Joseph Muscat criticised for not yet having taken job of Opposition leader

John Zammit

Sep 30th 2008, 00:59

@ Mark Piscopo who loves to laugh

all i can say to you is that you are such a waste of time. Erm before I forget just check the financial world situatiion and tell me if you still regret joining the Euro zone.

LOL

Mark Piscopo

Sep 28th 2008, 03:52

Att: John Zammit

You seem that you always make the right choices lol!!!

John Zammit

Sep 26th 2008, 07:05

@ Mark Piscopo


Kindly note that I voted for a proper direction with no u turns and waste of time. I voted for a proper taxation system and not cet, and I voted for common sense not to a leader who realises that after nearly 12 years of opposing something worthwhile , realises that he made a mistake, I VOTED FOR A GOVERNMENT WHO KNOWS HOW TO COUNT A REFERENDUM AND TO RESPECT IT.

Mark Piscopo

Sep 24th 2008, 19:12

@ Corinne

Kindly note that John Zammit never voted Labour and he is proud to be nationalist!!

Antoine Vella (Balzan)

Sep 24th 2008, 01:36

John Zammit

You wrote this a week ago but I just saw it.
"Any one who is abusing our social welfare is a thief and should be branded and marked as a thief."

Are you serious? Branded and marked, like they used to do in the Middle Ages?

Corinne Vella

Sep 23rd 2008, 08:29

John Zammit: A spade is a spade. There, does that make you feel better?

I'd hazard a guess that the largest waste of welfare money is made up of handouts to people who are deliberately unemployed yet there doesn't seem to be much moral outrage about this. What is your feeling on the matter?

Incidentally, what degree of sympathie do you have for the so called "whore's" sexual partners

Corinne Vella

Sep 20th 2008, 13:16

John Zammit: I've only just seen your comment. How do you know what goes on in the bushes of Paceville in the early hours of the morning? Incidentally, where are those bushes anyway? I thought the primary complaint about Paceville is that it's a concrete jungle.

Oh, and your comparison of a child to an expensive car is facetious.

John Zammit

Sep 17th 2008, 22:21

@ Mark Piscopo

you seem to forget that we are expecting luxuries which nature has never supplied us. And you seem to be always blaming this and that to the Government. What ever we pay and whatever we are taxed is going int the wrong pockets. I already told you , if I was prime minister i would start removing a lot of social benefits which are crippling the country. Like our so called health system FREE education. Are these really free?
who is paying for them? I am paying for sure and I never use them

so please I do not see your point. You have a chip on your shoulder I do not

Mark Piscopo

Sep 17th 2008, 17:53

@John Zammit

Have you read what our dear Minister Dr Austin Gatt said in the Times Of Malta. He has no intention to reduce the surcharge from 95% although the price of fuel decreased drastically. Our government decepted the majortiy of maltese people. Inflation remained at the alarming level of 5.4 per cent in August as Malta leapt to the second place in the league of countries in the Euro Area with the highest inflation rate. 2 days after the general elections government announces Malta’s entry in Pfp. Nowhere to be seen in GonziPN manifesto.

John Zammit

Sep 16th 2008, 19:11

@ Dorothy Caruana

I repeat I call single mothers who are parading around half naked as whores.
Any one who is abusing our social welfare is a thief and should be branded and marked as a thief. I do not like this system. I believe in Paying for what I need. I do not want to pay for things which I hardly ever use. So if you are going to support these women in paceville getting pregnant without ever knowing who fertilised them, it is your choice not mine. They should not be given any benefits , it would be a lesson for them. that when they abuse they will have to face the music on their own. I am fed up of politicians giving them benefits to catch their votes.

Charles Zammit

Sep 16th 2008, 17:36

gonzi should better try and fix the economic doldrums we have been thrown ininstead of trying to make diversions. he will have to face joseph's onslaught in no time at all come budget time.

MT Caruana

Sep 16th 2008, 14:31

@John Zammit

Well if you think that my comments are a waste of time DO NOT BOTHER TO ANSWER BACK….and you must be a very well educated man to call single mothers whores….well done.

John Zammit

Sep 15th 2008, 16:39

@ corinne vella

I repeat i do not have any respect for whores who are single mothers, you seem to be unaware of what is going on in the bushes in paceville in late hours of the night. Girls are having sex with unknown boys just for the sake of pleasure. And single mothers before you commit youselves to a man make sure that he is worth it. I am not going to be responsible for mistakes of others. If girls want to be single mothers go ahead. I wish to be a single owner of an expensive car, but I will not get it. Social welfare in Malta is highly abused and it is high time that all these free this and free that stops. I rarely use the hospital and yet we are paying taxes for others who only use it to avoid work. The government should start stopping these abuses. If anyone wants free pampering then he should seek elsewhere.

Corinne Vella

Sep 15th 2008, 15:20

Tone it down, John Zammit. There are plenty of single mothers who are not whores and there are several criminals whose parents are married.

Mark Piscopo

Sep 15th 2008, 14:59

@ John Zammit
I agree with you with most of the issues but we are paying a lot of taxes and cannot afford to pay also for the hospital. Although many people prefer to go to a private hospital then wait for several hours in the emergency of Mater Dei before being seeing by a doctor.It is true that many people are loosing their values but due to this hectic life. With these high increase in prices and taxes children suffer the consequences because both their parents have to work to make ends meet . Our government must see that the 95% Surcharge will kill the remaining values of our family. Hope that Dr Gonzi will listen to Dr Muscat and reduce the rates of Water and Electricity.
Families are suffering with this high inflation rate with less time spent with their children. Young couples are making sacrifices to pay their loan because the property in Malta is very high compared with the daily income of a worker.

PJ Mifsud

Sep 15th 2008, 09:28

@ Ethelbert Schembri

I agree that history tends to repeat itself (NOT is self) in various current affairs circumstances. Least of all, whenever you deign to regale the blog readership with yet a further specimen of presenting so-called arguments expressed in an inimitable literary style.

What makes ME cry is your unwillingness or inability to rebut and counter valid and viable arguments with equivalent ones. Even if one 's prepared to make allowances for comprehending whatever you have to say in what you think is English.

John Zammit

Sep 15th 2008, 02:27

@ Mark Piscopo cont/

I am not a rich person, I paid for my schooling and university. I did without drinking on weekends, did not buy expensive clothes and cooked at home instead of dining out in posh restaurants. I am what you can say ragel bil ghaqal. I expect everyone to be like me and the state would be free from many problems. I have no sympathy at these youngsters when they end up dead due to their drinking and their drug taking. Why should I ? I used to feel sorry for them, but the state is becoming worse because we lost our values. IF single mothers ( real ones ) are not up to the costs they should have been careful. I am sick looking at young girls walking the streets half naked. These are the single mothers of tomorrow. Why should I give them money? I would rather not, because they bring it on to themselves, besides they get all the benefits while you and me have to pay for it. I cannot see a way how to stop these national parasites but believe me there are ways how to stop. Stop their benefits and see.

John Zammit

Sep 15th 2008, 02:20

@ Mark Piscopo If that is what you feel I cannot blame you, I have a hearthache and you cannot feel it. Our Economy is what it is, we are crippled by a false social welfare system. We have a hospital which is draining a lot of money thanks the idea that " sptar Bxejn" I am disgusted at the education system where the private schools get all the money from everywhere and the state schools are starved. These are the socialist ideas inherited and they are difficult to remove. I am not afraid to pay for hospital. I do not care for single mothers. Why should i care when most of them act like whores? Do you see how many young girls aged 14 and even less are getting pregnant? We are paying for these whores! and what more their offspring is tomorrows criminal,where you and me would be burgled. And all this thanks to our social welfare system. I am not a single mother but believe me, If i had the chance to be I would, and get a free home free electricity free this and free that. I do not blame them once it is available.

Mark Piscopo

Sep 14th 2008, 19:39

@John Zammit

Everyone now is aware that the taxes are increasing drastically and the wages are the lowest in Europe. Everyone now is aware that we are being invaded by illegal immigrants and the Government told us today to show solidarity with the. Everyone now is aware that the rate of Inflation is 6% the highest in Europe. Everyone is being beaten by the 95% Surcharge.
These statements are true and no one can tell me that I write these comments because I support Dr Muscat. I believe in a free health system because there are families who cannot afford to pay like single mothers and people with low income.I believe that the Nationalist Party did excellent things to Malta and I was proud to be under a Nationalist government but currently I feel that Dr Gonzi is not in touch with the people.

John Zammit

Sep 14th 2008, 16:28

@ MarK Piscopo
Believe me , if you have any idea how difficult it is for a prime minister to give us the most easy budget. I am sure that all the prime ministers we had would have loved to do so and make us the happiest nation on earth, but they cant. Yet what they can is supply the nation with the best directions, POLICIES, if you are honest you would notice that aside all the mishaps and the mistakes of the past nationalist legislations we are not badly off. I do not like to pay surcharges but I know that there is no choice. If you wish to have an honest discussion about energy waste, then I am on your side. I do not like all these wayside roads lit up all night for nothing. I do not believe in a free for all health system. I believe that I can pay at least something like Germany. I agreed With sant when he introduced that darned 50cents. I call a spade a spade. And if your dear joe muscat will do it better when he is elected be sure i will be the first to give him votes

Mark Piscopo

Sep 13th 2008, 13:23

@John Zammit

No we are in 2008, we must look forward and not look at the past. Honestly my friend I hope that you continue smiling and leave me moaning and paying these taxes.The government must take a stand on the issue of illegal immigrants because its causing a huge impact of our country's economy. In the Next Budget the Surcharge must be decrease to 50% because the fuel is now 100 dollars a barrel.

Ethelbert Schembri

Sep 13th 2008, 10:30

WOW ! Mr PJ you make me cry, poor Gonzi

John Zammit

Sep 13th 2008, 09:46

@ Mark Piscopo

I was particularly amused to read your blog, while wishing me the 95% surcharge low wages inflation and all the Gonzi made disasters. And you continue , that now we should really know and appreciate why you voted labour! I can assure you that since I lived for the past 50 years and tasted both sides , I can proudly declare that unless labour decides to be an honest and a party with a direction , they will never have my vote. Another when you moan about the surcharge I smile. You seem too young to remember all those christmases without electricity , all those buckets of sea water in our bathrooms. You seem to forget the primitive way we had to live and all this was our basic necessity. I would like to see your face if ever you had to quee for a simple bottle of milk. Yet all these have been forgotten, and good for us that we have, but when I still hear from labour, negations of truth and war dancing I regret to say, I was not the only one to do so. And after all that postelectoral hallabaloo, Thank God

Mark Piscopo

Sep 12th 2008, 20:49

@Mr John Zammit

Now enjoy Dr Gonzi's mess and pay the 95%Surcharge when the fuel prices has decreased drastically. Now enjoy the highest inflation rate in Europe that is 6%. Dear Mrs Galizia, I don't have to be 20years in professional journalism to understand the facts. Enjoy Dear Mr Zammit and Oscar Cassar the invasion of illegal immigrants and taking Maltese workers jobs and we pay taxes to give them mobile cards,food and social benifits.. Enjoy also receiving the lowest wages in Europe. Now time will tell us that all those people who voted labour in the last election made the right decision.!!!

PJ Mifsud

Sep 12th 2008, 12:51

@ Ethelbert Schembri

Where was Dr Gonzi during the past six months? - Working solidly day and night to solve the nation's problems; first and foremost the Drydocks issue WITHOUT feeling the need to blow his trumpets to make the headlines every now and then.

Joseph Muscat, on the contrary, was busily fishing for media attention. Proposing to give the vote to 16 year olds, attending the GWU government-bashing demo at Paola, commenting on government policies without being in the least constructive - anything goes as long as he hits the news headlines.

Parliament's summer recess will soon end and a Leader of the Opposition has to be in place from Day 1. Does Joseph require more than six months to take up his post? Should you think the comment is irrelevant, you should be seriously having second thoughts about Joseph's potential for dynamism in the STAĠUN POLITIKU ĠDID era !!

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Sep 12th 2008, 09:38

@Victor Cauchi, Susan Galea and Mark Piscopo: the difference between you and me is that I have worked in political journalism for almost 20 years while you clearly haven't got a clue. That Joseph Muscat cannot take the oath as Leader of the Opposition because he has no seat in parliament is not my opinion or guesswork, but a cast-iron fact. The Leader of the Opposition must have a seat in parliament and Muscat doesn't have one. That an individual MP cannot be forced to give up his seat to somebody else is also a fact, and not 'Daphne's opinion'. MPs are protected in this by no less than the Constitution, which doesn't acknowledge political parties but only individual MPs. Joseph Muscat is obviously, therefore, having a very difficult time trying to persuade somebody to give up his seat to him, whereas that somebody quite obviously doesn't want to unless he gets something very much more worthwhile in return - and then, of course, he will always have moral leverage over the party leader, too, which is a very bad state of affairs.

John Zammit

Sep 11th 2008, 18:24

@ Leone Ganado

I think i must have misunderstood you somewhere. I do not think you are constitutionally correct when you say that the mlp is waiting for a natural vacancy. There cannot be a natural vacancy. There can only be a member of parliament who chooses to give up his place . Naturally if there is a vacant place due to nature, the next in line are those preferences in his votes. They have the right to be elected. Correct me if I am wrong.

John Zammit

Sep 11th 2008, 18:19

@ Dorothy Caruana,

When i read your comments or sorry I meant to say your whining and moaning about electricity bills and illegal immigrants invading you and your shopping bill and all our maltese Gonzi made disasters , I really start to think if we are living in the time of the Exodus chapter something!
Can we grow up and start to see things in a very mature way? All the things you are complaining about have been going up since the day they started to exist. I do wonder if our dear Joseph muscat would bring them down ( i mean the bills ) not the country when he is elected prime minister! And another, why do I bother to write here and answer your comments. What a waste of time. Oh sorry I hope you vote for the European Parliament since I smell you are still against it!

Oscar Cassar

Sep 11th 2008, 16:03

@ Mr. Mark Piscopo

I know that in this fragile small nation there are quite a number of difficulties, some areas that can do better and others that are better not to mention. Unfortunately, lot of us have still a colonial mentality and blaming the authorities mostly the Government for everything when some problems sometimes come from abroad like for example the oil price or from negligence of the ‘small’ field workers.

But now please answer my simple question… Do you really think that Labour can do better? My answer is NO even now that the MLP have a new leader. That is Malta’s greatest disgrace… not having a professional, truly energetic and progressive opposition (although having some valid MPs that most probably are not given enough space to operate) with a leader that is still trying to give a Pro-EU image of a young energetic leader with the reality that he is still after all this time not focusing on his duties locally, with a nation awaiting for him to assume a position that is vital in a democracy.

MT Caruana

Sep 11th 2008, 13:06

@John Zammit.

Please do rest your mind cause FYI, I feel like fainting, only when I go shopping, necessary things, like, food, medicine etc.
or when I receive the ELECTRICITY BILL…..
or when , I read that another number of ILLEGAL IMMAGRANTS came to our shore….and I’m sure I’m not alone…

John Zammit

Sep 11th 2008, 02:26

@ Piscopo

What kept the labour party from addressing these issues of inflation and all these Gonzi made disasters? why did the electorate choose PN? why is the labour party always singing the NO NO NO NO song? IF the labour party foresaw things we could have been fed up by now of a labour party, but since labour takes opposition ad litteram , oppose anything on sight how could anyone with a brain trust labour? So all these issues could have been averted by Dr No and in 5 years to come by Dr no Vote. Mind you I wish him well and if he succeeds it will benefit us all. If sense and sensibility ruled then we would not be in this Gonzi Mess. Mind you I prefer a Gonzi Mess than a stagnant mess from Sant or now from Muscat. Just look back at your head strong leader , Partnership Won! how can anyone with common sense trust labour??

Mark Piscopo

Sep 10th 2008, 18:05

@Oscar

We have the highest inflation rate in Europe that is 6%. Highest rates ever for the water and electricity 95%Surcharge. The prices of food and medicines are increasing drastically. The deficit is increasing daily,. AM I alluding myself? Kindly answer me for this simple question.

Jeremy j Camilleri

Sep 10th 2008, 17:36

Corinne...You sound like Daphne's echo...Does it ever get crowded under her umbrella?

Ethelbert Schembri

Sep 10th 2008, 17:07

Yes history repeats is self , Dr Gonzi is trying (with the help of the old fashioned way) to attribute it’s incompetence to others.

Now is the turn of Dr Muscat !!

Where were you in past 6 months Dr Gonzi ? Long brake after the election !!!

I. M. Dingli

Sep 10th 2008, 16:41

@ J. M. Buhagiar

Valid points.... the only problem is that it seems we lack the quality people from both ends of the spectrum!

J.M.Buhagiar

Sep 10th 2008, 14:16

@ John Zammit -
@ Dingli

MEPA - The problems MEPA have is the problem that all Government Authorities/Departments have. Rules and regulation are useless unless QUALITY is given number one priority. A rule or regulation that cannot be measured leads all to ignore it and becomes redundant. You have effectively wasted your time and your money. No one is supposed to dig a trench across the road with out resurfacing it as it was in the first place. Take a look around you.

Look at Germany. In the seventies Germany started to fend off Japanese Quality not by making a Ban for 7 years. They simply fought fire (quality) with fire. Government made Quality the Number One Priority of all. The UK did not. 28 years later in 2008 all UK Good Brands are Gone - German goods can be sold at 30% premium because of their added value - Their USEFUL LIFE is as much as twice that of any other product. The German standard of living went up financed from these added values.

People and processes can document EXCELLENT rules and regulation.
But only QUALITY trained People & Processes can change Excellent to EFFECTIVE.

Quality changes everything!

I. M. Dingli

Sep 10th 2008, 11:12

@ John Zammit

I expect you to point out the bad and good in both parties, that's all. I guess there are two faces to the same coin and when I put my views in perspective, I try to abide to that concept. Anyway, wish you a nice day and let’s hope for the best.

John Zammit

Sep 10th 2008, 09:10

@ I.M.Dingli

you should be more clever than that! You expect me to say that mepa is not a massive problem? I wait for the day when it is run more efficiently. And as for floating, i normally float when the grass is greener on the other side. At the moment I am not impressed.

John Zammit

Sep 10th 2008, 09:03

@ Pauline Barbara

you are right, my grammer is shop shoddy, when I get too over excited. Yes I think it is labours fault , very well said. you say so many silly things that I tend to write with over enthusiasm. And another, I must be dimented or you must be seeing things because I cannot find anywhere, were i refered to you as inept. Is it possible that my grammer is only visible to you ?
Another if you want a resume of how many homes in Europe had colour tv and videos and computers. You have a nerve to ask that!! why make something like that highly illegal when no one in europe had it? It does not make sense at all. And another thing, if you feel uncomfortable with a Gonzi Goverment elected democratically by the people, how should you expect me to feel with a leader with only the delegates votes and not one single vote from the electorate? Another case of acute case of a zero KMB? I should think you really need some mirrors! Of course thanks to mediocrity PN does survive! 25 years!! what a record!! pardon my grammer pauline.

John Zammit

Sep 10th 2008, 08:52

@ Karl Abela

Thank you , very well versed. Do you think they will ever learn?

Oscar Cassar

Sep 10th 2008, 01:28

@ Daphne Caruana Galizia

Dr Muscat is most probably either not fully convinced of the professionalism for his colleagues in the EU parliament / staff and prospective replacement or else there is another reason that perhaps we cannot discuss quite clearly here. All of us know that politics is sometimes dirty mostly between colleagues within the same party. Therefore I ask if Dr Muscat is playing around the bush while waiting if a parliamentary seat will become vacant from his party due to medical reasons or …… by one of his party’s most respectable MPs. By that time he will be still alluding persons like Mr Mark Piscopo with his ‘excellent work done so far’. Therefore while giving us the impression he is a true young leader, he haven’t even enough courage to decide in the National interest on ‘trivial’ issues while creating excuses of EU reports. But he cannot make public his true intension at the moment because otherwise he will be another political suicide leader for the MLP.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 10th 2008, 00:38

@ Kevin Borg

If you took your time to read the comments I wrote in reply to John Zammit you would have noticed that I condemned the things that happened in the 70s and 80s…. but I guess too much chocolate messed your eyesight!!!

You have to verify the context of the words being used as a whole and not just pick and choose whatever you want and than twist and turn it at your convenience. I was talking about the internet which at those days wasn’t available and not that chocolate was invented during the PN legislature, I know my history.

Unfortunately within this comment board you get bits and pieces censored and the message is completely diverted at times. Other times it is just not shown as if I was inciting terrorism!

I. M. Dingli

Sep 10th 2008, 00:36

John, I assure you that I lived those days and as already stated, I don't want to relive them just like you.

My point was that you constantly compare the present with the 70s and 80s which is something which cannot be done on the same level. The 70s and 80s technological achievements on a worldwide scale can never be compared to the present, 30 or so years after. That is like blasphemy. You can hardly compare the late 90s with today’s living standards and both were under a PN legislature.

You mentioned the luxury of internet so I’ll give you an example on the same level of comparison. What would you say if I stated that the PN government withheld technology because in the mid-to-late 90s we had dialup connections (home users) and maybe a few elite had a 256k connection at work whereas today we have up to 4Mb as standard for a normal home user? Would that be fair, no?

Part 1 (for some reason wasn't shown together with part 2!!)

I. M. Dingli

Sep 10th 2008, 00:29

@ Karl Abela

I was having a decent conversation with John Zammit before you decided to jump in and show how well educated you are. For your info, I am stupid and have a DNA disorder too since I voted both for MLP (thus stupid) and PN (thus DNA disorder) in the various elections at hand. That is why I hail myself as being a floater and not a predisposed PN or MLP voter (like yourself). It is impossible to have a party which is completely perfect and the other completely wrong.

If you were so offended with the words ‘DNA disorder’ than what should be said about Dr. Sant being referred to as ‘parrokki’ or Dr. Fenech Adami as ‘muccu’ or ‘fenek’ or Dr. Sant as ‘sakranaz’ etc etc. ‘Naghmlu bhat-tfal habib, inti tghid haga u jien nghid ohra!!!’

You know what I hate about people like you? You are double faced. In one phrase you are so hurt that MLP leaders have addressed PN supporters in 2008 as having problems with their DNA and than in the next phrase you refer to all Labourites as being stupid, never learn, political extremist, etc

Yeah right!!!

Pauline Barbara

Sep 9th 2008, 23:48

@ Karl Abela

Re: misunderstanding your comment - what is there to misunderstand when you say that quote 'MLP supporters need to be rehabilitated' - when someone needs to be rehabilitated means that said person is in the wrong and needs to be shown how to mend his /her ways.

My level of reasoning is based on your tactless post and you have proved my point that PN apologists will never change - Arrogance and holier than thou is the prerequisite for the majority who vote PN (I won't say all, because I know some PN supporters who aren't, and respect my political views, the same way I respect theirs - and we agree to disagree rather then saying me or them need to be rehabilitated).

Your comment was not criticism, it was an uncalled for comment, which was hateful no matter how you try to dress it up - as for your reference to DNA again refer to my previous post.

Mark Piscopo

Sep 9th 2008, 23:35

@Karl Abela
@Karl Abela
I agree with you in the first point because I think that the issue of the Reception Class which was not explained well by Dr Sant caused the defeat. Regarding your second point I absolutely do not agree with you. Charles Mangion excused himself publiclly and explained himself and there was no intention to harm of demonize the opponents like the nationalist media is trying to do with Dr Muscat. All the strategy of the PN have worked in the last election included msgs sent by mobile thus demonizing Dr Sant .
Presently we have the highest inflation rate in Europe that is 6%. Highest rates ever for the water and electricity 95%Surcharge. The prices of food and medicines are increasing drastically. The Deficit increased drastically and definitely the government will not achieve the deficit reduction on time. We hope that we will not have an economical storm in Winter!!

Pauline Barbara

Sep 9th 2008, 23:11

@ Kevin Borg

Now we have Dr. Gonzi as our Prime Minister for the next 5 years - lets hope he comes out of hibernation and starts telling us what he will do in matters that really interest the nation - lowering the surcharge now that oil prices are going down, when will we get the wind farm promised prior to the election, what is he doing about the country's dire financial situation etc etc etc.

It is the Prime Ministers' job to stop lying and to start delivering. Joseph Muscat has been leader of the MLP for 6 months and is organising the Party, whilst also making valid points about yes 'the right for solar energy'; so according to you what goes for other countries should just be pie in the sky for little Malta - or maybe you don't consider the enviornment to be important enough.

Did PN ever suggest how MLP should solve their problems when they were in government - all we got from PN is spokes in wheels!!!

Pauline Barbara

Sep 9th 2008, 22:48

@ Karl Abela -

Charles Mangion was talking about the PN in the past when they were continuously opposing measures that would benefit the people of this country - pension, free health service, vote for women and hence something wrong in their DNA for how could anyone oppose what is for the well being of one's own nation.

PN chose to take it out of context for their own political gain - I suggest you check your facts before repeating your partys' mantra.

MLP unexpectedly lost votes you say - TBH PN should have won by a landslide thanks to their fear mongering campaign which was spreading like wildfire as well as having PBS and certain newspapers blowing their trumpets - unfortunately MLP gave PN a bit of help 'cause IMO Alfred Sant should have resigned after the first election he lost, but unfortunately he stayed and MLP played right into PN's hands.

P.Schembri

Sep 9th 2008, 21:53

Well, looks like nothing changes. The PN elves and apologists are already honing their nails and aiming their guns at Joseph Muscat, thanks to the infallible knowledge of the PM. He should know that Joseph can't leave his post as MEP until his work on a project is ready. So why all the fuss? Or he just wants to point our sight elsewhere so that we can't see the real problems that are hitting hard our nation? The more the pn apologists try to thwart our attention from real life, the more they are assuring us that Joseph Muscat was the best choice as Leader of the Malta Labour Party. If anybody here cares to mention the past, please don't forget the post war years and the 60's. Then talk about the 80's. Of course in the 60's there weren't any bombs against the government as there were in the 80's. Then talk about democracy. Who was the agent provocateur in the 80's? Who tried to topple a legitimate government in 1977 onwards?

albert leone ganado

Sep 9th 2008, 21:31

We are really a nation of busybodies. It is solely the prerogative of the MLP to decide when JM takes a seat in parliament. Personally I would rather he waits until a seat becomes naturally available. Politicians being what they arre none of them would forego their seat for the greater good of the party without expecting some lucrative office in return. If you are in Government as history has shown this is easy to accomodate not so if you are in opposition.

It is not as if the constitution is being broken as there is a leader of the opposition in Dr. Mangion who has all the experience and credentials to act as one.

It is just local custom that the leader of the main opposition party is also leader of the opposition. It other countries it is quite common for two distinct persons to hold these posts.

If we truly want parliament to reflect the best politicians in the country parliament should perhaps coopt members to the House without voting rights. Prof Cassola or Dr H.Vassallo would certainly uplift the quality of the debate in the house.

Karl Abela

Sep 9th 2008, 20:14

@ Pauline Barbara
@ I. M. Dingli

1. May I remind you that the MLP report of the electoral defeat recognises the fact that it was the MLP who unexpectedly lost most votes.
2. May I also remind you that superiority and race distinction was the MLP's own idea when your acting labour leader insulted the majority of the Maltese population as inferior DNA.

Next time please check your facts properly for your own sake. Besides, you totally misunderstood my comments and your level of reasoning was completely out of the point which goes to show that MLP party & supporters will never learn. You have proved my point that these people find criticism hard to bear with.

Pauline Barbara

Sep 9th 2008, 19:38

@ John Zammit

Yes people like me still exist and I assure you there are many more who aren't as myopic as yourself about the past - the fact of the matter is you will continue to say ad infinitum that the 80s were hell and we are now living in Paradise; but rest assured very few share your view especially when they have to set themselves a strict budget to get by on a minimum wage.

You're very good at name calling - reading through your posts you have managed to offend Labourites by calling us blind, psychologically inept (FYI one can not be psychologically blind ) - you'll probably be calling for all Labourites to be exterminated in your next post, because dear oh dear we are all blind and going bonkers.

Also with all the posts you have on here, one would think you would have at least improved your English Grammar - or are you going to blame MLP for that as well????

Pauline Barbara

Sep 9th 2008, 19:20

@ John Zammit - aka Mr. Chocolate toothpaste

FYI In 1980 we went on a holiday to Italy (a family of 4) - we had enough spending money more then just enough for takeaways and had a great time. Seeing your penchant for the past you could also mention the 40s and 50s; I wasn't around at the time but my parents were and they were practically starving, where my dad's family had to share one loaf of bread between 8 siblings, and guess who was governing the country then Mr. Toothpaste? - but I'm sure your next retort will be more of the same, 'Oh but we were living in hell in the 80's''

You talk about available courses at University - seeing you know so much, maybe you can also tell us how many students from working class families attended Maltas' University in the 40s & 50s??? Also please tell us how many homes in Europe had cordeless phones and video recorders in the 70s & 80s??

Mark Piscopo

Sep 9th 2008, 18:01

@Daphne Caruana Galizia

Try to be more balanced in you opinion, I thought that you were trying to be more balanced in your arguments but now I am seeing that you will never change!! On which basis you made your statement . Have you guessed or what? Kindly do not try to make character assassination of Dr Muscat. He have good qualities and hope that he continues with his excellent work done so far.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 9th 2008, 17:42

@ John Zammit

I appreciate that you accept the fact that there are issues which could be tackled in a better way by PN at present such as MEPA. The difference between a floating voter and an MLP / PN diehard is that floaters have perception of these not so small details whereas the latter don’t. I hope you do not form part of the latter!

Part 2

susan galea

Sep 9th 2008, 17:00

Daphne Caruana Galizia is indulging in her usual diversionary tactics by defending Gonzi''s phony criticism of Joseph Muscat's predicament and accusing others of being gullible instead of addressing the issue of Gonzi's political posturing. Mind you, it was amusing to see a certain Andrew Borg Cardona rise to the bait, as usual. Nothing is too unsubtle or spurious for some.....

Kevin Borg

Sep 9th 2008, 16:56

@ I.M.Dingli

I think chocolate was already discovered in the 1980's. However, if I am not mistaken, we used to travel 8 hours to Sicily to buy a Mars bar. And what about TV's, computers, and ........ Were all these invented after 1987? Wow what a quantum leap the world has done when the PN goverment was elected. One thing we were not short of in this country during the 1970's and 1980's, MEDIOCRITY.

@ L.Coleiro

In a democracy its not Gonzi who is ruling but the majority that voted for the present Government. Among these there are a couple of Labour voters who could not stand the pessimistic politics the Labour Party had adopted.

But things are changing. Now we have Dr. Muscat who is about to take his seat in Parliament. Lets hope we wakes up from the fantasia land he has been in and starts proposing some serious politics. Not criticising is not enough. We need to hear real politics and proposals regarding what he will do in matters that really interest the nation. And not make useless proposals such as the pie in the sky of the right for solar energy we heard last week.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 16:51

@ I.M.Dingli

There were things already invented and were highly illegal and not available Colour tv , Video recorders, Cordless phones, courses in university! I do not need your so called spaceship to go to work but I do need a sane stable mind to be able to remember what we went through.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 16:46

@ Mary Tonna

Oh sorry my dear yes you are so right there, how could i miss that one! THE DELGATES DID and NOT the nation, how stupid of me to forget, that it was ONLY the delegates called him ,to the entire dismay of the nation, let alone those labourites who wanted Gorg Abela. Apologies dear Mary
you are quite right.

I wonder who is the one to regret that!!!!!!

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 16:40

@ I.M.Dingli

I am wondering what age you are? I do not hold mepa to my heart. Please understand that, but, bear in mind that since we are living in a small country were politics are such a delicacy at our dinner tables I find mepa as distastful as many do. I wont say " heqq m hemmx x taghmel" but believe me there are other serious issues which would be better discussed here , I would love to mention a few here. Mepa is a sad story and I am sure that a few beheadings would go down well.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 16:34

@l Coleiro

I am not living in the past. I am too much in the present and yes very comfortable. I shudder at the past and I hope " never again " will we relieve those terrible years of Xandir Malta. one radio one telephone service one this and one that. we are spoilt for choice and have no intention of going back there. Why are you worried about living in a better world? you might go to sudan or ethiopia or nigeria. I am sure you will relieve the past there. and as for dear Freddy Mercury please mention some more of his very clever repertoire, how about " we are the Champions my friend" the champions of democracy were everyone can live in comfort in freedom , you can call and accuse Gonzi and nothing happens to you . Could you do that once upon a time?

I. M. Dingli

Sep 9th 2008, 16:34

John, what is wrong with you? Should I be angry at Dr. Gonzi because I do not drive a spaceship to go to work?!? Is something which is not available in this era for anyone on earth the fault of Dr. Gonzi? I guess not! So how can you expect MLP in the 70s and 80s to make things available to you when they weren’t yet invented or available to the general public.

Victor Cauchi

Sep 9th 2008, 16:28

@Daphne Caruana Galizia

You seem to be endowed with certain powers not known to comon mortals to know what is really keeping Joseph Muscat from taking up his functions as leader of the opposition. While you are at it could you please let me know what numbers are coming up in to-morrow's Super 5 draw? But then you wouldn't would you? You would bet on them and win the money all for yourself

Mary Tonna

Sep 9th 2008, 16:28

@John Zammit

Did the nation call Dr Muscat or the delegates of the Labour party? So be correct first of all.

Second, don´t worry, I´m sure Dr Muscat will take his seat in the National Parliament soon, and that will be the day Dr Gonzi regrets it!

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 16:26

@pauline barbara

Oh dear me so sorry to let you go by unnoticed I just scrolled down and noticed your holiday iteneraries in the 80.s when we were only allowed lm250 as spending money which had to include the accomodation , and hopefully manage a lm50 for buying a couple of take aways. I cannot believe that I actually remembered that traumatic green form and the countless hours of waiting to obtain a few sterling pounds. I really cannot believe that you pauline dear are nostalgic of those days. Well my dear I am not. I travel often with just a plastic card and oh I forgot that hatefull Euro which made my life so easy to go anywhere I like without losing so much on change. Is it possible that people like you still exist? yes people travelled in droves to sicily on a rockingdown boat bringing back the kitchen sink because malta in those days was a paradise to be nostalgic of. sigh oh sigh if only we can go back to the 80's ( shudder)

I. M. Dingli

Sep 9th 2008, 16:25

@ John Zammit

Have you ever heard about the term ‘evolution’? Did you expect to have internet from home in the 70s? Do you know when ‘internet’ was available to home users not only in Malta but worldwide, guess what, not in the 70s? I thought bombs were also delivered in letters (got the drift?).

I apologise if I mentioned MEPA, you seem to have it quite at heart as much as the PN. I thought Dr. Gonzi took MEPA under his grasp in order to eradicate all corruption but it is so vast a network that it cannot be dealt with immediately, albeit, they are still making a mess out of quite a number of issues.

For your info, I’m not saying it is hell at present, all I’m saying is that a lot of issues are occurring in Malta and Dr. Gonzi is more concerned about Georgia and Dr. Muscat’s post as opposition leader rather than tackle internal affairs.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 16:19

@ Franco Azzopardi,
If the nation has called JM then he should kick his heals and take the stand. He should be here and seeing to his party and parliament. I am not going to wonder why it is taking so long, but when it comes to parliament there is not enough ifs and buts. It is simple a matter of duty and no excuses. I think our prime minister knows what is happening in the european parliament enough to call JM to take his post. I wonder what would be said if it was the other way round?

L. Coleiro

Sep 9th 2008, 16:14

@John Zammit

Since you are so stuck in the past you should remember that song, I think from Queen that goes something like "This could be heaven for every one" It goes really well with the fantasy world you are living in where the all mighty GONZI rules!!! The land where Il Maghtab Iwarrad........ NOOOT!!!!

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 16:13

@ Daphne

very well said, I wonder who is the one to be the sacrificial lamb. And another I cannot bear to think that we are going to have another leader of the opposition not to be represented by one single voter. Just imagine what would happen if it was the other way round!!!!

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 16:08

@I.M.Dingli
If you feel that I have blinkers then you hardly know me. And as for not living in heaven, to be honest I am not living in Hell either. If you think that I am some fanatic who sees only blue then think what you like. All I know I can write here without finding a bomb behind my doorstep. I have all the possibility of answering any comment from the comfort of my home and in a few seconds. Oh my I wonder thanks to whom? I am not omitting any fault. There is no perfect situation. But to mention Mepa and make it seem that it is the end of the world, I would suggest a few more serious problems that make me squirm, like the over abused social system. Yes i could give a few slaps to Gonzi over that, but it is not enough to justify our so called bad Government. your hell is quite comfortable to me. I seen worse and I am quite satisfied. I remember too much to forget . and as for your criticism, go on, it has a great effect, thanks to it we improve.

Franco Azzopardi

Sep 9th 2008, 16:01

I feel like crying when I read some of the comments below!

1) As far as I´m concerned , there is already a Leader of the Opposition. His name is Charles Mangion
2) If our Prime Minister doesn´t know what our representatives are doing in the European Parliament, it is a big shame on our country!

What´s the problem with Dr Gonzi to work with Charles Mangion, the current leader of the opposition? And how come our Prime Minister wants one of our MEPs (Dr Muscat) to quit his duties as a representative of our country at a time when he is presenting a report!

No excuses! Business can still be done as usual!

I feel ashamed as a Maltese reading such absurd comments by our Prime Minister!

I´d rather hear our Prime Minister declaring his (and his party´s) official stand on divorce and voting at 16 years! No need to wait for Dr Muscat to take his office in the national parliament.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 9th 2008, 15:41

I guess DCG might have a valid point there.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 9th 2008, 15:40

@ John Zammit

I suggest you remove your blinkers.
John, if you think I’m happy about having ‘leeches and parasites’ (as you said) within government institutions, well I guess you got it all wrong. I’m against all kind of corruption be it coming from MLP, PN, AN, AD or whoever. These persons live off the weaknesses of other persons and it is not acceptable for obvious reasons. My point was that you are only keen to point out what was bad about MLP in the 70s and 80s but you omit to mention what is bad at the present time as if we are living in heaven.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 15:10

@ I.M.Dingl

What a difficult question to answer. Of course one finds parasites and crooks. That is such a disgrace that these leeches and parasites exist. What are you expecting to hear from me? an approval of their existence? It seems that you are really enjoying the fact that they do exist! Dont you think that once they are singled out they would wish they have never been born? Mind you , they do surface but dont try to make it sound as if they are there with the blessings of the authorities. They are not. No one enjoys their existence and their sleazy ways of operations. one only has discover them and when one is caught many others slip into the dark corners surfacing only when the time is right. So lets be more mature and not try to prove anything by stating the sad situation of mepa.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 15:05

@ Dorothy Caruana

I do sincerely hope you have nothing to do with statistics, History or mathematics teaching. Just before you scream your lungs out, we have a Governent who staggered in Government with a mere 1500 votes more, and not a few thousands less 49% and managed a bullying 5 years haggling with the constitution in 1981. I hope dear dorothy that you are sitting somewhere comfortably before you faint. Gonzi is there thank God and according to the past results should be getting better. Erm it will be 25 years of solid bliss. wahooooooooo.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 14:43

To all who feel the end of times, that we are living in times so backwards. we are one of the top when it comes to obesity. It wasnt like that in the 70's and 80's. we were quite lean then! enough jokes! To be honest Gonzi made it with a mere 1500, so what!! would you, eat your heat outers accept a gonzi government after a result of 49% as in 1981? have you ever been beaten with chains? Stop this charade. And whatever the case endure another 5 years , because all those who said, God forbid europe, are suddenly making a full u turn! cant you see that all your lies your stories your threats your doom worries have not yet been gullible? Dont you realise that we maltese have a quality of life much better than the past? I wont say thanks to Gonzi! that is his job to make a better life , but for goodness sake!! if you think anyone is going to believe your moans and groans it is going to be another 100 years. By then all your cries would be dead like your party.

Oscar Cassar

Sep 9th 2008, 14:42

It must he noted that in Brussels Dr Muscat has two other colleague from the MEP and also his staff that eventually can assist the new MLP’s MEP (replacement) in the pipeline that will continue Dr Muscat’s duties abroad until next MEP’s election. New postings happen regularly in the Civil service also in high ranking positions of responsibility on a business as usual routine and also in the case of new political assignments within all democratic countries. Dr Gonzi had filled the post of PM (far more hectic than the post of a Leader of Opposition) in few weeks after he was elected PN’s leader. Therefore why is it that difficult for Dr Muscat to make such a move?

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Sep 9th 2008, 14:39

Try to be a little less gullible, please: there can be only one reason why he is not yet Leader of the Opposition, and it's not because his duties as MEP prevent it. He hasn't yet found somebody to give his seat up to him. The Leader of the Opposition needs a seat in parliament. Joseph Muscat doesn't have a seat in parliament. He must take somebody else's. It can't be easy to persuade somebody to give up a seat for which they have struggled, and in which their political future is invested. Muscat is having trouble finding a seat, that's all.

Oscar Cassar

Sep 9th 2008, 14:16

A leader of the Opposition is vital in a democratic country and the PM is right in criticizing the MLP and Dr Muscat in particular as he perfectly knew what he was going into when he submitted his nomination for the leadership of his party. It is important to not that the MLP has a total of three MEPs and once Dr Muscat resigns as an MEP he will be immediately replaced from another colleague from his party that will be simply filling the post of Dr Muscat and continuing his duties abroad. Therefore the question is… Is it that the MLP or even Dr Muscat is not fully convinced of the professionalism for his colleagues?

Corinne Vella

Sep 9th 2008, 14:00

D Attard: There is no vacancy in Malta's parliament for Joseph Muscat to fill. He needs to create one so that when he finally takes on the role of leader of the opposition, he can do so effectively by also occupying a parliamentary seat.

D Attard

Sep 9th 2008, 12:42

Joseph Muscat is still an MEP, and he had duties to finish off prior to his entering the Maltese Parliament.

Is that so difficult for the PM to understand?

MT Caruana

Sep 9th 2008, 12:34

@Mr.John Zammit:

Gonzi becomes stronger ???
OMG was it 15,000 or 1500….I’m kind of confused now !!!!

Amy Brincat

Sep 9th 2008, 12:13

Dr Gonzi should instead try to understand the suffering of the people as a result of his decision to increase the surcharge, cost of living and other tariffs rather that why Dr Muscat has not yet taken his seat in the national parliament!!!!!!!!!!!

And by the way, is he really , or trying to play the stupid on purpose! Doesn´t our pro-EU Prime Minister know that Dr Muscat has to fulfill his duties as a representative of our country in the European Parliament? I´m sure that Dr Muscat will give up his seat in the European Parliament when he will finish his last report! Only then he will be able to enter the national parliament.

So come on Dr Gonzi!!! Better try to win back your trust by making other relevant statements!

I. M. Dingli

Sep 9th 2008, 12:12

John Zammit, calm down, don’t get too over excited when writing in these comment boards or you might risk a heart attack (God forbid). For you info I used to be roaming about Malta during the 70s and 80s if you had any doubt about that and I know by first hand experience that it wasn’t a nice period to live in, no doubt about that.

The things you mentioned still happen, the only difference being that before you had to go and TALK to Lorry Sant to get a colour TV and nowadays you have to PAY some form of compensation in order to get a permit from MEPA just to name a common occurrence. Do you deem that correct and acceptable? Please answer the direct question since I did confirm that those past years under Labour government were really bad.

Pauline Barbara

Sep 9th 2008, 12:03

@ John Zammit

'They fail to see that the country with its imaginary crises is doing well' -

Are you actually living in Malta, in Europe, on planet earth????? So being able to book holidays (BTW people still went on holidays in the 80s so I don't know what you're going on about), having a colour TV, Chocolate of your choice etc etc means that everything is honky dory on this island of ours???? Who is blind may I ask???

How sad to be born born blue and be content to suck chocolate whilst watching colour TV, totally oblivious to all and sundry.

You might be under the impression that your posts are witty and effective, but in actual fact reflect nothing but repetitive PN mantra, with a bit of name calling thrown in for good measure.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 11:54

@i m dingli

clearly comparing the present situation to the stoneage era is not a bad idea since we are so familiar to that situation 1971- 1987 , if you need a few examples of a stoneage era go to birgu and look at the monument. just think of the bullying events at the ark royal , and how about certain democratic events, and ohh how much do you wait to get a colour tv much do you bribe a minister to get a colour tv and skip the enormous queue. oh do we still have to buy toothpaste mars bars and what have you ? Stoneage indeed. dingli whoever you are , grow up and start rehearsing another defeat . Labour has never changed. no to europe. partnership won. call that stoneage. I lived all through that and believe me. Never mlp. the joke of the century. another 5 years of total bliss. and oh have you ever realised that the more opposition you create the stronger Gonzi becomes? what a stoneage country!!!!!

I. M. Dingli

Sep 9th 2008, 11:42

@ Ray Gatt

I hope you are correct especially when the next budget comes around. Maybe one of the new proposals will be to erect a breakwater all around Malta to counteract these waves.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 9th 2008, 11:40

John Zammit why don't you compare our present situation with the stone age era so that you can make your point more clear and impressive!

Mark Piscopo

Sep 9th 2008, 11:29

@Ray Gatt

Malta's Defecit has rose up drastically, we are paying 95% surcharge when the prices of oil has gone down drastically. We have a high rate of inflation. Criminality is increasing daily. The employers are paying very low wages compared with European countries. Illegal immigration is causing our government to pay thousands of euros a month from our taxes. The government must take a stand on the illegal immigrants issue. The buying of properties has gone down drastically. Malta is going through a very negative era. We hope that we will not regret our decision of re elect the same government for 25years.!!

Ray Gatt

Sep 9th 2008, 11:21

@Joe Galea. What bitterness are you blabbering about. Electing JM as leader instead of Dr. Abela is the best news PN could have wished for.

Dr. Gonzi mentioned the waves and strong currents coming our way more than once even before the elections. Everybody knew then that the world was heading towards economic hard times. We rode the waves before and we'll do it again. Get a like all you doom mongers and people of little faith.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 11:10

Sigh oh sigh, some people keep on grinding their teeth. with all the mishaps in the economy and the slips and the grunts groans and squeezing, we manage quite a decent living. Why compare. Never try to teach a stagnant head. Some people have eyes but fail to see. Others fail to hear when they have elephant ears. They fail to see that the country with its imaginary crises is doing well. With apologies to all but This government gave me and all, a dignity which when compared to the 80.s , I could hardly book a holiday. buy a meagre chocolate or a ruddy video player plus a colour tv. Now I am spoilt for choice , but oh my the cries from labour are so loud that i cannot hear my tv anymore. They cry because our country is such a disaster. They must have been born psychologically blind. What a sad thing to be born labour to be born blind. to be born with dna which makes us blue.

Ray Gatt

Sep 9th 2008, 10:50

@Michael Cutajar. It's very easy to critisize and throw mud. But then MLP is an expert in that having been in oppostion for so long just for the paypacket. For somebody who was against entry into the EU, JM is definately taking his time to resign as MEP. Or is there mon€y r€asons for not doing it b€for€. To the 'Nazzjonalist' who says voted MLP, you are not 'Nazzjonalist at all'. You are a floating voter. Nazzjonalisti do not vote MLP.

Joe Galea

Sep 9th 2008, 09:11

@Joseph E Briffa and alikes: I can't understand your bitterness against JM. He is showing us all that he keeps his promises, he is professional, positive and get things done. So I come to the conclusion that you have such a great fear of him and the new emerging MLP, taht you start shooting your cannons to try to instil some fears and doubts. I assure you that your bigotism doesn't work anymore. Just remember that your party didn't win the elections beacuse it was electable, but because the MLP screwed it up.

Regarding illegal immigration and concrete solutions, I have a lot of ideas, but since this island is afflicted by a lot of Catholicism and purity, if I mention them here, most probably my post won't be published as usual.

Hamish Dempster

Sep 9th 2008, 09:01

I cannot understand How some people can be so stupid including Dr Gonzi not to realize that being an MEP one has certain commitments and must finish his projected job before actually resigning form the post. Yes Joseph does have to complete his job and present it to the eu parliament before leaving his post. it would be very irresponsible just to leave the job incomplete. when this job is actually completed and passed through the eu parliament , then he can leave his post to become the opposition leader.

so come on lets talk sense .

Joe Galea

Sep 9th 2008, 08:58

Dr Gonzi never ceases to surprise us!! The biggest problem in this country for him is that JM is not yet leader of the opposition. OMG what a problem!!

Dear Gonzi Par Idejn Sodi what about:
Illegal Immigration?
National Deficit increasing exponentially? 2010 surplus...of deficits.
What about your JPO?
What about the disaster in MEPA?
What about the devastating cost of living?
What about the state fo the roads? the environment in general? and alternative power source?
What about the promise of tax bands cuts, the energy-saving bulbs, the equity sharing of property?
What about the lovely surcharge when fuel has gone down?
What about companies promised to work at Smart City already fleeing from the country?
....and the lists goes on and on!!

JM is taking his time to professionally restructure the party and resurrect it stronger more than ever. In the meantime he is challenging you on many issues and giving concrete suggestions.

John Zammit

Sep 9th 2008, 00:47

@ to the sad losers.

Dr Gonzi , I would like to say that for the past 2 decades I lived well. I paid my taxes paid double on electricity, but found it there, What I wished to eat I bought it even at higher prices, but it was there. I know sometimes you make a promise and for some unforseen circumstance it is taken back. I know the hospital was to cost a price and ended to cost more. And the Airport and all the other things, but When i think of pre 1987, I shudder. I still remember the horror and will never forget , that with all the expenses and your broken promises these double faced crooks down under me most of them are sad losers. I do hope you make another miracle next elections to see their gaps widen. Just in case you lot fail to find loo paper you might find it pleasurable to attack Gonzi.
I voted pn and I suppose I am still floating on the blue side.

With apologies to all your crimson red ideas you lot

BLUE IS BIGGER BETTER AND BRILLIANT

m Caruana

Sep 8th 2008, 21:19

Joseph Muscat's actions are strange to say the least. You do not abdicate the Constitutional responsibilities of Leader of the Opposition because one has to finish a report. It simply does not make sense. Dr Muscat should have had the decency to do the right thing and not leave the country waiting not knowing how Parliament is going to proceed. When the country is facing such tough economic problems, Dr Muscat is trying to pull wool over our eyes by bringing forward non-issues such as voting for 16 year olds.

David Gatt

Sep 8th 2008, 19:40

Dear Gonzi, Dr. Joseph Muscat is doing exactly as he promised. He said from the beginning that it will take him some time to occupy the Opposition Leader seat. In the meantime he's given you important subjects to tackle which up till now you have just avaided like divorce, younger age voting and the implementation of democratic laws. Get a move on Gonzi, cause 6 months are already behind you.

A Caruana

Sep 8th 2008, 18:12

Well done Dr.Gonzi. Continue to attack the other party.... or whatever is left of it. In a race if you are alone you will always win.Don't care for the other serious problems as if mlp will remain in its miserable state as it is now you will win again and again and again. So keep on pushing.

Meanwhile the country will continue sinking while PN media show the other way round. Sometimes i feel that there is another Malta somewhere. We continue to hear about the promises and the bright future we are headed to. Its amazing how the US is in a freefall and the majority of the EU is going in a negative economy and yet here we are going up. What fruits are we reaping? The pathetic roads that we have (good for a rally)? The inflation soaring up (maybe we will soon see the stars)? The no law enforcement trend that is going on? The waves of immigrants killing the jobs and security of the maltese people? Are these the fruits? Its better if your dear government concentrates on the proper problems we are facing rather than what is going on in the mlp.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 8th 2008, 17:49

@ m farrugia

Dr. Gonzi stated that the first budget of his legislature (in case of victory of the March 2008 elections) will reflect a cut of up to 10% in income tax......... than in July 2008 he said it was 'premature to commit to tax cuts'. This is just one of the various promises which he made to the working class and which definitely means a lot for families who are struggling to have a decent life. I’m pretty sure that the measure I mentioned effects a lot of people and not only working mothers. I for one can’t afford to have kids right now because of the various debts I had to incur in order to buy myself something I can call home.

@ Karl Abela : it’s because of people like you that floaters are distancing themselves from the PN…. Remember the big gap in number of votes between the two main parties in the past elections…. From what I can see that gap is diminishing and not widening!

S. Farrugia

Sep 8th 2008, 16:11

LOL, we all know that Dr Gonzi is a lawyer, but since when he is giving Dr Muscat suggestions in what he should do as a politician?? Maybe since it's been known that Dr Muscat is highly regarded by most people, and much trusted that Dr Gonzi himself.

Hadd ma jahsillek wiccek, biex tkun ahjar minnu.

Pauline Barbara

Sep 8th 2008, 16:00

@ Karl Abela

You do remember that your Party only won the last election by 1500 votes?? - that means that there are a hell of a lot of MLP supporters to be rehabilitated - and rehabilitated to what may one ask??? To be arrogant and feel superior vis a vis anyone who doesn't live and breath in the colour blue.

So should an MLP supporter take offence at your bigotry and slander and say anything about it, we are just proving you right are we?? The only thing we will be proving is that people like your good self perpetuate division and hatred.

Don't bother replying to my post just incase you might get contaminated by my Red vibes!!!

m farrugia

Sep 8th 2008, 15:30

@ IM Dingli
PN electoral proposals were for the whole 5 year period not only for this year's budget. At least proposals made sense, as opposed to slashing the surcharge, messing about with our education system etc. etc.
By the way, as a working mother, i'm more than looking forward to the one year tax free salary which will be implemented in the next budget for mothers who have recently given birth.That's a very innovative way of rewarding mothers for their multiple roles as mothers and taking part in the country's economy. This is in addition to child care facilities introduced recently by the govt in about 7 localities and very reasonable prices.These are the type of electoral proposals we look for when choosing the best party fit to run our country.

m farrugia

Sep 8th 2008, 15:22

Dear Marisa

Regarding problems faced by our country, don't panic too much, all world economies are facing the same problems let alone our tiny island deplete of resources - oil prices, inflation, food prices etc. etc. We only have to do our best as a country to reduce the effect on our standard of living by plucking up courage and being innovative.

susan galea

Sep 8th 2008, 14:29

Andrew Borg Cardona's rather pompous 'point' is not well made. The PM has the right to comment on Joseph Muscat's behaviour regardless of whether he has a constitutional position to fill or not. His facetious remark suggesting that Joseph Muscat doesn't consider the Opposition Leadership important enough for him is banal. On the other hand his worries about the racist and bigoted ignorance of many of us is surely a point well made.

Karl Abela

Sep 8th 2008, 13:39

Tajjeb Joseph, you are in Brussels and your party has been left to rot. Your party supporters are left into dissaray and they have no clue about which direction they need to take. Whenever your party gets a criticism, they tend to silence their opponent by counter criticism instead of looking deep within themselves and identify the problem. Dr Joseph, the way I see it, its the MLP supporters that need to be rehabilitated, not just the party. It is the supporters' mentality who are pushing floaters away. In all elections, many people did not want to be associated with MLP supporters, who in their largest part, are polticial extremists.

My comments will probably get alot of criticism, but that will just prove my point better. Thanks.

Alfred Grima

Sep 8th 2008, 12:52

Judging by the comments in this blog only confirms that the Maltese voters are already fed up by the poor performance of Dr Lawrence Gonzi and Co. And this is only a few months away from the latest general election. On the other hand, it seems that the new way of doing politics introduce by his counterpart, Dr Joseph Muscat has found the support of many.
Credibility is the name of the game, and Dr Gonzo and his Party had lost grounds on this issue, long, long time ago.
Re-his statement about waves coming from abroad, my advice is that before tackling abroad issues he better start addressing waves coming from his own Party.

P Debono

Sep 8th 2008, 11:28

I agree with Dr. Gonzi regarding his criticism of JM, but I WANT HIM TO SPEAK ABOUT THE ISSUE OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND TO SEE WHERE HE STANDS ON THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF OUR COUNTRY, NOT CONVENIENTLY IGNORING IT TIME AND TIME AGAIN.

Corinne Vella

Sep 8th 2008, 11:26

Ivan Magro Dingli: I didn't say you are confused. I said you have confused me with a prime minister.

You take yourself a little bit too seriously.

Corinne Vella

Sep 8th 2008, 11:12

J Mallia: Malcolm Seychell is the secretary general of Azzjoni Nazzjonali. His statements put the 'party' into perspective.

Abel Abela

Sep 8th 2008, 10:26

Dr Gonzi why all this fuss about the leader of the Opposition? Since when is a PN government being so reverential to the constitution and to the person of Labour Opposition leaders? irridu nghattu x-xemx bl-gharbiel? Funny that this 'criticism' comes out of the PM's mouth just hours after surveys showing public confidence in the young Labour Leader has surged - throwing tal-Pieta' in a big panic. And it shows!!

Enzo Caruna

Sep 8th 2008, 10:24

Dr Gonzi's comment was just one poor attempt to deflect the attention of the Maltese public about very serious problems afflicting the Island. Number one is the completely off the mark predictions on the state finances, second the 70 million euro pre election spending spree out of taxpayers money to win the election and thirdly Gonzi's government inertia and lack of energy to call on Europe to live up to its promises on illegal immigration. We are being ridiculed and humiliated with boatloads of immigrants coming in at leisure and pleasure in Sliema pitch, Xlendi, Marsascala and any other 'welcoming' cove, unchecked and uncontrolled by our security forces.

Gerard Mangion

Sep 8th 2008, 10:24

@ All moaners

Does Prime Minister Gonzi need to advise, j.m to Start his new Season as an Opposition leader ? the moaners here are still without a leader and seems to love it too, lol !!!
but do the open minded ones Do ?? SIX Months Gallerija For j.m, this must be the hang over
of his victory for the leadership run is not over yet ! come on joe get moving and, serve your Party, if you are finding it to hard to start, Might aswell leave old Charlie as the Leader,
He C.M, is a great MEXXEJ too.

Mar Dar

Sep 8th 2008, 08:49

@m farrugia
you surely are living in cuckoo land as for you to accept the PM's critisism instead of accepting that we do have real problems in Malta is a real problem. but maybe you are one of the komdi so you cannot complain much on the real issues hitting our small country.

Andre Chetcuti

Sep 8th 2008, 06:43

@ Ronnie Pellegrini

It is national interest to have a leader of opposition.

Your comment seems to be very arrogant when looking back at MLP's failures during 1981, 1987, 1992, 2003 ,2003 (R), 2008.

J Mallia

Sep 8th 2008, 01:07

@ Malcolm Seychell

What do you mean "in Malta we have 3 parties in favour (of illegal migration) and only AN who is speaking against"?
....are you all right ?
Illegal migration is not something one is in favour of or against! ...so... What now? Are you putting illegal migration to a vote?
Illegal migration is a fact... it will always be there, just like the sun and the rain. Yours is nothing but an oversimplification of a serious and complex matter, and as such makes your argument childish.

John Schembri

Sep 7th 2008, 23:46

@ Chris Borg: during election campaign Gonzi referred more than once about the " Waves from abroad" namely oil and food prices , the looming recession and the credit crunch.

We need a leader of the opposition. Presently we have a Vici Kap ta' L-opposizzjoni , who is not replacing his Leader and an Agent Kap who cannot take decisions of the unelected Leader of the opposition.
The leader of the Opposition has to be a member of parliament if not elected at least co-opted . for the first time the opposition leader will be a person who did not contest the election. We had a PM who got co-opted the same way.

J. Schembri

Sep 7th 2008, 23:22

@ the elves(again) :
1) Most of the migrants are asylum seekers .Would anyone of us leave his native country ,make a dangerous sea crossing just to find work in the rubbish industry?
2) Gonzi has his faults but we had no better option , in the circumstances Joseph is none better than his predecessor . The only positive point about him is that he smiles like Gonzi does . But wasn't MLP hell bent against a smiling PM?
3) "Gonzi has to do something , he is PM" can you be more specific and realistic , and tell us what this "something " is?
4) "Gonzi should do like Berlusconi" , so should we donate Billions of Euros to Libya and build them a bridge from Tripoli to Catania?
5) Can anyone tell us what are Joseph's solutions for this problem?

J. Schembri

Sep 7th 2008, 23:22

@ the elves(again) :
1) Most of the migrants are asylum seekers .Would anyone of us leave his native country ,make a dangerous sea crossing just to find work in the rubbish industry?
2) Gonzi has his faults but we had no better option , in the circumstances Joseph is none better than his predecessor . The only positive point about him is that he smiles like Gonzi does . But wasn't MLP hell bent against a smiling PM?
3) "Gonzi has to do something , he is PM" can you be more specific and realistic , and tell us what this "something " is?
4) "Gonzi should do like Berlusconi" , so should we donate Billions of Euros to Libya and build them a bridge from Tripoli to Catania?
5) Can anyone tell us what are Joseph's solutions for this problem?

Loïc Le Brun

Sep 7th 2008, 22:35

@ Mr. Dingli

Further to your request for foreigners to express themselves, please allow me to post my comments on this very sensitive and difficult problem:

I am born in Paris, have lived in The Netherlands for about 10 years and also have traveled quite extensively. Now, what have I seen is that immigration (illegal or not, it is not written on their face, or you mean because they are "black") have some good effects on the economy at large.

On the the other hand, I fully agree with you that it can represent at threat to a small community. If (foreign) people really want to get integrated, with a bit of support, it should not be so difficult (depending, of course of the amount). Unfortunately, what I have experienced is that problems occur with the 2nd or 3rd generation. They don't feel African anymore nor French or Dutch and then they rebel. Many of these people also leave altogether in ghettos and tend to re-create the kind of society they used to live in and hence don't integrate.

This really is a very difficult issue. Thanks.

aaron farrugia

Sep 7th 2008, 20:27

m farrugia

why all this hatred for Dr Joseph Muscat, shame on you my dear friend.

d.attard

Sep 7th 2008, 20:26

Surely there are much more important issues that should concern our Prime Minister. We have had enough of political opportunism. Dr Gonzi should remember all his pre-electoral promises and get a move on (starting with the reduction of income tax).

Andrew Bor g-Cardona

Sep 7th 2008, 20:19

Point: Leader of the Opposition is a Constitutional post, not simply being Leader of the MLP, so the PM has the right to comment about it. If Joseph Muscat doesn't think the post is important enough to take it up, fine, that's his prerogative, but in the meantime, the rest of us will know by what yardstick to measure him.

Insofar as the usual whines and bigotry about immigration are concerned, don't the xenophobes grasp their pettiness yet?

albert leone ganado

Sep 7th 2008, 20:08

I f Dr J Muscat stands to compromise his EU pension by resigning before the end of his term of office, he would be a fool to do so.

A bit of financial independence will make him a better leader less prone to the financial allures of power.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 7th 2008, 19:51

@ m farrugia

Shouldn't we wait for the next budget to verify the things promised by the PN government as from the first year of his new legislature?

I. M. Dingli

Sep 7th 2008, 19:48

Corinne Vella : You are under the impression that I’m confused but the comment was deliberate. I think within the vast repertoire of your knowledge of the English language, you do not know the meaning of the word sarcasm. Oh, I will have to lend you the dictionary I purchased after following your suggestion!

m farrugia

Sep 7th 2008, 19:37

Joseph, your honeymoon in Brussels is over.

Just thank all of us who voted YES for the EU (despite your great opposition) for all the years you spent in Brussels and take on your new responsibility. Up till now the proposals of the introduction of divorce and voting to 16 year old in such hard times for all the world economies have been weak, to say the least.

Loïc Le Brun

Sep 7th 2008, 19:08

With all due respect and being an outsider, I would like to congratulate most of the persons which are posting on this subject for avoiding unnecessary political dualism as it has been the case for so many years in Malta. It seems that the motto is not US and THEM anymore (PN & MLP). People are realizing that the problems that Malta is now facing are National problems and to be addressed they need the goodwill, the expertise of all of you (us). This is very refreshing. Sorry to interfere.

m farrugia

Sep 7th 2008, 18:56

@D Muscat

Just keep on hoping... As soon as an election is over, the MLP just tries to lift its supporters' morale by making them believe that the govt will not stay for the full term. This govt. is strong as ever, an energetic team determined to keep on changing the country for the better, not preferring the status quo. Look at the reforms at Drydocks, Enemalta, local councils, rent reform etc. etc. in just a few months. In these few months JM has not even succeeded to get hold of his party.

In 1987 we had a PN govt who worked hard to restore democracy to this country, in 1998 we had a PN govt who focused on preparing the country for EU entry, in 2003 we had a PN govt who worked hard to adjust and make the most of EU membershipy and now we again have a PN govt with a full programme ahead aimimng to strenghen Malta's position in the EU by modernising the way enterprises are run and doing away with old practices as well as facing the challenges being faced by all world economies.

Corinne Vella

Sep 7th 2008, 18:55

Ivan Magro Dingli: Who took the jam out of your doughnut? That's the first time anyone's confused me with a prime minister.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 7th 2008, 18:33

@ Joseph E Briffa

The immigration saga is a very big problem for both the Maltese as well as the Illegal Immigrants themselves. Unfortunately whichever solution is adopted it will surely hurt either side.

At present I believe that the Maltese are being hurt financially mostly and in the future (if things keep going in the same direction), we will have to face other problems. We do not have experience on the matter but we could look at other civilized countries that already have been there. Why don’t we have foreigners commenting on these comment boards in favour of illegal immigration? The only ‘foreigners’ to do so are those Maltese who emigrated to other countries when the dust had already settled thus they don’t know exactly what happened at the time.

The first step to deter other illegals from coming was to introduce the detention period but it seems they aren’t bothered about it, why? Because they are treated very well indeed so it is quite worth the hassle. I guess the first step is to repatriate them just like we did some years ago with those Eritreans. Italy has taken that stance. Mind you, results will not be immediate!

susan galea

Sep 7th 2008, 18:07

Corinne Vella, I always take note of what is 'posted' on this 'comment board' .Gosh, hope I am not employing my usual antediluvian language as opposed to the techy's lingo. I think you are implying that in some way I am on a mission to tell everyone else 'how it is' and 'how they can improve' just like you. You're wrong.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 7th 2008, 18:07

I think that the comment written by D. Muscat summaries everything. This government won the last election since PN focused their campaign on Dr. Gonzi vs Dr. Sant theme, rather than PN vs MLP. In actual fact, PNs billboards portrayed GONZIPN as their slogan and not PN only.

MLP didn’t see it coming or else they just wanted to remain in opposition.

P. S. regards my previous comment blow should read below (my mistake)

Joseph E Briffa

Sep 7th 2008, 18:04

Joseph must be very busy trying hard to pick up the pieces of the MLP; this is no easy task as he has to build a party from scratch. The party is made up of various factions and it's going to be a mammoth task for Joseph to piece it togather again. It will take quite some time for the dust to settle and I would say it will take another decade for the MLP to be an electable party. I very much doubt whether Joseph will be prepared to give up his MEP post before his five-year term is up, thereby putting his pension in jeapordy. As for illegal immigration from Libya, alot of bloggers are perturbed with this problem but no one has yet come up with a workable solution. This is an intractible problem and short of letting them drown there seems to be hardly anything else to do. And still even if one were to leave them to their own devices alot of them still make it to our shores unaided. The dockyard problem is being tackled well and a just solution seems to be in sight, thereby saving hundreds of millions to the exchequer

Stephen Farrugia

Sep 7th 2008, 17:59

The Prime Minister has upset people with what he said in Rabat. The "waves" was the key word that sparked this revolt. What a political mistake!!

I. M. Dingli

Sep 7th 2008, 17:53

Corinne Vella : Yes you are always right.

You took a step in a wrong direction (at least to my knowledge and i guess pretty much to anyone's knowledge within this Comment Board) and I pointed that out to you. If it means that i'm at fault too than i guess most of the comments blow could apply to you and not Dr. Gonzi only. Got the drift Corinne.

D. Muscat

Sep 7th 2008, 17:51

I am not a person interested in politics, but i am amamzed at the number of people unhappy with the government. It seems that Alfred Sant was the biggest political strength behind the Nationalist party. Once he''s gone and there is a charismatic guy at the helm of the MLP, the PN have lost their plot. Interesting. This means we have a very weak government in place. A government by default.

Corinne Vella

Sep 7th 2008, 17:49

Susan Galea: Boorish? Oh dear, it seems you haven't read all the crude comments made here and elsewhere on this site. What do I hope to achieve? Let's say it's possibly what you hope to achieve by the comments you have made here.

MIKE MAGRI

Sep 7th 2008, 17:48

MY GOD, MR. PRIME MINISTER........ Haaa Haaa Haaa..........

DO YOU REALLY CARE WHEN DR. MUSCAT BECOMES OPPOSITION LEADER, OR NOT....

THAT`S PURELY HIS AND THE LABOUR PARTY`S PREROGATIVE.... NOT YOURS OR ANYONE ELSES FOR THAT MATTER...

IT LOOKS LIKE YOU SAID SOMETHING, JUST TO SAY IT, AS YOU CANNOT ``CRITICISE`` JOSEPH ON ANYTHING SO SERIOUS....

What waves are coming from abroad.. KLANDESTINI maybe...!!! You have a "PAR IDEJN" very "SODI", you know Mr. Prime Minister....

susan galea

Sep 7th 2008, 17:45

Can't say I have been personally affected by poverty; aids; unemployment or discrimination or unfairness of any kind. So although honestly having no need to personally address these issues I feel compelled to..... Interesting that......

susan galea

Sep 7th 2008, 17:37

Corinne Vella- No thanks for your thanks. I think the need to patronise people over tiny mistakes in the way they express themselves is unenlightening, boorish and pedantic. What do you really hope to achieve?

Corinne Vella

Sep 7th 2008, 17:23

Susan Galea: Thanks for your thanks but that comment was not addressed to you so there was no need to take offence.

Ivan Magro Dingli: That's what you're trying to do yourself by addressing a question to me rather than adding to this 'debate'.

Ronnie Pellegrini

Sep 7th 2008, 17:11

Dr. Gonzi is obliged to impliment his commitments and the P.N.'s electoral programm. That is his responsability and this must be done without any excuses.

It is not Gonzi's business when Joseph Muscat is going to take his job as the Opposition Leader..

Joseph Agius

Sep 7th 2008, 17:07

Joseph Muscat just called on Lawrence Gonzi to speak in Maltese during the Budget speech and Lawrence Gonzi will head his advice and speak in Maltese! Thank you Joseph!
PS He also called on all Maltese to eat from their mouths. All Maltese are taking Muscat's advice and happy with his suggestions!

susan galea

Sep 7th 2008, 17:04

Oh wow, thanks Corinne Vella for explaining to all those 'who didn't know' the difference between bloggers and whatevers...

I. M. Dingli

Sep 7th 2008, 16:56

@ Joe Grima - nice comment

@ Corinne Vella - are you trying to divert from the subject yet again.

frank grech

Sep 7th 2008, 16:51

Come on Mr Prime Minister, do you have nothing elese to do!!!???

Michael Cutajar

Sep 7th 2008, 16:48

Joseph Muscat called for some common sense to prevail on the Shipyards saga. And that was it. Both sides, Government and the GWU took Muscats advice and today everyone is happy with the deal.
So now GonziPN wants to do something in return. He knows that Joseph Muscat will be taking his seat in Parliament in the coming 2 weeks. He will then say it happened because of him. Oh...petty politics galore. Dear Prime Minister do you think that the people are stuck in some year 1845? it is 2008 and people have learned the game.

Jeremy j camilleri

Sep 7th 2008, 16:45

Dr Gonzi has EVERY right to be worried!

Joseph Muscat is not yet leader of the opposition,....

And the country has been without a Prime Minister all summer....

Worrying indeed.

susan galea

Sep 7th 2008, 16:44

Tony Formosa, methinks you do protest too much. And your point is? Quite.

Michael Cutajar

Sep 7th 2008, 16:42

Dear Prime Minister, you can't get by without substance all of the time.

Joseph Muscat will be taking his seat in Parliament in the coming 2 weeks. Period.

Conservative`s GonziPN should not be very happy about this. Muscat is beating Gonzi hands down. Check Maltatoday`s survey published today. Just guess what it will be like Dear Lawrence with Muscat on the opposite side in parliament. Just think what it will be like when facing him in 4 years time at a general election.

Stop beating about the bush. Stop playing this amatuerish political game. The people want answers. Muscat wants to speak about policy, he wants to speak about substance.
Muscat is looking every inch the statesman easily brushing aside the uncharacteristically weak line of attacks adopted by the Conservative Party.

Denis Catania

Sep 7th 2008, 16:38

PM Gonzi, Why don't you look and get tough with the real opposition, the EU. They have been laughing at you. If you have no confidence in your government without the opposition. RESIGN. Let someone else do the job. someone wants to do it. It sounds like you are either scared of the EU or not capable of dealing with the big boys. If you are a true Maltese? get tough. If not RESIGN.

I. M. Dingli

Sep 7th 2008, 16:34

@ John Schembri )

So in your opinion we need 10,000 immigrants to work in the construction and bulk refuse industries? By now if all of these 10,000 are employed in these sectors we should have the cleanest country in the whole world and also skyscrapers higher than Mount Everest!! I guess though that this is just your fantasy.

TONY FORMOSA

Sep 7th 2008, 16:25

@Susan Galea
The lady must certainly be too confused despite the fact that she still aims to pontificate and try to impress.

Corinne Vella

Sep 7th 2008, 16:23

Joe Grima & A. Cordina: This is not a blog. It is a comments board. The bloggers on this site are listed on the left. The people who post messages here are not bloggers, unless they maintain a blog elsewhere.

Chris Borg

Sep 7th 2008, 16:21

Maybe "waves from abroad" is a reference to international oil prices...which actually went down...dear Gonzi, when will you decrease the surcharge? And what about the 5 bozoz you promised us?

And by the way, there's no rule saying that a Party's leader has to serve as PM or Leader of the Opposition...in Germany, for instance, Steinmeier serves as vice-Chancellor in the grand coalition govt. even if he's not the Chairman of SPD...and as long as I know JM had said when he got elected as Labour Party leader that he would become Leader of the Opposition in October....is this a GonziPN tactic so that when JM does become Leader of the Opposition they'll say that it's a result of GonziPN's pressure?

Dane Cauchi

Sep 7th 2008, 16:20

I am sure that at the moment there are many more important issues than the one mentioned by the Prime Minister. Instead of attacking Muscat Gonzi should have addressed and tackled the real issues facing the country.

D Fenech

Sep 7th 2008, 16:15

@ Mary Grech

"l-ikbar trux dak li ma jridx jisma u l-ikbar ghama dak il ma jridx jara"

You are right!
But could it be you?

Mary Grech

Sep 7th 2008, 16:02

I can’t understand the logic behind bringing the illegal immigrants in this subject.
Any way,

This is how EU sees the issue:

Within the last 10 years, the population of Malta has increased from 360,000 to over 400,000 last year, an increase of 40,000 people, which nobody has ever complained much about or objected to. To be sure, it will have happened with the consent and blessing of our two authorities. And nobody is calling a halt to this sort of growth rate.
Why should a country with a population-politics like this not be able to take a couple of thousand coloured and black people along with all these Maltese? If Malta is too densely populated already, as everybody and politicians claim, the Maltese should start doing something about this among themselves first, before they childishly start complaining about this, that or the other in Brussels.

As the Maltese saying goes, l-ikbar trux dak li ma jridx jisma u l-ikbar ghama dak il ma jridx jara!

B Borg

Sep 7th 2008, 15:48

At the moment, I could not care less whether Joseph Muscat takes on the role of leader of the opposition or not. Did ´´waves from abroad´´ mean illegal immigration? Is that all the PM could say about the matter??

mario borg

Sep 7th 2008, 15:36

to Franco Sciberras and all the other

please enlight me a give me a definition of who a Maltese is. Then we can proceed and make a distinction between maltese and non-maltese but unless a solid and consistent definition of a "Maltese" is given all arguments are non-starter

r spagnol

Sep 7th 2008, 15:35

@ J.Lanfranco.

You could be part of the script-writing party for Dr.Gonzi. Maybe you will be appointed chairman of guessing and understanding labour's games.

"After June 6th 2009 and the MEP elections, Joseph Muscat will be sworn in as Leader of the Opposition."

But apparently you are more attached to the mlp agenda. He even knows on which day Muscat is going to be sworn as Leader of the Opposition. Bet he's going to do it exactly by midnight!

p.s. thought it would be better to continue with your writing-style. Better capture a screenshot of your prophecy..........

Franco Sciberras

Sep 7th 2008, 14:48

The people who today collect garbage and paint our walls will tomorrow have their children going to school with our own and demanding the same rights and paying the same taxes as the rest of us "Maltese".

We are not the first to face this issue - Judging from what happened in England , France and Germany we might relatively soon not have a majority of the population upholding any Christian values.

Stopping illegal immigration should be at the forefront of the nation's agenda, wiht or without a Leader of the Opposition actually sitting in Parliament or taking care of his pension in Brussels.

susan galea

Sep 7th 2008, 14:44

It is a classic inversion of the truth from Lawrence Gonzi. Where's he been? When the rest of the country were rocked by the incontrovertible evidence of a conflict of interests, never mind a conflict of accounts from his MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, he remainded silent. A politician not afraid of wallowing in the mire of corruption- that he refuses to do anything about -demonstrably. The press in Malta is full of apologists who too, lie by omission or talk about political expediency being more important than truth.

Noel Cutajar

Sep 7th 2008, 14:42

This shows that the GonziPN machine has some problems in moving on. Now it wants to alienate people from the real problems of this country which is GonziPN!! If he reads last weeks newspapers he would have known that he cannot become the leader of the opposition until he finishes his tasks my mid-September due to a commitment he has within the EU Parliament to finalize a report. This really shows that the problem with GonziPN is that they are out of touch with reality and away from the needs of the people and of Malta. What difference does it make for a dictatorship to have an opposition in parliament - nothing. The government proposes and everything is voted in favour. It really shows the panick that it cannot adhere to one promise of the 350 and so promises made during pre-election. IVA FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBLI!!

Victor Zammit

Sep 7th 2008, 14:40

The hardest thing to do in politics is to create interest in your party.
Creating fear of the illegal immigrants, and then selling yourself as the best person to handle them, this has become an expired and boring political game.

V Fenech

Sep 7th 2008, 14:36

To all the goblins defending the Gonzi pantomime:

First of all, the readers should be aware that PN's figures of 17 year-olds furthering their studies are still far away from those required by the European treaties. Secondly, Gonzi should worry about those students, especially MCAST ones, who continues their studies when they're 17 and stops when they become 18 and a half!!!

The shipyards' issue is another classic characteristic of the pn. "Ifred u Saltan" seems to have become expired and removed by "Keskes u Bambal". The controversy started with the pn apologists emphasising the urgent need to stamp out the "cowboy" herd in the shipyards. They even encouraged the government to fire them off without any compensation. They remained on Gonzi's defensive side whenever the GWU spoke about the Government's frivolity................................

and now they're applauding their same Gonzi for distributing another lump sum from their taxes!!!!!!!!!!

Another point which makes Gonzi' speech more worrying is that our PM is merrily diverting himself with the labour agenda, while at these moments his party exponents are fighting among themselves on which stands to take concerning certain issue like divorce, reform in rent laws, voting ages, immigration, etc........

Byron Camilleri

Sep 7th 2008, 14:28

Dr.Gonzi must know that a survey shown on one of today's newspapers, it shows that Dr.Muscat is more trusted by the Maltese than Gonzi.

Gonzi is trying to deflect the attention on Joseph Muscat who is doing a very good job solving the problems of his own party... instead of admitting that those nice proposals he promised before the last general election cannot be reached such as the 2010 surplus dream.

Is the decreasing price of oil part "The waves coming from abroad"? While the surcharge remains sky high?

Gerard Cassar

Sep 7th 2008, 14:18

It looks like an "S.O.S." call from Gonzi. Don't you agree?
Tradition says that Saint Paul addressed the Maltese from Rabat and was heard from all parts of Malta.
Was this Dr.Gonzi aim speaking from Rabat?

d. borg

Sep 7th 2008, 14:13

Dr Gonzi, today the greatest wave, if not a tsunami, for the maltese people is ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. You'd better start tackling this grave problem instead of bothering us with details of whether JM is leader of the opposition or not. Get your priorioties right!!!!

Joe Grima

Sep 7th 2008, 14:11

In any language, including politicese, Dr Gonzi's tirade against Dr Muscat for not taking up his role of Leader of the Oppositiion yet, is called a diversion. That is an attempt to shift attention from serious concerns to ephemeral ones. It is also an act of political magic: making the molehill look like a mountain and attempting to make the mountain disappear in front of people's eyes. I dont envy Dr Gonzi's serious problems at the moment, least of which is not his apparent go-for-broke pre-election spending which has sent our deficit soaring. Bloggers here have not held back in listing a host of others.

A. Cordina

Sep 7th 2008, 14:10

Why does every issue have to be successfully blended in, or associated with illegal immigration on these blogs? It is simple,.. THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WE ARE FACING!

Alex Ellul

Sep 7th 2008, 14:06

@Joseph Mizzi: Quote: "Keep it up Joseph ... keep them guessing!" . that's what Dr. Sant did during the last election campaign, he kept us guessing and we gave him the order of the boot. Now more of the same? And this coming from the MLP grass roots? Well, I do not see any hope for your party. Dr. Muscat must take up his responsibilities ASAP. The EU paypacket must now be forgotten.

Jo.Galea

Sep 7th 2008, 13:40

Maybe Joseph Muscat should do his job and start critisizing you in return for allowing illegal immigration to our country as this is your only responsibility, as you have the only power to manage it. You are only excercising your power on us, Maltese citizens while giving all the privilege to outsiders. We are becoming the hunted in our homeland.

Whenever the Maltese trusted the PN, yes there was a successes, but not with you now Dr Gonzi.

Joseph Grech-Attard

Sep 7th 2008, 13:33

We shall never solve our problems if we continue to blame others for "the waves that are coming from abroad." We have much bigger waves and hurricanes that come from inside, Mr. Prime Minister. Solve those and no matter how strong are the waves from abroad, we shall hold them away. After all it is you and your party who are responsible for the running of our country. Give JM a chance and then we can compare!

louise vella

Sep 7th 2008, 13:31

Before the usual PN Independence rally, Dr Gonzi likes to rehearse his speaking points. At the above dialogue meeting in Rabat he “said that whenever the people trusted the PN with the running of the country, it always translated this trust into great successes.” We expect this success to be translated into lower numbers of illegal immigrants, not into contingency plans for higher numbers (as Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici seems to think).
Another point Gonzi may well make at the Independence Day rally was rehearsed at the Senglea PN club on the feast of the ‘Vitorja’ (see maltarightnow.com, 5 September):

“Gonzi said that the feast of ‘Vitorja’ … is the only feast in our calendar that is both religious and national. The Prime Minister said that the values and identity of the Maltese as a nation are anchored in their faith. So it would be a pity if the faith of the Maltese were to become a private matter. If this were to happen, we would be building a country without a soul”.

If this is what he intends to say about illegal immigration, we have heard it before.

L Ebejer

Sep 7th 2008, 13:25

How about dear Jeffrey,Dr. Gonzi.When are you going to take a decision?Are you hoping that the people wil forget? Do you agree tha JPO should be in parlament ?

J. Lanfranco

Sep 7th 2008, 13:24

Dr. Joseph Muscat is still a MEP and resigning from that post now to become Opposition leader risks his MEP pension to the tune of GBP166,000 during his lifetime.

No wonder that Dr. Joseph Muscat has no hurry to become leader of the opposition. It was all orchestrated sweetly with Dr Charles Mangion being sworn as leader of the opposition.

Dr. Gonzi, I think you do know this!!!

After June 6th 2009 and the MEP elections, Joseph Muscat will be sworn in as Leader of the Opposition.

Quote and abstract below:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2004/06/19/cmian19.xml

What is an actuarial fact is that Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) enjoy risk-free pensions far more valuable than the vast majority of their constituents'. That, perhaps, is as it should be. But can a multiple of 30 times really be justified?

According to calculations by actuaries Watson Wyatt, an MEP who serves for a single term of five years will accrue pension benefits worth about £166,000. That's how much you would need to save to buy the same index-linked retirement income from Prudential. Not bad for five years' work, bearing in mind they also get a salary and expenses.

Malcolm Seychell

Sep 7th 2008, 13:11

Gonzi should do like Berlusconi.

It is about time that the PN will go back to its roots and put national interest first and move again to a center right rather then apply socialists propaganda.

For socialism we have Labour and AD and they are more then enough for the country.

tony caruana

Sep 7th 2008, 13:10

@ John Schembri

Of course it's not Dr Gonzi's making ! Who said that ? why do you twist words around ? are you so blind ?

It's not his making but it's his RESPONSDABILTY to solve it or at least do something !!

JENNIFER TABONE

Sep 7th 2008, 13:09

Dear Mr. Prime minister it is not if JM is in parliament or not what worries the Maltese families presently, but many more other issues, should be given priority namely the increase in the cost of living, the environmental mismanagement or the influx of illegal immigrants. These are the issues that should top your list of worries and what should be given priority in your speeches. Regardless not being leader of the opposition JM is doing his job perfectly as leader of the MLP and on the other hand C. Mangion and A. Farrugia are doing an excellent job as leader and deputy of the opposition respectively. So please Mr. Gonzi set your priorities right for this sake of us all!!

J. Schembri

Sep 7th 2008, 13:00

To all the elves : the boat people problem is not of Gonzi's making . I for one am not feeling threatened by these unfortunate people.
Have these writers an ambition to work in the construction industry or in the waste collection business?
May I suggest that Joseph asks the Prize winner and champion of human rights: Dom (who is still a close friend of Gaddafi ) to intervene and help these desperate people who are coming from Libya , risking their lives and financing illegality.

M Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2008, 12:53

My personal opinion, for what it's worth, is that we should seriously, and that's in red, bold, font 80 and double underlined, consider our national interest.

Yeah right, we should keep our christian values for whatever it's worth, but we should take a position, a hard lined position and safeguard our national interest.

Every other country does that, and if it means taking a hard stance and being criticised in the eu fora, then so be it. Maybe they can start putting their money where their mouth is on this problem.

6 years from the first influx we have not managed to achieve much. Or dare I say our performance was pretty poor.

And this coming from someone who is in favour of multiculturalism, but heck, this is is getting seriously out of hand.

Malcolm Seychell

Sep 7th 2008, 12:52

Dr Gonzi is right to ask Dr Muscat why he is not yet the opposition leader.

However Gonzi has to address Malta's biggest problem which is illegal immigration and not Joseph Muscat

He cannot ignore any more this problem.

I am afraid that Labour vision on illegal immigration is even worse then the PN.

Usually in europe there is one big party in favour of illegal immigration and another one which is against.

In Malta we have 3 parties who are in favour and only AN who is speaking against.

A Daley

Sep 7th 2008, 12:47

Why is Dr. J. Muscat not yet leader of the MLP?

That is for Dr. Muscat to know.

Now where are those light bulbs dottore?

SIX months dot!

Joseph Agius

Sep 7th 2008, 12:44

I thought he was going to thank the great thinker Joseph for having told 'the government to sit down and find a solution with the GWU'!

louise vella

Sep 7th 2008, 12:29

Dr Gonzi’s persistent refusal to speak about the problem that is most worrying to the Maltese is becoming scandalous. Let me remind him of what he said three years ago at the PN’s Independence rally according to In-Nazzjon (September 21, 2005):

“Dr Gonzi said Malta had two options: it can close its eyes to values and listen to those who say that the national interest comes before fundamental human rights; or it can hold firm to its faith and values. The Nationalist leader recalled the words of Pope John Paul II who had made a special plea to the Maltese and Gozitans: ‘be witnesses to your values in Europe’. Today we have the opportunity to be witnesses to our values before the whole of Europe.”

Three years and more than 6000 illegal immigrants later, and in the face of Europe’s persistent refusal to come to our rescue, are we still going to give priority to bearing witness to our Christian values before Europe and sacrifice our national interest?

Joseph Mizzi

Sep 7th 2008, 12:26

What is Lawrence expecting Joseph to do? Do his dirty work for him? Keep it up Joseph ... keep them guessing!

Tony Caruana

Sep 7th 2008, 12:23

Before the election it was all Roses now we have to look out for the waves coming from abroad !!

NOTHING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ! NOTHING

Dr Gonzi ,Joseph Muscat will change the way politics are done in MALTA and he will give us the FRESH start we need.

And that's coming from a NATIONALIST who voted Labour the last election.

charles zammit

Sep 7th 2008, 12:23

with lawrence gonzi or joe muscat illegal immigrants will still come in. Those in government and opposition should create a united front. As Christians we help them. But we are overloaded.

DARIN FARRUGIA

Sep 7th 2008, 12:21

Is this all Lawrence Gonzi can criticise??

What about the cost of living with prices rising every single day?
What about illegal immigration??
What about his partys' corruption, and JPO??
What about plans and necessary steps to introduce alternative energy schemes?
What about the disaster at Mater Dei and the lack of medicines in stock?

I can keep going Mr Prime Minister.
You better pull your socks up. Labour lost the last election only because they had an expired leader. You did not win it!!!!!

Pat Staff

Sep 7th 2008, 12:20

to giver Dr. Gonzi the benefit of the doubt maybe that's what he meant by " waves coming from abroad"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stefan Sacco

Sep 7th 2008, 12:11

Why Dr Gonzi doesn't mention the problem that is without doubt the most concerning for ALL maltese beats me......Boats of 25-40-80 daily coming illegaly to our islands !!! That is a far bigger problem then having an opposition leader in place

jamie scicluna

Sep 7th 2008, 12:06

............ and nothing about illegal immigrants.....well done Lawrence !! ibqa sejjer hekk!