Victory for the opposition and the people - Muscat
Leader of the Opposition Joseph Muscat yesterday withdraw his motion calling on the government to withdraw its support for the underground extension of the museum of St John's Co-Cathedral, a few hours after the foundation, which runs the cathedral, said it had dropped the project.
At the start of the Parliamentary sitting, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said that in view of the government announcement that the project was being dropped, the Opposition felt there was no need for the debate since its purpose had been achieved. However, he asked Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to explain his position.
Dr Gonzi said the project was discussed with Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona on Tuesday and again over the phone yesterday. They had expressed their concern over how the situation had developed and decided to direct the government and Church representatives on the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation to stop the plans for the project since it was dividing the nation. He said it was not the first time he had revised a decision in the national interest and would do it again if it was necessary".
Amid applause from the opposition benches, Dr Muscat said the Opposition was withdrawing its motion because its purpose had been achieved.
He said the Opposition welcomed the decision, but could not fail to note that the government was finally acknowledging its authority over the foundation, after having previously insisted that the foundation was independent. Certainly, this was a case of better late than never.
Dr Muscat noted that in the DOI statement this afternoon, it was said that the Archbishop had expressed his concern over the project. The Prime Minister, therefore, had not.
The DOI statement also said that the decision to stop the project was taken so that the people would not be divided. The people, Dr Muscat said, were never divided - they were united against the project. The only division was in the PN parliamentary group.
"This is a victory for the Opposition on behalf of the people... we instilled some common sense in the government," Dr Muscat said adding that the next step was for the Prime Minister to revise and debate the former Opera House project.
Dr Muscat said that the aim of his motion had been reached with the Prime Minister's statement so he was, with the permission of the House, withdrawing the motion.
The government, he said, should not wait for another motion, although one would be moved if it was necessary.
He said he was convinced the decision was not one of conviction but of convenience.
In giving permission for the motion to be withdrawn, Dr Gonzi clarified that the foundation was independent. It consisted of representatives of the government and the church in view of the old controversy over whether St John's Co-Cathedral belonged to the State or the Church. The government, therefore, could not decide for it.
Furthermore, he pointed out, his ministerial responsibilities included Mepa, which was the authority tasked with studying and deciding on projects such as this, and he had therefore been careful not to express himself and not to influence the authority (interruptions).
Dr Gonzi said there were a danger that this project would divide the people and he had decided, not for the first time, to review a decision in the national interest.
Dr Muscat said the MLP's position had been described as 'dilettantesque' by the PN secretary but he was now happy that the government had come around to the MLP's thinking.
The House stands adjourned to Monday.
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Mike Magri
Feb 13th 2009, 09:44
..@..Mr. Joe Vella (Mellieha)...
You THINK this... You THINK that..... You THINK...THINK....THINK... THINK....and THINK...!!!!!!!!!
Mr. Vella.... Likewise... You can THINK as much as you want, and whatever you want, also...
Happy Carnival.....
Joe Galea
Feb 13th 2009, 08:01
@all PN apologists: It is amzing how you are so self-bloated, thinking that you are the Gods ruling this earth. To make things worse, you hai your GonziPN as the omniperfect which can't do any mistakes. I would have liked to see that you all PN ostriches with the head buried in the sand, if the situtaion was the other way round. Your 'kantilena' about JM being immature 'ghax hekk qalilkom biex tghidu Gonzinu taghkom' is so immature in itself. Gonzi can't stand that he is being outdone by a younger, smarter and wiser guy. Please grow up you lot especially my wishes go to Ganninu, Joe Agius & Joe Vella (Mellieha).
L. Gauci
Feb 13th 2009, 07:32
Focus on the economy, Joseph and Lawrence. Look beyond the one square mile of Valletta and tell me, what do you see? Let the Cathedral deal with the Cathedral. Shame on you for making this issue into a political football! Truly, the Maltese will ALWAYS get the government that they deserve. Which lately, has been fairly immature.
J Martinelli
Feb 13th 2009, 00:34
Of course, the decision to abandon the St. John project is a victory for the PL !
It is a victory because effectively we said No to the project and the PL are experts at saying no to everything. Wasn't this party known as 'Il-Partit tal-LE'?
Negativity reigns supreme.
Joseph was not anxious to find out the outcome of an EIA and other reports and the final verdict by MEPA. He is claiming victory based on sheer ignorance - and he is not willing to learn.
Joseph is letting his followers believe that he has accomplished something or that he made the government change its mind because of his motion - nothing further from the truth. Had his motion passed, it would not have made one iota of difference since this was not a confidence vote anyway.
Just keep dreaming in technicolour Joseph.
m.farrugia
Feb 12th 2009, 21:18
In the interest of the country,Dr Gonzi will not allow a project to be used as a vote of confidence on a legitimate government. Only Dr Sant made such a mistake.
If Joseph thinks that Dr Gonzi is still on honeymoon, he'd better think twice.
Joe Vella (mellieha.)
Feb 12th 2009, 18:20
@ Mike Magri
For Gonzi to have wanted this project at all cost it had to be a Government project to start with, which it was not.
I also believe that you carried out a scientific poll to tell you that the 85% of the Maltese Population were against the extension of the Cathedral Museum.
Mr. Magri, What I think it was is that Gonzi seized the opportunity and took it. In the process told Joseph politely what to do with his pairing.
Mr. Magri, frankly, you can think what ever you want.
A.Portelli
Feb 12th 2009, 18:16
It-tieni darba f'zmien ftit granet li tal PL, inkuz Dottor Terremoti, li dahlu bhal xilep fin-nassa.
L-ewwel il-mossa tal President u issa ta San Gwann..........
Mike Magri
Feb 12th 2009, 16:38
@..Joe Vella...( Mellieha.)
Mr. Vella.... You see.. You too are being carried out by your `Immagination` of what YOU THINK had happened in parlament.. The whole scenario WAS NOT as you `..THINK` it was..`, but as it actually happened.. Meaning.. GonziPN Government wanted the project at all costs... PL + at least 85% of the population...Did Not... Gonzi conceded the defeat even before going into the `arena`..... And in any sort of a game that`s considered as A LOSS or in terms of football, a WALKOVER for the Lbour Party +, Mr. Vella..... Nothing else...
I can assure you ALL PN followers, that it is Useles and Waisting of Time and Energy for you all, to try to even minimize Dr. Joseph Muscat`s great political success and support, and which he managed to achiev in such a short time, against all odds....
The more you try to exert in `demonizing` Dr. Muscat, the STRONGER he becomes.....
BELEIVE YOU ME GUYS.....
Anthony Mercieca
Feb 12th 2009, 16:30
Imagine if Dr Gonzi imitated Dr. Muscat and repeated his statement that there is " No way" to pairing.
Dr Gonzi allowed reason to prevail,
The repeater or copy cat of old politics is championed by Dr Muscat who seems very much attached to old labour in spite of promising us a new style.
M.Buhagiar
Feb 12th 2009, 15:44
Gianninu Saliba - SOUR GRAPES!!!!!
This is the FIRST knock out . More and More to follow !!!
D Vella
Feb 12th 2009, 15:13
Don't dislocate your arm patting yourself on the back dear Joseph!!! Victory for the opposition my foot!! Why do some peoplehave to make everything political?? When the NGO's and various other entities were up in arms about this proposal the opposition was still in cuckooland trying to decide if there was any political mileage to be gained from supporting one side or another before pulling their finger out . . . ! I guess Joseph's article answers the question!!!
Joe Vella (Mellieha.)
Feb 12th 2009, 15:10
@ Mike Magri
"Reading your comment, you sound like you are giving us all the impression that IT IS YOU who have been hit worse by this yet another GonziPN U-TURN due to Joseph`s Wise and Intelligent Political Stratigical Motion, that made GonziPN Sounds the Retreat...!!!"
Mr Magri, you must be joking in your analyses?
I think the whole scenario went like this:
I believe when Joseph Muscat and the PL noticed JPO, Ninu Zammit, and Mugliette speaking out against the proposed Cathedral Museum extension, Joseph Muscat and the PL thought they had an opportunity to embarrass the Government and jumped on the band wagon.
In their haste they quickly introduced a motion, and failed to give the necessary 6 days notice. Which prompted Gonzi to jump on the opportunity, and in the absence of pairing which was not forthcoming form the PL, introduced the procedure motion.
I submit to you that It was Joseph Muscat and the PL that didn't think their actions thoroughly and not as you suggested Gonzi
In chess terms, Joseph Muscat and the PL got "CHECKMATE" by Gonzi.
Mr. Magri, Joseph's immaturity is growing brighter by the day.
J Martinelli
Feb 12th 2009, 14:43
U-turn or no U-turn, due process has been scuttled by this announcement by a political figure.
The speculation, whether the project would have in any way damaged the Cathedral, will not end and will never be known, so no lesson can be learned from the interrupted process.
Besides, MEPA has lost its mandate because any time someone is against a project, he can always rely on political intevention to overrule MEPA, the 'autonomous' body given charge to approve or otherwise any application for a construction or renovation project.
While those opposing the St. John project may have been correct, it would have been much wiser to let the process continue until it produced a verdict.
Had the verdict confirmed their fears, then they would have been able to say, "We told you so!"
Joseph Agius
Feb 12th 2009, 14:39
Muscat will continue to enjoy these kind of victories and the PN will continue to enjoy election victories. I find Muscat's reaction very immature. When will they ever learn!
Charles Micallef
Feb 12th 2009, 14:07
I thought I was begining to see signs of political maturity taking place on our Islands
but, I regret that I was wrong.............................!
This is a victory for common sense and not for any political party.................................!
When are we going to stop politicising every issue that comes along............................?
When are we also going to become politically mature enough and keep such issues out of the daily political banter..............................?
ALF GRIMA
Feb 12th 2009, 13:48
This is a very big victory. However, let us ALL be sincere... the greatest victory to our country was when the PL failed to be elected in government and the GonziPN failed to get the absolute majority. That was not only victory but also precious history which gave a lesson to both parties ... HOPEFULLY!!!
edward bartolo
Feb 12th 2009, 11:57
This is a victory for everyone. It is a victory for the opposition, because its proposal was accepted and for the Prime Minister, because he was mature and considerate.
So, Well Done goes to everyone!
Mike Magri
Feb 12th 2009, 11:47
@ Gianninu Saliba... Reading your comment, you sound like you are giving us all the impression that IT IS YOU who have been hit worse by this yet another GonziPN U-TURN due to Joseph`s Wise and Intelligent Political Stratigical Motion, that made GonziPN Sounds the Retreat...!!!
You sound SO STUNNED and mixed up, (mixing the `Hass` with the `B**S`), that you are making it so clear with your mixed up immagination, that the `Knock Out` you immagined, was actually directed the other way around and must have hit you PN Apologists` `immagination`, VERY HARD TOO...
Haaa... Haaa... Calling Joseph `immature` ehhhh... Mela HOW `BRAVU` ARE YOU Hiiiii...!!!!!
lgalea
Feb 12th 2009, 11:42
Gianninu Saliba
Immature are those who proposed and supported the project Gianninu, not all those who fought against it.
Gianninu Saliba
Feb 12th 2009, 11:12
So immature Joseph sounds like his master's voice "Labour won the referendum" this time it is "Victory for the opposition". Come on Joseph admit it , Prime Minister Gonzi outsmarted you. He got out of the corner and smacked you with a knock out blow. Let's see you getting out of the corner when it comes to the vote for the next President. I wonder how your master will vote, since he has already shown his objection to George Abela's nomination. Are you going to give your MPs a free vote or will you fine them if they vote against the Party's directive?