Leave politicians out of it, please
The Bondiplus programme of February 23, was supposed to be an educational programme about waste disposal by incineration.
The programme itself was well thought out and a serious attempt was made by the producers to explain what incineration is all about. This, they did in a very professioal way.
The panel was made up of three politicians, each representing the political parties.
It is a great pity, and indeed a shame, that once again an interesting subject, which should have called for a serious discussion, was turned into a political issue, where the politicians' only objective was to discredit each other.
Maybe Lou Bondì, with topics like these, should leave the politicians out of the panel and invite people who are knowledgeable about the subject and who can have a constructive discussion without any political slants.
When, for heaven's sake, are we going to learn?
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Marco Cremona
Feb 26th 2009, 15:13
W.Zahra argues in favour of replacing politicians on discussion programmes with "people who are knowledgeable about the subject and who can have a constructive discussion without any political slants".
A fair comment, I guess.
Politicians probably have too much baggage to allow for a truly non-partisan discussion on such a complex and sensitive subject as is waste management. And even should a politician be non-partisan, his/her peers will not allow his/her non-partisan stand to last for long. In this respect, I admire C.Cacopardo for limiting his contribution to the issues under discussion and not succumbing to provocation.
As the only independent, technical person featured on the same programme I trust Mr. Zahra would have liked to see more of me (and other independent experts) and less of the politicians.
Yet, despite the fact that my interview lasted a good 15-20 minutes, the producers decided to give particular prominence to the piece where I was repeatedly and adsurdly quizzed as to whether I have a conflict-of-interest - an allegation that has absolutely no basis and which had no relevance to the topic under discussion.
I inform Mr. Zahra that he will be seeing less of me on Bondi+ in the future.
P.Cassar
Feb 26th 2009, 14:15
FOR ME THE WORST PART OF THE PROGRAMME WAS WHEN LOU (IF ALL PEOPLE) PRESSED PERSISTENTLY MARCO CREMONA REGARDING HIS PRIVATE WORK
LOU HAD MANY OTHER PROGRAMMES AND MANY OTHER GUESTS WHO HAD INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT BEING DISCUSSED BUT HE NEVER NEVER REVEALED THIS LET ALONE PRESS QUESTIONS BUT THEN I REMEMBERED THAT PULICINO ONCE ATTACKED MARCO IN THE SAME WAY
IT IS AMASING HOW THINGS "HAPPEN" IN MALTA
Ronald Cauchi
Feb 26th 2009, 12:29
A couple of months ago I commented in my cynical way about a letter Mr Zahra wrote welcoming a new way of doing politics in Malta. He sounded so hopeful at the time. I guess he has become as cynical and exasperated now as I was already then.
Raymond Camilleri
Feb 26th 2009, 11:54
Mr Cacopardo is right. It is no use for Pullicino from the party in government to crow about anonymous experts when he has public funds to appoint whoever he wants to advise him. In a political climate where those professionals advising other parties are victimised (even if only verbally) it is unrealistic to expect transparency. Political parties should be given the tools according to for example votes in elections (thus based on a choice made directly by the people) to conduct research etc., obviously together with a set of rules and laws regulating the use of such funds. In Malta there cannot be a TENGENTOPOLI because all the scum that was uncovered in Italy is NOT ILLEGAL in Malta. Anyone can give any amount to any party without ANY disclosure whatsoever!
A.J. Anastasi
Feb 26th 2009, 11:40
I agree with Mr. Winston V. Zahra that politicians should not be involved where technical matters are discussed.
Unfortunately, in our country everything is politicised. Let us keep politics out of such subjects.
No wonder many people are losing faith in local politics!
AJA.
Joseph Sammut
Feb 26th 2009, 11:14
If it's Bondi+ it must be political
Carmel Cacopardo
Feb 26th 2009, 10:11
No, Mr Zahra. Left out of such discussions should not be the politicians but those who are not capable of making a point in a civil manner. You should point your finger at the culprit and not at all three participants.
Representing AD in the referred discussion I can state that the point at issue was on the identity of advisors to politicians. Minister Pullicino rightly (but hysterically) stated that issues of conflict of interest may arise if their identity is not divulged.
This is however only one side of the story. Government Ministers have access to paid expertise, whilst other political parties do not. This creates an “inequality of arms” which should be addressed through adequate funding of political parties. Pullicino’s party has declared that this is not one of its priorities ! Pullicino is complaining about the effect when he should join those who are trying to address the cause.
Adequate funding of political parties would justify the stance taken by Pullicino. Until such time I think that it is inevitable that we will still have a number of anonymous advisors.
Please choose the reason of your report below: