Some reflections on the promised new Labour Party (1)

laurence schembri

Jan 23rd 2009, 21:40

Martinelli, as negative as always.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Jan 23rd 2009, 20:12

I wonder if Pn members fly air malta, seeing that they vociferously opposed its creation.

I wonder if PN members are in favour of the workers right to strike, seeing that prominent veterans proposed to criminalise that right in parliament.

I wonder if Pn supporters avail themselves to social security benefits, seeing that PN opposed their introduction.

I wonder if Pn women want to vote, seeing that they opposed that too....

I wonder if our outgoing President got goosebumps whilst kissing Colonel Gadaffi, seeing his position in lieu of the Colonel during the 80's.

I wonder what PN trappers think, when they read their pre referendum guarantee....

I wonder what Pn veterans would think were members of PL to tour Europe trying to stop investment by foreign countries....and the list goes on....but ouch....its the Pl candidture for the MEP elections that hurts us so, and is seen as such a dramatic U turn.

Ps....For all of those commenting, please check the composition of the EU parliament, and a number of those elected, are people who opposed the EU, and are know doing their utmost to improve the system....

Daniel Falzon

Jan 23rd 2009, 19:52

I have been reading silently all letters in this blog, for those who are writing empty arguments about SEB, I just tell them one thing, meet her personaly and then judge her. I did so myself, she is the most informed person on EU matters I have ever met. SEB is a humble and intelligent woman, she talks with passion on the subject, she is a woman who knows what she is talking about. I admire Joseph Muscat for giving the woman a chance to show her worth, and yes, this is a change in the PL's way of doing things. He sees the good in a person and their worth, good for you Dr Muscat you too have the guts to do what you believe in without being intimidated. The choice is there and everyone has their own opinion of whom to vote for. I will be voting for SEB, the woman has what it takes to be an MEP.

J Martinelli

Jan 23rd 2009, 19:51

Maybe Sharon, in her enthusiasm and anti EU spokesperson will break party lines and be the first to pay e15,000 to the same Party who made the rule.

But, she has to be elected first.

Way to go LP.

laurence schembri

Jan 23rd 2009, 19:47

Under the Premiership of Ted Heath, the Conservatives joined the EEC (EU), the then Labour Party in opposition were the sceptics.
Today the picture has changed, the Labour Party under Gordon and Tony became the most ardent supporters of the EU whilst the Tory`s are the sceptics.
This is the way politics are manifested, so why can`t we accepted in Malta?
We find Mr. Martinelli (last week) taking about unity, giving us the USA under Barak Obama as an example, yet at the same time he rubbishes anyone or anything that is slightly pink, such credibility is overwhelming. Incidentally, in the referedum held in the UK, I did vote `yes` to join the then EEC. Enough said

Edgar Azzopardi

Jan 23rd 2009, 16:31

I think that it is about time that people realise that we've been in the EU since 2004 and yes the PL was anti-EU - but not anymore. It is about time that we stop looking to the past and we must look to the present and especially the future - always if we want our country to move forward. Whether it is a right choice or not for PL to accept candidates who were campaigning against Malta's accession to Europe is certainly questionable. However, I believe it incorrect to say that most PL MEP election candidates are 'the most vociferous anti-EU campaigners' - Marlene Mizzi certainly does not fall within this bracket!

Dane Cauchi

Jan 23rd 2009, 15:25

If a candidate contests under a political party then consequentially he/she is following the parties policy be it local or an EU policy.

If one would read about the EU’s history and its various institutions one would discover that the EU is the success story of today because it never was filled by individuals singing the same chorus.

Personally I was in favour of the EU at the time of accession and am still nowadays. This won’t refrain me from voting to Ellul Bonici in next June’s election.

Charles DeMicoli

Jan 23rd 2009, 15:22

Who would you rather send to Brussels to fight for your rights, a lion or a lamb?

A go-getter or a yes-man/woman?

Time to take political blinkers off and send those will fight, who will pull no punches for our rights, not persons who want to 'look good' and are afraid to make waves. Malta is treated as a joke by the EU as it is already, we don't need to send representatives who are afraid to speak up and stand up for us.

T Mifsud

Jan 23rd 2009, 15:01

Again, in the rush to defend PL, the PL supporters are defending Sharon's integrity.

HEY! Sharon's integrity up till now is steadfast: Eurosceptic. She didn't change a bit. She was and is still against the EU! Eurosceptic by nature. Once she had to accept that we're part of the EU all she can do is fight for what's best by being critical. Fine. BUT ...

... the PL is NOT like Sharon! Whereas Sharon didn't change her conviction, the PL became a pinnur. First against EU and twice against democratic wish of the people, then like sour grapes accepted EU in the process refusing Sharon for being a Eurosceptic, and now for the ultimite U-Turn karambola, accepting EU as party policy with a Eurosceptic as a candidate.

PL is in total dissarray! There is no direction at all. No one knows where its going, what the policies are. The simle opportunist reason why Sharon is contesting under the PL is because the PL needs to win these elections by contenting the Labourites that where in favour of the EU and also those against it! In the process loosing all its policies!

DAHK F'WICC IL-POPLU!

Kurt Mifsud

Jan 23rd 2009, 14:39

@Joseph Sciberras

I'll tell you who to send. People who know and studied about the EU. These people you are mentioning aren't the only persons 'against' (and by against it doesn't mean 100%) the EU and having a seat in the EU parliament. These people criticised because because they know what's in there.

Maybe if they go, at least they can get something from all the crap we were promised. You remember many things, well I do as well. I remember the stupid 100 million per year that were promised when in fact till now we got about 80 and gave back app 60.

And another thing, we're suffering the negative effects of the EU while the good things are kept away, starting from the vehicle registration taxes and ending with the bank loans interests that were supposed to decrease further more according to the European Central Bank but nobody seems to want to take action.

Joseph Sciberras

Jan 23rd 2009, 13:46

Let's say you are in business and your firm joined an internation organisation. Would you be comfortable in sending to represent you in the meetings of this organisation someone who was vehemently opposed to you joinging that orgainsiation and who believes that it was a bad thing that you joined? How objective is that person going to be when he/she is there?
This is the issue here. The PL is putting forward people whose views about the EU do not reflect the (publicised) views of the party. Why is this?

J Martinelli

Jan 23rd 2009, 13:44

First it was Alex Sciberras Trigona, now it's Sharon Ellul Bonici - who's next?

Further proof of Labour's 'new beginning'!

Reuben Micallef

Jan 23rd 2009, 13:00

James Dimech is right. Sharon Ellul Bonici is definitely entitled to be a candidate. But we should not vote for her. The new PL now accepted the reality of the EU for bad or for worse. European Socialists (PSE) are definitely pro-EU and our PL are part of them. Ellul Bonici has to decide what she wants - is she a Eurosceptic or is she not! If she still is then there is no place for her with PL!

And frankly I just think that Ellul Bonici is an opportunist. She criticises the EU galore whilst she has been working within it for years now. And also..she wants to get more involved as an MEP. What cheek ! How can you work with something you do not believe in ? Why doesn't she come back to Malta if she thinks that the EU and Brussels are a farce? If you think prostitution is a degrading job, then you do not send your daughter to become a prostitute. Lets vote Edward Scicluna and get these hypocrites out of the way once and for all!

A Mangion

Jan 23rd 2009, 12:55

@ Willie Grech

Seems that you don't know how letters to editor are published!! A newspaper will gather letters with similar contents and give them one similar title. In fact my title was changed. The fact that both letters are published today is for the simple reason that I send my letter on wednesday as the news was out on Monday/Tuesday.

@ All mlp elves
please stop consider this society as a fool. wasn't last year general election result clear enough that voters are not foolish or idiots? It's all in vain trying to portray anti-Eu politicians as if we are in EU thanks to them. Stop denying fact if you really want to win people trust one day. We all know who helped us to get to the EU and who suggested the opposite.

@Igalea
Are you serious!! Seems that all your blogs are in one and only direction. You are not politically minded free, so I disregard all your comments. for your info, I'm not a member of a political party or have any relationship what so ever. My letter reflects the sentiment of the silence majority who are fed up of old politics especially MLP babies politics.

Charlene Camilleri

Jan 23rd 2009, 12:25

We are lucky as Maltese citizens to have candidates Such as Sharon Ellul Bonici contesting the Mep Elections to represent us in the EU Parliament. What this country needs is someone like Sharon who is not afraid to tell the truth, to tell us what is really going on in Brussels and has the guts to fight for the Maltese. Her campaign before Malta joined the EU was "No 2 Eu for a better deal" which means she was campaigning for the Maltese to get a better deal than the PN Government actually negotiated. Ever since joing she has critisised the PN government who was able to get us in the EU but was not capable of bringing all the advantages such a union offers. Therefore I shall be supporting Sharon since she is the one person I know who will do her best in getting Malta all the advantages a membership offers and will not be afraid to fight anything which will result in a disadvantage.

N.Calleja

Jan 23rd 2009, 12:14

SoPL is still very sceptical about the EU. PL supporters do want candidates who are still sceptical and are happy to have people like Maria Camilleri and Sharon Ellul Bonici. Why don't they lure people like Eddie Privitera and, why not, Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici to join the long list of candidates? They can as well form a party of Euro-scepticals. No matter what they say..the PL is still the same and will never change!

Robert Paul Galea

Jan 23rd 2009, 12:02

Joseph Muscat himself was at the forefront, of the then MLP, campaigning against Malta joining the EU but one must understand that he was only following party lines. This does not mean that he or his party cannot put forward candidates for the MEP elections. He is older and wiser today finally accepting the fact that Malta's place is within the EU with all its pros and cons.

I think the mix of candidates presented by the PL is interesting and brings together a number of valued views from different walks of lives and backgrounds. The distribution of votes amongst them will draw some interesting conclusions.

@J Schembri
Had the PN not portrayed the EU as being all 'fine and dandy' we would not have joined because the PL's blatent lies and nonsense spread around before the referendum would have gained more NO votes. I strongly believe that the current PL, with their new take on the EU, thank their lucky stars that the electorate chose to say YES when the time was right. We all agree that it is not all rosy within the EU but outside is much darker and gloomier.

lgalea

Jan 23rd 2009, 11:56

Alex Mangion,
Are you envious Alex?

michael john turner

Jan 23rd 2009, 11:51

How sad and small minded this comment is. Sharon Ellul-Bonici campaigned against the EU membership on the basis of criticising the submissive terms welcomed by the government. Since then she has worked hard in Brussels to accumulate the knowledge and skills needed to effectively represent the Maltese people. She will be the ideal MEP to stand up for little Malta among the bossy, managerial European giants and bureaucrats, Mike Turner

Willie Grech

Jan 23rd 2009, 11:45

To Alex Mangion from Swieqi and Salvu Sciberras from Naxxar.

Is it a coincidence that you write in The Times on the same day with the same title and criticising PL on the same three MEP candidates? What's so wrong in a democratic country and in a democratic EU to have anyone who is critical on any subject?

Sharon Ellul Bonici is a person who speaks her mind freely. So what? Does that make her less a citizen than you. Why is it that everytime that someone criticises anything, you lot jump on this person and try to assassinate him/her? If the EU and all its institutions are so perfect, why do you worry so much? PL leader Joseph Muscat himself was a critic. Can anyone say that Joseph did not work hard to achieve the best for the Maltese? Can anyone say that because he was not in favour of EU membership, he did not try his best to achieve the best for us all?

I am sure, even Sharon will do the same. I know Sharon to be a very hard-working and resilient person. I know she will succeed. YES SHE WILL!!!

T Mifsud

Jan 23rd 2009, 11:37

@J Schembri

Are you calling more than half of the Maltese society imbeciles? Twice? Are you saying that the people are not able to make up their mind? Twice?

James Dimech

Jan 23rd 2009, 11:07

@jschembri

Mangion is spot on in his letter. What about Maria Camilleri ? Is she going to "offer" herself to save us all and in the meantime get a hefty salary with all the perks that an MEP has ?

...not to mention Ellul Bonici who is now aspiring to join the European Socialist Party which is one of the most pro-EU parties in the European Parliament. A hypocrite with no principles other than greed.

J Schembri

Jan 23rd 2009, 10:56

Listen, can I be frank? I am content that PL has Camilleri Maria as a candidate. We need people like her to stand up for our rights after the PN dragged us into a mess by showing that everything is "fine and dandy" in the EU.