PL candidate postpones wedding because of campaign
Kirill Micallef Stafrace, a Labour Party candidate for the European Parliament elections, admitted this morning that he had to postpone his wedding because of the forthcoming election.
Dr Micallef Stafrace had been planning to marry in June, but that clashed with the election on June 6. He will tie the knot in July instead.
His fiancee had been with him when Labour leader Joseph Muscat asked him to stand for the election and she was very understanding, he said.
Dr Micallef Stafrace, the son of former Labour minister Joe, launched his campaign this morning in the presence of Dr Muscat.
The Labour leader praised him for his fresh ideas, for his principles, for being in synch with the people, and for being able to listen to the people.
Dr Micallef Stafrace graduated MD from the University of Malta in 1993 and MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the University of London. He is a senior lecturer at the University of Malta.
He said the areas he would focus on were health, education, the environment, youth, animal welfare and sport.
He said he would also be seeking effective action on the issue of illegal immigration. This, he said, was not a problem which would go away on its own.
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John Farrugia
Mar 18th 2009, 08:07
@ N Borg - No Kirill did not summit Kilimanjaro. This was for no reason other than the effects of the altitude which at one point or other effected 75% of the team that attempted the climb. He was just unfortunate as he worked very hard to attain this goal - I know because I was there throughout. However the success of this expedition has no relevance with his competencies for MEP or a politician. I know Kirill personally and he means what he says ..... so I can assure all that during his term he will do his utmost to execute what he has promised !! As an animal lover I sincerely hope that Kirill is elected so that we finally have someone who seriously works on Animal Welfare plus all the other issues on his agenda. Good luck Kirill !!
M. Catania
Mar 17th 2009, 17:25
@ E Vassallo
Saw him yesterday too and did not impress me either in particular when he explained his warped idea of athletes voting.
Stephen Abela
Mar 17th 2009, 00:15
Stephen Abela -Paola
I appreciate the way that Dr.Kirill is campaigning ! He rarely speaks of himself, but talks of his aims , goals etc
Moreover he impressed me when talking about his friends running for the same post ! He speaks for the party and for Malta !
Dr.Kirill is what we call a NICE GUY !
Good luck for the June elections and good luck for your Wedding !
M Callus
Mar 16th 2009, 20:36
Just heard him replying to answer a couple of questions on TV. Didn't impress me much especially when explained his way of thinking on the method of voting for the athletes of the Small nations games.
He stated that he backed Jason Micallef's proposal of sending to Cyprus and back a plane with the ballot box. I was expecting a better logical reasoning from a person of your calibre!!!!!
P.S. See that you speak fluent Maltese when you are in front of the cameras!!!
Marco Desira
Mar 16th 2009, 19:17
I never argued against MEPs from the MLP camp. We need MEPs from all the parties. Wishing all MEPs a good job.
Roderick Bajada
Mar 16th 2009, 18:09
You just won my vote by only two words! 'Animal Welfare'!! I'm sorry to say that we are very far behind when it comes to the well-being of Animals. I wish that one day, Malta will be at par with some of the US States or EU countries on this subject. The kind of places were people are jailed long term for mistreating animals. Malta's 'Animal Welfare', is more of a dog can not do this or a dog can not do that, than an actual Welfare Act. Still no real national medical care for animals. Please Dr.Micallef Stafrace, remember these two words you promissed 'Animal Welfare', if you are elected which I hope that you will be.
M. Catania
Mar 16th 2009, 17:57
I would like to ask Kirill one question? Was he against EU membership or not? No ifs and buts please. Show that you are a man of principle and not of convenience. Because I find it hard to believe that many of the Labour party candidates have become europhiles overnight.
D Zammit
Mar 16th 2009, 15:51
@Janice Azzopardi
Does the fact that in your opinion Dr Portelli is a valid candidate, rule out any possibility of other valuable candidates?
Kirill is definitely a valid candidate and probably the PN is quite envious he's not on their side.
Alex Saliba
Mar 15th 2009, 20:34
Goodluck Kirill a really great asset for PL with the rest of the mep labour candidates!!
G.Zammit
Mar 15th 2009, 17:05
Marco Desira... can you please tell me what benifits we have had from joining the EU so far?
N Borg
Mar 15th 2009, 16:17
@ E Grech
Did he actually reach the top of Kilimanjaro?
G.Schembri
Mar 15th 2009, 14:31
@Marco Desira and Frank Camilleri and all PN supporters who believe that PL has no place as MEPs. – I voted against EU accession, does this remove my right to vote in the MEP election, and does this lessen my rights as a EU citizen, but then will I be exempted from my duties as an EU citizen. Don’t be silly – everyone has the right to vote as he sees fit but when the majority talks everyone has to go along with their decision, this does not mean that we who voted No have to take a back seat. After all Labour MEPs have given their share in the EU parliament just like (if not more) PN MEPs.
@Janice Azzopardi – Do you mean that there is no room for young MEPs. Don’t be silly. You can vote for whoever you like, you can also say that Frank Portelli is the best, but please don’t give age as a reason. Now look at he two Maltese political leaders, J.Muscat might be much younger than L.Gonzi but J. Muscat is by far better than L.Gonzi.
Emanuel Schembri
Mar 15th 2009, 12:15
PN and its supporters enjoy reminding all what the MLP's stand on Europe was. In brief they judge past actions are determinant for the future. That is a valid argument. So may I ask, why do PN supporters rush to cash in their children's allowance cheques? The PN was vehemently against children's allowance when it was enacted by the Labour Government. Again, why do these same people rush and queue to vote as soon as they reach 18 when their party was equally vehemently against the vote at 18 when the Labour Government introduced it. Once we're at it, why do Nationalist women cast their vote? The Nationalists fought bitterly against its introduction. I could go on, but I believe these examples make the point.
James Grima
Mar 15th 2009, 02:40
@ Marco Desira
Look ahead, not behind, we don't need your history books to change our judgements.
Joe Galea F
Mar 14th 2009, 22:38
@Marco Desira: Joe Muscat has admitted that himself and the PL were wrong on the EU issue, so being so negative and retroactive won't get you anywhere. The thing is that the PL MEP's proved to be more than successful in the EU parliament. Moreover the PL has always stressed that now that we are in the EU we should do everything possible to reap all the benefits and try to ammortise the negative impacts.
So grow up and get a life dear Mr Desira and alikes!!!
apgrech
Mar 14th 2009, 22:18
Kirill is an excellent doctor, pleasant human being and the son of a dynamic person who cared a lot for Malta. Wishing him all the best on June 6 and if he'll be elected he'll be a good voice for all of us in the EU Parliament.
Good luck Kirill. Qormi and Malta love you.
Janice Azzopardi
Mar 14th 2009, 21:25
graduated in 1993, does not exactly give this good man much experience. Seems to me he was still in his nappies when Dr Frank Portelli was providing for the EU Human Rights Charter. Were was Dr Kirill when cancer patients were denied treatment by both parties when in government. We do know were Dr Frank was , even to the extent exposing and criticising his own party on health provision shortfalls. I know who to vote and when Dr Frank retires, perhaps Dr Kirill would just about start qualifying in terms of time and experience. As for a free mind and spirit, with an outspoken strong voice as unique as Dr Frank's, only time will tell if Kirill really can achieve this. Anways, good luck and trust the voters make their choice intelligently.
Marco Cremona
Mar 14th 2009, 20:42
Good luck, Kirill...... and thanks for supporting our Challenge8000 Everest attempt !!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=57084937627&ref=nf
From your 2005 Kilimanjaro trekking colleague.
albert spiteri
Mar 14th 2009, 20:35
@ Marco Desira - Thanks to PN inefficiency in monitoring EU affairs and funding, the EU experiment is turning out to be all that the MLP had predicted prior the referendum. We pay more than we receive. An LP government and Dr. Joseph Muscat Prime Minister the current horrid situation will be remedied.
Of course, we need quality MEP's in Brussels. That is where the LP candidates come in - a veritable awesome list of experts in their fields of specialization, each one with an impeccable record of accomplishment.
Dr. Kirrill Micallef Stafrace will definitely be a valuable asset for Malta in Brussels. He is young, brilliant, highly qualified, great family background, professional and personal integrity of the highest category. Kirril has my vote and that of my family and friends. Thanks for contesting Kirrill and thanks Joe Muscat for coming out with such an honourable list of candidates representing the LP for the MEP elections.
E Grech
Mar 14th 2009, 20:30
I ve known Kirill (Also know as Stafrace) since the Eighties. He s energetic , intelligent, goes out of his way to listen, and was always been up-to-date in current affairs. I am sure he will attract the support of a wide array of citizens in his European Parliament elections. Kirill will not let us down! Just like how he had the energy to reach the top of kilimanjaro (highest mountain in africa), so he will have the energy to represent us in Europen Parliament!
M. Cachia
Mar 14th 2009, 19:29
Postponing a wedding in favour of politics
....... where are the family values over here?
Hope Dr Micallef Stafrace's campaign will provide us with better reasons over the next couple of months, as to why we should all vote for him.
Good luck
P.Schembri
Mar 14th 2009, 19:10
@Marco Desira. Where have you been this last year since Joseph Muscat became Leader of the PL? Or you don't read newspapers, or don't own a tv? Joseph Muscat said on a TV programme that the PL was mistaken about the EU membership. And now he endorses it completely. Stop beating a very dead horse!
Gerald Fenech
Mar 14th 2009, 19:09
Kirill embodies the fresh and youthful spirit of New Labour which the PN is subtly attempting to undermine. He is a successful professional who has managed to make a name for himself irrespective of his strong family background in politics. He also has the appeal and charisma to draw voters from all sides of the political divide. I can only wish him the best of luck in his endeavours but am sure he will be a great success.
Frank Camilleri
Mar 14th 2009, 18:26
@ A.Grech
Do you really believe that ANY PN voter, disgruntled, moderate or whatever would ever vote for a candidate, standing for election under the ticket of a party that did its utmost to keep Malta out of the EU ?!! Maybe NET TV should start reviving our memory, even from now, with video clips from the time of the EU accession referendum, showing the present PL leader's silly antics while trying his best to convince the electorate to vote NO to EU accession !! No but seriously.........are these people for real?!!
Joseph Borg
Mar 14th 2009, 18:12
@Marco Desira
what is your point? JM proved himself to be the best MEP out of the 5. He's now proving himself that he's the best leader out of the 2 available for PM.
joanna farrugia
Mar 14th 2009, 17:48
@ marco desira and by voting yes what we got?paid more taxes many jobs lost their jobs and dont come and mention the international recession cos your dear gov said that malta has no recession "par idejn sodi" qed nara kemm huma sodi ghax dan il pajjiz immexxi minn 2 prim ministri.
Mario camilleri
Mar 14th 2009, 17:09
It's very convenient for some people to say that Mlp lead their supporters by the nose but they still did not realised that were promised the impossible by this government and they still believe it!!! we were promised less taxes right? european standard roads right? no increase in utility bills right? we are told that we are weathering the storm but there it goes, exports are down 25%, tourism is down by 11%, utility bills up by 195%, but i am sure bloggers with the blue blinkers will never admit it just because they are being led BY THE NOSE!!!!
Ruben Baldacchino
Mar 14th 2009, 17:02
It clearly shows that Mr. K. M. Stafrace is putting the country's interest before his personal life. It clearly shows his good intentions to do a good job in representing us in EU. We need more people like him in order to have our rights protected.
Louis Gatt
Mar 14th 2009, 16:32
Good luck Kirill. I am sure you'll be an asset for Malta in the EU Parliament. May your wish come true.
Brandon Camilleri
Mar 14th 2009, 16:28
@Marco Desira
Do not make a fool of yourself. We were prmised a heaven in EU and instead we have more part-tme jbs than full-time jobs, more 5 day week workers, more debt than ever before, higher utility bills, up to some time ago higher priced-petrol and still we are the least wage earning population in the EU, have the least percentage of students continuing to University, have a goverment that until last December continued to take VAT on another tax...something that is illegal by EU rules since joining EU.
So please cut all this thing of pointing fingers at PL as everyone has foul smell under his arms.......
SIMON AMATO
Mar 14th 2009, 16:26
WITHOUT ANY DOUBT THE PL HAS THE BEST TEAM OF MEP CANDIDATES!. TOGETHER WITH MARLENE MIZZI PROFS SCICLUNA AND LOUIS GRECH.GD LUCK TO YOU TOO KIRILL
Marco Desira
Mar 14th 2009, 16:19
Yes, we have to agree that Malta is better off as a member state of the EU.
No thanks to Joseph Muscat and the lot. The Malta Labour Party has not as yet had the decency to admit that the Party was wrong trying to keep Malta out of the EU and furthermore the Malta Labour Party was wrong in leading its supporters by the nose. Literally by the nose. When the MLP said No its supporters said No .... following the farce where MLP made a laughing stock of itself by declaring that MLP won the referendum, MLP stated that the matter was closed ... EU membership was then OK ... HOW CAN MLP supporters allow to be led in such a manner .....
Mario Sant
Mar 14th 2009, 16:15
Good luck Kirill
D Ellul
Mar 14th 2009, 15:41
Kirill describing himself on the Malta Independent:
“I would probably be described as energetic, progressive and passionate in what I believe, ready to take on a challenge wholeheartedly and not rest until it is completed. Jovial, easygoing and take everything in my stride.
“Team-player comes from a sporting mentality that the team comes first. Numerous coaches have stressed to me that there is no ‘I’ in ‘Team’ and this is how I try to live my life.”
Good luck Kirill, I really hope you will be elected to represent Malta in Brussels.
A Grech
Mar 14th 2009, 15:13
A candidate whose campaign launch was endorsed by none other than Leo Brincat, Louis Grech, Anthony Agius Decelis, Evarist BArtolo, Chris Agius Etienne Grech, Michael Farrugia and Carmelo Abela.
With his affinity with the 9th and 10th districts, the ball is in his court, definitely a candidate that will go down well with the moderates and disgruntled PN voters.
Finally a candidate that all moderates, left and right, can associate with
E Pulis
Mar 14th 2009, 15:06
I've known Kirill for quite some time now. A lecturer that inspires hundreds of young students every year. Thousands have trusted their lives in his medical hands. He's an academic with an excellent hands on approach. Furthermore, his experience in education, health, sport, volunteering, immigration and the environment give way to a holistic approach to politics.
I wish Kirill the best of luck in the upcoming elections.