Herman Grech
Joe Borg slams PM's handling of Commissioner nomination
Learns from TV that he is not to be reappointed
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 reply that he was not being considered for the post, rather than being led to believe that he was in the frame by the Prime Minister.
Seemingly contradicting Lawrence Gonzi's statement that the only people in the frame for the post were Mr Dalli, Malta's Permanent Representative to the EU Richard Cachia Caruana and former Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, Dr Borg said: "A couple of months ago I was informed that only two possible scenarios were being considered - one was the nomination of a Cabinet minister and the other was my re-nomination. If in the last days and weeks the situation had changed I certainly was not informed."
However, the Fisheries Commissioner said he realised the Prime Minister had offered the post to Mr Dalli when he was informed the Social Policy Minister was in Brussels for a meeting with Commission President José Manuel Barroso on November 17.
Dr Borg, a respected figure who played a crucial role in Malta's EU membership bid, 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".
In a thinly veiled broadside, the Fisheries Commissioner said he had proved himself in the job by working hard through the power of conviction and not by "throwing tantrums" and "banging" his feet. "Hysteria and posturing don't work" in the Commission, he added.
When asked whether he believed the Prime Minister had the Nationalist Party in mind when opting for Mr Dalli, Dr Borg said: "I prefer not to comment - everybody can form a judgment about this decision for themselves."
Dr Borg, 57, said he was unlikely to be proposed by the government for another EU job - if a vacancy existed, there would be several others who would aspire to the post. "Let's face it, the chances of such offers coming my way will certainly not increase and multiply."
Throughout his career Dr Borg has always steered clear of controversy, even though he held the delicate post of Foreign Minister in the run-up to EU membership. The Labour Party had even backed his re-appointment as EU Commissioner.
Dr Borg was also keen to refute suggestions he had not fought for his home country during his five-year term as Fisheries Commissioner.
"It is thanks to a lot of hard work at my level and at my staff's level that many of the proposals that are agreed by the Commission took into account Maltese sensitivities."
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anthony pace gouder
Nov 30th 2009, 14:55
@ A Busuttil / Joe Busuttil / Joe Morana / Henry Mifsud / m Portelli / P Cassar & M Attard
Just read the whole column, and I totally agree with your comments with regards the PM .
The OBSERVATIONS made by A Busuttil , M Attard and P Cassar are noteworthy and very significant .
Its about time something is done to save the Party.
anthony pace gouder
Nov 30th 2009, 10:37
This Prime Minister of ours , surely lacks ethics and at times his behaviour is surprisingly crude and rude . Its unbelievable , as Dr. Joe Borg should have been the FIRST to be informed of John Dalli's choice as EU Commissoner . Fortunately my first acquaintance with Joe , was about 30 odd years ago , doing my week-end rounds in Swieqi / L-Ibragg , renewing the annual Party Tessera . At that time he was only a party supporter. His and his family's kind hospitality resulted in a stop-over, whenever I called !
Needless to say ,the main topics , dwelled on the serious, difficult political situation and party affairs etc.etc. (over a few drinks),
I feel proud and great satisfaction that he achieved and proficiently performed his duty in such a prestigious appointment as Malta's first EU Commissioner . I congretulate him for his Outstanding Performance.
P.S. Persons of this caliber are quite hard to find in the party !
,
Mark Galea
Nov 30th 2009, 10:16
@Galea. L
My friend, as usual, your comments are only anti-PN. Moreover they serve to show the mentality a good number of PL supporters - that is why a PL government fell to pieces in 22 months ... and never managed to get back ... good luck for next election ... be sure not to bet too much money though.
Mark Galea
Nov 30th 2009, 10:01
@Galea. L
My friend, as usual, your comments are only anti-PN. Moreover they serve to show the mentality a good number of PL supporters - that is why a PL government fell to pieces in 22 months ... and never managed to get back ... good luck for next election ... be sure not to bet too much money though.
m.portelli
Nov 30th 2009, 09:53
@Peter Vella
The Prime Minister is meant to think as a statesman not a parochial politician with regards to this appointment. Your comment regarding financial reward is odious and incredible more so when you couple it with 'political appointment'. Dr. Borg’s reappointment to the post could have been a chance to further Malta's cause which the Prime minister scuttled for parochial reasons. Some of us prefer to think of Dr. Borg as being a Maltese national with European responsibilities and demeanor to boot. Dr. Borg is not begrudging Mr. Dalli's appointment (most won't) but the seeming inability of the Prime minister to look him squarely in the eye. European Malta expects better, even parochial Malta expects better in fact traditional ‘irġulija’ demands it. The Prime minister it seems opts for avoidance!
Joe E Galea
Nov 30th 2009, 08:06
Dear Dr. Borg, thanks for your great work, however you were betrayed by yor own party. The only way up for you is to turn to Labour.
Evarist Saliba
Nov 30th 2009, 08:00
May I congratulate you, Joe, for the excellent job that you have accomplished in Brussels, giving Malta a good name in the process. The fact that your valid contribution has been generally acknowledged is the best satisfaction that you can hope for in this world, though a more courteous parting handshake would have been more appropriate.
To Mr John Dalli. Joe has set up a stanard for you to follow, and I am sure that you will live up to it. Good luck.
Albert Farrugia
Nov 30th 2009, 00:03
Dr Borg gave a pair of very interesting hints which can only be understood by insiders. (A) the Fisheries Commissioner said he had proved himself... not by "throwing tantrums" and "banging" his feet. "Hysteria and posturing don't work"...who is he referring to? Who has the habit of "throwing tantrums" and "banging" feet? I am pretty sure who the person being referred to is...and....(B) "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." Now ...which "contender" is the one who habitually advises the Prime Minister? Any guesses? Funny thing is that, "a couple of months ago" the choice had already been wittled down to two contenders...John Dalli and Dr Borg, even though we were led to believe that there were at least 4 in the race, including Malta's representative at Dar Malta.
TG CURMI
Nov 30th 2009, 00:00
"Everyone can form a judgement about this decision for themselves."
My judgement is that if the tenure of a job is a five-year period, at the end one should assume that one's term of office is over...and expect to be informed IN THE CASE THAT ONE IS TO BE RE-APPOINTED.
H Caruana
Nov 29th 2009, 20:45
Dott. Borg, tippruvax tifhem ghax ma jirnexxilekx. Thanks for your sterling work just the same, the Maltese citizens, as illustrated by the comments on the times website, truly appreciate your work notwithstanding the fact that the PM decided not to reappoint you.
J. Borg
Nov 29th 2009, 19:18
Indeed the Government & thus PM have every right to appoint any one to the post of Commissioner. However, from what we read here is that they way Dr Borg was treated, being given the impression he was one of the candidates, and moreover hearing the news from the media is indeed sad and shameful. The more time passes, it seems the more our PM is taking daily action to proactivel seek to loose the next General Election in a big way. After the MEP elections...he said the PN party must be more sensitive to citizens...lyet we're seeing totally different actions taking place on a daily basis. It is clear that many are being pushed away from the PN party....not really because Muscat is attracting them....but more because Gonzi is pushing them away and with a mighty force.....
George Poitier
Nov 29th 2009, 18:52
So give him John Dalli's old job, I'm sure he is just as capable?. I think as a foreigner in your country, Joseph Borg is the only politician I know of and very well respected even in France. Don't waste such a good mind. Snatch him up before someone will.
K.Galea
Nov 29th 2009, 18:49
May I point out to Peter Vella that Dr.Borg is not pointing fingers at his succesor, rather he wished him well. It was not about his reappointment (although might I add he clearly deserved this). Dr.Borg is (like most of us are) gobsmacked by the way in which the issue was handled, and rightly so. Are we at a children;s playground or running the country here?
Dr.Gonzi considered reappointing Dr.Borg - yet he said that his choice was among 3 others - so he either lied to Dr.Borg or he lied to the public - either way he lied. Does he now expect us mere mortals to believe him when he makes hundreds of promises come next eleection?
fbonello
Nov 29th 2009, 17:52
Thank you Dr. Borg !! You made us proud to be Maltese. You deserved much better.
r cutajar
Nov 29th 2009, 15:15
dear Mr Borg do you expect normal citizens know the knick knacks of inside Pieta Politics? . Please be more specific in your answers .Surely that kind of answer as to everybody can make out his judgement in Brussels is NOT allowed so WHY you do not treat Malta at least thesame? ?
James De Giorgio
Nov 29th 2009, 13:07
First of all, I'm happy that Mr Borg made us proud at the EU commission. To my mind, he's one of the most trustworthy politicians on the island.
Secondly, the fact that Mr Borg openly criticised the Prime Minister, the Government and possibly the Nationalist Party is proof that this party is a democratic one, open to criticism, debate and let's hope it stays that way.
Galea. L
Nov 29th 2009, 12:52
Peter Vella
Dr Borg has been back-stabbed like Dr Gorg Borg Olivier was when there was the conspiracy to remove him from party leader. Do you expect him to thank Gonzi for back-stabbing him especially when Gonzi did not even have the decency to inform him that he will be replaced?
No wonder the PN has become known as the back-stabbing and conspiracies party.
Also brings back to mind Eddie Fenech Adami's BLATANT LIE when he told Dr Alfred Sant on the last TV debate before the general election that he did not allow his son to go to university when he knew that it was a BLATANT LIE on the eve of the election and Dr Sant could do nothing about it. No wonder the PN has long ago been called the party CURSE of Malta (Partit sahta ta' Malta)
L Spiteri
Very good link which applies perfectly to the present case. We can now say that we have a MacGonzi. Perhaps Gonzi's decision was even taken on Friday 13.
ray pace
Nov 29th 2009, 12:46
nothing new, that is how the PN works ....u have to find out things on your own steam! Dr Borg, thanks for all you did for Malta.
Peter Vella
Nov 29th 2009, 12:26
Is this how Commissioner Borg shows his loyalty to the party that appointed him to such an important and very financially rewarding position? I had a great respect for him but I have to say this outburst has diminished it. He has had the opportunity and benefitied from it, why deny it to others?
L Spiteri
Nov 29th 2009, 11:37
Vide:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/night-of-the-long-knives-a-nasty-purge-which-shocked-even-the-dog-1434493.html
Joe Busuttil
Nov 29th 2009, 11:21
Tut tut,where are your manners Laurence? Is this the way to treat an ex-minister who did us proud in the EU Commission? How can you expect others to treat you with respect when you don't give a hoot about other people's feelings?
Joe Morana
Nov 29th 2009, 11:16
A big thank you Dr Borg. You have worked hard and fast and made us Maltese proud withi 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.
I wish you well and every success in your future endevours.
A.Busuttil
Nov 29th 2009, 10:58
Is this the same party which was left o us by Dr Gorg Borg Olivier?
Shame on you Mr Prim Minister, no wonder you are floating in boiling water
There is no respect, no state dinners for Dr Borg at Castille , not even a small cup of tea.This is humilation not for Dr Borg but for us Maltese. Surely its not the way to say thank you to this Gentleman who was praised even by the opposition. Same as geting rid of Mr Dalli. At the end Mr Dalli made his calculations well, This is a great loos to this country. Mr Dalli was the only one capable to controll the social securities, to controll and get in line the operation list, organise Mater Dei. Mr Dalli is a huricane. But some body did not want Mr Dalli to be successfull prior next election. I am sure he is going to be a great commissioner in brussels. I can imagine Mr Dalli opening the www.timesofmalta.com every morning and have a nice smile. Congratulations John.
J. Mifsud
Nov 29th 2009, 10:46
.............u l-kobba tkompli tithabbel...............
There is a hole in the bucket, dear ........, dear ........, there are holes in the bucket, dear ........, there are holes!!!!!!!! ( with apologies to Harry Belafonte)
Henry Mifsud
Nov 29th 2009, 10:10
Well said Dr. Borg. Hold your head high!
P.Cassar
Nov 29th 2009, 10:10
If the Prime Minister feels so high up and treats ex ministers and now one of the EU high commissioners like that, JUST IMMAGINE HOW HE LOOKS AT US MORTAL CITIZENS.
I, for one, never dreamt, that Dr. Gonzi would turn out to be so arrogant, haughty and out of touch with party people let alone commoners.
SHAME.
M Attard
Nov 29th 2009, 10:02
Whilst I would like to congratulate Dr Borg for his stellar work during his tenure as EU Commissioner, it is getting more evident that Dr. Gonzi isn't the great leader he is portrayed to be. The dissent within PN's MP's, leakages from cabinet meetings and electorate disenchantment is proof enough of his lack of leadership qualities. Dr. Gonzi is far lacking behind the leadership qualities of his predecessor.