Kurt Sansone
'I will not be silenced'
PN yet to accept Vince Farrugia as MEP candidate
Vince Farrugia's MEP candidature with the Nationalist Party has yet to be accepted by the party's executive but the economist insists it will not silence his criticism of the government if the need arose.
"I will be contesting the MEP elections to become a member of European People's Party parliamentary group. The job of an MEP does not include justifying or apologising for the government's actions," he said.
PN general secretary Paul Borg Olivier confirmed the party has held discussions with Mr Farrugia over his candidature but insisted the approval of any nomination remained the "sole prerogative" of the executive committee.
Mr Farrugia had been toying with the idea of entering the political fray since December, when The Sunday Times revealed that he had been approached by the party to contest the EP elections in June.
If Mr Farrugia's candidature is approved it would be the PN's answer to the high profile candidature of economist Edward Scicluna with the Labour Party.
The outspoken chief of the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, said he informed Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, as the party leader, and Dr Borg Olivier, whom he described as his "contacts in the PN", of his decision to accept the invitation.
"I feel it would be a shame that the baggage of experience and contacts that I have should go to waste if I just walked out into the sunset," the 64-year-old Mr Farrugia said.
"Even though the PN is currently in the middle of a storm, I am not one to shy away from bad situations. In these times of economic turmoil it's all the more important to have people with my experience, especially at a European level," he said.
Asked whether he anticipated any resistance from PN officials and supporters, given his most recent crusade against the higher utility tariffs introduced by the government, Mr Farrugia said he did not have such a feeling.
"Until now I have not encountered any resistance. This is not the feeling I am getting from the leadership and officials from the rank and file of the party. I would be surprised if there will be resistance against me contesting but I don't exclude it," Mr Farrugia said.
As for his position within the GRTU, Mr Farrugia will be lowering his profile but will not relinquish his post.
"I cannot abandon the GRTU members. I will still have a low-profile technical role to play in assisting the GRTU and its members, at least throughout the campaign," Mr Farrugia said.
However, he would not say whether he would resign the post if elected. That would be the question to ask after June.
The PN has so far six confirmed candidates for the June election. Incumbents Simon Busuttil and David Casa are joined by Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas, Edward Demicoli, Rudolph Cini and Alex Perici Calascione.
The PN has also invited biologist Alan Deidun to join the list but he has not yet decided whether or not to accept.
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Alison Muscat
Feb 19th 2009, 08:53
@Leonardo Vince
Vince Farrugia is a professional. Today his professional job is to defend the business men. Tomorrow his professional task as MEP will be to defend us all. There is no reason why Vince's credentials and abilities will not be present tomorrow, I am sure he will use them to safeguard our interests as Maltese not as consumers, businesses or workers.
Malta needs people with a proven track record of defending those they represent. I honestly cannot think of a better person.
M Saliba
Feb 19th 2009, 08:40
Mr Leonardo. Where is it that Vince Farrugia opposed Malta’s entry in the EU? He opposed VAT that much is true. Are you saying that an 18% VAT rate is in your interest as a consumer?
And why shouldn’t the business community have a representative? Why is there this situation of “Us and Them” in Malta?
In any case, I personally feel that Mr Farrugia should not have aligned himself with any political party, but there you go…politics is just everywhere, which is a shame.
Franco Farrugia
Feb 19th 2009, 06:06
I am not of the opinion that active trade unionists should enter the political arena. Prospective candidates should quit their trad union posts PRIOR to joining the political fray. As a worker, I would not like to be represented by someone whou would profess to be with one party against the other.
leonardo vince
Feb 18th 2009, 17:46
Another funny story. If I remember correctly Vince Farrugia opposed VAT and so EU membership.
And if elected he is 100% behing the business community. Since I am simply a consumer, I do not believe he will represent my interests
Muscat.Pat
Feb 18th 2009, 17:30
It is a sad day for business people when Vince leaves GRTU. He is a man with a lot of energy and does what he says. However, I think he jumped on the wrong horse, because every self-employed man or woman can vouch, that the present government is not exactly being small- business friendly. Even Mr Vassallo the Self-Employed Parliamentary Secretary, was put aside, and he really worked for the small business. So what prompted MR Farrugia to join this Government's political cart? It is a mistery especially since he is not exactly wanted by the higher cardinals at the PN.
fabian muliet
Feb 18th 2009, 16:27
Is'nt Vince Farrugia the person that's always talking about helping SMEs, so what's the PN connection!!! Have'nt they made it a mission to destroy us...
Charles Zammit
Feb 18th 2009, 16:08
God forbid having the likes of Vince Farrugia representing Malta in the EU. This verges on the farcical. To say that this is the PN match to Profs Edward Scicluna is unheard of. If the PN has really approached Mr Farrugia for candidature to the EU then they must really be in a very sorry state.
L..Galea
Feb 18th 2009, 16:03
Mario De Bono
Primarily for small business...
That shows it all Mario.
Others are of secondary importance.
Thanks for advising the rest of the people where to look if they want to safeguard their interests.
Criss Camilleri
Then his flag should be violet (a mixture of red and blue).
This shows that he uses the political parties as a ship uses flags of convenience.
He will then be able to please both God and the devil, unlike what we say in Maltese that Ma tistax togħgob l-Alla u x'xitan f'daqqa..
Jeremy J Camilleri
Feb 18th 2009, 14:04
I remember getting told off by Mr. Farrugia once upon a time for asking him to comment regarding an issue.
His answer was that if he wasn't ready to give his comments for free.!
I wonder if he's now ready to give out comments!
As for his not being silenced...if Mr Farrugia wanted total freedom of speech, an independent candidature could have been a solution...
Seeing that he opted to contest with a political party shows that his vow not to be silenced is rather hollow....
Now that the Pn has 2 union, or ex union high ranking officials contesting,, a hiddden strategy is slowly getting clearer...
Michael Cutajar
Feb 18th 2009, 12:38
@ Mario Debono
the EPP-ED group might be the largest so far but it is a split group and in diserray over several issues. David Cameron, Leader of the Conservative Party in the UK is looking forward to pull out of the EPP-ED Party.
the ED (European Democrats) has always been a fiction: it has no staff, no meetings, no resources. It exists, literally, in name only.
By next June, the Social Democrats will have the majority.
M.Buhagiar
Feb 18th 2009, 12:30
S. Cassar
I can ASSURE you that this information was not shown in the LABOUR media but from INSIDERS in the PN and not the common Joe plumber , so please dont bother replying back .
I stand firm to what I said in the previous comment !!
Mario De Bono
Feb 18th 2009, 12:10
Vince was asked to contest by the PN leadership. And he accepted. Those are the FACTS mr Buhagiar. Another FACT is that he is contesting primarily to help small businesses in Malta. Another FACT is that whatever anyone says, he is a truly formidable candidate, maybe the only one who does in fact represent both sides. FACT also that he is contesting with the EPP, the largest and MOST EFFECTIVE grouping in the EU parliament.
wally vella-zarb
Feb 18th 2009, 12:10
Vince would be a very valid candidate, regardless of which side he is representing. He always gives his all - and that is a lot.
However, one problem that he would have, once elected, would be to adhere to the time limit when addressing the assembly. Once Vince starts to speak there is no stopping him!
Criss Camilleri
Feb 18th 2009, 11:45
A very good time indeed to choose which mask one is to wear. At least it is Carnival, right?
Now we do know his true colours. And yes, I believe that once he was an LP 'supporter'
There he goes, a person who represents members from both Political parties.
S Cassar
Feb 18th 2009, 11:31
@ M Buhagiar
Can you please give us the exact details you have that Vince Farrugia was not accepted by the PN???!!!
Vince Farrugia would make a formidable character and Labour are very uncomfortable with his candidature as evidenced by the comments of someone like M Buhagiar and how this was repeatedly reported on the Labour media!
Michael Cutajar
Feb 18th 2009, 11:15
It is hilarious to read that Vince Farrugia, if approved, will be PNs answer to Professor Edward Scicluna`s candidature with the Partit Laburista. Vince Farrugia is no match to Professor Scicluna both on economic expertise and credibility. And by the way, I read a couple of weeks ago that his candidature has already been refused by the PN`s executive committee. Another U-turn??
people are right to ask :Who are PN`s answer to Louis Grech and Marlene Mizzi? The Tedesco Triccas, the Demicolis and the Cinis are all unknown.
As for Casa, well I have never met a double faced politician as much as he is. And he knows it.
Simon Busuttil? Might be a safe bet but why should we vote for him if Lawrence Gonzi has already decided that in a couple of months time he will appoint Busuttil as Permanent Representative at Dar Malta ? It is not a question of if but when. After all, Gonzi is the Prime Minister. He is the Government. Am I right Hon. David Agius?
Edgar Azzopardi
Feb 18th 2009, 11:10
God help us if someone of the likes of Vince Farrugia is elected as MEP!! Wasn't he a labourite once upon a time before the PN satisfied his wants??
M.Buhagiar
Feb 18th 2009, 11:04
The PN , INTERNALLY have already NOT accepted Vince Farrugia`s candidature.This is a FACT . Maybe now since they have realised that they stand no chance next to the candidates that the PL is fielding , as usual they are trying their last efforts to gain track maybe similar to the JPO farse!!!! Remember???
Mario De Bono
Feb 18th 2009, 10:52
Having worked with Vince in the past and present, one thing stands out in him. Vince "jghida kif inhi". He focuses on the issues in an energetic and transparent manner without being sidelined. This is exactly what Malta needs in the EU parliament. Someone knowledgeable enough to tackle issues and safeguard our national interets without fear or favour. Many businesses have a lot to thank Vince Farrugia and GRTU for. They will now have a voice where it matters most, in the heart of the EU.