Franco Debono gives reasons for his parliamentary no show

Peter Mercieca

Dec 22nd 2009, 22:42

All I know is before this stunt I didn't know who Franco was....now he fills the blogs and front pages.....in this game all publicity (positive or negative) is good for the individual. Just hope the supposed agenda gets solid more action than simple stunts. Politicians are voted in to act, skipping out of voting reads more as a mis-action than proaction!

K FARRUGIA

Dec 22nd 2009, 18:02

JUST LOOK AT THE PROJECTS BEING DONE AT THE SOUTH OF MALTA IN THESE PAST YEARS AND SEE WHICH GOVERNMENT DID THAT. COME ON START LOOKING AT THE GLASS AS HALF FULL AND NOT AS HALF EMPTY. THERE'S ALWAYS MORE TO DO OVIOUSLY. ON THE OTHERHAND WE ELECT DR DEBONO TO REPRESENT US IN THE PARLAMENT BY REACTING AND NOT BY BEING ABSENT FOR SOME VOTE. I AM SURE THAT THE PRIME MINISTER IS GOING TO SHOW US AGAIN HIS SKILLS IN LEADERSHIP LIKE HE HAD SHOWN US DURING THE WORST OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRISIS. WE ONLY SURVIVED THAT, THANKS TO ALL DESITIONS TAKEN BY THOSE WHO REALLY WANTED GOOD FOR THIS COUNTRY.

Mario Caruana

Dec 22nd 2009, 13:39

Well done Franco!

We the people of the south are all behind you. We support you in all your actions once you' re acting in our interest. I want to ask the other PN MP's representing the people of the 3rd, 4th and 5th district, wether they are concerned like Franco on the high levels of pollution in the south of Malta.? Do you have a clear conscience to go to parliament everday without ever mentioning anything about this problem?

Franco I know many other nationalists who are admiring your actions as many mp's are in parliament just to fill in the seat. You had the courage to take an action to make your voice heard.

I hope that you does not disappoint us and please do whatever possible at least to stop the government from building a powerstation powered by HFO's in the south of Malta.

Please government respect our dignity and our health concerns.

Thanks again Franco for being our voice in parliament.

Anthony Castillo

Dec 22nd 2009, 13:09

What I would like to say to Dr Franco Debono is ,that it is very good when he sticks to your principles but the way he did is not the right way to do it because the PN party practice not just talk the freedom of speech and democracy because although he is very young to remember the PN in the past and in the present proves of how to protect DEMOCRACY. So I think and I am sure that the PN got all the democratic channels of how especialy a member of parliament could express his visions within the parliamentary group like all the others do but if there is other things besides principles like another step of the ladder it takes time for every thing in life nothing will come from day to day.We have a great number of politicians in the history of our BIG PARTY and most of them they started at your age and by waiting for the right time they end up at the very high position of our GREAT ISLAND, SUCH as Profs Gwido Demarco, Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici,Dr Eddie Fenech Adami,Dr Censu Tabone and all the others which you could be.

Abel Abela

Dec 22nd 2009, 09:17

The PN reaction to silence Hon MP Franco Debono - he was 'asleep', he was 'unwell', he is too young and inexperienced, he is egocentric, rose quickly from a 'modest background', etc etc - and the articles by the PN spinmongers baying for his blood - show one thing - that the PN one party-state in Govt for 22 years is unable to handle the tiniest sign of dissent, and the only solution PN sive GonziPN has in the face of any dissent is to equate Dissent with Treason. No, Dissent is NOT Treason in any modern democracy. Dissent IS Treason only in totalitarian regimes. The spinmongers are doing all they can to assassinate the character of Hon MP Franco Debono, portraying his reasons for dissenting as being self-centred, egoistic, unrelated to any principled motive. Save all appearances: no Nationalist MP may put the severed problems of his constituents before the party's desperate need to keep the mirage of unity. Of course the spinmongers will not waste one drop of their poison ink on the YES MEN who fill the party ranks. Dig your heads deeper in the sand. Is this Malta 2010 or Moscow 1950?

Joe E Galea

Dec 22nd 2009, 08:17

I recall last week Gonzi saying that Debono's no show was a PL spin!! Where is the non-Maltese blu-eyed elf J Martinelli now?
The paprati and 'ma tistax tafdah' fit perfectly to Gonzi and his administration. Dr Debono at least had the guts to drift away from all the PN farce for the sake of his electorate. The PN are so dumb that now they are calling Dr Debono every name imaginable as they know that if a snap election is called the PN would suffer the greatest loss of all times. The problem with the PN is that thye think they are God's gift to Earth and that they have the sole right to rule. They are so blind that their administration under Gonzi is a total blunder and failure. The Pn try to demean JM as having no managerial skills when they haven't tried him yet. We tried Gonzi now quite for long and he proved himself to be on of the biggest flop in Maltese politics.

johann ferriggi

Dec 21st 2009, 19:29

i am a nationalist supporter from marsaxlokk .i wish to thank franco debono for being the first member of parliament to have the courage to stand up for our rights and our health . to all nationalists like me i say let's show everyone we are a democratic party and we tollerate bona fide dissent .well done to franco for speaking about the dignity of parliament ,which needs a radical reform .parliament is the ploace where we, the PEOPLE are represented. KEEP IT UP, AND WELL DONE AGAIN.

Joe Borg 'Iz-Zuzu

Dec 21st 2009, 18:02

Dr Debono,has all his legitimate reasons to react,more so when they are in 'buona fede'. Who haven't noticed the leniency of the govt,lately?, at least, Franco have the guts to reshake his own party. what's so preposterous with that? Come on Franco,you're in the right track. and for those who are against,probably they are from the 'tal-pepe' area, with due respect.

J.Borg

Dec 21st 2009, 14:54

@ Mr.Martinelli and all PN Bloggers
Is it this what you call a bubble that is burst in the PL's face.......
It's better that the PN and Dr.Debono stop speaking about this mishap, maybe the people will forget about this episode.

GEORGE CUTAJAR

Dec 21st 2009, 14:23

When is Dr. DEbono going to stop this charade? What dignity of Parliament is he tallking about? Is it the one where a government MP stomps his feet and walks out on his colleagues leaving everybody bewlidered? Come on Dr. Debono give us a break. This country needs a stable and concentrated government and with your actions you are not only rocking the boat but you have literally trained you guns on your own mates.

Michelle Muscat

Dec 21st 2009, 13:16

Instead of mounting speculations about a ficticious & baseless "Louis Galea" motive, the media shoud have noticed from the outset that Dr Debono's absence from parliament meant that he would lose the chairmanship of a committee. This should have been interpreted from the outset that what he did was surely not for personal gain but as a matter of strong principle. He is calling for a stronger and more respected parliament which ultimately is in every citizen's interest since parliament represents us all. WELL DONE DR DEBONO (Michelle Muscat, Sliema)

Christopher Grech

Dec 21st 2009, 11:38

Finally a politician that cares more about the people than the party! It is about time that other politicians do the same.

When MP are sworn into Parliament, to whom do they swear? The CON-stitution, the people or the Party?

When I receive political phamplets that the candidate in question is "loyal to the party", it really annoys me! I prefer politicians that are loyal to the common cause, and if they do so to get out of Parilament, than so be it. Loyalty comes from the heart and God too.

No wonder that politics is so bad here in Malta, and we got a bad name when we scored high on the corruption index in the world!

J Brincat

Dec 21st 2009, 10:14

Well done and keep it up Dr Franco.

We, the people of the South, are fed up with the discrcriminatory division between North & South.

We have suffered a lot at the hands of the PN. More MPs from the South should stand up and be counted.

Roderick Micallef

Dec 21st 2009, 09:15

I was first to comment on Mr.Franco Debono absence in parliament, however after watching this video I must respect Mr.Debono's decisions and actions. Who ever doesn't respect Mr.Debono's decisions doesn't deserve to be respected in a way because, all Mr.Debono did was to use his vote in the best interest of our country and people.
Even though I don't form part of his district/s I can say that I would be very happy to have a politician that is so determine to do what is right. As a floating voter I feel that by only thinking with my own brains I will have the ability to take logical decisions and I will be able to choose who I think is best for my own country. So whoever is in government deserves to be pulled by the ears every now and again and wake up at REAL realities and not invented ones and maybe re-analyze what is truly best for all of us and not only cherish at short term gains! Finally I only wish that most people don't take things too seriously because at the end of the day it's not that worth it, life is too short, it really is!

Muscat. Pat

Dec 21st 2009, 08:46

Alas, it seems that the gatekeepers have crashed; things are falling apart, the centre cannot hold itself, and the last vestiges of " steady as she goes" is in shambles!

K. Spiteri

Dec 21st 2009, 08:25

It seems those against Dr. Debono never followed the what goes on in the house of commons and how many protests the MPs of both parties do.
The last election was won by Dr. Gonzi single handedly -- Can he do it next time?
As for Dr. Debono he did his duty for the 5th District before it is going to be too late - he could not dally dally about the new extension.
I do advice our MP not to expect that all his costituents are going to be thankfull. So please look after your career because it makes you a very independent person that is why you are a good MP -- on the other hand the 5th District may loose you but then they get the people they deserve.

Anthony Pace Gouder

Dec 21st 2009, 03:42

@ J . Cauchi
Jien mhux ghall fatt ta' kemm ma hallsux it-tessera nikkummenta , izda ghall-kif taw struzzjoni li it-tesserament jista jsir sempliciment bil-mobile phone. (?)
X'serjeta din ! Addio , l-applikazzjoni bil-proponent u s-secondant (it -tnejn fuq sena tesserati ) u lis-scrutinju mil - kumitati sezzjonali ! Barra min hekk , wara l-approvazzjoni , kienet tittiehed id-Dar Centrali ,biex issir il-card . Din kienet jew tinghata personalment lill-membru gdid, jew tingabar mill-Kazin tal-local jew mid-Dar Centrali . Kien ikun process ta' xi erbgha gimghat . Mur gibghom li kellhom jigbru mat' tlett elef tessera !
Illum , tassew m'ghandhomx x'jaghmlu!

G Farrugia

Dec 20th 2009, 23:46

For standing up to be counted and fighting for the downtrodden residents of the south Franco knows the political risks he is taking. Those that have their bread already buttered on both sides will try to crucify him.... and if he is crucified, he knows he will be in good company. After all, even our lord was crucified for doing exactly the same thing. So Franco has only my admiration for what he is trying to do.

After all what is the better choice... a lacky back bench position in our laughable parliament or the respect of all those who hold truth and justice at heart.

Daniel Zerafa

Dec 20th 2009, 19:32

Ma ghandiex l istess valuri bhal Franco Debono. Imma jekk dan jemmen f dak li qed jghid u jghidu minn qalbu ghalija huwa ragel u bniedem ezemplari ta' kif ghanda titmexxa il vera politika b onesta'. Minn jghid li kull ma qal f dan il filmat huwa kollu invenzjoni tieghu, nissugerilu iqum mil fantasija u l illuzjoni li qed jghix fiha.

Daniel Zerafa
Xlukkajr Etniku

J.Cauchi

Dec 20th 2009, 19:00

Why are some taking it out on Franco here? Take it on the PN and the Prime Minister they are the ones who want to open a new power station that is going to be a huge threat to the health of thousands of people residing in the Marsaxlokk/B'Buga/Ghaxaq/Zejtun area in which hundreds of nationalist families live. Blame it on the PN and Gonzi for it is they that want to open an incinerator too in Delimara and transport 15 containers of deadly dust everyday from within this area

Imma intom xi hsibtuhom lin-nies gheziez tal-PN? Hsibtu li tistghu tkomplu tinjorawhom u tghadduhom biz-zmien u tippretendu li jibqghu b'halqhom maghluq?

Franco you did the right thing and I think that all Nationalists in the south should vote for you or not vote at all in the next election or vote labour increasing their already huge majorities in these localities.

@Nationslists attacking Franco--tahsbu li franco biss imdejjaq?.....ghidu lil tal-Pieta jghidu kemm nies m'ghadhomx ihallsuha it-tessera tal-PN kemm ilha li saret l-elezzjoni generali

John Atard

Dec 20th 2009, 18:00

Well . I think Franco is not a yes man like other backbenchers, he there to giva service in Parliament and also for his district .Maybe from now on things will change as I know so many not ready to vote again to our great party that change the country and created lots of opportunities , I can t BELIEVE that one day we have to live under labour administration biex jaqdu in-nies taghhom biss diga lesti meta tismaghhom jitkellmu bejniethom , please Prime Minister lets unite to win again , like that nice tune we play during election fever

GEORGE CUTAJAR

Dec 20th 2009, 16:33

Dr. Debono would do a great service to his party, his leader and our country if he simply shuts up and stop trying to justify his actions. He has killed his political career once and for all.

alex vella

Dec 20th 2009, 16:06

The way some people talk seems that because the 5th district is without a ministry or parliamentary secretariat is scandalous.

I remember under previous PN governments, mainly after the 1987 and 1992 elections, that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Districts had 1 minister and 1 parliamentary secretary between them.

Where were the people that are complaining now?

The 5th District does represent a chunk of the South so do the 2nd 3rd and 4th Districts.

Miguel Borg

Dec 20th 2009, 14:59

Very Funny Franco! Your days are counted in the PN. Itlaq ghax se jtelquk! Iz-zmien tal-kont jasal u ibqa ftakar dak li ktibtlek hawn! Il-Karriera tieghek fil-PN 'Dominus Babiscus'. Spiccat! Il-kelma fuqek min shabek tiga bdiet tasal baxx, baxx f'widnejn il-votanti nazzjonalisti tad-distrett tieghek. Ghandek mohh bizejjed biex tifhem. Thallix min jumiljak!

m. borg (slm)

Dec 20th 2009, 14:07

.....and he felt his message had been conveyed.

I doubt if it was Franco's message that was conveyed, I would rather think it was Dr Gonzi's that got through.

M MIFSUD

Dec 20th 2009, 13:43

Franco Debono huwa persuna ta principju u ta kuragg,biex jasal jiehu stand tali li tista ttellfu l popolarita ma nies li mohhom ma jarafx min qed jiggieled ghalihom u min qed jidlikhom bix xemgha. Jien nies bhal Franco irrid li jirraprezentghuni fil parlament u mhux xi hadd tajjeb ghac cerimonji biss.Franco huwa l ahhar tama tieghi biex darb ohra nivvota PN.

G.Schembri

Dec 20th 2009, 13:21

5th District PN voters voted for Franco Debono rather than other more established politicians (http://www.doi.gov.mt/en/elections/2008/General%20Elections/fifth.asp), because they did not want any "Yes Man" representing them in Parliament. It is the duty of each and every MP to put his constituents' interest before that of his party. Keep it up Dr Debono I am waiting for Dr Ninu Zammit to support Dr Debono. The PN should thank Dr Franco Debono because he helped them win the last election. If Dr L. Gonzi does heed what Dr Debono is telling him, the PN will lose quite a number of votes come next election, cause those who voted for Dr Debono will either not vote or vote for another party.

mario camilleri

Dec 20th 2009, 13:09

Franco Debono. You embarrassed all of us. If you have issues then there are other avenues open to you.

john fenech

Dec 20th 2009, 12:58

Dr.Debono, on the faithful night had the arithmetic correct; 32 members present from both parties, the reading in question did not constitute a vote of confidence, at the extreme the Speaker will cover his absence. That was the actual scenario and when it mattered most, somehow, the checks and balances were back in place!

Alas, Dr.Debono the arithmetic was correct but the mathematics was not, because what you perceived as a simple equation was in fact a very complicated longstanding problem with several non-stable elements.

In fact, if the PM had a strategy to fill the vacuum, wittingly or otherwise created, this misadventure could be a godsend reason or excuse for him to affect the reshuffle closest to present requirements.

Politics is not the art of the possible. It consists in choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable. That is the reason why on the other side of any politician’s ID document there is the reminder, “Damn your principles! Stick to your party”

Joe Bonnici

Dec 20th 2009, 12:45

@ Mario Azzopardi Can you show us these photos. Or is this another PN spin to distract the attention of the people from PN problems & the problems the country is facing.

Joseph Agius

Dec 20th 2009, 12:32

@Stefan Sacco
Nahseb ghandek zbal meta ghidt li l Prim Minstru mis south, ghaliex dak ma ghad ghandu saying ta xejn. Tan North hadlu over. Min jidher ghax wiccu sabih ghal quddiem il camera u min imexxi spiccajna.

Mario Brincat

Dec 20th 2009, 12:25

I am sorry Mr Debono, we do not need you in our party. You have already done some harm for our party remembering that you took the place of the some really important people in PN, now this?! Resign cause insiders like you are doing much more harm than opposition.

stephen baldacchino

Dec 20th 2009, 12:20

nice excuse hehe

O. Grech

Dec 20th 2009, 12:18

Though I agree with Franco Debono on certain issues he is bringing up, i cannot let by what happened last monday. Though Franco's purpose is good, we saw how a political immature person he is. There are various other ways of how to convey his message...and the messages were getting through slowly slowly. But moving out of parliament is immature. Apart from this, it is time to be united to work together to create more jobs and get more investments because that is the most important thing at the moment and not fighting for one self and one's constituants only but work for the whole country (and i am from the south of Malta).

Joseph Zammit

Dec 20th 2009, 12:07

First of all PROSET Franco. Kellu bzonn kulhadd ragel bhalu.

@J.Bugeja.

Grow up. Its about time.

@Dennse Sammut.

If there is someone thant need to be ashamed is the PM. Unfortunately various times he showed that he doesnt know how.

Thnaks again Franco.

Michael Catania

Dec 20th 2009, 12:06

I am beginning to come down to a single conclusion about the conservative bloggers hereunder and that is that they have a VERY short memories and a lot of questions keep going unanswered. I suggest that Franco Debono should be left alone as he has already waned under pressure and let him enjoy the festivities in peace, and lets leave it at that.
@ Helen Cassar Why bring up the 70,s your party has a lot to answer for. Unfortunately religous beleives are pushed aside for plitical gains and I know what I'm talking about.

Ray Spiteri

Dec 20th 2009, 11:37

@Dennis Sammut
Tell us now your agenda. shame on you . how democratic. no wonder so many pn activists are leaving and heading to pl. i have already joined.
ray

T. Puli

Dec 20th 2009, 11:19

Helen Cassar
X'ghandhom x'jaqsmu s-sebghinijiet!!!!! Mela vera li l-unika arma li baqaghlu l-PN hija s-sebghinijiet biex issa qed tuzawha kontra deputati parlamentari nazzjonalisti stess! Aqtghuha bl-argumenti li jifirdu! Ghaddew tletin sena minn dak iz-zmien, u la Franco Debono u wisq anqas il-maggoranza tal-Maltin li jridu gid lil gzirithom, ma jridu jibqghu jisimghu id-diska tas-sebghinijiet! Ghad jasal zmien meta l-PN jinduna li kisser lilu nnifsu ghax dejjem isemmi is-sebghinijet u t-tminijiet. Intom li ghextuhom dawk iz-zmenijiet forsi jaghmlu l-effett mixiteq fuqkom! Imma fuqi u fuq min hu tampari.... nafu li sehhew u jalla qatt ma jergghu jigru!

P. Mallia

Dec 20th 2009, 11:17

As a person from the south who does not care of the bla bla bla of the parties (and their blind supporters posting at this site), the only thing I can tell to Franco is THANKYOU!!

Adrian Cachia

Dec 20th 2009, 10:55

Wish all the MP's where like him!! We need candidates from both sides that vote on the issue on how they really feel about it. Maybe it is about time that people stop thinking that AD in parliament would dictate everything by 1 vote! The only time they agreed about the same thing was the pay rise!

Good Luck Dr.Debono! You are speaking on behalf of democracy, however it won't go down well with your PN Party followers!

A Saliba

Dec 20th 2009, 10:47

@Ronald Mifsud
Sa fejn naf jien deputat jirrapresenta l-kostitwenti tieghu qabel kollox. Kieku mhux hekk allura nelegu biss kap ta' partit u jaghzel id-deputati hu kif jaqbel lill-partit biss u mhux lill-poplu. Ibqa cert li kieku jkollna biss puppets li hsiebhom ikun biss kif jibqghu izommu l-poter. Irraguna naqra pls u mhux bil-passjoni.

Helen Cassar

Dec 20th 2009, 10:27

Dr Debono, where were you in the 70s eh? we were fighting for democracy so that people like you today have the freedom you are enjoying, and which you can only enjoy under the PN. Come off it..........and kiss your political career goodbye.

Kevin Abela

Dec 20th 2009, 10:13

@J.Bugeja

I understand that people like you prefer inhaling toxic chemicals for the rest of their lives rather than criticising the goverment for wrong political decisions. Wake up my friend... we have only one life to live.

J.Borg

Dec 20th 2009, 09:53

U il-kobba tkompli tithabbel....min jghid mod u min jghid iehor....lill min se nemmnu!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stefan Sacco

Dec 20th 2009, 09:51

Thanks for showing your solidarity towards the problems of the South of malta...ghax lanqas Prim Ministru mis South ma kien bizzejjed biex forsi jibdew jaghtu kazna !!!!!

ronald mifsud

Dec 20th 2009, 09:45

Int tlajt ghalik innifsek jew ghal partit? Lil partit hsara qed taghmillu. Tinsiex li int tlajt bis-sahha tal-partit. F'ismek ma kont taghmel xejn. Jekk hemm affarijiet li qed idejquk iddiskutihom ma min hemm bzonn u mhux tpaxxi l-haddiehor u taghmel hasra lil partit. Darb'ohra lanqas biss nikkonsidrak!!

simon amato

Dec 20th 2009, 09:44

TO ALL PN BLOGGERS WHO ARE AGAINST DR FRANCO DEBONO...MISSKOM TISTHU INTOM MHUX FRANCO...DAK QED JIDDEFENDI BIS-SERJETA LILL KOSTITWENTI TIEGHU..IL-FATTI HUMA LI GVERNIJIET TAL-PN GABU LIS SOUTH TA MALTA MIZBLA!!.MISSHOM JISTHU IKTAR IN NAZZJONALISTI TAS SOUTH LI QED JIHDUHA KONTRIEH SPECJALMENT TA MARSAXLOKK!! . AWGURI U KURAGG FRANCO. NAF LI MHUX HA TWAQA L GVERN IMMA TBEZBIZA TAJBA DEJJEM. JIEN VERA MINIX MAL-PN IMMA MIN JAGHMEL HEKK NAMMIRAH.

G.Debono

Dec 20th 2009, 09:43

First reaction taf tkun ta rabja lejn is-sur Debono, pero l-ahwa, il-partit ilu jitlef kunsilli wara kunsilli, elezjoni tal-EU wara l-ohra. L-messagg dejjem kien, ser inkunu widnejna ma l-art biex nisimghukom. Dan qatt gara ? (issa qed nirreferi ghaz-zewg partiti, anka tal-MLP 96-98 ghamlu stragi madornali). Il-kilba ghal poter tghamihom biz-zejjed biex jigu altament ghala biebhom (biex ma nuzhax kelma ohra) minnha kollha.

Tbezbiza bhal din minn Franco Debono tghin ftit (anka jekk il-quddiem jispicca s-sacrificial lamb talli ghamel) biex turi lit-tmexxija li huma vulnerabli u tfakkarhom li kellhom jisimghu aktar (haga li QATT ma grat ghada).

Ftit Ez. Power station extension - Dr. Gonzi jaf li l-poplu kontra t-tip ta makinarju li intghazel jew le? Allura ser tibqa sejjer biha xorta? Political suicide!

Extension wara l-ohra ghat-tax defaulters - Dan genn! - u jiena li dejjem hallast? Bghal? Defaulters are king - the rest?

Ambjent. Cajta kienet ta' Gonzi li l-ambjent ser jkun l-ewwel meta jkollok kazijiet bhal Bahrija u ohra (Armier boathouses agreement before election?!) . Mepa giet kritikata sew - Gonzi x'qal? Wissa lill min kritika!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wasal iz-zmien ghat-3 partit biex jkun ta garanzija ghalina.

J. Borg

Dec 20th 2009, 09:36

Interviewer: "... tahseb li l-messagg wasal?"
FD: "Jiena? ... Nahseb li l-messagg wasal."

Hawnhekk ma wasal xejn... I cannot see how it could have been conveyed clearly through your actions, particularly after four days of silence. There are better methods for what you 'intended' to transmit.

You are an intelligent person, thus you know these methods.
But I am clever, thus I don't believe you.

E. Vassallo

Dec 20th 2009, 09:34

Iddahhaqx. Vera kienet premeditata ghax hallejt kollox ghal ahhar seduta tal-parlament fl-ghaxija. Jekk ridt tghaddi messagg, gie backfired fuqek innifsek. Il-Partit m'ghandux bzonn attention seekers.

CFarrugia

Dec 20th 2009, 09:32

well done Franco Debono! we need people in parliament to prioritize health issues, pollution issues and the justice system in this country, which currently seem to be not considered at all. In certain areas in Malta, one can hardly breathe due to the dust. Now they even want to prolong the time by when dust levels are brought to EU level, this is a shame actually, this means more illnesses for us Maltese cause of bad air, especially in certain areas of Malta. there is nothing to prolong action must be done immediately about this....many illnesses could be avoided if we have good air. we want to see something done with the taxes we are paying, something concrete for all people, not just for the selected few

Rocco Cauchi

Dec 20th 2009, 09:30

There is one basic point that should be remembered in politics. It is a thankless job where the push-pull theory of elementary nuclear physics applies, and where nuclei and caucus groups have it all. There are two antagonist parties, alright, but then there are various splits within each party, mostly depending in Malta on age/old-boy relationships, legal/other professional status, town/group membership etc. We are not yet mature enough to beat the us-them mindset which, unfortunately, is very significant of a primitive society.
On the dignity of Parliament, this has been overtaken by the media which, nowadays, rather than just reporting plays the protoganist in an open-market mind-bashing contest for the highest audience. Those were the days when important statements where made, and immediately debated, in the House.
As to problems in the south , it all smacks of regionalism which has been with us since Gozo was considered a plum prize. Might it be that the time has come to consider a regional-political, structure with parliamentary secretaries rather than Ministers? We have already made a move with local councils.
Addressing the justice sector, our courts are inundated with lawyers and, consequently, cases. Should regional courts also be suggested here?

mario azzopardi

Dec 20th 2009, 09:20

Prosit Franco. Our party allows dissidents and it allows members to criticize without being ostracized.
The visit by Dr Gonzi to your house reminds me of a certain day in April of 1998 when Dr SAnt visited Mr Mintoff. We have pictures of the event which we can release on due course when the time comes.

Ludwig Flask

Dec 20th 2009, 09:20

I find Hon. Gonzi very remarkable in keeping the PN in government although faced with quite a number of hitches / problems, keeping hold with just one seat more over his opposition during this legislation – Dr Orlando, Dr Dalli, Dr Gatt, Dr Debono, MEPA, VAT, ATP, MRA, MMA, Mater Dei, the list goes on. One has to give him credit. It’s a pity though he cannot concentrate of social issues, wages, jobs, education, solidarity, economy, tourism, in other words what’s more important to our country. Should PL be in leadership in next GE I would recommend Dr Muscat to accept Dr Gonzi within PL and appoint him as Vice PM and give him a different ministry every year, even appoint him as consultant within same PL would do good, or not?

S Bonnici

Dec 20th 2009, 09:20

Finally someone who has Birzebbuga and Marsaxlokk at heart. Keep it up!

G.Schembri

Dec 20th 2009, 08:58

PROSIT U KURAGG FRANCO TAJBA TBAZBIZA LIL PARTIT GHAX CERTU MEMBRI PARLAMANTARI U MINISTRI LANQAS EMAIL MA JIRRISPONDU U IMBAT FL-ELEZJONI HAFNA TAHBIT TA BIEBIEN GHAL VOT. PROSIT FRANCO.

M Muscat

Dec 20th 2009, 08:38

Dan ilu biss sentejn fil-parlament. Mur gibu wara xi 15-il sena x'jippretendi!!!

Dennis Zammit

Dec 20th 2009, 08:34

Very clear that Dr Franco Debono has an agenda and his move was a threat to the party and Govt.

Shame on you!!

Dr Franco Debono should resign and not embarrass the Govt.. The PN as a party and the country deserve someone better.

Ray Buttigieg

Dec 20th 2009, 08:15

it was reported earlier this week that Hon Gonzi visited the private residance of Hon Debono to convey a message of a private and personal matter and his visit had nothing to do with Hon Debono's mysterious disappearing act last monday.

Now Franco Debono manages once again to embarass the Prime Minister as he is clearly stating the opposite.

C Zahra

Dec 20th 2009, 08:03

Does he think i am going to believe him???!!!

D. Falzon

Dec 20th 2009, 07:55

Prosit Franco. il-bad industries tal pajjiz dejjem lejn is south spiccaw ma nifilhux iktar airport, freeport, tal-gas, fuels, power station kollox in naha taghna qisna ghax tas south xi klassi l-isfel min haddiehor mis sema l-isfel kullhadd istess (suppost)

Grazzi u Festi tajba

Stephen Farrugia - Sliema

Dec 20th 2009, 07:29

Very good answer and it is very clear that he is looking at the bigger picture. What people have been assuming, was wrong. Yes, lets have a more advanced political system and higher moral standards on national issues.

Merry xmas Dr Franco Debono.

Stephen Farrugia - Sliema

j bugeja

Dec 20th 2009, 07:29

u hallina Franco!!!! No one from Marsaxlokk and BBugia is impressed by what you said. Actions speak louder than words.
You have the internal PN parliamentary group meetings to raise your own concerns.
Can't wait for next election to vote you out.
We the people of Marsaxlokk and BBugia have other candidates to vote for. Those who have not yet been confirmed but who are already leading the race well ahead of you.
My advice to you is enjoy the time left you have.