I'm only delivering a message - Franco Debono
“I am not and never was a disgruntled backbencher. All I am doing is delivering the message of my constituents as every Member of Parliament is duty bound to do,” Nationalist MP Franco Debono has insisted.
The 35-year-old lawyer, and the youngest MP on the government side, said he entered politics to contribute and was doing exactly that. He insists there is no rift within the Nationalist Party but diverging opinions, which was “very healthy in a democracy”.
He said MPs were elected on the party ticket but they must be the voice of their constituents. It is their duty to do so.
“I define myself as a person who wants to contribute to the party and the country. I am the voice of the people who voted for me because I represent them. I raise issues in the national interest but it doesn’t mean I am disgruntled or rebelling against my party.”
His comments come in the wake of suggestions that Dr Debono is part of a pool of disgruntled backbenchers who the Prime Minister is having difficulty controlling.
“I have declared and will continue to declare my absolute loyalty to the party and its leaders, especially to the Prime Minister with whom I have excellent relations and exceptional communication,” he said.
Dr Debono, who hails from Għaxaq, a Labourite stronghold, only managed 500 votes when he first contested the general election in 1998. He doubled that in 2003, then surprised everyone when he ousted former heavyweight minister Louis Galea in the last general election.
“In these 11 years I have always been loyal to the party. I have been putting forward names of people who could run for the next election because it is normal that a party identifies potential candidates.
“Politics is competitive and you have to work hard to earn people’s trust. I earned that trust and now, with a clear conscience, I am representing those people in Parliament to the best of my ability. I am just doing my duty,” he said.
On Wednesday, a motion was presented in Parliament paving the way for the creation of two new parliamentary committees. Dr Debono was chosen to chair one of these committees, that for the consolidation of the laws of Malta. But was this done to keep him happy and buy his silence?
“Absolutely not. The committee was my idea which I put forward for the Prime Minister’s consideration five months ago. Being a lawyer, justice is my field and I feel I can contribute on this committee because the harmonisation of the different laws is something which will reap long-term benefits,” he said.
Dr Debono also dismissed the idea that the invitation to join a government delegation to the United Nations meeting in the US last month was a similar attempt to buy his silence.
“Justice and the environment are my two areas of interest. My maiden speech in Parliament was about climate change and this was the subject of the meeting in New York. The Prime Minister asked me to accompany him and I did. This was another way of contributing,” he said.
“I just speak my mind. It doesn’t mean I’m not toeing the party line... I raise people’s concerns such as about the lack of a football ground and a waterpolo pitch in Birżebbuġa or about the emissions of the power station. I am very happy that the government is going to invest €20 million to reduce emissions.
“Does raising these issues make me a rebel or a disgruntled backbencher? I don’t think so. My district is heavily industrialised and faces certain problems that have to be addressed in the best interest of residents,” he said.
Dr Debono also commented on Dr Gonzi’s decision to have a smaller Cabinet. He said he agreed with this concept which obviously meant there was not enough place for everyone.
“All the backbenchers want to form part of Cabinet. It is obvious. I have no particular aspiration to form part of Cabinet because I am young and in a learning curve. In the meantime I am contributing to the best of my ability,” he said.
Dr Debono also referred to the discussion on the PN parliamentary group when Finance Minister Tonio Fenech’s trip to watch an Arsenal match with two businessmen arose. He said that contrary to what was reported, he did not raise the issue, which was mentioned by Dr Gonzi. He said he simply participated in the discussion on the matter.
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V.Micallef
Oct 25th 2009, 17:15
May I just say how much I admire Mr Marcel Dingli's postings? The man knows what he wants and nothing will deter him from his quest. I would also like to let him know he gives a face to thousands up and down the country who are fed up of the mediocrity churned out day after day by Government. How long can a nation languish in such anguish?
m. borg
Oct 25th 2009, 11:13
It is said that everybody has a price, but for some it's cheap.
Joseph Sacco
Oct 24th 2009, 16:51
Of course I commend those MP's who work for the well being of their locality. But if you refer to my first contribution I did not condemn Franco's work, but his style of trying to deliver his message. That is the whole difference between PL and PN - STYLE ! Until a few days ago, I think that was missing in his delivery. Ciao, V !!!
V Battistino
Oct 24th 2009, 15:27
@ joseph sacco
hailing from B'Buga, i do have an interest in its well being and therefore I can only commend those (MP's) who work for the well being of this heavily industrialised locality......
as for Hon Debono's statements, I say again that in this interview he has been very clear and I therefore have no need to revert to previous articles etc etc
as for your relatives living in M'Xlokk and B'Buga, I guess they do approve of anyone who speaks in favour of their locality and given that the PN has always adopted a policy of renewal within its ranks, I'm sure that come crunch time, they will be more than spoilt for choice.....and I will not try to influence them in any way on whom to give their vote...
as for your last contribution...judging from its tone, i am not taking you seriously and so i prefer to ignore you.....
laurence schembri
Oct 24th 2009, 13:59
We have was to make you change opinions. in the UK they are elevated to the House of Lords.
Joseph Sacco
Oct 24th 2009, 11:08
@ V. Battistino - I referred to you as Vic. Being a TRUE nationalist I'm so accustomed to the
V sign which obviously stands for Victory. Anyway, I still wait for your explanation whether V stand for Victor, Vincent, VON, VAN or maybe VIVIENNE !
Anthony Farrugia
Oct 24th 2009, 11:04
This item was headlined "I'm only delivering a message".Well Dr Debono might be the recipient of a message himself in about four years time. C'est la vie.......................................
Joseph Sacco
Oct 24th 2009, 10:17
@ V. Battistino - you said that Hon Debono was clear in his answers and invited the bloggers to shut up. You also referred to them that with their contribution they seem to be top statesmen. I can assure you that I am not. From your contribution you seem to be well informed so all I am going to do is asking you a simple question ( no need to be a satesman to answer it ). The question is this : " Clear in his answers " - which answers, the ones up to about 9 days ago or the answers of these last days. In both cases, they are truly very clear, but in my opinion they differ. In my opinion the same questions had a VERY CLEAR DIFFERENT ANSWERS. Just asking, Vic !
e. camilleri
Oct 23rd 2009, 23:34
Franco, what will you do if your government doesn't do anything about what you are saying? Or better still, the people that voted for you (the ones you are representing in prliament) are saying? you are claiming that you are their voice and I am sure they aren't happy with the extension of the power station, or with the black dust covering a great part of your district. what are you gonna do about it?
V Battistino
Oct 23rd 2009, 20:42
@ George Farrugia
"...and getting reelected will prove even harder if no real effort is made by his party to invest in these localities...." ......well we have seen other MPs who championed projects in their locality and almost failed to get elected. And what did the MLP candidates in opposition do for B'Buga to get re-elected during these last twenty years ?
From the backbench you have to make every effort to get heard....delivering the message......as part of a team !
V Battistino
Oct 23rd 2009, 19:45
some people think that you win elections by writing in the blogs.....every electorate gets the representatives it merits....armchair critics are rife these days, but I would like some of them to volunteer and stand up for the local council elections one day...who knows, judging from their contributions they seems top statesmen !
these kind of articles seem to be glamourous....if the interviewee says one thing, he is interpreted in one way and vice-versa......Hon Debono has been clear in his answers. Now just shut up all of you who do not agree !
As for B'Buga, well, its really about time that it gets something back from the nation, and maybe now it is the right time when there are permits being sought (or already obtained) on sports facilities and this is were the likes of Hon Debono can intervene - by making the general public aware of the plights of the residents - and I am sure that such contributions will not rest unheeded !
And about Political Party business - well this week's Dissett has been enough to show the state of the Opposition of these past twenty years and maybe the next twenty - Mintoff included !
Tony Azzopardi
Oct 23rd 2009, 19:27
Despite all the heavy industry Birzebbuga is still without a basic football ground or any sports facility that can serve as a focus for the village youths. We simply make the news for all the wrong reasons. The fact that there is finally an MP that is putting the message across can only be appreciated and encouraged. The facilities in our area, not to mention environmental degradation, are simply non-existent.
Angelo Chetcuti
Oct 23rd 2009, 19:18
Beyond political rhetoric, and spin in both directions, I just appreciate the fact that someone can speak up about the problems of our locality, which lacks basic facilities that elsewhere are taken for granted. Debono mentions specific needs: the lack of a football ground and a waterpolo pitch - facilities that we used to enjoy, which today have ceased to exist. Residents have been voicing the same grievances for decades - all they are asking for is simply to be heard.
george farrugia
Oct 23rd 2009, 19:03
Michael...... your question is an excellent one.....maybe the government of the last 22 years was not the best that the Maltese merited.....but was the alternative any better? You know the saying... better the devil you know. I am firm believer in the Maltese voter's intelligence.
The huge swings in election results witnessed in the last 10 years or so should be a clear sign to both parties that the majority of the voters are now looking more at the results than their party badge before casting their vote.
And although climate change is a really worthwhile cause to fight for, if one were to ask the voters in Franco's district to provide their wish list, you will find that climate is way down as a priority. I believe that most are craving for peaceful nights free of containers falling to the ground and noisy planes interrupting their sleep at 02.00am and for a place where their young children can practice some sport and grow up to be healthy citizens.
All are jealous of the investment by the central authorities in sports facilities in other district and wonder why their southern villages have been so abandoned for so long.
michael fenech
Oct 23rd 2009, 18:24
@ George Farrugia
(Voters today are much more intelligent than those of 20 years ago.)
Than how come we have the same PN government with the same old faces of 20 years ago.
J. Mifsud
Oct 23rd 2009, 18:16
As a follower of Maltese politics I firmly believe that Dr Franco Debono's political history will end after the next General Elections. I remember clearly how Dr Mario Felice (a PN stalwart) ended his profession as a politician.
But, for the moment, Dr Debono was given a consolation prize, that of chairing a parliamentary committee.
michelle muscat
Oct 23rd 2009, 18:16
Franco Debono was elected instead of Louis Galea and Helen D'Amato. He has raised various issues relating to justice, the law courts and a forensic laboratory. A member of parliament is also a member of the two highest organs in the Nationalist party, i.e. the executive committee and the general council.
George Farrugia
Oct 23rd 2009, 18:09
The best way to promote one's party is to ensure that the constituents are happy with that party. This is is only way to win votes. Voters today are much more intelligent than those of 20 yearss ago and are not averse to switching allegiancies in favour of those who work to make their world a better place to live in. The days of the flag waving party diehards are dy counted and any party has to work hard to win the people's faith and finally their vote.
Franco happens to be the representative of a constituency that for over 20 years saw no effort by the governing party to alievate their living standards. They have only seen the infestation of their neighbourhoods by industry that is damaging their environment and their living standards and even their property values.
The fact that he got elected in this district is already a big achievement and getting reelected will prove even harder if no real effort is made by his party to invest in these localities. Our sports facilities such as waterpolo pitch in Birzebbuga which has been derelict for 8 years immediately comes to mind.
Joseph Sacco
Oct 23rd 2009, 17:05
Franco, you say you are putting forward names that could run for the PN in the coming election. Having most of our relatives and friends in M'Xlokk and B'Bugia could you please do us a favour and suggest the obvious candidate for those two localities.
michael fenech
Oct 23rd 2009, 16:44
(Quote) “I define myself as a person who wants to contribute to the PARTY and the country. (Unquote) Shouldn’t it be THE COUNTRY and than the party.
To me Sir you’re in the game for your own good like all the other MP’s.
N.Calleja
Oct 23rd 2009, 15:45
This interview puts an end to the opposition's wishful thinking of any split in PN. For weeks on end Dr.Debono was depicted as a rebel in the PN and at any moment he was going to cross over to the PL side. We have now become accustumed to these PL fairytales. Same as their usual occasional dream that the PM was going to call an early election. Their only dream is to gain power. Dr.Muscat himself said it on many occasions.
John Micallef
Oct 23rd 2009, 15:21
@Mario Bonnici.
For me if he manage to kick of the change of mentality in the way we make politics in this lovely country he will be a hero!!
We need fresh idea, not conservative people that spend 40 years in parlament that has thier min assured of their position.
Franco don't worry people like you is what we are after to save us!!
Joanne Micallef
Oct 23rd 2009, 13:00
Finally a member of Parlament who remembers but most importantly respects the wishes of ALL those that have put their faith in him. Way to go Franco, you seem to be the much needed breath of fresh air in that mausoleum which is commonly known as the house of Parlament
F.Debono
Oct 23rd 2009, 12:04
Am a different Franco Debono.
The Franco DEbono MP should be applauded for standing up for his constituents even within his own party.
What jars terribly is the following. If the Tonio Fenech issue was not raised by him but by the PM at the Parliamentary meeting, why did the PM have to do so? He approved the trip in the first place?
Whichever way one looks at this one always concluded that not the whole truth is being said.
Mario Bonnici
Oct 23rd 2009, 11:05
OK.
So now let's discuss the opposition's motion regarding the Power Station.
And everyone stands up and be counted.
@Franco Debono
You know that your years as MP are counted.
Peter Duca
Oct 23rd 2009, 10:42
Franco, your maiden speech in Parliament was about the World Climate Change. Climate change seems to be one of your favourite themes. But, PN does DEFINITELY not need any climate changes. It is, and always was a BIG party where one can express himself freely. In other words, a Democratic party. Promoting new candidates for elections to come is and always was the Party's business. And ONLY the Party. When and wherever the Party wants. No need at all to change that.
John Micallef
Oct 23rd 2009, 10:30
Tough I'm PL, this is the new way of politics Dr Gonzi, not a nice kwire singing the same donkeys, like you are trying to do at the moment. Same thing applies for PL.
We need such fresh air in politics. We are in no need of yes sir people in parliament!
Marcel Dingli
Oct 23rd 2009, 10:29
Franco, dont deliver any messages to those who have always refused to listen. The only message you and others in the PN should get is that we want this Government OUT of office. So do everyone a big favour and use your vote in Parliament to rid us once and for all.
Joseph Sacco
Oct 23rd 2009, 10:07
Of course. You are not considered a rebel by raising issues. That is your duty. But there is a style how you should raise them. Don't you think so ?
robert cassar
Oct 23rd 2009, 09:59
as a PN supporter from Ghaxaq i've always admired this guy , for info Ghaxaq is squeezed between Zejtun , Gudja , Paola etc....all labour party strongholds ! even for a PN candidate to do homevisits somehow feels uncomfortable let alone how successfully he managed to get in Parliament........regards to Tonio Fenech football visits etc it was said that Franco Debono was the main source but im sorry to express my feelings but Tonio Fenech got what we call a bit of big headed in just 5 yrs time he's being in cabinet !
tony abela
Oct 23rd 2009, 09:59
A Maltese saying could fit this situation "Isma bilfors u emmen jekk trid!" - (you arer forced to hear but believe if you want).
We hpe that Dr Debono is now in Parlament we do not have to wait another 10years to solve the black dust problem experienced by his constituents and other nearby towns and villages.