PL announces EP election candidates

Andy Ellul

Jan 22nd 2009, 00:55

It appears that the candidature of Sharon Ellul-Bonici is troubling many readers. Why? The NP hardcore is petrified that in the next EP elections many nationalist adherents will, for obvious reasons, vote for Sharon. Even though spinners are trying to depict Sharon as an "anti-EU" candidate, or a eurosceptic, many are aware that she's just a professional 'eurocritical' with ample experience. There's a big difference between being eurosceptic and eurocritical, but some find it hard to realise that. There's nothing wrong in being critical. Can you imagine a democratic parliament with no opposition? NP supporters have to admit that they can never opt to candidates like Sharon (unfortunately), even if they strive in headhunting. People have already started to pose the question: whom shall i vote for in the next EP elections; lackeys or realists like Sharon? What's wrong in having MEP's who will undoubtedly fight for our rights in a Parliament of more than 700 members, and not say yes in a servile manner to anything the EU proposes? Sharon will have my number one vote!

Mark Mangion

Jan 21st 2009, 22:06

@Joseph Gafarena - And she will fight heart and soul for Malta's interest in Europe and our interest like she has been doing for the past 5 years in the European Parliament. Only such people can stand up and be counted and Sharon Ellul Bonici is one of them. You can vote for a lackey that says YES to everything. But I prefer to vote for someone that I know will protect my interest and work for the good of our country.

P.Schembri

Jan 21st 2009, 19:04

@J. Gaffasrena (Gaffarena!!) Are you aware we live in a democracy? Are you aware that many of the MEP's are euosceptics? We don't want yes man there. We want challengers so that they can bring what's good for the country. If you want yes man, vote for whom you like. But Malta does not need eu lackeys. Malta needs someone who can really guard her interests and only the eurosceptics can do that. Comprende!

joseph gaffasrena

Jan 21st 2009, 18:30

Incredible but it is true,last time she fought heart and soul against malta joining the EU,and now without any remorse,she is a canditate for the labour party.How can such people will not realise what damage hqave been done if we took notice of what sharon said against joining the EU, and stayed out.

juan manuel ghersinich

Jan 21st 2009, 17:15

As I stated before, I know Sharon professionally, as I know people from various other political groups.

Due to her leftish views, Sharon Ellul Bonici is with the PES, that is where she belongs.

Juan Manuel Ghersinich.

muscat philip

Jan 21st 2009, 14:53

what about the m.i.c guys who pretended to be neutral before we joined the e.u, funny ej

Richard Galea.

Jan 21st 2009, 14:26

As I am, and had always been anti-European.......I had no choice but to accept to be in the E.U....As I still retain my right to vote in the EU....Sharon Ellul Bornnici is my obvious choice.
PLEASE.....get us out of Godless EU.... ASAP ......Sharon!

albert leone ganado

Jan 21st 2009, 13:12

If one had to criticise the candidature of Sharon Ellul Bonici for her role in the No movement before Malta's accession one would have to find just as strange the position of two of the Meusac leading lights Simon Busuttil and Edward Demicoli who quickly shed their neutral stance after the EU referendum.

I personally find nothing unusual in all these three putting their name forward for the forthcoming MEP elections. In their own way they all have very good experience of working the ropes in Brussels and of ensuring influence across a wide spectrum of the EU parliament. I am sure they will all if elected put Malta's interest first and foremost.

Stephen Abela

Jan 21st 2009, 01:16

Who lied to who prior referendum ?! Did factories close ? Where the small businesses negatively hit ? What about the hunters ? What about the cost of living ? What about the opportunities we were told about ? ( in our land not outside our shores , cause than better to pop again to Australia like the old days ) I prefer EURO CRITICAL like Sharon as at least they tell us the truth !

Muscat.Pat

Jan 20th 2009, 21:05

@J.Barthet
Hopefully you are an old lady, because other wise I would not understand how a young lady,s
ideal and dreaming world would be made up of ONLY YES MEN and YES WOMEN!

mikepace

Jan 20th 2009, 20:16

This is being of a new era with a mix of realistic ideas to represent the working class - the middle class - low income earners - the forgotten citizen - the most trusted man and woman on the street - the minded personal being put away by the Gonzipn and the youthful generation as been left over by so called the Peoples Party in the European Parliament whom looks the interest of capitalistic agendas - now is the time with one voice we vote Socialist Party in Europe for the change

Giov DeMartino

Jan 20th 2009, 18:33

If labour accept Sharon to contest the EP elections in their name, they might just as well accept me to contest in tyheir name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

D Ellul

Jan 20th 2009, 18:09

Well said Mr. Juan Manuel Ghersinich. Sharon knows the EU very well, and although my first preference is for another candidate, Sharon will feature amongst my top 5 on the ballot paper.

Dr Keith Grech

Jan 20th 2009, 17:56

What I find extremely interesting in all this debate is that practically no one is asking the question as to when will the Nationalist Party deign to inform us of its list of candidates. Of memory serves me right, so far we have six names out of a possible ten. So who are the misterious four? Is there an ongoing exercise of backroom politics? Will Dr. Gonzi manage to offload some of his troublesome (from his point of view, at least) backbenchers to Brussels? As we now know so well, the PN always acted in the PN's best interest. We should not expect anything different come next June! The PL on the other hand has chosen to field a formidable list of candidates coming from all walks of life. In this way, the PL can truly be said to be representative of the people.

A. Mizzi

Jan 20th 2009, 17:36

EU is no Holy land and neither a Shangri-La, what is mostly requested from the Maltese MEPs is that they safeguard Malta’s interests and there is certainly space for Euro-Skeptics as there is for pro-EU MEPs.

List LP candidates presented can be described as quite wide-ranging and most certainly have first rate credentials for the posts contested.

Joseph Sciberras

Jan 20th 2009, 16:58

The EUDemocrats s a eurosceptic alliance of parties, movements and political organisations operating as a transnational party at a European level, and incorporating members from both the centre-left and the centre-right.

Does the PL form part of this group or of the PES? If the latter Sharol Ellul Bonici should contest under the EUDemocrats banner and not that of the PL.

juan manuel ghersinich

Jan 20th 2009, 16:26

Sharon Ellul Bonici can and will do a great job for the people of Malta!

I have come to know her professionally and personally throughout the course of my work in Brussels and I can assure all of you that no one knows the intricacies of EU politics like she does.

Sharon is known and respected by critical and pro-EU MEPs alike. Being critical is definitely positive, there should be different visions of Europe, dissent is necessary!
Besides, there is an urgent need for reform at EU level. Being critical also means that we should not just accept centralization of power in Brussels as the absolute truth. The current EU is not an irreversible process… Change is possible.


Juan Manuel Ghersinich
Secretary-General EUDemocrats
Brussels

eric saliba

Jan 20th 2009, 16:23

@ giov de martino. do you think the PL general conference would give your name the approval required to contest on the PL ticket? just joking. joseph has openly declared that the door is open for all those who want to come.
all this aside. what's the problem here with anti-PL posters? you are free to vote for those who promised us heaven on earth if we join.....like the 850 million euros gimmick for example.......without telling us what we had to fork out in return.......or about spring hunting.......need i go on??

GiovDeMartino

Jan 20th 2009, 15:16

Wonders never cease!!!!!!Sharon Ellul Bonici for the EU!!!!!!!!! Imagine yours truly contesting a general election under the labour party flag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

d.attard

Jan 20th 2009, 15:05

A first class line-up by any standards.

The range of skills and experience is indeed notable.

Labor will always be a few steps ahead of competition because it queried, doubted, experienced, contributed...unlike the other parties who just said 'good' not knowing why.

With benefit of hindsight it is no wonder that Labor can bring together such a powerful line-up.

B. Farrugia

Jan 20th 2009, 14:17

What astounds me the most when I read these blogs is how all the PL supporters are inrested in is giving the PN 'another' (still tryinig to decipher where that 'another' comes from) tkaxkira. It's like repeating something ad nauseum to try and convince oneself and convincing those around him in doing so..

All the 'tkaxkiriet' in the Local Council and EP elections which the PN has suffered over the past years, only lead to yet another 5 years in Castille in 2008..so...

so why don't you just realise that no one minds the PL getting the majority of votes in elections which don't lead to the party in question to have total control of our little island....but when it comes to the real thing...well....I think I'll say no more!

C.Sapiano

Jan 20th 2009, 13:36

If the PL wins this election it would have done nothing special. It already won it 4 years ago and still lost the general election. Many people do not even vote for these elections. As always the left-wingers count the chickens before they hatch. They used to say that they have a good leader from the times of Mintoff but they lost more elections than the PN if you look at history (And two of their leaders were serial losers).

Joseph Sciberras

Jan 20th 2009, 13:12

So it does'nt bother anyone that some of these candidates worked so hard to keep Malta out of the EU? Do you realise that if that they had been succesful we would be out in the wilderness in these difficult financial times? The harm this would have done to our future would be unimaginable. I for one would never vote to have such people represent me in the EU parliament.

Stephen Sultana

Jan 20th 2009, 12:49

All PL candidates mentioned here are vary valid and every one of them can offer a good contribution for our country.

On the other hand, the Times of Malta decided to write two or three words to describe them further!! With all due respect that is not the right way to report an article since it is putting an incorrect perception among the readers and bloggers.

Please grow up!!!

Miguel Fenech

Jan 20th 2009, 12:31

I would just like to comment on the concerns related to Ms. Ellul-Bonici, being a declared Euro-Sceptic. First of all, let us all remind ourselves that the EP is already made up of a party of declared Euro-Sceptics, right in the middle of the EU! Secondly, PL's position on the EU is now very strong in favour of the EU. Thirdly, Joseph Muscat made it clear that anyone wishing to contest on the PL sheet must fully accept and agree with PL's policies. It makes sense after all!

Willie Grech

Jan 20th 2009, 12:08

Let's put everything into perception. The PL was against Malta joining the EU. Since Joseph's leadership win especially, the party changed it's stance. Anything wrong with that? When Sharon Elul Bonici applied to be a candidate on behalf of the PL, she automatically agreed to tow along with party lines. But what exactly did the PL say? The PL is saying that the question of Malta withdrawing from the EU is almost impossible. Therefore this question is non-existent anymore! What people like Sharon can do is bring awareness to the Maltese electorate what other people would like to hide. Hopefully everyone agrees that not all that glitters is gold even in the EU. People who should know better because of their positions prior to our country joining the EU (Busuttil, Casa and Demicoli please note) have been time and time again been criticised about misinforming the public. People like SEB, because of her experience within the EU institutions, would know all this and would inform the general public of this misinformation. This, in itself would create a balance and would be of great advantage to the Maltese public.

Randolph De Battista

Jan 20th 2009, 12:06

@ Ms Barthet
Again I don't see your point!! Don't try to quetion PL's EU stance, basing your argument on SEB. As I said before, a number of EU sceptics within the European Party, have been elected on the ticket of a party which is generally pro-EU.

PL's vision is clear - being the best in Europe. This doesn't meen consenting to every proposal which comes to us, or smiling for the front cover of an EU magazine!! It's putting people first, and their aspirations!
We definitely need more Obamas in Europe!!

Jane Bartolo

Jan 20th 2009, 11:42

There's nothing wrong with being a Euro-sceptic and wanting to contest the EP elections.

What I don't get is how she can be a candidate with a party that is PRO-EUROPE!!

Joseph Said

Jan 20th 2009, 11:39

The PL is again on the verge of winning with absolute majority the EP election held on Saturday 6 June. The new leader Dr. Joseph Muscat will be Malta's next Prime Minister. With only one seat majority in Parliament, we hope that this will happen as soon as possible!

D Ellul

Jan 20th 2009, 11:29

PN: be prepared for another tkaxkira at the EP elections.
Next tkaxkira in the general election.
Pity we had Alfred Sant because we would have been winning general elections since 2003.

Willie Grech

Jan 20th 2009, 11:24

I don't know why there's all this fuss about the PL EP election candidates. Aren't we supposed to live in a democratic country? What's this about Sharon Ellul Bonici being "anti-EU" and wants to join the EP? So what? Does anyone know that according to the Eurobarometer, there are 33% of the Maltese who are very sceptical about the EU? Does anyone know that there are hundreds of thousands around the 27 EU states that are actually not happy with the EU? Oh, by the way, isn't it also true that all PL members were against Malta joining the EU? Or has someone 'conveniently' forgot all this? Does this mean that people, including SEB and myself and all PL supporters who voted NO in the 2004 EU referendum do not have the right to participate in this year's EP elections? So much for democracy and people's rights! I, for one, will vote for persons who, like Sharon do not say yes to everything that the EU says, but have the guts to speak freely, even when it means being in opposition.

Jane Bartolo

Jan 20th 2009, 11:10

@ Godfrey Galea

Being an expert on Europe and being pro-Europe really are not the same thing! If someone is an expert on a party's history, does that make him in favour of that party?

There are Euro sceptics in the EP just as there are pro-EU people... so your argument is quite void... I'd love to know why SEB has a place on the PL's ballots sheets if she's not in line with their principles?

But then again, I ask a stupid question, and I get a stupid answer... I can't expect much out of the PL, at least not any time soon...

Randolph De Battista

Jan 20th 2009, 11:08

@ Ms Barthet
Talking about Ellul Bonici? How about Vince Farrugia prior to the referendum????
And haven't you seen Bondi+ yesterday? Michael Falzon (PN) confirmed, that there are various euro sceptics within the EU; it's something everyone accepts and it's rather healthy to the Union. So I don't see where you're trying to find the misprint.....keep searching!

My opinion is that there are various good candidates, such as Louis Grech, Edward Scicluna and Marlene Mizzi. For us youths, there are quite a few relevant ones to, from Kirill Micallef Stafrace, Claudette Baldacchino, Christian Zammit (Gozo) and others.

What I ask is that is it necessary for the list to include 12 candidates?! I think that between 6 and 8 would have been just fine.

Joseph Sciberras

Jan 20th 2009, 10:59

It is very ironic to see people like Glenn Bedingfield, Sharon Ellul-Bonici, Claudette Abela Baldacchino and Joseph Cuschieri who spoke with such passion against Malta joining the EU and preached doom and gloom after we joined, are now able to face the electorate and ask to be voted in without a hint of shame or regret. Do these people think we have such a short memory? What are their true opinions on the EU the ones they expressed in 2003 or the ones they hold now? Do they not have any regrets that they worked so hard to keep Malta out?

Mike Magri

Jan 20th 2009, 10:54

@..Lawrence Calleja... TO.."...I hope that alternattiva will take place of mlp as the second largest party in Malta.." and all the rest of your `immaginative` comments......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAAAAAAAAAAA... HAAAAAAAAAAAA... HAAAAAAAAAAAAA.................!!!!!!!

Lawrence....... S W E E T.... S W E E T.... D R E A M S.... my friend........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You really know how to `kill` a man laughing his heart out.... Hallina habib...

B Sant

Jan 20th 2009, 10:38

Good luck to Profs Scicluna , im sure he can leave his mark as an EP

Joseph Vella

Jan 20th 2009, 10:38

Can anyone in this blog forget the past? I am one of those, and I do not hide behind my actions, who for the past three elections voted PN. I come from a Labour family but I always felt that the previous PL leader was not capable of governing the country for the simple reason that he was ' hard headed' and never listened to reason accept from his 'pets'. So far this new leader is proving the opposite, he critisies were necessary and praises were necessary. To me putting some candidates not associated closely with politics is enough cause to make me vote in the coming EU elections for the PL.

Everyone should give a lesson to the PN. Show them that we have had enough of their squandering and the way that they take the Maltese people for granted. Another thing - do not vote for the present candidates. Did they prove their worth?

Kenneth Busuttil

Jan 20th 2009, 10:26

Poor people, poor minds! I cannot believe that these people can ever think in an objective and constructive manner!

The PL is presenting 12 relevant candidates who come from all different walks of life. Let the people choose! Please do give them a chance and do not pre-judge them! I'm sure that all candidates are valid and whoever is elected will work in the best interest of our country.

@ C Sammut
What kind of opportunism do you see in Maria Camilleri? She dedicated quite a number of years to strengthen the party. Furthermore, she was a member of the Labour administration and also represented the PL in parliament !

Think before you write and do not jump into conclusions!

Francis Attard

Jan 20th 2009, 10:26

Who is right about the EU, Dr.Joseph Muscat, Dr.Alfred Sant, Sharon Ellul Bonici, Dr.Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, Dr.Alex Sciberras Trigona, Dr.Toni Abela, Dr.Michael Falzon or Dr.George Vella?
Is there a common stand on this issue in the LP?

Lawrence Calleja

Jan 20th 2009, 10:20

Someone wrote that "The MLP are attracting the right people".
Are we insane or what? The majority of these people have repeatedly contested under the umbrella of MLP lead by Alfred Sant, some of them even go back to the days of KMB. What new vision? Of course the mlp is getting so old in its mentality that new powerful vision lenses are required as they have not yet managed to find their right track. When will Malta ever have a capable opposition. I hope that in the near future the alternattiva will take the place of mlp as the second largest party in Malta.

Godfrey Galea

Jan 20th 2009, 10:18

@ Janet Barthet

Just to inform you that Sharon Ellul Bonici has been working in the European Union as an EU Consultant for a number of MEPs for the last 4 years and she has transformed from a euro-sceptic to a euro expert.

If you ever have the chance to talk to her I'm sure you will change your mind about her.

Jane Bartolo

Jan 20th 2009, 09:55

Isn't Sharon Ellul Bonici a Euro-sceptic? ... Correct me if I'm wrong, however I thought that the PL is supposed to be a pro-Europe party ... Another misprint?

Mark Mangion

Jan 20th 2009, 09:49

Yes francis, you can never understand as you said. One has to follow European Politics to be able to understand. We need MEPs that speak the truth, inform us and fight for our rights. Sharon Ellul Bonici has the experience and the will to do what's best for our country. Her articles are informative and well researched and knows the EU on her finger tips.

Mike Magri

Jan 20th 2009, 09:46

@ Francis Attard and the likes... All i can say is that your argument, and anybody elses that thinks like you is PURELY a PATHETIC one...

You know, St. Paul (ex prosecutor of christians), came to Malta... Was accepted by the Maltese of these islands of those days, and rightly so i say, nowadays we made him `MISSIERNA SAN PAWL`... Nothing wrong right...!!!???!!!???

You see, in a Democracy were Association and Freedom of Speech are the order of the day, changing of opinions is ALWAYS accepted as otherwise it wouldn`t be a democratic system any more, but a Dictatorship...!!!!!

Understand now my friend.,..

Joseph Vella

Jan 20th 2009, 09:40

From my side, the best candidate from this lot is Edward Scicluna followed closely by Marlene Mizzi. Both candidates are not closely associated with any political party, are outspoken of any issues arising in the political field whether it is by PL or PN and best of all their integrity.

J Schembri

Jan 20th 2009, 09:24

EU's motto is "Unity in Diversity". Diversity has nothing to do with illegal immigrants. People who think that they are the chosen race shouldn't embrace Europe let alone vote. As for opportunism I say one thing "A mosquito can make the lion's eye bleed." Maria you are my No.1 choice.

Mike Magri

Jan 20th 2009, 09:20

........................................................................................................................................................................
It looks like the PN Apologists and the GonziPN in general, have already been hardly hit by the diversification of the PL`s EP election candidates...

Candidates like Professor Edward Scicluna. or `Profs Scicluna` as he is most widely known, is not only an honour to have representing the PL and ALL of us in Brussels, but is a MOST welcome candidate on ANY party`s political ticket. I always known Profs Scicluna to be a person of great integrity and intelligense... Has a very sound knowledge of economical nature... A good listener and such a prolific critic that it always makes it very hard for anyone else to seriously contradict his arguments....

The type of Candidate we ALL need to have representing us Maltese in Brussels...

Having said that, i MUST also say that together with Profs Scicluna, the PL have ALSO presented all of us, with a very interesting combination of a choice of candidates that in my openion can also be very worthy representatives..

Good Luck Profs... Malta and the Maltese in general, and especially at this moment in time, are in desperate need of people like you as a serious defender of our rights in Brussels..
........................................................................................................................................................................

Joe Fenech

Jan 20th 2009, 09:19

@ All Pn Apologists


This is how a true democratic movement really works . Joining altogether all these brilliant forces. Am give the electorate to choose freely who wants to rapresent him at this important institution. This is not a Partit tal Mumji as once said St Lawrence Gonzi. This is a pro active and dynamic party.

C Calleja

Jan 20th 2009, 09:16

Its a good mix with young and capable candidates such as Claudette and Chris, and more experienced ones like louis grech.

Ok i do agree that there might be some opportunistic candidates who look only at the salaries in brussels and thats the reason they are contesting an election but overall its a very good list.

BTW wasn' t Vince Farrugia an anti eu memebership person. I do remember his articles on orizzont from 2001 to 2003.

Kevin Sultana

Jan 20th 2009, 09:09

@Mark Mangion,

Your comments are well balanced. The PL have listed a number of potential candidates that can contibute strongly to the EU democratic process. Sharon led the campaign against Malta's full membership and since then has contributed to development in the European Parliament. Keeping the balnce of power in check is a good thing and is to be encouraged. I find nothing wrong with having SEB on the PL electoral list. She is a women that works hard and delivers much of her promises. I wish all the candidates good luck.

Kenneth Galea

Jan 20th 2009, 09:03

I feel that the June MEP elections are a complete waste of time. The MEP candidates are supposed to represent Malta in the EU bloc and fight for the national interest. Who is going to take Sharon Ellul Bonnici seriously enough in the EU bloc.
The hot issue prevailing at the moment in Malta is 'illegal immigration'. If Sharon somehow convinces the majority of the Maltese people that she will eradicate illegal immigration (wishful thinking) and deport the economic migrants we are currently hosting she will be elected with flying colours despite her anti-EU membership campaign.
PL I am not impressed by the list yet though Joseph is doing his best to move the party forward. He seems to be a cut above the previous PL leaders.

Anthony J. Camilleri

Jan 20th 2009, 08:57

Another good one, Joseph! You surely know how to make the Nats see red.

Emvic Debono

Jan 20th 2009, 08:54

I cannot understand the commotion around here.
What is wrong with Socialists being MP s in the EP.?
Now both parties agree that Malta is in EU and will stay for better and for worse.
Let's all not forget that the EU was always on Socialist lines .
The Maltese PN was one of the few right wings to run after EU to accept us in which even surprised people in Brussels.

Francis Attard

Jan 20th 2009, 08:36

I really cannot understand why people who are completely against an important issue like that of EU membership, will continue to militate in a political party which has declared itself pro-EU, with a leader who went as far as admitting that he was mistaken when he was against.
If that is not political opportunism, what is?

eric saliba

Jan 20th 2009, 08:27

@ all those complaining/criticising one PL candidate or the other have a choice. they can vote for the candidates representing the other party who promised so much last time but delivered not a lot !!

C.Sapiano

Jan 20th 2009, 08:19

Sharon Ellul Bonici - Is this a bad joke he he - A concoction of left-wingers and third world socialists

Joe Galea

Jan 20th 2009, 08:05

PL has suggested a vast list of candidates from various sectore, with various backgrounds and having various political and social weight. One has to choose the persons whom s/he thinks will represent him best in the EP. Coming here criticising every PL move and every candidate is just the negative orchestra orchestrated by the PN moaners. Let's see their comments at the PN's list. I bet they are all magnificent and holy.

d. borg

Jan 20th 2009, 07:25

I cannot understand how the Labour allowed Sharon to participate in these elections when she is anti-EU. Maria Camilleri had declared that she is all for diversity so I presume she is in favour of these immigrants integrating. Definitely not candidates of my choice.

Tony Abela

Jan 20th 2009, 07:10

What a list! Spoiled for choice.

Really someone for everyone to choose from.

A very comprehensive cocktail of candidates that someone must fit your perspective of a good MEP.

Ronald Cauchi

Jan 20th 2009, 06:35

The European Parliament has many MEPs from all countries who are eurosceptics. They are the ones who keep the commission on their toes. Much better than loading Europarliament with a lot of sycophants who say yes to everything that the Commission dishes out.

J. Schembri

Jan 20th 2009, 05:39

LP has a wide selection of candidates,If one is a Eurosceptic one can vote to Sharon and if one is pro Europe one can vote to Louis. If one does not care one can vote to John.
It's surely not the socialist ideal which keeps them as a group.

Mark Mangion

Jan 20th 2009, 01:21

@J. Schembri - I'd like to correct one point. Sharon Ellul Bonici has worked in only one institution and that's the European Parliament (EP). Since 2004, she has been working as a consultant in the EU-critical field against further centralisation of power in Brussels and against more decision making by unelected bureaucrats. One of her tasks involved the EU constitution and its amending (not 'amended') version, the Lisbon treaty, both rejected by popular vote.

For those who cannot understand how a so-called "anti-EU" activist (should read 'anti-membership') is a EP candidate I'd explain that once Malta joined the EU the EP became our parliament at a federal level. All those in Malta who are critical of the way the EU is developing and who want a less centralised Union, have a right to be represented in our federal parliament if their numbers suffice. That's democracy.

There is no question of Malta withdrawing from the Union. However, that does not mean that we should not debate our federal future, or that we should accept anything thrown our way. What people like about the EU are the "four freedoms of movement" not a unitary supranational state hiding behind federalism.

Cyrus Engerer

Jan 20th 2009, 00:50

Although it is clear that some of the names on the list are serious people who have contributed a lot to the country when in political party independent roles, I doubt how much their characteristics can come out as Members of the European Parliament under the Labour Party ticket.

Geraldine Ellul

Jan 20th 2009, 00:24

What a narrow idealogy...does scepticism boil down to anti-EU...how poor is the understanding....or may I say literacy of the simple mechanics of EU politics. Whether one likes it or not, one definitely needs a stronger act to discredit the strength of the PL Candidates. Sharon Ellul Bonici is one who has the best credentials which positions her at the helm, with years of experience and with the most impressive knowledge, by simply knowing her way around. Sharon is an achiever, just watch and learn guys!!!!! When the time comes, just sit and see her demolish her opponents on a one on one televised debate. She is natural. I am sure that her opponents will be awaiting this moment with trepidation.....we will wait for this moment with enthusiasm. Prosit Sharon we support you and so do those who really want things to happen.

James Dimech

Jan 19th 2009, 23:48

First Sharon Ellul Bonici does her best to keep us out of the EU. Then she lands a job at the European Parliament. Now she has the cheek of wanting to be an MEP.

Johnny Tanti

Jan 19th 2009, 23:30

what vision? what moderates???

a complete hotchpotch...

@ Paula Chetcuti: "The candidates offer a mixture of political elements while keeping constant with their beliefs. Labour has just scored full marks in giving the chance to these candidates to express Malta's views in the European Parliament." BUT DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE ALL THIS HOGWASH?

pathetic...

Joe Caruana

Jan 19th 2009, 23:15

Ohh!
Is the Labour Party serving as a Job Centre?
And what to the majority of these candidates know about Europe - .. ehmm: talking &reporting against it, being part of of anti-euro and anti-EU campaigns, against EU measurements, - that Maltese Politics.
Very Bad to compare Maltese Politics with Obama..

I hope that the people will send 5/6 people who are truly Maltese Europeans from A to Z from the early EU-Malta days.

Antoine Grima

Jan 19th 2009, 22:55

Dare i say PL is getting back on it's feet ? It's definitely attracting the right people

C Sammut

Jan 19th 2009, 22:52

Joseph Cuschieri - oh the poor martyr is now part of the list
Maria Camilleri - opportunism at best
Sharon Ellul-Bonici - such a standing joke

J. Schembri

Jan 19th 2009, 22:39

I think the Mlp has a good selection of moderate candidates and should do well in this election.

@Mr Alex Ellul and the ToM
Describing Sharon Ellul Bonnici as anti EU is an unfair statement. As far as I am concerned the Labour party was against full membership at that point in time. It wanted to have a closer economic and social relationship that slowly slowly would have lead towards full integration. As far as I am concerned Sharon has been working in various EU institutions as a consultant and has achieved positive results. She is an eligible candidate like all the rest.

Mari Farrugia

Jan 19th 2009, 22:31

Wow, what a breathtaking line-up for Labour!

Louis Grech, Marlene Mizzi and Prof Edward Scicluna. Kirill Micallef Stafrace is a rising star and the rest are a good mix for PL who will certainly attract moderates and PN leaning people.

Joseph Muscat is really bringing in new people into PL's fold. Good start for new Labour.

Alex Ellul

Jan 19th 2009, 22:07

Sharon Ellul-Bonici? Isn't this gal an anti EU-ite? As anti as they can come? Does one apply for a job with an organisation he loves to hate, so to speak? Is this the LP run by JM? What's cooking?