Borg criticises PM's handling of Commissioner nomination
Outgoing Commissioner Joe Borg has criticised the Prime Minister's handling of the European Commissioner nomination, saying he only learnt of the decision after his wife watched the evening news on television last Monday.
The government ended months of speculation last week when it announced in a statement that Malta's next Commissioner would be Social Policy Minister John Dalli, who has since been given the Health and Consumer Affairs portfolio.
While congratulating Mr Dalli on his appointment, Dr Borg told The Sunday Times in an interview: "I have to say that the manner in which the decision was taken and, even worse, how it was sought to be justified afterwards, continues to baffle me."
The Fisheries Commissioner said the very least he had expected was an unequivocal statement that he was not being considered for the post, rather than being led to believe he was in the frame by the Prime Minister himself.
Dr Borg said he realised that the Prime Minister had offered the post to Mr Dalli when he was informed that the Social Policy Minister was in Brussels for a meeting with Commission President Jose' Manuel Barroso.
Dr Borg also criticised the Prime Minister for taking advice on the Commissioner nomination from those who were either "contenders for the post, or were aspiring to another similar post".
Full story in The Sunday Times.
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Joseph Borg
Dec 1st 2009, 22:57
Dr Gonzi's best soldiers are defecting against his administration, one after the other.
The end of his reign is surely near.
Steven Brockwell
Dec 1st 2009, 19:12
dont blame you it was shame full, then again what did you expect from gonzi??? he has done it to all of us. petrol diesel electric car tax you name it he has done it. where we informed before the election of all of this ??? NO
C. Abela
Nov 30th 2009, 21:24
THIS LATEST BLUNDER NOT ONLY EXPOSES THE PM's LACK OF PROTOCOL BUT ALSO A CRUDE & RUDE BEHAVIOUR!
MOREOVER THIS IS EVEN MORE PRONOUNCED AS IT WAS IN DISRESPECT OF A MALTESE AMBASSADOR WHO FOR 5 YEARS FULFILLED HIS DUTIES WITH DIGNITY AND
RANKED SECOND BEST COMMISSIONER IN THE EUROPEAN UNION .
laurence schembri
Nov 30th 2009, 12:19
@ D. Stellini, note my name and you can pretty well shame me too.
Manuel Micallef
Nov 30th 2009, 11:58
Dr Borg, for the role you did you were even admired by the Labour Party - and they used to coin you as, in Maltese, "Alla tal-irgiel";
Thanks for representing the whole of Malta, not just PN. Unfortunately you form part of a party, PN, which is only interested in manouvering to save their own position... let alone yours.
Hopefully, a very near PL government would be willing to use your skills, if youare interested... as we are interested in the good of the country, not our own position.
appreciate if the Time can issue this comment - thank u
dusty serracino
Nov 30th 2009, 00:12
Oh....i can smell some fishy things.... must say it reveals the way PN works. Juice it - bin it. Well sorry for that Dr and Mrs Borg but now you will appreciate what we (as in former PN voters and activists) have passed or are passing through. Different scenarios are leading us to voice our opinions publicly against the PN - MEPA, hospital, corruption, administrative appointments. Dear Joe and Mrs Borg, as Michael Jackson emphasised, you are not alone........
m micallef
Nov 29th 2009, 22:07
mr borg, commissioner is not the only one who cannot understand how this pm is operating......the majority of maltese are baffled too
Marianne Zarb
Nov 29th 2009, 21:37
Jaghmilha lil shabu ahseb u ara x'jaghmel lil avversarji tieghu!! Malta beware of the smiling PrimeMinister, there might be much more to him than meets the eye!!!
M.Vassallo
Nov 29th 2009, 19:09
Dr Borg, many thanks for making ALL Maltese proud. Your work has been difficult but consistently good. It is very sad that Dr Gonzi was not courageous enough to tell you directly what his decision was. Men are made of sterner stuff.
Dr Gonzi, please reflect on this: prior to the election, intelligent marketing created a fiction around you..the GonziPN myth. Rather than working hard to really become the myth you still were not, you started to believe you were. This is very unfortunate for you and especialy for us. It explains your so many mistakes since the elections, your burgeoning arrogance. Friend and foe alike are fast dropping their trust in you. You inspire much less than you once did and you are increasingly being perceived as a manipulator, almost in the Macchiavelli style.
You need better advisers, sir, and a lot of humility to listen more. Do remember that 'We Care' and that 'We Can' too!
Muscat. Pat
Nov 29th 2009, 18:26
Dr Joe Borg represented all of us in Europe. He did a very good job and was respected for his hard work. A telephone call would have been a very simple thing for Gonzi to do. Alas, Dr Gonzi showed us once again that his own interests and those of his Party come before the National interest. If he managed to hurt Dr Joe Borg, a person respected for his integrity by both sides of the political spectrum, it means that Gonzi has become arrogant and elusive to the problems faced by the Maltese. The sooner he calls it a day, the better for his Party and for Malta.
g.c.Forte
Nov 29th 2009, 17:49
@ Emm.(lolly) Camilleri.......L-argument tieghek ma fimthux, pero naqbel mieghek fuq il parti ta Marisa Micallef Leyson, ghalhekk ma bqajx naghti flus lil partit , ghax min sawwatni,jew sawwat lil hija fil principju, jien ma nafdah qatt,ghax il lupu ibiddel sufu imma ................lupu jibqa.
m.vassallo
Nov 29th 2009, 16:48
So if someone within the PN says something against or not in line with Gonzipn is kicked out bil-pulit or left in limbo.
Michael Gatt
Nov 29th 2009, 15:16
Proset Dr. Borg about your comments about Dr. Gonzi. He does not decerve better I would say
Franco Farrugia
Nov 29th 2009, 15:06
@ E Gatt: Methinks you are being oversimplistic!
lgalea
Nov 29th 2009, 14:51
http://www.express.co.uk/comments/view/318642
Taxpayers fund EU chiefs' salary rise
http://www.taxpayersalliance.com/media/2009/11/daily-express-taxpayers-fund-eu-chiefs-salary-rise.html
Daily Express: TAXPAYERS FUND EU CHIEFS' SALARY RISE
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/142719
TAXPAYERS FUND EU CHIEFS' SALARY RISE
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6936313.ece
Golden payoff for EU chiefs
www.express.co.uk%2Fsearch%2FTaxpayers%2520fund%2520EU%2520chiefs%2F" target="_blank">http://www.google.co.uk/cse?cx=partner-pub-3080337143548609%3A8obi41ner5g&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Taxpayers+fund+EU+chiefs&x=24&y=2&siteurl=www.express.co.uk%2Fsearch%2FTaxpayers%2520fund%2520EU%2520chiefs%2F
M. Baron
Nov 29th 2009, 13:51
I'm sorry Dr Borg, but don't expect to be nominated again when you only came second out of 27 Commissioners, in an Office that is based on personal merit. In Malta we're simply used to be first in everything after all, just take your pick of EU statistics, not to mention sports, efficiency, accountability, transparency, the environement and lest I forget, the European Song Festival.
CJZammit
Nov 29th 2009, 13:30
The quests of the European Union are admirable but on reading the following articles on the UK Times on line and the Sunday Express on line dated 29.11.09, little is left to the imagination as to why everyone wants a seat on the EU gravy train.
Please search Golden payoff for EU chiefs - Times Online
Please search Sunday Express UK news Taxpayers fund EU chiefs
A. Borg
Nov 29th 2009, 12:59
You're out of the circle Mr.Joe Borg. Only for the few ones are now accepted!
E Gatt
Nov 29th 2009, 12:46
In my opinion, Dr Gonzi did not show any lack of confidence in Dr Borg by not re-nominating him. Dr Borg should accept that it is the PM’s prerogative to nominate the commissioner, and I am sure he does. He did a good job as commissioner, and practically everyone, include Dr Gonzi, appreciates what he did. The fact that Dr Borg got to know through a public announcement on TV is wrong – a simple phone call beforehand would have resulted in less hard feelings.
I believe that this was an internal communication/timing problem, an area where the government (and PN) has plenty of room for improvement.
Galea. L
Nov 29th 2009, 12:16
Dear Dr Borg,
like you I am sure that John Dalli is going to make Malta proud, but this is simply backstabbing manoeuvres in the dark to get rid of a leadership contestant when Gonzi resigns.
Gonzi does not want a repetition of his chosen one being shamed as happened with the election of the PN President where his chosen one was trashed.
Any bets that Gonzi's darling Simon will be pushed as the next leader?
Consider. If Gonzi treats his own close collaborators (in a good sense) in the PN, how would he treat the back-benchers and more so ordinary people?
g seychell
Nov 29th 2009, 12:07
@ a.muscat
When you said '' NOT WANT to do another term''
Did you the read this paper of few days ago,when Dr borg himself says ''Dr Borg had publicly declared he was interested in a second term.''
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091125/local/joe-borg-congratulates-john-dalli
Joe Morana
Nov 29th 2009, 12:00
A big thank you Dr Borg.
You have worked hard and fast and made us Maltese proud within the EU context and beyond. You have proved to one and all, that we (Maltese) are not 'makku' and that we are and can be as good and able as other nationalities. You have set an example and benchmarks for others to to follow.
I wish you well and every success in your future endevours.
emanuel(lolly) Camilleri
Nov 29th 2009, 11:54
Dr.Borg nemmen li int ta PRINCIPJU u mhux se taghmel bhal Marisa Micallef Leyson u tmur konsulent ma Joseph Muscat.Kullhadd jaf ghalfejn Marisa marret,ghax offrila paga tajba u mhux minimum wage,nahseb li kull bniedem ghandu ikun kburi li jzomm il-principju u mhux il-flus jaqilbu il-pozizzjoni min naha ghal-ohra.
Gerard Cassar
Nov 29th 2009, 11:50
Dr. Gonzi needs experts in certain spheres of action.
He made a fiheries expert of Dr. Borg a lawyer; now he is making a medical expert he needs so much by the nomination of J.Dalli an economist.
I's an original way to go about with people. Gonzi is an expert in manipulation of people.
It could be sure he knew what sphere of action Dalli was going to administer and was surely discussed with Baroso. Congratulations both Dalli and Gonzi. What is not known wll be learned by experience
By by that time the world would have changed a lot.
Charles Micallef
Nov 29th 2009, 11:34
The question to Dr Borg should be...are you or have you been a contender for the PM's position?
Here lies the answer!
TONY F|ORMOSA
Nov 29th 2009, 11:19
*NOTHING IN THIS LIFE LASTS FOR EVER.
TONY FORMOSA
TONY FORMOSA
E. Vassallo
Nov 29th 2009, 11:13
@ D Stellini
Prosit. Your comments are the most appropriate in this circumstance. Such decisions require a discreet approach. Dr. Borg, your appointment is also the PM's prerogative. As always, the MLP apologists come out crying foul.....but they don' understand a thing being such staunch opponents against EU entry until a couple of years ago...
This was one of the best decisions that our PM took in these circumstances.
joe muscat
Nov 29th 2009, 11:13
Welcome back Dr Borg,thanks to Dr Gonzi now you can start a new career like a fisherman, supposed you are an expert on this subject, and please don`t forget the EU rules
a.muscat
Nov 29th 2009, 11:03
Dear Mr.Borg,thanks for the job you did you where MAGNIFICENT.,but i read long time ago in a newspaper that you do NOT WANT to do another term. am i correct? VIVA P.N. for ever.
Charles Sammut
Nov 29th 2009, 10:56
@ David Camilleri
Keep in mind that Joe Borg poses no threat to Gonzi's leadership. This underhand manoeuvring has typified Gonzi's tack to enable him to slither to his present position.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 29th 2009, 10:55
@ Mr Stellini - Well, there is no loyalty. And I am no longer wondering why, are you?
g.c.Forte
Nov 29th 2009, 10:54
@ D. Stellini.............Who knows who should be a shame of himself, just read these comments,is enough.
David Camilleri
Nov 29th 2009, 10:44
It is very sad to read this story. Joe Borg deserved better than this. He is one of the best people the Nationalist Party has had. What has happened to Lawrence Gonzi?
A. Mamo
Nov 29th 2009, 10:28
Another 'froga' from the safe pair of hands. This is something like informing his MP's with an SMS. This time around, the Prime Minister's cell phone has run out of credit.
J. Mifsud
Nov 29th 2009, 10:08
..................... u l-kobba tkompli tithabbel................
Carmelo Frendo
Nov 29th 2009, 10:02
Gonzi's star is on the decline and it's shooting downwards towards oblivion at a very fast pace. When you get serious and well-respected people like Dr Joe Borg, Mr John Dalli and Mr Robert Arrigo - among a host of others - criticising Dr Gonzi, then you know something is seriously wrong with the man. Surely the worst Prime Minister we have had these past 50 years. His next gaffe would be to replace Dalli with Gatt.
d.attard
Nov 29th 2009, 09:52
Non-communication has become a chronic illness, an ingrained culture. It is not just a reflection of cowardice but may also be a way how to self-preserve power, ranging from government power to the local band club power, Non-communication may be compared to blood-circulation problems in the human body.
This culture impacts negatively on all of us in so many ways and for so many reasons. It is a culture to be discussed and analyzed for the good of one and all.
No one is spared from the negative effects of non-communication; from back benenchers, to commissioners, patients, street sweepers...the lot.
Can the Borg Experience become a platform upon which the ins and outs of this toxic non-communication culture is exposed in all its complexities so that society can contemplate on its diligent replacment by other benign cultures of open dissemination of information, open discussion and informed open decisions.
I implore the media not to exploit this important landmark for a quick chatter-buzz but to organize a face-to-face encounter that is openly analyzed by a range of professionals who may be able to pin-point the pillars that support this current non-communication malaise.
dusty williams
Nov 29th 2009, 09:43
TIBZAX JOE ISSA DRAJNIJA T TATTIKA TAN NAZZJONALISTI! ILLUM TIKKRITIKA LIL PRIM MINISTRU U FTIT TAX XGHUR OHRA JAGHTIK XI KARIGA IMPORTANTI OHRA X IMKIEN IEHOR BIEX JAGHLAQLEK HALQEK. CASE IN POINT DALLI.
Francis Attard
Nov 29th 2009, 09:41
This is why I hate politics! At the end of the day, what interests most a politician is his personal ambitions.
Charles Zammit
Nov 29th 2009, 09:40
Seems like Dr. Gonzi cannot get one thing right. The list of failures grows with time and is manifestly a proof of incompetence. Admittedly he leads a fractured party but his handling of of the various situations that developed over time is dismal to say the least.
"The Fisheries Commissioner said the very least he had expected was an unequivocal statement that he was not being considered for the post, rather than being led to believe he was in the frame by the Prime Minister himself." Now we have it from the horse's mouth. Not only the electorate was misled but even Dr. Borg himself. Shame!!!
Dr. Gonzi statements should inspire trust yet his actions lead to a totally opposite direction. His statements are becoming more irrelevant with time.
g.c.Forte
Nov 29th 2009, 09:22
SHAME...................A VERY SAD COMMENT...................For once the P.M. should be a gentleman and issue a statement to say why he ( GonziP.N.) has treated this man like this. Mr. Borg is a respected person from all kind of society ( regarding political concern ).I am a labourite,and I must say that we came to the Mintoff`s era again, one man, " jiddegidi hu,jahtar hu, jiddefendi lil min irid hu, in one word........KOLLOX HU and that is Dr. L. Gonzi alias GONZIP.N. wake up nationalists.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 29th 2009, 09:04
This is the cherry on the cake.
The sooner there is another NP leader, I think the better, because it is now very clear that the present one, with all his good and salient points, is unable to handle relations with people - his own people, let alone relations with the Opposition and with others!
David Bonnici
Nov 29th 2009, 08:58
Grazzi ta kollox Dr Borg u nixtieq nawgura lis-sur Dalli ghal din il-kariga hekk prestigjuza. Dr Borg ftakar li il-hajja hi vera qasira, ftakar ukoll li kull bidu fih tmiem. Issa jekk mhux ha jkollok x'tghamel fil-hin liberu ghaqbad qasba tas-sajd u mur ibda oqod hemm. Mhux kumissaru fuq is-sajd kont , idea kif tistad ghandek zgur. Ftakar li hemm il-kwoti fuq it-tonn.
John Farrugia
Nov 29th 2009, 08:47
Dear Joe Borg
Welcome back to Malta. Thanks for the great job your have done as commissioner. Prosit.
However do not try to find any reasoning in the PM's actions. Things have been happening in a very strange manner recently and we all have been baffled, but honestly now have given up. Unless you are Gonzi's blue eyed boy, then you will not be baffled at all as you will know whats happening exactly.
Thanks again
M Attard
Nov 29th 2009, 08:43
Whilst congratulating Dr. Borg for his stellar job during his tenure as Commissioner it is getting more and more obvious that Dr. Gonzi is not a good party leader. With all the leakages from cabinet meeting and general feeling of dissent amongst PN MP's and electorate it is become more evident that he hasn't got the leadership skills of his predecessor.
Martin Frendo
Nov 29th 2009, 08:37
this is sad - what happened to Gentlemen's politics? am not only refering to these Islands but on a Global aspect. yet since we live on Dr Moreau Islands - loss of noble values are being further eroded - a lot of soul seaching needs to be done here.
T Abela
Nov 29th 2009, 08:34
Arrogance at its peak? anyways thanks dr borg. although i do not share your political belief, i always considered you as a gentleman and able person
Rachel Attard
Nov 29th 2009, 08:25
Vote Gonzi get Mintoff
D Fenech
Nov 29th 2009, 08:20
Don't know why " Borg" is surprised!
Isn't this the TREND?
M. Fenech
Nov 29th 2009, 08:02
OMG ... another "gaffe" by Dr. Gonzi.
Is it possible that Dr. Gonzi could not find Dr. Borg mobile number to call him immediately once a decision has been taken!?!?
I am sure Dr. Gonzi will soon offer Dr. Borg a diplomatic position somewhere ... to compensate him. However, Dr. Gonzi "gaffe" is a replica of what happened with some of the Ministers when GONZIPN was elected and ex-Ministers were not informed or updated with the new decisions regarding the new Govt. formation. Recently, it happened again when backbenchers complained of a similar treatment ..... Lack of communication!! and we are in 2009 were we proudly expose the high figures of mobile phones in hand, broadband internet, etc.
Stephen Farrugia Sliema
Nov 29th 2009, 07:56
Smell the coffee !
D Stellini
Nov 29th 2009, 07:39
It is indeed a shame for Dr Borg , who after such a brilliant political carrier, chose to make such cheap comments about the prime minister.