopo's appointment was all but finalised. "I will announce the CEO as well as other key posts in due course," he said.
Mr Piscopo's appointment to the post of CEO, which will be created as part of a large-scale administrative reform promised by Dr Muscat, is largely perceived as a move aimed at downsizing the role of general secretary Jason Micallef, who would be relegated to a purely administrative role.
While Dr Muscat had always hinted at a reform he intended to make in the management structure of the party, his plans to introduce a CEO were only revealed in The Sunday Times earlier this month, just a week after delegates confirmed Mr Micallef as general secretary.
The CEO will be captaining a number of directors who will be responsible for key areas such as communications (including the party media), finances and prob-ably also the electoral office and campaign team.
But here, too, Dr Muscat would not be drawn into mentioning any names.
Despite having been part of Dr Muscat's core group during the leadership campaign, Mr Piscopo had never before really cooperated closely with the Labour leader. He was re-introduced to him shortly before the race started and the two hit it off immediately.
Labour sources say Mr Piscopo was previously very active within the party and even headed the youth section before he broke ties around 2004, as a result of disgruntlement with both Alfred Sant and Jason Micallef.
His previous absence from the party is now being regarded as an asset, since he is not seen to belong to any particular faction. But he is likely to face strong resistance from people loyal to Mr Micallef.
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Comments
Kidding kidding :-)
to your credit i see you have not denied anything from what i wrote in my comment.
Soon you will be saying that the PN shot Raymond Caruana...
I truly wish that Mr.Gatt explain to us with is all this nonesense about not finding water in the tap!! The computer issue is another lie. It is also a well known fact proved by photographs that even Dr.Fenech Adami and all those around him used to have a computer. It was this same 'Times of Malta' which in the 80's used to publish advertisements about certain computer products such as the Apple Personal Computer.
And I can't remember when on earth did the Natioanlists' party media stopped functioning in the Mintoff era. I am well reminded that in-Nazzjon taghna continued to indoctrinate people like Mr.Gatt during the 80's. At those time chocolate and toothpaste might have been scarce but one could also find serious property schemes, job guarantees and yes, proper education for all those willing to learn.
Ray Gatt missed the truth that the 1980's pn aimed to destroy all local investment in Malta, even that regarding chocolate and toothpaste!!!!
Times were hard my friend and if you are in denial to this then I pity you.
As for James Piscopo's new post, I wish him well and hope he gives the party some credibility which lacks at this moment in time. After all our country deserves a decent opposition and change in power from time to time.
Hopefully the 70s and 80s are something of the past, even though to hear certain MLP candidates for last March's elections saying they would gladly go back to those days and do exactly the same, does not give me much hope.
For the one who summarised the 70s and 80s as the times when there was onyl one chocolate and toothpaste, please remember that before that many Maltese were existing and not living, and remember also that when Mintoff founded the Air Malta, you PN also managed to go against it. You described it as GHASFUR TAC-COMB!!!!!
Imagine all the John Saliba's out there....
Now THEY must be really embarrased!!!!!!!
Now, in lets say two years time, comments like yours might just be considered as fair comments, but right now, I, m sorry, they just reek of paranoia induced by a potential resurgence.
One just has to take a quick read on this blog to see what I mean. From exiles obsessed with dealing political propoganda to students, to Brad Pitt's who poke fun at others physical features.
Meanwhile,as you are so concerned with the internal affairs of political parties, could you shed some light on the secrecy surrounding the other major party?
The internal affairs of any politcal party is of interest to everyone specifically because it is on such issues that a party is judged, at least partially. Now tell me, if the MLP cannot be capable of managing itself would you trust the comparitively titanic task of running a country?
The thought makes me shiver. Enough said.
Having said that I wish to point out, that I also disagree with however judges a person by his looks. How a person looks is not important. His or her abilities are.
When will Maltese children benefit from the introduction of philosophy sessions from kindergarten onwards? Maybe both parties will truly be put to task by a multitude of critical thinkers who won't stand for cognitive dissonance, illogical arguments, policies or non- action.
That doesn't mean that I don't wish Mr Piscopo luck: he needs it by the super-tanker load with that lot.
that's what happened exactly in the appointment of Gordon Pisani and Frank Psaila. They applied for the open competition, and were awarded the tender. Some PN apologists really really manage to go low to attack anything related to Labour.
Sincere apologies. From now on I will try to use simpler words to help you understand what I mean. Here, let me translate for you: beeeh beeeh beeeeeeh!
It is good to note that the blue eyed brigade are generally claiming that this is a case of I scratch your back and you scratch mine. This is one subject in which we cannout compete. The Nationalists are experts of the 'I scratch your back you scratch mine' syndrome.
It is noted that even a Maltese expert, like Mons Saliba, who has been living in exile since the early eighties is still an expert when it comes to deciphering this syndrome.
To succeed you have to be the best not just a close friend. It is important that the party is transparent otherwise it would not be credible.
Tellghani........ u llejla stess ndahhlek fis-saltna tieghi!
Ha tifhem ir-ruh...........
;)
To complete your earthquake, just find a way to kick out that Jason Micallef.
@ John Saliba: You are so bitter that you project all the PN's wrongdoings on others. Hello we are in 2008. We have had the PN in government for the last 20 years. And you are still stuck in the 50's and 60's (fi zmienek tiftakru l-interdett?) and thinking that whatever negative thing (which are a lot) this sick government does, you still say that MLP has done it. Poor chap!!
@Joseph Caruana: "Il-Hbieb tal-Hbieb" is still a fashionable practice in the PN sphere. So it's nothing of the past dear.
Well done JM. You show us that you keep your words and for everyone's info the earthquake is a kind of reform, yes turning the MLP into a professionally structured entity run by professional competent people.
Jason Micallef should be kicked away or at least his role diminished to paperwork and should be supervised. Since now his role is reightfully being downsized he will act his revenge as he is a mean arrogant person.
So Joe Muscat watch out!! Supervise the mole at all times!!!
With regards to Anglu Farrugia's allegations - I am still wondering where all the new voters came from. According Joe Saliba there were over 20,000 voters. Yet according to statistics there are only about 16,000 voters aged 18-23 (which are new voters). Let's for the sake of the argument, say that no voter died in the last 5 years (which is impossible) there are more than 5,000 voters who are not 18 to 23 years old. I would honestly like to know who or what are these voters. Until I get an answer for this question I will believe Anglu Farrugia.
By the way I am not even a member of the MLP let alone a councilor of delegate who voted for the MLP administration.
If it's really true that only five persons knew the name of the MLP CEO it will not be a problem to uncover the mole.
Who said that the appointment was known only to 5 persons? As if! Many people knew about it and it definetely it was not news to me. Perhaps the Natonalist Party media aka Medialink should investigate the crude way in which david casa is being ousted from the European Parliament by il-Magna ta Gonzi.
Ladies and gentlemen, beware, though Gonzi is nowehere to be seen, his magna is working 24/7 pushing all the buttons to oust casa. A nationalist friend of mine told me that il magna dont want the same mistake done in 2004 to be repeated again. In 2004, Drake was the anointed one and not Casa. This time casa will be ousted.
Although ears are important to be able to listen what`s going on, finally its not the ears that count ..... BUT WHAT STANDS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THEM INSIDE ONE`S HEAD.
Hopefully it is not to difficult for you to understand what is meant by that, given that you can`t appreciate something fully unless you have it, and you don`t know what you`re missing if you don`t have it !!!!
If looks were the most important thing when judging one`s capabilities, then we can easily ignore practically most of the so called analysts from all political camps and most of the spin-doctors with an agenda made in Belgium .... we have a lot to chose from, such as the naked dog-feeding lady from the countryside - now that would be an example of the direct link between beauty and intelligence based on your "at least I managed to make people laugh" theory !!! Bil-mod hey ..... Brad Pitt !!
I'm terribly sorry I hurt your feelings, "buddy". But I'm sure loads of others had a good laugh, which suits me fine. As soon as "a private individual" becomes a public figure, he/she has subjected himself/herself to everything: glorification, praise, complaints, and yes, even jokes!!
PS If you're a public figure, would you mind sending me your photo please?!
btw john and myself are NOT related !!!!
But thanks for the advice !!
So John Saliba voted against integration did he? How old was he when he - "was 'exiled' by the Labour government when they came out with the idea of punishing children attending private schools" 46?
God forbid them from winning a general election - cause it will only make us remember of the old days.
can't you see it's always the same persons apologising for gonzipn ?? john saliba is just one of them. ignore them and their spiteful comments.
good luck to james piscopo and congratulations to him and his missus.
On a personal note I what to wish all the best to Mr and Mrs Piscopo for their daughter .
And why not if Dr Muscat thinks Mr Piscopo is the right person to fill the post for CEO than I congratulate and wish him for that too .
The Labour legacy left by Alfred Sant as a result of excellent management skills is “organized chaos,” and Joseph needs all the support and assistance he can get, including those of friends of friends.
Dr Muscat is showing to everyone that he is a person that keeps his promises !!!
For the choice of the CEO, Dr Muscat is the leader of the MLP and is so with the majority of the delegates . So he has the mandate to do it , more he is obligated to do so personally because it was (as I said already) one of his promises before his election .
Actually make that two spanners (The election of the fossilised Mintoffian AST as international secretary beggars belief).
The big question is, will Jason take the appointment of the newcomer usurping his turf lying down?
This blog of The Times is bringing out the worst in people. I am wondering, after all, how useful it is.
The words expressed by you are disgusting, to say the least. If you think that's a way of being humorous, well, it's all very dull, indeed!
And it has nothing to with taking things seriously or not seriously! It was just plain insolent for a private individual who has barely entered the political arena. Already being shot down.
Anyway, with all due respect, is this news of any interest to anybody except Labour Party supporters? I don't think so.
This for me is no u-turn but rather a show of adaptability. A good leader must be able to adapt to the given circumstances in order to achieve the required result. It may not be the most democratic process but it is certainly the most effective. At this point in time this is what the MLP needs. So thumbs up to JM for at least trying to think outside of the box in order to improve the MLP
We do take things too seriously in Malta....
Now could you tell us a couple of jokes regarding other physical features of our Mps...Both sides would be even funnier....
As for his being exiled...well..his exile ended in 1987...Welcome back...
eh..or isn't a PN administered Malta good enough for him?
Don't stay too long in the sun Mons., but I forgot you do not live in Malta...........
Don't you believe that you should at least give the guy a chance to show what he is capable of first, before you start firing left right and centre? Oh, but can I forget if he is Labour, how can he be the chosen one??
I am more worried how come that the PN came to know about this piece of confidential information (like the arrest of Dr Harry Vassallo) if very few knew about this decision. Who were these people? Beware Dr Muscat, sometimes your best friend may be your worst enemy.
You must be one of the little elves from the Lady of Bidnija's grotto! Shame on you
The problem with "the jobs for the boys" culture nourished and cultivated by the Nationalist Party is that blue eyed, dyed in the wool nationalists appointed on govenment and public corporation boards, are being paid out of the Maltese taxpayers' pockets. This, in spite of the electoral commitment by the PN to open such posts with public calls for applications. But seems that this one like a few other electoral promises blew away with the wind.
But let's get serious. First of allI wish to congratulate Mr and Mrs Piscopo for the birth of their daughter and wish Mr Piscopo particularly every success in his new appointment. After the debacle at the March elections, Labour badly needed new blood, new ideas and a young dynamic team. With Joseph Muscat as leader and Mr James Picopo as CEO, Labour's future indeed looks brighter
Good luck and good health to all
Busuttil said when interviewed "I was deeply honoured by the offer but I will leave it up to the people to decide on that,”. “I refused for family reasons and because I feel that, owing to my experience and background, I fit much more in my EU role. My experience and qualifications make me feel more at ease with this role.” MEANING : "I refused because the Nationalist Party will lose the coming general election and I dont want to be a loser in 4 years time. Don't you think i`m the best candidate to fill in Lawrence`s seat as leader of the opposition?"
The kid needs someone to hold his hand. Nice. It is understandable that Lawrence Gonzi is not mature enough then. We all know who holds his hand. They take it in turns: Richard Cachia Caruana, Peter Serracino Inglott and Lawrence Zammit.
Truth is that the next election in Malta will be between a 40 year old charismatic, progressive and moderate candidate, Muscat and a 65 years old championing the forces of conservatism.
Bring it on :) any time. Malta will win
ps. Actually I expected the new PN`s general secretary to be Simon Busuttil. Lawrence and Kate Gonzi invited him and his wife for lunch to win him over but he refused? Georg Sapiano knows something about it. I wonder what the nationalist councillors are there for. My second preference was Charlo Bonnici (I do not mean Borg Olivier). He was Gonzi`s choice as well.
i think it was a funny comment to put down on a blog..........and in all honesty i would think that it probably put a smile on Mr. Piscopo's face too.
i wish him the best of luck if he is appointed and although i expected a much better outcome in the MLP ranks following the March defeat i look foward to what the MLP can bring to the table.
...and don't grumble on petty stuff. It's not all rosy out there but let's not make it gloomier
Dear Prof. John Saliba and Prof. Chris Deguara, you both seem to know everything and well versed with what is actually happening.
Since you also both seem to be all ears, have you heard where those LIGHT BULBS promised before the election are?
Actually, I expected the appointment to go to Dr. George Abela. The kid (I do not mean Jason) needs somebody to hold his hand until he matures in 10 to 12 years time. But by then they would have replaced him as leader.
He is right..It is wrong of the Labour Party to appoint one of its boys to the post of CEO. It would have been better had John Saliba, or any ogre(ogres and elves..Gett it?) been appointed instead.
What the Labour party does internally should be scrutinised by the Nationalists, and their written permission obtained. How dare Labour not do this?
I am sure that the Pn never gave jobs to its boys paid by our taxes!
I am sure that people like Gordon Pisani's appointment as Government head of communications had nothing to do with politics!
His prior job was sheer coincidence!
People like Monsinjur Saliba have EVERY right to expect Labour to consult with him reagrding internal appointments...
Of course, who the Government pays with OUR taxes has got nothing to do with.....
And of course...The blue eyed zombie shuffles on.....
Ps I wonder if he is REQUESTED(jFarrugia's hallowed words) to write certain things.
There is only word thing how to describe your comment.................Pastaz, pastaz,pastaz!!!!!!
Shame on you..............is this how the new PN generation is being brought up..........no wonder all you PN collaborators on this blog have an attitude. But always keep this in mind folks..............what goes around comes around!!!!!!
Keep up the good work Joseph!
Even the choice of words is inappropriate because what was needed was a reorganisation not an earthquake. In other words Dr. Muscat should have first reorganised the party structure and then proceeded with electing the executive to work in that structure. What the MLP has now, is a general secretary elected according to party rules with all the corresponding vested powers being subject to a person appointed by the leader. Hardly a tenable situation! I can hardly see gleaming Jason accept this level of mockery!
I can still here Super One criticising the PN that their general secretary was appointed by a small gang of people. This gang seems to have shrunken further to one in the case of the MLP.
From the looks of it the earthquake has already struck…. what comes after is usually more devastating.
Hopefully, he will be given the opportunity within his party to perform the necessary reforms.
A good choice.
Do two wrongs make one right? According to you, they do. So because old labour governments gave jobs to red eyed boys (red eyes not because of the interdett ta), the Nationalist Party is right to do the same. No wonder I labelled the Nationalist Party as championing the forces of conservatism.
John, young people like me don't give a hook about what happened in Malta 30 or 40 years ago. What young people want is recognition of meritocracy and a government that is there for the many not just the few.
What young people want is a good standard of living. Until this very day, we do not have one. I just woke up this morning and read the headlines of another newspaper :Malta registers EU’s lowest average wage increase in 2007. Of course the blue eyed boys out there don't care. Are you one of them. Sounds so!
Maybe I made a mistake in assuming that the MLP gives jobs to the boys. That's something that never happened when they were in government. Who was it that once said: "First we give to Labour supporters, then what's left we will give to Labour supportes again and if there would be anything left , we will again give to Labour supportes"?
In all probability I should have called this appointment "Pay back time".
What you wrote is nonsense. Or else you meant something different. The new CEO chosen by the leader of the Labour Party is not a government employee and his salary will not be paid from our taxes. A similar appointment took place 3 weeks ago with Mr. Frank Psaila being appointed Director of Information for the Nationalist Party. He was hand picked by Borg Olivier, the Party`s new secretary general. We have no problems with that.
When people speak about jobs for the boys, what they mean is jobs within the public service, appointments, consultancies with ministries and state agencies, foundations, so on and so forth, all paid from our taxes dear friend. If you still cannot understand the difference then I urge you to have a look at the guys and girls that are being given thousands of euro in consultancies, appointments within the higher scales of the public service, Brussels etc and you will for sure understand. JOBS FOR THE BLUE EYED BOYS (and yes girls)