Have your say: new website invites feedback on hot issues

A new website aims to spark debate on issues of local importance, with the public's opinion taking centre stage in the run-up to the European Parliament elections in June.

The project was proposed by the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin and is co-funded by the European Commission.

Nine issues have been chosen to be debated by the public in forums on the website: immigration, social inclusion, employment, environment, education, standard of living, economy, health and young people.

These issues were selected because they are likely to be important for the way people will vote.

The website address is 090509.org, so named because May 9, 2009 is Europe Day, which will be marked less than a month before the EP elections.

John Mallia, who is heading the project, explained that the idea behind it was to invite people to come up with proposals which will then be presented to the candidates contesting the European elections.

He said a number of non-governmental organisations have been invited to participate directly.

Joanna Drake, the head of the European Commission Representation Office in Malta, congratulated the UĦM for being selected for funding. The project will cost €65,000.

UĦM general secretary Gejtu Vella said the website will stimulate discussion on issues of national importance so that people can make their voices heard.

"We don't want political parties to dominate but we want people's opinions to take centre stage. This forum will establish a line of communication between candidates and citizens," he said.