Claudia Calleja
Social partners shun Labour protest
The social partners will not attend Labour's "national manifestation" against the new water and electricity rates tomorrow because they perceive it as a partisan event.
Representatives of the social partners said that, although they do not approve of the government's tariffs, they did not want to be seen to be taking political sides on this subject, which was of national interest. Many said they feel demonstrations will not solve anything.
On announcing the demonstration last week, Labour leader Joseph Muscat stressed that the "national manifestation of courage" was not a party but a national activity. He encouraged people of all beliefs to stand up against the tariffs by joining the event tomorrow at 3.30 p.m. in Valletta.
The General Workers' Union, considered by many to be a Labour traditional ally, will be attending. The union even called a protest of its own for Thursday.
Alternattiva Demokratika will be shunning the protest. A party spokesman, Ralph Cassar, said the Green party would have taken part, as a sign of support, had the demonstration been organised by the social partners but it will not attend, given that the protest will be led by a party and a specific union.
The general secretary of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, Gejtu Vella, said his union prides itself on its independence and will not attend political demonstrations.
Asked whether the union will turn up for the GWU protest on Thursday (also against the tariffs), he said this will be decided during a council meeting next week.
Similarly, the Malta Employers' Association's director general, Joe Farrugia, said he did not believe that such demonstrations will solve the situation, adding that the fact that the MEA will not participate did not mean it endorsed the tariffs.
The director general of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, Vince Farrugia, said the GRTU will not be attending the manifestations because it was its policy not to take part in political manifestations. The tariffs were "not the end of the road", he said, pointing out that he was determined to find solutions with the government to assist enterprise.
The president of the Federation of Industry, Martin Galea, and the Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise's director general Kevin Borg said attending such manifestations was not their policy.
"The Chamber consistently refuses to be dragged into the political arena where, by definition, national issues cannot be discussed in a fair and objective manner," Mr Borg said.
William Portelli, president of the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions and the Malta Union of Bank Employees, said both organisations will not take part in the MLP's political event. The GWU's invitation to Thursday's protest will be discussed next week.
The president of the Malta Union of Teachers, John Bencini, and the president of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, Paul Pace, both said attending political manifestations went against their statutes. Their councils still have to decide whether to attend the GWU event.
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laurence schembri
Nov 10th 2008, 18:20
It is an insult to the working class that they fall under the pretence of Social Partners.
Give over Gejtu.
MIKE MAGRI
Nov 10th 2008, 16:02
@ C. Sapiano..."..Good move by the social partners... This protest was a labour meeting..."
Mr. Sapiano, i assure you it wasn`t political AT ALL, if that`s what you mean... However, are you then implying that the Social Partners OUGHT to organize a protest THEMSELVES as well....!!!! You know, in 1998, the UHM & Friends, organized a general strike on the same subject of higher water and electricity bills....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In that case I AM WITH YOU 100% Sir, as i have already suggested it on another blog...!!!
Good luck Mr. Sapiano... Hope you succeed in convincing them...!!!
DUSTY WILLIAM
Nov 10th 2008, 14:04
.. yesterday was an invitation to everyone including all the Unions etc... only the Gwu attended so now no one accuses this WORKERS union with MLP sympathies. All I can tell you is that whatever JM propose this afternoon in parliament, rest assured that the government will never agree with him on whatever he propose cos thats the way this country is.
DUSTY WILLIAM
Nov 10th 2008, 13:58
why don't they organise something similar themselves then????... come on we are waiting ...
Marcello Savona
Nov 10th 2008, 10:24
@Albert Gauci Cunningham
Do you read the news.. the current interest rate by the european central bank is 3.25% not 3.75%. there were 2 cuts in less than a month.
what he was meaning is that interest rates have been reduced yet the 2nd time round! And it is true not all banks reduced their base rate to 3.75% the 1st time round
C.Sapiano
Nov 10th 2008, 08:33
Good move by the social partners. This protest was just a Labour meeting. Full Stop.
C Zammit
Nov 10th 2008, 00:06
So UHM General Secretary said that "his union prides itself on its independence and will not attend political demonstrations". I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING...HA! HA! HA!......... Is this the same person who took part in the so called under the tent 'discussions' organised by the PN during Independence Day celebrations and even before the last general elections!! or Is he the same Gejtu Vella who protested and called a strike at the freeport (which had /has to date nothing to do with Enemalta /WSC) on the same issue but under a labour government.....Oops!! Sorry I forgot that PM was Alfred Sant and to him seems to make fundamental difference!!
'Iz-zejt tiela' f'wicc l-ilma'...........the same words go to the CMTU / MUBE president!!!
What a Shame!! I call this betrayal to say the least!
V.Micallef
Nov 9th 2008, 23:15
Who needed those cowardly "social partners" after all. Just as well they chickened out. We did equally well, if not better, without them hanging around feeling uneasy themselves and making others uncomfortable too.
Jean Paul Galea
Nov 9th 2008, 22:26
I believe that the MLP should have talked to the social partners and prepared a protest a a joint venture between all the parties. That would have united all the parties together. I believe it was a mistake that Dr Muscat announced a protest before even consulting the other parties apart from inviting them officially to attend. They should have then announced the protest together as a group. This would have been more effective as that would show that the social partners mean actually business.
P.Schembri
Nov 9th 2008, 20:54
@v.Vella. Ah at last a sincere admittance. In court it was said that the balustrades fell by themselves, and that day it rained sulphuric acid. Go and tell it to the marines.
deb bugeja
Nov 9th 2008, 18:19
I wish that the MLP didn't organise this manifestation. I really hoped that the social partners organised this manifestation so it would not be a political thing. However I admire the MLP for taking the initiative to do a national protest cos we all grumble but do not do anything.
v vella
Nov 9th 2008, 14:41
@Kevin SpiteriWouldn't you throw balustrades and stone slabs on somebody who is trying to kill you, when you know that the police are one and the same with the people who mean you harm? Wouldn't you try to escape even police interrogation if you know that each and every bone in your body would be broken once you set foot in a police station.Were you born in 1997 to be precise 21 st September 1997 the scars of being hit by stones are still on my head my friend and passing by the MLP club in Republic street and the corner of BOV is never an easy one for me.
G. Curmi
Nov 9th 2008, 13:15
The MLP's "national manifestation" is just a big waste of time and effort. If Joseph Muscat has a viable and realistic alternative, he should bring it forward - it is his sworn duty to do so as an MP and Leader of the Opposition. The only thing that the MLP's "national manifestation" MIGHT achieve is to point out the obvious - that there probably is not one person in Malta who is looking forward to pay higher utility costs. Reasonable people will not attend this waste if time because they know that there comes a time when one has to face the facts – when one has to pay the piper. Reasonable people also know the old Maltese saying, "Tieħu bla ma trodd, is-swar tħott." This applies perfectly to the current situation with utilities in Malta.
Peter Bonnici
Nov 9th 2008, 12:54
Everyone seems to have forgotten that today is Remembrance Sunday. The one day in the year we dedicate to the memory of those who fell in the great wars. To hundreds of thousands of young men who fought and died so that the free world remains free and so that future generations including ours', can challenge our countries' leaders on every decision.
When you consider the price these boys paid, the cost of electricity fades into insignificance.
If only everyone understood the irony of it all.
Michael Gatt
Nov 9th 2008, 11:42
Shame on the goverment for bringing the island in this situation. What happened to the social commitment the they should have towards the inhabitants
luigi bisazza
Nov 9th 2008, 10:37
Although organised by the Labour Party this " national manifesto' is as its title implies a NATIONAL protest against the neww tariffes imposed on teh Maltese citizen in budget 2009. There is nothing partisan about joining this demonstaration as equals, it is every citizen's duty to protest against a malfunctioning government in a democracy!
Pamela Hansen
Nov 9th 2008, 10:19
All the people who are shocked, or surprised, don't understand politics.
Gerard Cassar
Nov 9th 2008, 10:11
Social partners: do you remember l-Imnarja?Meditate, meditate!
Truly you do not take part in political activities. It all depends on the cicumstances.
You should have taken the inititive and every body would have followed you.
If you don't want to take sides just abandon politics. All impositions by government are politics. If you criticise you are taking sides.
MIKE MAGRI
Nov 9th 2008, 10:10
@. FOI, MEA, GRTU, CMTU, MUBE, MUT, MUMN, UHM & THE LIKES.....
So you ALL declared that you are not taking part in today`s Manifestation against the SUPER HUGE Water & Electricity Tariffs etc.., BECAUSE it is being organized by a political party, The MALTA LABOUR PARTY... OR is it because you are afraid of hurting DADDY GonziPN Government......!!??!!??!! Haaa... Haaa... Haaa... What a funny joke.....
First of all..... WELL DONE MALTA LABOUR PARTY...
Secondly...... SHAME ON YOU ALL ABOVE.
FINALLY.........IF YOU REALLY MEANT WHAT YOU SAID ALL THESE DAYS, I CHALLENGE YOU ALL TO ORGANIZE A.. PROTEST / MANIFESTATION.. YOURSELVES......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on Guys, lets not CHICKEN out now......
SEE YOU ALL AT THE PROTEST / MANIFESTATION.....
Kevin Spiteri
Nov 9th 2008, 10:08
Charles Camilleri
You don't remember the 'balavostri' falling in the early eighties in Zebbug, do you?
dusty serracino
Nov 9th 2008, 10:06
Well.... who are the real social partners???
There are NONE..= GRTU +UHM + CMTU + MUT + MUMN = PN
As to the Chamber and FOI well.. its just a medley of personal interests. Tabone Toledo. Galea Salamone Farrugia ... hahaha what a joke.
Since they seem to be happy with the new tarriffs (their loss will be at the expense of others) I sincerely hope they will reap what they sow. A word of caution - MLP should keep in mind who is indirectly supporting this government's disastrous administration.
R Muscat
Nov 9th 2008, 09:02
The Social partners have every right not to attend the demonstration. The invitation was there and they perceived it as a political statement. That is up to them to decide. Social partners have their own interest to defend which are mainly economic and not social. Their clientèle is mainly corporate and not public. So the interests are basically very different than the individual's. On the other hand, the general public has every right to voice out their concerns. Unfortunately, this is the only way we can voice out our laments. You can call it political but we have no other choice.
Luke Gatt
Nov 9th 2008, 08:08
The social partners are there to represent the people. Today's activity is going to be full of Labour guys shouting VIVA IL LEJBER VIVA L-LEJBER a bit of swearing ****** and a little more of VIVA L-LEJBER so its just a protest against the government not against the W & E tariffs.
L.Galea the period you recalled is in fact the 1958 riots where Mintoff had a bitter battle with DeGray. 28th April. During the 1960s The political parties did not fight they resolved their differences in Parliament. One has to acknowledge that Mintoff still had problems with the church.
Schembri Ray
Nov 9th 2008, 07:05
The social partners are not taking part. I think that the leaders of these so called social partners are well off, so they don't feel the pulse of their members. What are they waiting to take action?
Denis Catania
Nov 9th 2008, 04:50
Maltese government has one thing over the Maltese. They know how to keep the Maltese divided. Which is really sad. This is why the Maltese have no voice.I just hope this will change in the future generations. I just hope that the young generation seen what happened in the
USA on Nov 4th 2008, and learn from it. Take your country back. Stop letting the good old boys network keep running your lives.
aLFRED gRIMA
Nov 9th 2008, 00:32
I cannot see any difference between attending a 'national manifestation' organised by the MLP or joining the PN just before a referendum and a general election. The problem is, as usual, that the social partners use to weights and two measures.
Antoine Zammit - St. Paul's Bay
Nov 8th 2008, 22:09
I agree with the social partners that the Labour's "national manifestation" against the new water and electricity will be a partisan event. I bet my soul that everything is going to remain the same. The only good thing that will come out from this manifestation is a show of strength from Joseph Muscat!!
By the Way, what concrete proposals come up the MLP about our Financial Situation? tiftakruwa ta l-izvalutar tal-lira b'10%? I think the MLP has an apology to do here...
Antoine Grima
Nov 8th 2008, 22:04
So are we going to stand by and let the government walk all over us ? SHAME ON YOU ALL . Maybe you are in some kind of agreement with GONZIPN? Maybe you are too afraid of going against GONZI PN ? You are what Mintoff used to call " BLA BOCCI"
lGalea
Nov 8th 2008, 21:34
Joe Vella
The shame is on the Government for burdening the people for its incompetence.
The social partners have shown what they are. Chickens who do not really care about the people and their members.
Have a look at my post at http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20081108/local/action-plan-to-focus-attention-on-energy-efficiency to see the increases that the people will have to pay to make good for your Gonzipn incompetent Government.
Eman Costa
Nov 8th 2008, 20:32
It is very strange to the man in the street to first protest at these rather unhuman tariffs and the way they were introduced and then shun initiatives which can put pressure on the government to think twice.
Well we all know that these social partners are 'independent' from political parties!!
Let's see whether they accept the invitation by GWU for their manifestation. It's a test to all those who said that they will not participate in tomorrow's protest since it's organised by a political party and not by a fellow social partner.
A.Gauci Cunningham
Nov 8th 2008, 20:14
@Joe vella-- (tongue in cheek) The MLP has indeed offered solutions and alternatives....they said they will put money in people's pockets. How?? By doing like all other EU countries who have done just that!!
Who are the EU countries which have put "money in people's pockets?? Boooq!! Ireland?? No they introduced a-lot of new taxes in the last budget!! Than who??
"aaaah yes the UK silly!! They reduced the interest rates on Bank loans" so the MLP will reduce the interest rate!! Ha Ha money in OUR pockets!!!
OOOhh!! The interest rates in Malta are not increased or decreased by the Govt. but by the ECB since we're in the Eurozone (Good morning!!!) and they HAVE been reduced two weeks ago by a 0.5% which has already been passed on the customer!!!
No wonder the Social partners don't want to go to this "manifestation"!! It is being organised by the same party which for twenty long years has never been able to come up with one proper and serious alternative!!
Plus ca change!!!!!!! Plus le meme chose!!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Nov 8th 2008, 19:30
No wonder the present Government treats its citizens so badly!! I just cannot comprehend why the Social Partners are turning such activity into a political issue. The budget measures together with the new tariffs will be effecting the majority of the Maltese. When are we to grow up and show our disapproval at the treatment being meted out on us!!
Edwin formosa
Nov 8th 2008, 19:24
Shame on you all independent bodies. Joseph is risking his life marching through Republic street .He is in real danger of being hit by stones or iron from the roofs of the club or BOV He is an example to those who do not criticize the Govt for fear of reprisals. Let us all join this national not political protest against the tariffs. It is by no means an anti government/political manifestation but a peaceful walk in support of Joseph's brilliant alternative to the Government's decision to make us pay for utilities according to its cost.
mario nicholas pace
Nov 8th 2008, 18:21
Just a few comments that says it all ; Shame on you all for not attending tomorrow.You are being partisan not the Malta Labour Party. I just hope you will get what you deserve
So they are keeping their mouths shut. Do you think that what you are doing ,you are representing your members? What about the MCSD meeting,the way the government deceived you. Are you going to keep on doing nothing? Besides the GWU the only union who is speaking is the GRTU. .I am very disappointed in all of you and i am sure that your members feel the same way.
john Debattista
Nov 8th 2008, 18:03
SHAME on all the Social partners, Bla BLa Bla, Isthu min nies jekk Tafu.
Joe Vella
Nov 8th 2008, 17:14
Shame on the MLP who oppose anything without offering any alternative to the Government. If the Maltese are being let down by any one, it is the MLP doing so.
@ l. Galea
Social Partners realise and know that the real world out there is not black and white as the MLP want us to believe. There is more to meet the eye.
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Nov 8th 2008, 17:06
@ Seychell---Still in doubt about AD?? My my!!!....................AD does not want to be seen too close to the MLP, young leader and all, the AD does not want to build any "electoral bridges" with the MLP and though it is closer in some of its moral ideals to the MLP it will not pander to pink/red voters!!!!........Why you ask???
simple..........Ad can only hope of getting votes from disgruntled Nationalists who though angry with the govt. are still reluctant to vote Labour, people who see nothing much in this "new" Joseph!! Thats why AD failed in the last election; they continously attacked the PN and yet depended on its voters for their own survival!!!!!!!
Conspiracy theories???.....I doubt it
lGalea
Nov 8th 2008, 16:49
J Martinelli
Its not the numbers but the representation.
The other social partners who are not going to attend are chickens because they attend activities organized by the PN.
Charles Camilleri
What about the sixties when we had the PN Governments and no meetings or demonstrations could be held in Floriana and Valletta?
What about the cavalry charging Labour supporters and police in full battle gear breaking truncheons on Labour supporters heads?
What about the moral and practical violence where if you were a labour supporter you had not chance of employment with red marks next to your name even if you only had someone else in the family who supported Labour?
You wish to rewrite history, but you will never succeed.
P.Schembri
Nov 8th 2008, 14:43
Where are the social partners? Of course they're somewhere. They've had their say now they grumble some more and let the lower classes get the burden. In their silence and inactivity, they're abetting the Government in bulldozing over us common citizens. We have to bear the bulk of the taxes, because we're the majority, so tax as much as you can, so they'll be comfortable. Keep it up. The day will come when we'll say that's enough!!!
Charles Camilleri
Nov 8th 2008, 14:18
One does not need to have courage to march through Republic street this day. There is no danger of being hit by stones or iron from the roofs of labour club or BOV. Nor is there the danger of being beaten up by the police. Those days hopefully are gone for ever and freely in all its form is now guaranteed. Reading The Times is a classic example. In the past few dared to criticise the Govt for fear of reprisals. The wind of change in 1987 has really brought freedom to all.
malcolm seychell
Nov 8th 2008, 13:43
I can understand the social partners not taking part , but cannot understand what game AD are playing
AD called also for a national protest on the tariffs if I remember well
mark causon
Nov 8th 2008, 13:32
Social partners have proved that once again they are just talking shops, unwilling to take bold steps , to walk in the streets showing their disapproval to matters of national importance, to matters effecting their members, this national protest is not an anti government/political manifestation but a protest walk against a policy which will have drastic effects on the people.
May i remind all these independent social partners that not so long ago they all participated and showed their faces in a united front with 2 political parties in their campaign in favour of Malta's joining the EU. I fully supported their action on that occasion because I thought that finally social partners are learning to look at issues with an open mind, but unfortunately 4 years later the social partners are back to square one, finding excuses and clauses in their statues to stay away.
Joanne Micallef
Nov 8th 2008, 13:28
Unfortunately when it comes to politics here in Malta are still in the dark ages. All those who do not agree with the new utility tariffs should attend, irrelevant of who is organizing the manifestation as this is a National issue.
I think that after we’ve heard so much against the new utility tariffs from the social partners it is very childish of them to try and justify their absence by using such an excuse.
James Grech
Nov 8th 2008, 12:37
@albert leone ganado
So in your opinion what/how/who will highlight to government that his impositions are a further burden on the middle and lower classes and that these will cause serious problems to Malta in general? So government is bulldozing ahead, unions are choosing not to voice their disdain..who remains? US...and the only bodies that are opting to voice our troubles are MLP and GWU.
Mario Bonnici
Nov 8th 2008, 12:22
What are the social partners waiting for to organise their own protest??!!
These are all excuses.
What about the UHM. In 1998 they went on strike. What are they going to do now?
Nigel Lawrence
Nov 8th 2008, 12:18
Predictable and predicted.
l Galea
Nov 8th 2008, 12:16
Shame on all the social partners who are not going to take part in the manifestation against an incompetent and arrogant Gonzipn Government.
Simply not taking part as was said by some "social partners" because the manifestation is being organized by a political party shows not only the inconsistency of those who are saying this, but hypocrisy of the highest level when one remembers that they not only attended but also took a stand at political meetings organized by the PN in favour of eu membership which is one of the causes or rather the major source of the hardships that we are going through.
Hypocrisy galore is at its peak at the moment
Lewis Balzan
Nov 8th 2008, 12:15
Whoever thought that ANY of the representatives of the constituted bodies except the GWU would take part in a manifestation organised by the MLP is living in cookooland. Despite doing a world of good for their members they are all Nationalists at heart, always were and always will be. They missed the boat by not taking the initiative to walk the talk and organise the protest manifestation themselves. Now let's see who of them, if any, will take part in the GWU's protest march on Thursday. I bet you all that once again they'll make all sort of excuses and pass. They should all be ashamed of themselves for not showing total support with all Maltese and proving once again that they're all missing some important anatomical body parts.
J Martinelli
Nov 8th 2008, 12:08
Why all the fuss about the 'social partners' not attending the 'National manifestation of courage'?
What will be missing are a dozen representatives who decided not to attend. Everyone else is free to go.
However, as some stated, all the manifestation is for, is more publicity for Joseph since nothing of benefit will come out of it. One cannot hold these 'manifestations' every time a government does something which does not please the taxpayer especially in times of international crisis which trhe world is passing through at this moment.
Patriotism is not just waving the national flag and throwing insults at governments. Patriotism is shouldering a national burden which at times seems a bit heavier than normal.
This is such a time.
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Nov 8th 2008, 11:52
If the MLP's best shot (alternative) is 'to reduce the interests on loans" (according to DrMangion on xarabank!!) when these have just been reduced by none other than the European Central Bank than this country really has an Opposition which still has nothing to offer or oblivious to reality!!
Doesn't Dr.Mangion know that our banks have already reduced interests?? If he'd like I'll be more than happy to show him my last payment on my mortagage!!
Protest ,by all means, but come up with concrete proposals not ones which insult everybody's intelligence! Way to go Joseph!! Way to go!!!!!!!!
P.Schembri
Nov 8th 2008, 10:52
All blah blah. If it were labour government, I'm sure all the social partners would have come out as they did during the Labour government of 1996-1998, and during the referendum. They were even on the same platform with the PN. Now because there's a PN government, they don't want to appear partisan. Shame on all of you!
albert leone ganado
Nov 8th 2008, 10:52
I think that the social partners rightly gave the thumbs down to the two manifestations being organised by the MLP and the GWU which are just knee jerk reactions from which no benefit will derive either for the country or indeed the MLP itself.
Dr J. Muscat should be building his image as a statesman with the whole electorate and promoting a vision of change not pandering to the old guard and the grass roots and thus provide well worn out set pieces which will advance the MLP cause not one single iota.
Indeed he risks the Palin syndrome of galvinising the diehards at the expense of alienating those who are currently just out of embracing reach of the MLP.
As regards the GWU manifestation it is even more ridiculous coming just two days after the MLP one. Tony Zarb is the veteran of two previous disastrous demonstrations, and whilst he may think now is the opportune time to rally the workers I am afraid this one will complete this permanent legacy of ineffectiveness.
J. Sammut
Nov 8th 2008, 10:34
A curious term - social 'partners', in the context of refusing to tow the line even when in agreement. Isn't a national protest an expression of the voice of the people? Isn't a political party an organisation representing the people in matters of governance? Isn't the will of the people the exclusive guiding principle for governance in a representative democracy? So if the representatives are not fulfilling the will of the people, isn't a national expression of the voice of the people in a 'public sphere' the highest democratic ideal? Isn't it the right of the public (polis) to govern itself that defines democracy? And isn't a demonstration necessarily a political act,as an expression of the will of the people in matters of governance? Isn't that why democracy and demonstration share a common etymological root - demos? So, if one agrees to a 'public' opinion, but fails to recognise the political act of its expression in public, isn't that a democratic failure? And if the social partners, in democratic failure, lobby government in matters of public concern, then isn't that autocratic politics serving private, rather than public, interest? So, in what exactly are they partners then?
James Grech
Nov 8th 2008, 10:22
Really serious unions we have. So they opt not to participate because they feel it is a partisan manifestation. I say partisan vis-a-vie whom? The ppl participating will not manifest their support towards MLP but towards government's arrogance and insensitivity. Very ridiculous lot, who chicken out when there is real action to be taken. Paroli iva fatti no. X' jimpurtom mill batut.
I Abela
Nov 8th 2008, 10:18
Shame on ALL UNIONS (except those attending of course) Manifestations are not the way forward you say. Could be. But what did you achieve with your meetings at MCESD level? Nothing. In fact your members will still be paying the hefty tariffs. You said it yourselves that this is an issue of national interest (which includes you as well) so by not attending you are sending out a message that you couldn't care less. The fact that a political party is organising it doesn't mean one shouldn't attend. It only shows that unions are there for nothing because they haven't got the balls to organise a national manifestation on their own.
@ AD - Not joining a manifestation because it is organised by another political party is absolutely childish. However I surely believe that you would join another political party to run the country !! You would form a coalition government with MLP if you could hux??
A national issue is a NATIONAL ISSUE and everyone must attend the manifestation irrespective of who is organising it. Forget the partisan politics which don't do any good and start thinking about real politics.
Ivan Galea
Nov 8th 2008, 10:15
What a disappointment....shame on you so called independent bodies. At this point you are giving the signal to the government that he can do what the heck he wants...