Wednesday, 14th January 2009 - 09:10CET
UPDATED: 'Hunters' boycott strengthens me' - PN candidate
Edward Demicoli at the launch of his electoral campaign.
Edward Demicoli, a PN candidate for the European Parliament elections, said today that a call by the hunters' federation for its members not to vote for him, made him proud.
The call was made by the federation this morning after Mr Demicoli came out against Spring hunting when he launched his electoral campaign.
"I am against Spring hunting as I believe that this is not sustainable. Nothing that FKNK can or will do will make me change that view. It can only serve to strengthen it," Mr Demicoli told timesofmalta.com.
He added that had the FKNK exercised more control on its rogue members the hunting situation in Malta would not have become what it is today.
Earlier, the FKNK said it had issued its directive against Mr Demicoli at the launch of an MEPs Election Campaign.
The campaign has the slogan “FKNK – For Your Rights in Europe”.
"Ironically and without shame Mr. Demicoli, the Malta/EU Information Centre (MIC) Deputy-Head for the past 10 years chose to attack the Maltese socio-cultural tradition of spring hunting during the launch of his campaign as a member of the European Parliament, conveniently forgetting and totally contradicting the information that MIC had enlightened hunters and trappers with prior to the EU Referendum vote," the federation said.
The federation said any single hunter’s YES vote for Europe was based on gross misinformation of material facts and consequently that EU membership was based on a hoax.
It quoted from statements from a MIC Fact Sheet entitled “Hunting and Trapping Enthusiasts”, (http://www.huntinginmalta.org.mt/uploads/24/508/Hunting__Trapping_Entusiasts_MIC _Fact_Sheet.pdf )which said, among other things that: : “…Malta argued that hunting in Malta is mostly practised in Spring because it depends on migratory birds. The EU acknowledged these arguments and Malta will be able to retain hunting in Spring and Autumn even after membership.” and “…hunting in Spring can continue in Malta for turtledoves and quail. As a result, therefore, after membership Maltese hunters will continue to be able to hunt in Spring.”
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Check this little gem re how MIC and PN stalwarts, including our MEP Simon Busuttil, duped hunters, environmentalists, and the population, and still dont have a clue about the environment and keep on pussyfooting about it.
http://animalrightsmalta.blogspot.com/2007/05/on-simon-busuttils-defence-of-spring.html
Demicoli is pushing a non-existent issue, as spring hunting is illegal. Six months later, the Pn have woken up...maybe they are in the process of shifting the goalposts to allow for some concessions?
The Nationalist Party needs a masterstroke to win the coming European Parliament election. They need both the hunters and the environmentalists on their side. So Gonzi approaches Calascione and Demicoli to run for office on a PN ticket. Calascione`s main segment are the hunters while Demicoli`s are the environmentalists. Il-politika mhux gugarell Sur Prim Ministru. Once bitten twice shy, people are not stupid and are reading between the lines.
Il-PN iqarraq bik.
Sorry but so far your ' spring hunting ' for votes did not work for me.
This fight was effectively over the day the PN and MLP announced that they would both respect the European Court decision, which is certainly going to stop spring hunting for good. If Demicoli had made his voice before that, I'd have admired him - but this is just a cheap vote-catcher that electors in 2009 are too smart not to see thru.
If somebody wants to stop hunting completely, he would vote AD because they were the only ones who did not hesitate to take a complete stand against hunting!
Demicoli's stands are simply stunts.
The issue primarily here is not whether the PN lied or not but whether spring hunting should be continued or not. Prior to the referendum the FKNK lobbied against eu membership. It warned continually its members about the risks to their hobby, so lies or no lies, hunters have been informed also by FKNK and MIC. They could see both contrasting opinions.
From the referendum, two elections have been made, and both won by the party who have been for the past 5 years restricting hunting and making anti-hunting policies. The population has shown hunters what direction Malta needs to take regarding hunting and this is the complete halt to spring hunting and bird trapping as per eu pre-negotiation agreements.
Anyway, from past experience this "boycott" will have little or no effect. If it did, their secretary would be one of the present five, wouldn't he? Perhaps he''ll have to wait for Ireland to pass the Lisbon Treaty where we shall have another seat in the EU Parliament!!!!!!
Kemm ma tifhimx. Fines will ONLY be imposed IF Malta loses the Spring Hunting court case and THEN allows Spring Hunting in defiance of an EU court judgement. Illegal hunting (poaching) is just that - already ILLEGAL, and the local penalties are among the highest in Europe.
By instigating a boycott the FKNK are yet again shooting themselves in the foot and should instead do their utmost to stop illegal hunting, otherwise it will only be a matter of time before there will be no hunting whatsoever.
The general public is not going to put up with public funds being wasted on EU fines if illegal hunting continues unabated!!
fortunatily I believe that the PN did not say the truth about EU in many things and issues, further more to answer your second intervention he is going for the EU election not the local one, Yes Edward will get my vote for the simple reason that he is outright and doesnt pussy foot like other present PN representatives. To FKNK, you have tried to steer elections towards PL for a long time, could it be that soem in your leadership have somthing to gain with a PL goverment? or are maybe using thier position withen the organisation to get thier party in goverment? further more hunters who voted Yes for the EU could have done this for the sake of the country and against thier own hobby, not every one is crazy FKNK.I would really like to hear the committee or whatever body manages the FKNK pronounce themselves as regards to thier political belief.come on boys who's first?
Dr Fenech Adami has in the first place destroyed hunting by lowering the age for gaining the hunting licence to 18. He always fooled hunters for the sake of winning votes!
And now appears this Demicoli, who is a hatchling when compared to Eddie, and starts to behave like he's a "Green"! You're in the wrong party Mr.Demicoli.
For those awaiting the Labour reaction on this issue, you should have heard Glenn Bedingfield this week talking about a reasonable way forward. Then you would be able to comment.
Lets hope that if elected these promises translate into some serious support for the NGO's instead of just being the usual pre-election flatus!
Undoubtedly, we need real socialists to focus and deliver in the best interest of our country. We don't need any 'yes man' people to represent us. On the contrary, I believe that we need people like Maria Camilleri, from the PL, to work and strive in a real social ambiance. After all, it's all about social justice! Let's not forget that social justice means being entitled to the same rights and services as all other citizens! Equal opportunities to all and not to the chosen few!!
Hunting should be way down our national priority-list. Those who put hunting way up on THEIR list are risking losing whatever progress we managed to do these last years. Swapping hunting for jobs, economy, education, (someone down here even suggested the removal of the Education Minister) is, I hope, the wish of a very small minority.
BTW: To those AD supporters who think they have discovered the environment, it was the PN who once (1994?) made a brave move and reduced the hunting season by a few days, while building Malta out of the rubble left by Mr. Mintoff, then came the MLP led by Dr. A. Sant who promised the hunters averything under the sun.. Does anybody remember? Or am i that old?
Let's hear PL candidates declare their opinion on hunting. Or do they just stay , Humpty-Dumpty-like on the wall? They may have a great fall if they stay there. Especially during an earthquake. (They already had four great falls 1998, 2003, 2003 and 2008
I think Malta has much bigger problems rather then bird hunting.
In my opinion the following issues are more important then bird hunting
1) illegal immigration
2) Cost of Living
3) Rampant abuse of the welfare system
4) Criminals do what they like, because they will hardly get any jail.
5) Abuse on workers rights (work in 3 different companies of the same owner,so they wont get any bonuses)
etc etc
I am not a hunter, but Mr Demicoli should know that the PN did not tell the truth to hunters before the MEP's
Having Dr. Perici Calascione (the legal advisor of the FKNK) contesting on the PN ticket
and now parading Mr. Demicoli as the anti-hunters bait
They might also get one from the PL camp so that they try to entice pale PL voters to vote into the PN ticket!
It seems they are convinced that their sickening stratagems, will see them through, again and again.....
pity he is in the WRONG party!
You cheated these families for your convenience and now you come up with such statements. I am totally against hunting and never in my life do I imagine myself shooting birds, but come on Mr. Demicoli, don't try to fool the anti-hunting lobby now!
It is a real shame on your behalf when hearing such comments. PN promised hunting and trapping (also in spring) and assured the hunters and trappers that their hobbies were safeguarded. Now a certain Mr.Demicoli comes out of nowhere and declares a war on those who were betrayed to elect his party in Government...
A BIG SHAME ON YOU ALL
Before we joined EU , MIC promised the hunters and trappers that after joining the EU hunting/trapping in spring would still be possible. Today it's totally the opposite. Could this happen again in the coming MEP elections by promissing this or that and end up doing totally the opposite ?
Having no other controversy to attract votes what else has this man got in his favor. The only thing this man is known for is the information he was giving the public on behalf of the EU as MIC's deputy head. Information that guaranteed hunting and trapping which he now opposes.
What is to ensure that if elected as an MEP, a far more responsible position than that of a MIC deputy head, this person will not go back on his duty on any other topic.
People elect an MEP for far more important issues and proven qualities. Mr. Demicoli has yet to prove he can tackle any or at least be consistent in what he is paid to do.
If Mr. Demicoli is depending on the ant hunter to get himself elected, since spring hunting seems to be his priority gimmick, basing this same stand as taken by Alternattiva can only spell disaster.
Mr. Demicoli what else do you have to offer? 30,000 or more have already been told not to favor you with their vote.
.
You may be adamant in wishing a PN defeat, but you can only play a tiny part in helping bring about the desired rout. So I would suggest that you'd better hold your horses, as come June you may find that you would have to eat humble pie.
That's not the way how to deliver a message.
You should vote for your party and then write your message on your vote.
That is the only way politicants (as distinct from real politicians) understand.
About hunting...abolishing hunting will sparkle other illegal stuff (like shooting ppl, as happened lately)..better still reduce it to a sustainable level...and control it!
Incidentally the word gullible was removed following the attitude taken by people like yourself. Those that ignore the truth, stick to their own suppositions, ignore invitations to learn, and believe only all they want to believe. The word gullible for these sort has been replaced by the word fools.
It will not be enough to mouth platitudes about being greener than green to get elected in June.
You will be judged on your position on illegal immigrants.
I totally agree with John Stival and this june i will definitely have a nice holiday break abroad from our small little island so no one will try to convince me and go out and vote .
I must add, however, that anyone who opposes hunting, red, blue or green, sorely tempts me to give him my vote.
In Malta, the two main species that are hunted are turtledove and quail. Under EU law, hunting in Spring is normally prohibited so that birds can be protected during migration. However, during negotiations Malta declared that it will use a derogation from this part of the EU law so that hunting in Spring can continue in Malta for turtledoves and quail.
A derogation means that Malta would not apply a law or part of it. The possibility to derogate from parts of EU law on birds is available in the law itself and EU countries have a right to use it.
As a result, therefore, after membership Maltese hunters will continue to be able to hunt in Spring. This season will not be affected after Malta's entry into the EU.
Gonzi is like a general fighting the last war.
He refuses to believe that the danger to the PN in June 2009 will come from another direction.
cannot and will not monitor what poachers do,and after all there are other shooting clubs in Malta apart FKNK who also gather membership fees,so why always mention FKNK and why not the other clubs too
Lil tal-Labour preparaw ghax ha jkollkom biex ticcelebraw...din id-darba mhix gimic....din id-darba mhux loghba bil-vot.....din id-darba l-PN tkaxkira assoluta stenna...ghax huma (il-PL) ha jirbhu) 1580 votes bye bye
As you know, the success of any Police force depends upon the cooperation of the society it represents. The Hunting fraternity must know the rogues amongst them, so why are so few illegal hunters brought to justice? ( Rhetorical question ).
If you really want to prevent your so-called Sport becoming criminalised, stop using that old 'Its the role of the Police' excuse and actively encourage responsible hunters to fulfil their civic duty.
P.S. I really liked your joke about hunters eating all the birds they shoot. I haven't laughed so much since someone told me they had removed the word 'Gullible' from the English language.
Before this election loads of people like me were forced to go out and vote but now not even a tractor would take me out .
You sound like you're surprised that the PN lied to the Hunters before the EU referendum.
I have news for you Mr. Grima,that goes on before every election with the PN.
As far as I'm concerned the HUNTERS and the rest of the Maltese that BLINDLY voted YES in the referendum, and voted PN in the last election are getting just what they DESERVE.
PN will not get my vote!! No way!!!! My vote will go for Mr.Scicluna (PL) or M.Mizzi (PL) and Cassola (AD)
In this MEP elections I will vote only to those who speak openly on what there beliefs are on moral issues.
Let us show once again as we did in the last elections and the previous ones that the hunters have no big say anymore politically.
UK opposition leader vows Lisbon referendum
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/33509678-e111-11dd-b0e8-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1
Cameron vows to wreck EU treaty if elected
May the Lisbon Treaty be consigned forever to the dustbin of history where it belongs
GHAX JAFU LI L-POPLU MHUX SE JIVVUTALHOM FUQ IL-KWISTJONI TAL-KALANDESTINI X'GHAMLU?!
SABU SUGGETT IEHOR SENSITTIV BIEX JGHAMLUWHA L- ISSUE TAL-EP ELECTIONS.
TAQAWX FIN-NASSA STRATEGIKA TAL- PN KUNU KONSISTENTI !
Really good point and that is what surprise me too. This guy is forgetting that his party promised everything to the hunters to get their vote and then he denied everything after the election .
First of all think this guy has to take it against his same party cause they should have told the truth and they should have never promised them that their problems are going to be solved and everything is gong to remain the same .
I totally agree with the ban of spring hunting but i stand with my moral all my life but it seems that the PN stand with their issues in 2 different ways : one the promises pre election and then the denials after the election .
I think you are going to re present yourself with the wrong party my friend and you should go with the green ballot cause they always stood with what they say .
and it was the other way round , for sure I`m not going to trust him with my vote. A lier always a lier to me.
I like your dry sense of humour Chris. Keep it up and make sure you vote in June for your favourite candidate.
Always keep in mind that the same party you are putting your had off pomised heaven to the hunters last march . Hopefully your wish can be delivered and hopefully none of the pn administration orders you to go low profile with this issue .
It would be nicer if we hear your leader to deliver the same message cause that is really the country's interest .
When working with MIC did he have this conviction?
As for controlling rogue members in all forms of society, this is normally a police duty paid for from our taxes. Why should hunting be different? If he considers it different why is it that the PN failed to allocate more resources even when hunters offered to pay for them from their hunting license fees?. And if indeed hunting has its rogue members why did he choose to mention spring hunting and not all hunting. Are rogue members absent at other times?
Mr. Demicoli is only trying to win votes. Unfortunately for him, inconsistency is never rewarded. Neither is a stand against spring hunting. especially when this goes against PN policy.
One one hand we have the PN Government defending spring hunting in the EU court, on the other we have Mr. Demicoli, hailing from the same party opposing it.
Can the PN explain its policy about spring hunting or has it considered a change in tack now that the defense of IT'S OWN case was handed to FKNK
Its funny that you changed your tune from being "adamant" that the PN will not elect one single candidate to the song that the PN will once again not get the majority of votes next June. You don't have to be a brainbox to foresee that..........you just have to be better versed in the English language to express yourself more appropriately.
Go Edward, excellent tactics!!
Points of further consideration : What about soil contaminated with lead shot, seeping into food, draining into the water table. ................Have studies been conducted in this regard ?
Sorry to say that Edward fails on all 4. We're talking about FACTS, folks. Documented facts.
Chris I am very pleased with my rich English vocabulary and the way I express myself. So on this ocassion I do not need to resort to a dictionary. You don't seem to understand the word 'adamant'. Yes I am so sure the PN is going to suffer a terrible defeat in the June MEP elections that the word 'adamant' is the appropriate word to use.
@Alex Casha
Agree 100% Edward Demicoli is very good in twisting the facts. I definitely take the FKNK side to boycott Mr Demicoli, his credibility runs very low!!!
May I suggest you pick up an English dictionary and look up the meaning of "adamant". Do you mean to say that you will physically block any voter from voting PN? What you meant to say is that you are "convinced". But if your convictions are as good as your English...........
I think you misunderstood me. Did i offend anyone with my comments? If yes, where?
I never said they are NOT valid, I said that the PL have some very valid candidates like Scicluna and Mizzi.
I think it is much more of an eye opener dear friend. I can't understand why people like you commenting here are not objective. Let's stop beating about the bush.The argument is based on the fact that apart from Simon Busuttil, none of the other PN candidates can match PLs Professor Edward Scicluna, Marlene mizzi and Louis Grech. Are the other PL candidates less gifted? I would rather say that they don't have as much expertise as those i mentioned above. You can spin as much as you like but you will always come to the point were you have to agree with what I said : A Social Europe is needed and thus PL will be forwarding the best manifesto, they have the best candidates and yes, without any doubt, they have the best track record so far.
still waiting for an answer?
Thank you for certifying your EFApn and Gonzipn as incompetent.
For if they were and are not, why do we have to have the eu breathing down their necks to do something which they should have done as part of their duty towards the Maltese citizens?
Re Mr Demicoli's candidature, can anyone believe someone who deceitfully disseminated false and misleading information to satisfy his masters?
Re all MEPs, they are just puppets with their strings pulled by the eu petty dictators.
All puppets shall get my answer on my vote.
"They have some very valid candidates like Edward Scicluna and Marlene Mizzi ." This comment is an insult to the present PL MEP's. Why did you stop mentioning them? Does that mean that they are not valid? Wait for an answer.
You and the European Union can help us clean up this blessed country from the mentality adopted by some of the older generation individuals who still think that they are living in the 70's or 80's and that they can do what ever they please.
Malta wants to reform, Malta wants to be a first class country. Malta wants rules so that we can enjoy a country that has got some order and discipline, mhux qisna qabda tigieg u fniek.
"Mr Demicoli promised to work closely with environmental NGOs which had resources and expertise"
Is this another 'promise' like when you promised the continuation of spring hunting. Also, for information's sake, FKNK is the largest NGO on the island.
Well, we definitely need CREDIBLE MEP'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I suggest that all the present twelve FKNK officials should run for these elections and than we will see what happens.
As for Mr. Edward Demicoli (PN) -- KEEP IT UP
,
People first, a social Europe - this will be the best manifesto for the EP elections throughout Europe. I agree with Michael Cutajar, the PL will be fielding the best moderate candidates in the country and have a track record in Europe to be proud of. Edward Demicoli? With all due respect, but no way when I can vote for Professor Edward Scicluna.
the majority thought otherwise in 2004 and elected 3 PL members of parliament.
You just shot down Labour just like any other PN apologist. Why dont you answer to my questions, namely that PL will be forwarding the best manifesto, the best candidates and above all have the best track record?
Seems to me you're just jumping on the environmental bandwagon for your own personal interests. FKNK apart, I would NEVER vote for a person who was involved in misleading me in this way. NEVER AGAIN. NEVER.
Wow Joseph if you have the will power to eradicate illegal immigration you will get more votes than the Prime Minister in a general election.
Edward Demicoli you did not need the boycott from FKNK as I am adamant that the PN are not going to elect one single candidate come the June MEP elections. Oh and by the way I always voted PN but not anymore because this spineless government is throwing away the national interest out in the sea!
PS I will also do my best to eradicate illegal immigration once and for all!
After reading such comments I sincerely think that the social solidarity that once was the base of our culture is lost once and for all. Hatred and egoistic behaviour prevails this time !!
Mr Demicoli might win office together with simon busutil. David Casa will not make it this time. Have a look at the eurobarometer poll analysis. People tend to vote on the issues, the track record and finally on the candidate`s profile. Europe needs a different economic agenda. The Party of European socialists (PES) is working hard for a social Europe and thus the PL will most probably be forwarding to us the best manifesto. As for the track record, the achievements of the PL candidates clearly outweigh the Pns though one must not sideline Simon Busuttil`s work. As for the candidates, well apart from Simon Busuttil ,who can match PLs Professor Edward Scicluna, Marlene Mizzi and Louis Grech?
However, the issue at play is not Edward Demicoli's position pro or against hunting, but his Centre's misleading information and DECEPTIVE attitude prior to the referendum.
Thus, whilst congratulating Demicoli for his position, he still WONT get my vote for taking other people for a ride. Probably there will be other candidates who are against hunting yet are more professional in their work.
What about illegal immigration? What about the current recession? What about the sorry state of our raods? The seperation of Church and State? Divorce, abortion, child abuse? The vanishing countryside, the ridiculous support of sports organisations in Malta, child obesity? Illegal fireworks manufacturing. I could go on for ever but it becomes boring....
So what no spring hunting, all it takes is a cheap flight to the UK and one can hunt to his heart's content, even Sicily is a viable alternative for hunting, not to mention Egypt, Hungary, Romania etc etc.
Do something real and important for this country if you want my vote.
All they do is play lackey to the illegal immigrats and the eu.
You hunters say: No Hunting, No Vote
We sane ppl say: NO PROBLEM
Vote for all PL candidates.
They have some very valid candidates such as Edward Scicluna and Marlene Mizzi.
VOTE FOR MR EDWARD DEMOCOLI