Herman Grech
Dalli favourite for European Commissioner
Some commissioners will be reappointed
Social Policy Minister John Dalli has emerged as the clear favourite to be Malta's next EU Commissioner though it is not yet clear if he will accept the post, The Sunday Times has learnt.
When contacted last night, Mr Dalli said: "It depends on a number of factors, but the situation is still fluid. We still have to see what's going to happen. At this stage I cannot comment one way or the other. I'd better not comment."
Mr Dalli refused to say whether Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had offered him the prestigious post in Brussels, which comes with a €220,000 annual salary, plus many other perks and a healthy pension. Should Mr Dalli assume the post, it could prompt a Cabinet reshuffle.
If he does not take the post, it is likely that incumbent Commissioner Joe Borg will serve a second term. Malta's Permanent Representative to the EU Richard Cachia Caruana has also been on the Prime Minister's shortlist.
The timing of the decision to nominate a Commissioner, usually taken by heads of government, is important since it is the European Commission President who determines the portfolios of the new Commission.
A late decision by member states may result in a Commissioner being assigned a less important portfolio than others. The majority of the 27 member states have already announced their candidate for the prestigious EU post.
Some of the current members of the Commission will be reappointed.
An informal meeting of heads of state or government to deal with nominations under the Lisbon Treaty will be held by the Swedish Presidency on Thursday.
Mr Dalli was first elected to Parliament in 1987 and since then he has been re-elected in five successive elections. During his tenure as Finance Minister, Mr Dalli modernised the taxation system through the introduction of VAT in 1994 and again in 1998.
Mr Dalli had contested the Nationalist Party leadership in 2004 when Eddie Fenech Adami vacated the post.
After losing the battle to Dr Gonzi, he was forced to resign from the government ranks over a number of allegations.
He was appointed adviser to the Prime Minister in November 2007 before assuming a Cabinet post once again after the 2008 general election.
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Charmaine Zammit
Nov 16th 2009, 09:34
Just for correctness sake.
Back in November 2007 Mr Dalli was CLEARED from all the allegations that were concocted against him back in the months of 2004.
The people who wish to know this story need to know it from ALPHA to OMEGA!!!!!!
Good Luck Mr Dalli and I am sure that your presence in Brussels will continue to intensify a lot of prestige for the Maltese islands!!!!!
H Caruana
Nov 15th 2009, 19:59
@M. Sammut
Quite correct. This time round he succeeded in beating his previous record of months spent as a Minister under this leadership. "Bis-sewwa jew bid-dnewwa" there seems to be a constant mission to get rid of what might be percieved as an uncomfortable senator for the present leadership.
A.Bruno Olivier
Nov 15th 2009, 19:26
The man for the job? Without any doubt!!! Anyone who has ever spoken to Hon J. Dalli understands and immediately gets the feeling the man was born to perform. A no nonsence, straight to the point and as many of his collegues may have experienced has the gut to fight principles to the end. A clear favourite? No. A NATURAL CHOICE? YES!!!!!
malcolm seychell
Nov 15th 2009, 19:15
I cannot imagine the PN without John Dalli .
He is a minister who delivers and he is cutting the rampant abuse of social services something which every nationalist wanted for ages.
He is one of the few people who can get nationalists back to the party.
Galea. L
Nov 15th 2009, 17:32
good brain is worth more than a pair of stro(i)ng hands.
M. Sammut
Nov 15th 2009, 17:14
This seems to be a case of "being kicked upstairs". Dall was never a favourite with Lawrence Gonzi and with dark clouds looming overhead as regards the Tonio Fenech saga and the "two weights, two measures" approach adopted by Lawrence Gonzi, Dalli would be better out of the way in a position that could not jeopardise this unstable Government. It is a pity for Gonzi and friends that there couldn't be more than one Maltese commissioner as he would be sending Mugliett, Arrigo, JPO, Franco Debono and maybe a few others too.
Min xarrbu kielu l-bakkaljaw Wenz!!!!
victor borg
Nov 15th 2009, 16:20
i am a labour supporter in my humbel opinion mr. John Dalli will be a great asset for the EU
but a greater loss for the maltese govt.its a pity we only have one J DALLI
Charles Sammut
Nov 15th 2009, 15:29
Promoted out of the way of incompetent politicians who expect God to help them without helping themselves.
Pity, he is the only person who has his feet on, and his ears to, the ground. I hope that he declines this poisoned chalice.
a.dalli
Nov 15th 2009, 11:10
Hon. Mr. J. Dalli, I am not isure of what you have in you pockets, but one would understand that you do not require the post for the money - prestege perhaps!!!
Have no doubt that you will do a good job, but somehow at this very critical stage Malta calls and requires people like you. We just cannot loose valuable brains - and what worst to accomodate others with much inferior brainbox.