Sunday, 4th January 2009
Ex-political heavyweights mooted as next President
Spiteri, Bonello on Labour's list so far
Three former political heavyweights seem to be the frontrunners at this stage to succeed Eddie Fenech Adami as President after his five-year term ends on April 4.
European Commissioner Joe Borg, Speaker Louis Galea and former Finance Minister Lino Spiteri are thought to be the leading candidates as the government again looks to appoint the head of state from the political class.
It is understood that the government and opposition will attempt to agree on a name, though the Prime Minister will decide who to put forward - after seeking the consent of the person concerned. The next President will then be elected after a simple majority vote in Parliament.
Dr Borg and Dr Galea have both had prominent political careers in the Nationalist Party, and they have earned broad respect in recent months as European Commissioner and Speaker respectively.
It remains to be seen whether the opposition will object to either of the two, since Labour leader Joseph Muscat has made it clear he would like to see a symbol of national unity.
Dr Galea, 61, had been elected to every legislature since 1976, but missed out on a parliamentary seat in the election last March. He is known to be one of the island's top strategists.
Former Foreign Minister Joe Borg's term as Fisheries Commissioner comes to an end in November, and it is not yet known whether the 56-year-old EU expert wishes to relinquish his post in Brussels.
If he were nominated for President, the government would have to select a new Commissioner, which is likely to cause changes in the administration's structure.
However, sources say Dr Gonzi is also mulling the possibility of opting for 70-year-old Mr Spiteri.
Mr Spiteri resigned abruptly from politics in 1997 after falling out with Labour leader Alfred Sant and he has since moulded an image as a moderate observer in his written contributions to the press.
Ironically, Mr Spiteri's nomination could cause division within the Labour Party, since some individuals, particularly supporters of Dr Sant, are vehemently opposed.
Mr Spiteri has not yet been sounded out about the post, but sources within the Labour Party say Mr Muscat is expected to do so shortly.
However, the Labour leader has spoken to Judge Giovanni Bonello, who sits on the European Court of Human Rights, about the possibility of putting his name forward for the post. Judge Bonello is an acclaimed historian, archivist, collector and one of the most prolific authors about Maltese culture, history and heritage.
When contacted, the Office of the Prime Minister refused to discuss names, saying several people were being considered at this stage.
However, Dr Muscat told The Sunday Times: "My priority would be to find a nominee who symbolises national unity, somebody who will hopefully gather the support of both sides of the House."
Reluctant to name his preferences, Dr Muscat said the country had a unique opportunity to opt for a President acceptable to both parties for the first time since Anthony Mamo's nomination in 1974.
Presidents of Malta
Anthony Mamo: 1974-76
Anton Buttigieg: 1976-81
Agatha Barbara: 1982-87
Ċensu Tabone: 1989-94
Ugo Mifsud Bonnici: 1994-99
Guido de Marco: 1999-2004
Eddie Fenech Adami: 2004-2009
RSS
Comments
The President of Malta should represent and strife towards unification of the people of Malta, and not be associated with a choice of a less than one seat majority in parliament .
I think the President should have a political background as well as a good mediator. With a political background he can understand the 'politics' and therefore helps him make a better job. Not that someone apolitical won't do!
There are many valid current and ex-politicians from both political spectrums that I believe deserve it. I have my own personal opinions regarding the person but if one goes back in the years one might find ex-parliamentarians who fit in this category.
I think the Government is open minded enough to choose the right person for the job.
No political ties,intellectual, patriotic, attentive, and humble. I can see no better candidate.
normal citizens
Very unifying indeed!! If the Pn keeps the trend the next president is an ex-PN MP, just to keep the tradition.
This is a joke of a country!!!
It is much better to find ways of how to kick Gonzi & Co. in the butt and elect a new government!!
You wrote: "The suggestion that Giovanni Bonello is proposed by the LP simply provides further evidence of the long list of Sant preferences that Joseph does not have the strength to refuse".
On what basis are you presenting this asumption? Giovanni Bonello is an eminent judge, a learned scholar and prolific writer of substance and an honoured upright citizen without blemish or baggage. I do not think that Sant has got anything to do with this. Joseph Muscat has proved more than once that he has a mind of his own and your remark belies the enthusiasm you had shown on his election.
I think everybody will agree that Dr Fenech Adami discharged his post with dignity and poise. However as a recent party leader who practically made himself President of Malta against the wishes of the vast majority of the Maltese, he will only go down in history as a good politician but not as a President who enjoyed the support of all Maltese whilst in office. I just hope Dr Gonzi will now rise above politics and appoint a non-political person who will represent all Maltese citizens (and permanent residents). I agree with the majority writing on this topic that Judge Giovanni Bonello would be a perfect choice.
@Gianluca Barbieri
You said you read the following in the Maltese Constitution:
A person shall not be qualified to be appointed to the office
of President if -
(a) he is not a citizen of Malta; or
(b) he holds or has held the office of Chief Justice or other
Judge of the Superior Courts; or
(c) he is not eligible for appointment to or to act in any
public office in accordance with articles 109, 118 and
120 of this Constitution.
So how did you reach the conclusion that the learned Giovanni Bonello is not eligible to hold the post of President of Malta?
He has discharged his post with dignity and poise, offering a great image of a fine independent country.
It's grossly unfair, even preposterous, to label the impartial and apolitical learned Judge Giovanni Bonello as anybody's favourite. He fully deserves EVERYONE'S support, irrespective of political leanings, for the simple reason that he's the outstanding non-political Maltese personality that comes to mind for such a prestigious post. And being proposed by Alfred Sant for a top European post or nominated by the PL for the presidency should in no way hinder his deserved candidature.
Not agreeing with a man's political work is as though not agreeing with a modern artist because you do not fancy modern art. Yet his work is still honourable, and should be appreciated.
I believe that whether the chosen one is a political figure or not, should not be a criterion. whilst choosing. The importance is the value of his contributions and whether the figure is respected/respectable both locally and internationally.
Joe Borg? With all due respect, what has he ever done to deserve the honour? His biggest plus is that he's a blue-eyed party man. As for Lino Spiteri, he just carries too much political baggage to be considered as a unifying personality. On the other hand Judge Giovanni Bonello's national and international stature dwarfs all the other mentioned candidates.
What is plain ridiculous is the view that only seasoned former politicians are suitable for the post of president. They already dominate virtually every sphere of Maltese society. Judge Giovanni Bonello has all the qualities to be an excellent President!
Conrad Thake
MALTA and the MALTESE deserve a PRESIDENT who is independent of any political party,
apply justice equal to anyone with no preferences.
The CONSTITUTION is there for all MALTESE protection, therefore if any clause embedded is
hindering the MALTESE frrom what they deserve, that clause should'nt be observed.
No matter what my P.M. think or wish,we MALTESE have a right to dictate what happens in our country and our life. The mentallity of following the day government directions is wrong and it is us MALTESE who must direct the governing body.
Dr G Bonello is perhaps the only person in MALTA who deserve to be TRUSTED to GUARD on OUR CONSTITUTION
Could you kindly illuminate us why Judge Bonello does 'not belong to the presidency', whereas Spiteri & Borg 'are ideal'
Possibly because they were involved in politics? Or becuase San Anton Palace is considered as the retirement home par excellance of politicians?
Sorry to disappoint you BUT most of us are calling for a President that unifies the country - i.e. no politicians pls!
Of course Judge Giovanni Bonello is eligible for nomination. If not why would he be proposed by the Leader of the Opposition? And if he's not eligible because of some constitutional clause and both parties and most citizens are in favour of his nomination, it would only take a vote in Parliament to regularise matters. Go for it Dr Gonzi.
the constitutions refers for a Maltese sitting judge, Judge Bonello was never a judge of the Maltese courts. But still Gonzi will never approve him, because Dr Bonello was appointed as an international judge by Prime Minister Sant
If it comes to that, i would prefer Ira Losco!!
You are right.
Let's have a person who has never touched politics even with a barge pole.
The people are really fed up with our politicants (not politicians)., e.g. just to name two things salaries topped up with a Euro 290 per week increase, two thirds pension of the salaries current at the time while the rest of us children of a lesser God having our pension capped....
Judges preside over superior courts.. magistrates preside over inferior courts. There's no judge that presides over inferior courts..
So Judge Bonello is definetely not eligible.. I'm sure the Prime Minister wnt go in the hurdle of obtaining the 2/3 majority to change the constitution at this stage.
Besides he's not even mentioned as a front runner let alone.
I think Lino Spiteri has gained the respect of both sides of the house. He's a very intelligent person and i think he would do us all proud.
The Judge is probably the most respected candidate, both nationally and internationally, who we can appoint.
"If I've ever heard a ridiculous suggestion then this one wins the cake!!! ....Its totally ridiculous to have a former judge as President..I disagree strongly with this proposal!!!
What's so ridiculous about having Judge Giovanni Bonello as Malta's next President? He's by far the best choice of all those mentioned.
Unfortunately, the political scenario at that time required (unfairly, in my opinion) that 'Is-Sur Pawl' remained 'acting President'.
I still cherish a handwritten letter that he had sent to my late father soon after he assumed office, in which he showed appreciation for my father's congratulations and for the encouragement and assistance that he had given him to further his education when he was still a young clerk at the dockyard.
President Louis Galea:- Personally I think Louis Galea still has much to contribute in politics and as such whilst I believe that eventually he does deserve the Presidency I think that for the moment he should be kept in a politically active role.
President Lino Spiteri:- Whilst I disagree with Lino Spiteri's socialist outlook on politics I think he is a man who has earned the respect of both sides of the political fence and whether you agree with him or not you have to admit that what he says and writes is indeed what he feels so I wouldn't at all mind to say President Lino!
President Giovanni Bonnello:- If I've ever heard a ridiculous suggestion then this one wins the cake!!! Nobody doubts the abilities of Judge Bonnello in the fields of law and justice but President Giovanni?? Its totally ridiculous to have a former judge as President..I disagree strongly with this proposal!!!
I stand to be corrected but Giovanni Bonello was not a judge of the superior courts in Malta.
It would indeed be a pity if he cannot be appointed.
IF both sides agree that the appointment of Judge Giovanni Bonello would be the best choice for the position of President of the Republic, for ALL of the Maltese Nation, then an amendment that would remove the restriction in the Constitution would be a mere technicality, easily passed with the required two thirds, possibly even 'nem con'.
Having them agree NOT to appoint a political person is, of course, the major hurdle.
read the constitution of malta:
A person shall not be qualified to be appointed to the office
of President if -
(a) he is not a citizen of Malta; or
(b) he holds or has held the office of Chief Justice or other
Judge of the Superior Courts; or
(c) he is not eligible for appointment to or to act in any
public office in accordance with articles 109, 118 and
120 of this Constitution.
so judge bonello is not eligible.
i think lino spiteri is the best candidate.
Mr Prim Minister we need a break from politics. We need a break each time we see the president on the media, I think Judge Bonello deserves this job. He is a inteligent, cultured and respected man. But............................obviously the Prime Minister has his own man,OBLIGATIONS. As usual he will not take notice of our cry.
No, the only suitable person out of those who have been named would be Judge Giovanni Bonello - assuming, of course, that this true gentleman is magnanimous enough to accept the nomination and to do us the honour of being our President, for once, a President who is truly 'a President for ALL of the Maltese Nation.
I wonder how San Gorg Preca has managed to pip them to sainthood!
A president who has never held a parliamentary seat.....seem only Father Xmas might help.
We should thank our lucky starts that the Archbishop (till now) is not elected from ex-members of parliament!
just for a refreshing change!