No one is greater than the party - former minister

Joe Fenech

Jan 8th 2010, 22:02

With this Bonello Dupuis ruined his reputation FOREVER!!! He showed us what most of our ex politicians were made of and that it was due to them that the country is in a big mess!

Anthony Pace Gouder

Jan 7th 2010, 20:17

NO ONE IS GREATER THAN THE PARTY ! THERFORE , IT ALSO APPLIES TO DR. GONZI'S HANDLING OF THE CITY GATE FOLLY ?

A "FUTILE" PROJECT REJECTED BY THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE .

Jon Agius

Jan 5th 2010, 12:43

The mentality in Malta is hilarious. Political parties are just like football teams or "kazini tal-festa". It's like when Juventus were relegated to Serie B and the Juventini still supported them. Political parties are not like that. The citizen depends a lot on them to live, irrelevant of who is in government. No one is greater than the party??? So is Malta a democracy ONLY during the 3 weeks prior to election, and the rest of it a dictatorship?? What the heck is wrong with this country????

Adrian Archer

Jan 5th 2010, 11:19

Dr Dupuis....what happened to the idea of being elected by the people, to the people and for the people...perhaps your reasoning is why parties (both parties) never progress together or progress at all. Being a MP does not mean you are the slave of the Prime Minister nor his puppet. Party over our country and our people....come on. Well what am I so bewildered about...It has always been like that and it will be like that forever...no matter who will be in government.
It is sad actually because whoever is right...Dr Dupuis or Mr Debono...the people lose.

N Azzopardi

Dec 31st 2009, 07:01

This is very sad dear Dr Dupuis. On the other hand after 15 years it is good to know that this maybe the real reason why i got a transfer from your ministry to another department when i entered the civil service...you saw the poor 17 year old girl as an 'enemy and not part of your team'!! Happy New Year!

kenneth spiteri

Dec 30th 2009, 16:16

To George Bonello De puis The old way of doing politics is history, the new way of doing politics is no party is greater then the people….

Joseph Borg

Dec 30th 2009, 00:51

"at the PM's pleasure", "zip their lips", "behind closed doors", "do not give fodder to the enemy", "shoot at the enemy", "PM's not your equal", "I won't tollerate harm to the party"

Sounds like a dictatorial speech to me.

Marton Saliba

Dec 29th 2009, 23:40

"No one is greater than the party"

So unlike the democratic proper, the peple are not the true ones in power...

I know this might be over the edge but aren't those words of treason?

edward bartolo

Dec 29th 2009, 18:56

Quote: "No one is greater than the party - former minister" In a democracy the people are supreme. That is why there are elections. Parties should serve the people and not their, sometimes hidden, agendas. Parties have the moral duty to stick with the will of the people, because that is the essence of any democracy.

JOHANN FERRIGGI

Dec 29th 2009, 17:34

i think that mr bonello di puis is completely wrong when considering not to be loyal to the people which he was suppose to represent in parliament in his old times .i completely assure franco debono has put the interest of the people of the south especially,and i hope that the rest of representatives would act like him .at the end of the day we are the people in general to decide for our country not only 35 decide for all

JOHANN FERRIGGI

Dec 29th 2009, 17:17

to be a member of parliament means to be loyal to the people and the country in general,how does mr bonello di pius say such things when we the nationalists are proud of democracy.if there is something wrong somebody should speak up already 3 members did so.i expect at the end of the day that a member which i follow and support represent our interests especially the south area in my opinion franco debono is doing what his duty calls him to do.

Malcolm Farrugia

Dec 29th 2009, 15:37

@J.Scicluna-Rabat
"If you permit me, I editied your last sentence."

"Enjoy Canada and let the Maltese political affairs to be handled by Maltese (holding the right to VOTE) in Malta."

Permisson granted, it is unbelievable how people who emigrated from Malta still think that they hold the right to decide the country's ongoings.

r.camilleri

Dec 29th 2009, 15:36

dr. george bonello du puis should have gone in hiding. malta is still paying for his extravagant way of handling the country's finance. he sent malta into ruins and his own beloved party in government is still struggling to make ends meet. he considers selling BOV's as his biggest triumph!!!!!!! lol! no wonder the country ended up in the state we're in today!

R.Gauci

Dec 29th 2009, 12:39

So what's the use to have 65 Members of Parliament or HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as it is called Dr Bonello Du Puis ??!! Call Dr.Gonzi and tell him to scrap the projects of building a new modern building which suppose hosts our Representatives!!
Hallina Dr. Du Puis!! Fejn hi d-demokrazija li ggieled ghaliha l-PN ??!!

Charles Zammit

Dec 29th 2009, 12:36

Poor old GBD he's stuck too much in the old ways , the party becomes before the people it presents come hell or high water . It is a good thing that things are changing , and young people like Franco D are modern in their ways . I am sure that all this wishful thinking to have a General Election is all it is . Becouse one shows dissent , does not mean one is not loyal to a party . A loving family is not perfect and arguments and even fights do happen , especially among the offspring more so when they are young , but through my experience as maturity builds up the family gets stronger and lasts for years . Loyalty is never in question .And yes youngstres do slowly take over the reins of the family as old age takes over the earlier guardians . It gives me great pleasure to see my offspring dealing with life and even thinking me old fashioned , so I normally butt out , and accept the fat that things are done differently as time goses on .

A. A. Hussian

Dec 29th 2009, 12:05

Regardless of the never-ending, exhaustive PN-MLP(LP) dichotomy, the point is that in a country like Malta, of 400, 000 people, with the absolute majoriy of one race, language and religious affiliation, sentences like "give fodder to the enemy", and "You keep your gunpowder dry to shoot at the enemy not wet so you can't shoot," are really inappropriate, out of place, unnecessary, and even harmful and damaging...the use of the word of 'enemy' in the language of politician - unfortunately old enough to know better - only remindes me of other parts of the world, known for decades of political instability, violence, authoritarian rule and many other socio-economic problems...I thought one of the main differences - among many others - between developed, pluralist, modern Western societies, and other unfortunate parts of the world, was in forms of political discourse, particularly by (former) Ministers in the media!!!...

michael Degiorgio

Dec 29th 2009, 11:42

yes gbp you will always be remembered as to the way you used to handle your ministry and the biggest memory most of all when you said let the deficit grow there is our children and our gran children to pay for itwell you are right as we arepaying for just like you said

Neville Debattista

Dec 29th 2009, 10:36

@GIOV.DE MARTINO. Dear friend, please read my comment well. I NEVER said or ever implicated that Franco Debono was stamping his feet against the ground. All I did was ask Dr. Bonello Du Piu if he would have not stamped HIS feet if Eddie had merely left him out in the cold way back in 1987. The fact that the notary wrote Eddie a flattering letter after having sat for breakfast, lunch and dinner for nine whole years does not impress me a little bit. Why ever Eddie saw a reason which would impress him so much as to say that he had learnt a lesson if he ever REALLY learnt a lesson at all I do not know. On the other hand, it is not my fault if for some reason or another known only to yourself, you were lead to beleive that Franco Debono is behaving as such (stamping his feet ). If you ever may be wondering though why he may be doing so and may even yearn for a sensible explanation you would better ask him or Dr.Gonzi. I simply do not have the answer to your question.

J.Scicluna-Rabat

Dec 29th 2009, 10:35

@ Malcolm Farrugia

If you permit me, I editied your last sentence.

"Enjoy Canada and let the Maltese political affairs to be handled by Maltese (holding the right to VOTE) in Malta."

Mike Magri

Dec 29th 2009, 10:34

Nutar.. Fil-politika, veru li hadd mhu akbar mill-partit u li hemm certu regolamenti li jridu jigu osservati..... IMMA LI HU ZGUR UKOLL HU, LI ASSOLUTAMENT L-EBDA PARTIT M`GHANDU JHOSSU LI HU AKBAR MILL-POPLU, ghaliex kull partit huwwa mghamul mill-poplu u minn HADD izjed. U ghal-politiku ta veru, il-Poplu ghandu jigi lewwel u qabel kollox, u mhux il-partit li jkun immexxi il-hin kollu minn prim ministru bi strategijja ta FALLIMENT TOTALI Finanzjarjament u Ekonomikament, tant li hlief jisloh lill-Haddiem u l-Pensjonant biex jipprova jillapazza, m`ghamilx...!!!

Nutar, tiftakara din il-frazi tieghek stess...."..INT MIN TAHSEB LI INT BIEX TAGHMEL SARIMA MA` MIN GHANDU MOHH BIEX JAHSEB..? "

Ghalhekk, bir-rispett kollu Nutar DuPuis, int min int biex tiggudika b`dak il-mod lill-Onor. Avukat Franco Debono ghall-kuragg kbir li wera, bl-azzjoni li hass li ghandu jiehu biex jissalvagwardja l-interessi tal-kostitwenti tieghu..!!

Well Done Hon. Franco Debono.. A good example for others to follow...

R Gatt

Dec 29th 2009, 09:42

@ frank Grech - Franco Debono did not stand up for the Maltese citezin as you put it but only for himself. He was only thinking of his own glory. As for Dr. Bonello Dupuis saying that nobody is bigger than the party, he's very right. Now as Andrew Borg Cardona wrote - all those who would rather pretend to misunderstand are welcome to do it as well. We have lived in a free country since Independence (except 1971 - 1987) and anybody can say or right his views. What happens inside the party walls is something else. One does not give ammunition to the opposite side.

@ Joe Grima - when did you love any Nationalist to bits? When your party was in power and every 21st September or any other Nationalist activity SMU were given the go ahead to cause havoc amongst the huge crowds on the granaries. I love Dupuis to bits cause he says what he thinks and feels without any corners. I come from Cospicua and as somebody who did not always agree with your party (1971-1987) together with others, tasted the kind of love your party had to offer in those dark days.

Joe E Galea

Dec 29th 2009, 07:58

Typical communist dictatorship speech.

We should have more Franco Debonos on each side who are in the parliament not to become fat pigs but for the benefit of their constituents and all the citizens at large.

@M Pule' et al: With your way of thought no wonder we are sinking deep in the rabbit hole of damnation.

david jenkins

Dec 29th 2009, 06:43

Who is the enemy exactly Dr. Bonello DuPuis? Are you thinking of a party in particular? Do we call them ENEMIES noadays? food for thought!

Anthony Pace Gouder

Dec 29th 2009, 02:45

Quote > G. Bonello duPuis " I always said ,you should not put someone in Cabinet if they (cc the person) haven't (cc.hasen't) been in football " (?)

How baffling ! Dr. G Bonello DuPuis must surely know that , contrary , Dr. Gonzi actually leaves out those mostly involved in Football .

Right now I have realized that the CABINET is SYNONYMOUS TO GBD's FAVOURITE TEAM , SLIEMA WANDERERS in their CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE PERFORMANCE .

Joe Fenech

Dec 29th 2009, 01:31

Franco Debono, Malta needs courageous people like you for whom MALTA IS ABOVE THE PARTY!

Well, done!

victor zarb

Dec 28th 2009, 23:45

Dik demokrazija George! Prosit ghalik! Kont naghmlek tirraguna aktar minn hekk,jigifieri kif qed tghid inti jekk thossok urtat mill partit tieghek stess ma tistax turi dizapprovazzjoni! Fl 2009 qieghdin ta! Eh,u bilhaqq issa dhalna fl e.u. u mhux f Kuba fejn trid bilfors taqbel ma Castro,inkella ma jsibukx! Time to wake up Georgie dear!

Joe Borg 'Zuzu'

Dec 28th 2009, 23:40

I think some people here,should know what they are talking about,before they comment.
I have given a look at Dr Debono's maiden speech,on the opening of parlament,on may 08,on his website.
The issues he mentioned lately,i.e. ,party finance legislation,right to legal assistance,polution problems in the south,etc, are all issues that where mentioned in that speech. He has been constantly speaking about these issues for over 18 months.
Let's put Dr Debono aside,IMHO those who wish to comment,should do so on the issues themselves,only if they have the decency to be informed,about these technical issues.
I have a feeling,that 'some' of you,have no idea,of the importance of these issues.
Next time round,Dr Debono will be my first preference on the list.

Joe Quintano

Dec 28th 2009, 22:59

Bonello dupuis says that nobody is greater than the party. What is it in this country that politicians cant speak against their party? Around the world this is common practice. An example is the english labour party. Many of its members have spoken against Tony Blair and now Gordon Brown, on the many wrong doings within both the party and the cabinet. If nobody is greater than the party than there is no democracy. A comment on the parties' media.... they themselves convey the message clearly..... NOBODY IS GREATER THAN THE PARTY.Our politicians are just puppets on a string. Good, so let us continue voting to elect puppets. Don't we deserve better?

Mario Desira

Dec 28th 2009, 21:42

This is the Age of Aquarius. What was valid in the past is now useless. All institutions are crumbiling down. Humans are now longer willing to be cogs in a wheel or robots. The Individual is reasserting him/herself as the basis of society, contrary to propaganda that puts family church or any other institiution as the basis of society. Against the onslaught of a new consciousness, a "prime minisiter's pleasure" is medival thinking. People are unwilling to be treated as rubbish especially if they have done a good job. GBD's words are an atavistic mentality of infallible popes, unerring emperors and kings incapable of error. They belong to the dustbin of history.

There is no place for any supreme leader because today everyone has to accept responsablity for his/her life and actions. Any other ideology simply disempowers.

George Poitier

Dec 28th 2009, 19:50

He is just the messenger. A little party trick. All out there listen carefully to what he said and if you don't you will all fall for it!

Ivan Attard

Dec 28th 2009, 19:22

GiovDeMartino, J. Martinelli and Andrew Borg Cardona open their mouth only to confirm their existence is solely synchronized to pander to the GREAT PN! What a pity a party like the PN has come to. To be propped up precariously on sorry stilts like these threating to collapse indefinitely!

GiovDeMartino@Neville debattista

Dec 28th 2009, 18:12

PROSIT Neville: Veru lqatt il-musmar fuq rasu. Issa mela nafu ghala Dr. Franco Debono qed isabbat saqajh ma' l-art. INT GHEDTU.

gxuereb

Dec 28th 2009, 16:41

Dan mhux l-istess Bonello Dupuis li kien telaq mill-Partit ta' Pellegrini u mar man-Nazzjonalisti ? ! Hekka l-Partit jigi l-ewwel ghalih!! Dan mhux l-istess ex-Ministru tal-Finanzi u mliena tilja dejn....dejn .... u aktar DEJN ?? U hareg bil-famuza espressjoni"Id-dejn ihallsu uliedna u ulied uliedna".

J.Camilleri

Dec 28th 2009, 15:09

Hahahahha! issa zgur ghaxxaqha. BRAINWASHED ghall ahhar ! Kemm qieghdin sew dal-partiti politici lol

Frans Attard

Dec 28th 2009, 14:15

Sewwa ghidtlu Sur Scicluna. Meta fi zmien Mintoff kien ikun hemm xi hadd minn nahha tieghu kien jazzarda jehoha kontrieh, il-partit nazzjonalista li Du Puis kien jifforma parti importanti hafna minnu, kien ipoggieh fuq pedestal kif pogga fuq pedestal lill l-istess Mintoff meta ivvota kontra Alfred Sant. U dan kien l-akbar insult li qatt ghamel il-partit nazzjonalista lill dawk li sofrew imhabba l-amministrazzjoni Mintoffjana.
U, aktar minn hekk, lill dak li kien ikkritika lill Dr.Sant publikament ghax sejjah elezzjoni fl-1998, li wara kollox ibbenifika minnha il-PN, spicca poggieh fuq l-ghola pedestal tal-pajjiz, igifieri lil Dr.Gorg Abela.
Kien ikun ahjar ghal Du Puis li baqa bi kwietu igawdi l-pensjoni, jew il-PENSJONIJIET!!!!!!!!

Christopher Grech

Dec 28th 2009, 13:53

This title made me sick: No one is greater that the party! Pure insanity!

So if there is somebody that speaks out in favour of the people (I am not suggesting that this might be the case with Franco Debono), that goes against the party, who is wrong?

The rare politician that speaks in favour of the people should be praised, and yes at the full cost of the party.

Political parties are SUPPOSED to be in favour of the people, and if they are not, the PARTY should be reprimanded, and WHY NOT!

Malcolm Farrugia

Dec 28th 2009, 13:31

@J,Martinelli
Martinelli, it is true that there was a political comeback in 1996 as you said by a respected politician. In fact that respected politician is Dom Mintoff, which definetly you cannot compare bonello dupuis to him, not by a long shot!!!. Mintoff will be remembered for his contributions towards the workers and for all the social reforms that where inexistant prior mintoff's government. On the other hand GBD is a lacky political nobody who likes to air his voice every now and then just for the sake to hit the news.
He tried to teach Franco Debono a lesson but things happened the other way round. it was the pupil who teached the "mentor" a lesson. The lesson is that by being a lackey a politician will be just a number amongst the rest.
P.S If Mintoff harmed the PL in 1998, Dupuis is not doing any good service to Pn neither.
Enjoy Canada and let the Maltese political affairs to be handled by Maltese in Malta.

D Agius

Dec 28th 2009, 12:12

This interview shows the real face of the PN, particularly during past times. Every single comment uttered by this man reflects a sense of hatred, dominance and a deep sense of patronisation. Referring to 'enemies' especially during Christmas time says it all-where is the sense of unity, respect, solidarity and all, which you preached all the time? There is also another saying: 'oqbra mbajjda'-This is what the PN was, and still is, today.

Jesmond Abela

Dec 28th 2009, 11:30

quote
The Ex minister should tell us something about the meeting during the night against Gorg Borg Olivier and when they decided to vote against his wish.
unquote

Mr Scicluna you still dreaming about that night..lol. Get A life !!!!!!! Besides, what ever happened they prove themselves right cause PN has been in Power since then!!!!!!

neville debattista

Dec 28th 2009, 11:01

Dear George, do you think that you would have kept your mouth shut if you would have heard about your replacement from the evening news? Would not you have stamped your feet hard and loud if Dr. Fenech Adami had sent you home packing instead of appointing you finance minister? Huwa facli li tkasbar u tikkritika lil haddiehor wara li inti tkun gejt paxxut mill partit ghal darba darbtejn u tlieta.

M.Pule'

Dec 28th 2009, 10:57

Prosit Dr. Bonello Du Puis! Well said! You voiced the opinion of many people who are sick listening to candidates & MP's whose only aim is to reach the headlines. I will never vote for anyone who shows his disloyalty & boasts about it! No way! The people voted again for a Nationalists gov lead by Dr. Lawrence Gonzi & no one has the right to twist that fact. Personal ambitions & career progress is the individual's problem & is not the country's interests. At this time of great economical worldwide problems, we should be ALL holding tight to pass this time of difficulty with the least possible damage to our country. Thanks Dr Bonello Du Puis for the sterling service you gave to our country.

P.Scicluna

Dec 28th 2009, 10:15

The Ex minister should tell us something about the meeting during the night against Gorg Borg Olivier and when they decided to vote against his wish.

Muscat. Pat

Dec 28th 2009, 10:11

The "holier than thou brigade" want to impress us that the PN has the credentials of modern liberal "open"- political party (open society political party) but contrary to all this humbug, Notary Bonello Depius is bearing it all; " giving fodder to the enemy"!.
And who is this enemy?
Your fellow Maltese friend?
Your brother and sister who might have a different political opinion?
Your employer or your employee?
The truth is that the PN has stagnated into its 1960's conservative bed, where criticism is not tollerated, and where a few elite dictate to the rest of us, how and what is"our" interest.

mike turner

Dec 28th 2009, 10:00

As a long time student of politics, it is clear that there are "watershed moments" which define and clarify trends. This unfortunate and revealing statement may well be one of these because it exposes the atrophied frame of mind currently prevalent in the ruling party. It is also revealing to see the identities of the propagandists who defend this unfortunate revelation against all logic. This could be the defining moment when the PN finally blew away all hope of future majorities in the foreseeable future.

c vella

Dec 28th 2009, 10:00

I bet gonzi is not happy at all with GBD's comments & i bet GBP is saying "ghara jien x'mort nivvinta kont ghall kwiet tant ix xatt tas sliema"......lol

R. Marmara'

Dec 28th 2009, 09:51

Bonello Du Puis is not doing any good to the party with his comments. The first priority of MP's is to their costituents. He is mistaken when he says that the party has the sacred right to kick out people out when they express some different opinion. Only the party voters have this right ,like when they kicked out Mr. GBD with their vote.

The party does not constitute only of MP's but also of its voters. Mr. Du Puis please retire in peace. We have always been PN Supporters not like some MP's including retired ones like you who bend their principles to accomodate themselves.

Galea. L

Dec 28th 2009, 09:36

"The only difference is that when the other respected gentleman did a sort of comeback he damaged the Labour Party and good!"
You comment surely applies to GBD and the PN doesn't it?
See you after the next election with a PL Government Martinelli.
Perhaps even an earlier one at that.

David Borg Cardona

Dec 28th 2009, 08:57

U hallina Dott. Bonello Dupuis.. Fit 2010 intervista bhal din missha qas biss ixxandret. Bli qieghed tghid mhux biss biss qed turi x'mentalita bazwija ghadek tghix fiha imma qed turi il veru kuluri tan Nazzjonalisti ta' zmienek. Isthi Dott jekk taf kif.

Charles J. Buttigieg

Dec 28th 2009, 08:43

One regular contributor from Canada wrote “I am absolutely certain that Dr. Gonzi did not beg Dr.Dupuis to write ' to help' the NP and that the latter wrote on his own initiative............” This is the same person who would accuse the PL, from the Leader down to the janitor at the party head quarters, of violence if a Mr. Nobody with Labour tendencies scratches the car of another person with PN tendencies.

mcutajar

Dec 28th 2009, 08:43

No one is Greater than the party?... are we joking Dear ex Minister. You should no better. We as citizens are greater than all the parties put together. You are eledted from our votes and therfore should respect us. We at Marsaxlokk are threatened from all sides, powerstations, freeport, fishfarms, off road roads, damping in valleys, what else, so may be someone is a reflection of people's taughts

Carlo Brincau

Dec 28th 2009, 08:38

.... halina u ibqa ghix lahhar ftit ta hajtek relax habib tridtx, mhux bizejed f'Malta hawn nuqqas ta dawn in nies li juru lil poplu xhemm wara il partiti ...

Roderick Micallef

Dec 28th 2009, 08:11

Dear George Bonello Depuis just because you didn't have the guts and courage to do what Franco Debono did doesn't mean that you did right and Franco did wrong, what you did with your statement is just confirming what type of attitude and mentality the hardcore nationalists have.
No one is greater than the party? What a pathetic statement, and can you exactly tell us what the party is? As far as I know the party is made of people, of individuals, if the party is in a situation where one single person can make the difference than the PN should AT LEAST acknowledge that and take care that no one strays away. If there are people that are actually straying away then it is evident that the PN has issues which need to be addressed.
As a floating voter (I like to vote on the performance of that particular legislature term and not blindly for a particular party) I just hope that there are more politicians with good and strong will like Franco Debono, politicians that thruly to what is best for Malta and not what is best for that particular prime minister like George Bonello Depuis did!

Joe E Galea

Dec 28th 2009, 07:43

"You don't give joy to the opposition. You keep your gunpowder dry to shoot at the enemy not wet so you can't shoot."

OMG this is the kind of speech we need to divide the country and treat our co-nationals but who have a different opinion as enemies....come on Dupuis get a life and enjoy your old age in peace. What beats me is the fact that these PN hyppocrates market themselves as Catholics and religious and they think they are God's gift to earth.

@J Martinelli: 2 wrongs don't make one right.

joanna farrugia

Dec 28th 2009, 06:51

@ j martinelli its amazing how you comment.it seems you only see only 1 side as always.you are not in malta and pls keep in mind that its pn who always dig in the past cos thats what they to hide their mistakes.just like this article.why this former minister talked now?i thought he retired many years ago.but now they need him right mr martinelli?as always pn do they play the game of 'imsiken' and yes well done to dr debono who stood up for gonzi, thats why now pn are using former minister and you come and say that pl digs in the past.u hallina mr martinelli.

Anthony Micallef

Dec 28th 2009, 02:48

Congratulations.Dr Dupuis.Kindly help the party with asking to also penalise Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Jesmond Mugliette and others who at some stage or other will bring your government down as their conscience is eating away in them .

Mind you you should also ask for your own demise as you yourself betrayed your leader if my memory serves me right.

apgrech

Dec 28th 2009, 02:19

No one is greater than the party

YES, the Maltese are greater than any party and Franco Debono did what he has been elected to do - look after the interest of the Maltese. Instead of condemning him, why don't you find out the reason why he did what he did?

Perhaps Franco should cross the isle hopefully we can say goodbye to Gonzi and his inefficient administration.

apgrech

Dec 28th 2009, 02:16

Remember your shameful statement: "Id-dejn ihallsuh ulied uliedna!"

That's another lesson that Eddie Fenech Adami learned from you and that lesson was inherited by Lawrence Gonzi.

Some of you politicians are simply yappers but when it comes to performance, you're hopeless or destructive.

You must be happy, George, that your "prophecy" came true.

DEJN, DEJN u aktar DEJN.

E. Azzopardi

Dec 28th 2009, 00:04

Typical example of "living in the past". Sir, things have changed since your time, if you haven't noticed yet. And you are wrong : The citizen is greater than the party. The citizen is supreme".

Steve Cruz

Dec 27th 2009, 23:35

Dr. Debono was acting within the democratic principle. Checks and balances ensure that no party or person, acts above their station.

On the other hand. Seditious mutterings that try to pin the blame on DPs (displaced persons) as the cause of all social ills, should be exposed for what they are.

A Abela

Dec 27th 2009, 22:58

Let's interview Dom Mintoff on the matter.

Arthur Ellul

Dec 27th 2009, 22:58

Like everything else, all parties have a cycle, and like the boffa party and the strickland party before them, the PN will as well live its life cycle and perish, and a new party will emerge. And persons like GBP will contribute to its downfall because they will not tolerage criticism, and pretend to dictate from their place of retirement. When Eddie, with the help of Ugo and Gwido took the helm of PN in the late 70's, they soon realised that times were changing, the PN needed change, and if they did not adapt, they too would have perished. Their reforms within the party structures brough a new lease of life to the PN and rebuilt it to what it is today. Whoever resist change is a laggard, and maybe GBP resist the fact the times are changing. He still lives in the BO days of glories and the elite few who dictated to the detriment of the most.

GBP stay in retirement, and do your own party a lot of good, shut up!!

and GBP, weren't you a loyalist to Toni Pellegrini's Party in the 60's, even a candidate before you joined the PN so double shut up!!!

Claire Busuttil

Dec 27th 2009, 22:43

Wow....if this is the kind of vision that the PN, injects in it`s MP,no wonder the party arrived in such a patetic state...
Dr.Debono, you are so very wrong, saying nothing is greater than the party!!!!!!!!!!!!
A party should be there to help the nation develop, and to help citizens, living better.....People and the nation, are much GREATER than the party!!!!!!!!!!!

Yvonne Young

Dec 27th 2009, 22:15

We sure don't need you or your philosophy which smacks of arrogance Mr Dupuis! In Maltese your philosophy would be aptly termed SKADUTA!! At your age I would stick to pursuing my favourite hobby (perhaps watching Arsenal for starters?!!) rather than giving interviews with political views long since obsolete!!

M. Azzopardi

Dec 27th 2009, 22:02

Bonello Dupuis, a real man, that should be an example to all MP's!

Andrew Cumbo

Dec 27th 2009, 21:43

I can imagine why Mr. Bonello Dupuis is uncomfortable how Mr. Franco Debono reacted recently. In his time it was completely a different way. Just remember the way Dr. Fenech Adami was elected party leader and the way Dr. Borg Olivier was taken out of the scene, behind closed doors in the dark night hours. And how now he pity Dr. Lawrence Gonzi when he was one that contributed the most to vanish the revenue left by Labour party in the seventies and eighties. And now we are living and suffering exactly his quote “id-dejn ihallsuh uliedna u ulied uliedna” How now he come to blame Mr. Franco Debono when he was one of those to preach among the others in same party, about freedom of expression, democracy and solidarity.
I would like to encourage Dr. Franco Debono and to keep disagree whenever there is something that is not in the interest of the Maltese people. After all we elect our deputies for our interest and not for the party.

C Agius

Dec 27th 2009, 21:19

Dear Dr Dupuis I cannot but disagree with you that the party comes first! One of the lessons in this doctrine was given to us by none other than the PL when they chose their leader last year. They discarded all opponents of Dr Joseph Muscat because they were told that was what the PARTY needed. Lucky for us all Maltese we got Dr George Abela for President.
Their loss is the Nations gain! If they really believed in the PARTY...,............................. But thats another story...............................

Gerard Cassar

Dec 27th 2009, 21:08

Notary George Bonello Dupuis started politics in the 1960 under the banner of the Christians Workers party lead by Pellegrini. He tried to shift to the MLP on one "sine qua non coindition""abolition of income tax" and was not accepted. He then found refuge within the P.N. After losing his ministry of finance he lost also his seat in parliament.
He is famous for his impromptu: refering to debts he declared " our children will make good for our debts" or something on that tone.
Once on TV he was saying that there was no water shortage, and at that same moment a water bowser was filling his roof tanks. There is a Maltese saying " the devils fills the pot but does not cover it". or "the devil has no milk".

Ronald Zammit

Dec 27th 2009, 21:05

The maltese saying goes `Hawwadni ha nifmek!!' and this really is fit fot the GonziPN!!
ThePM and other GonziPN officials stated more than once that all is OK with their government and that business is as usual and that Dr. Franco Debono has done nothing wrong and that he is highly respected and now GBD who once stated that it's no problem for the country to be in debt as this will be passed over to the new generation to come!! now is saying that Dr.Franco Debono has done wrong and should be punished for his actions. What is what ? who is right or wrong? What a minestrone! Really, whom shall we beleive. Can GBD discuss the issue of Dr. Debono with their party whip David Agius who stated that in his party everyone is permitted to critisise the administration with full liberty.Now GBD wants Dr.Debono to be punished! Surely GonziPN is in crises!

Gerard Cassar

Dec 27th 2009, 20:28

It is understood that Notary George Bonello Dupuis had changed party. He started in politics under another banner than the P.N.One can look at the newspapers of the time and one might find that he did the opposite of what he is writing

J Martinelli

Dec 27th 2009, 20:27

@ Malcolm Farrugia "....Mr Bonello Dupuis's comments, but after having watched the video interview he gave me the impression that he is trying to do a political comeback in his old age". Surprised Malcolm? It's been done before by someone of approximately the same age (then) as Dr.Bonello Dupuis. The only difference is that when the other respected gentleman did a sort of comeback he damaged the Labour Party and good! I am absolutely certain that Dr.Gonzi did not beg Dr.Dupuis to write ' to help' the NP and that the latter wrote on his own initiative. If only Franco Debono had anywhere near the experience as Dr. Bonello Dupuis, he would certainly not have acted the way he did. It is up to him to own up, and mend fences although many, including yours truly, believe he has messed up so badly, any attempts at rehabilitation may only meet with a minimal success. The Party needs everyone to be pulling in one direction and not fall into the trap which has plagued the Labour Party for the last twenty-two years. Usually the NP learns from past mistakes unlike Labour whose brand of 'new' is digging into the past.

Muscat. Pat

Dec 27th 2009, 19:58

And I believed that "fehmiet bazici" were the main thoughts of PN, and not what Bonello Dupius has said, that is that Partit Laburista ( and therefore its members) were enemies!

G Galea

Dec 27th 2009, 19:44

@GiovDeMartino: Il flus li ngabru il birah, ser imorru GHAL MIN GHANDU BZONN. Hemm nies hemm barra li qeghdin jiccahhdu minn kollox biex jaraw lil familja timxi il quddiem, specjalment it tfal. Hemm min hu serjament marid, u kellu jbih daru. Nies qeghin fl 2010, u mhux in 1970. @GBD: As an ex PN supporter I remember the 1981 election when many of my friends used to help you in the campaign. I always respected you. But now I have to say that thanks God you are retired. Todays PN is not that when we workers used to march in protests in 1980s. Today PN is overlapping the MLP of 1981-1987. The only difference is that Dr. Gonzi is no KMB. He is far more smart, and knows how to silence rebels. The only problem is that only cikku il poplu has to pay for all this misgovernment.

Antoine Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 19:29

Certain comments in this page are ever so slightly verging on the hypocritical and ought to be ignored but I'm writing anyway in the hope that at least some are in good faith. It is very very (very!) clear that George Bonello Dupuis is talking about senior party officials and especially MPs. He is not referring to the general public and, particularly, does not want to prevent professional moaners from having their habitual Sunday whinge.

A.Gauci Cunningham

Dec 27th 2009, 19:22

R.Portelli--I, like many others voted YES in the referendum and subsequently to the Party propogating EU membership and I'm not ashamed of doing so. I think and still think that Dr.Sant greatly erred when he said he won the referendum and so I thought that I'd never even think of voting PL as long as Dr.Sant was there and there were thousands out here who were of the same opinion. In 2008 I believed Dr.Gonzi meant what he said and that the PN had learned their lessons and therefore were a better deal than than the PL. But I was mistaken, clearly the PN has learnt nothing and this interview gives further grist to this particular mill. Now since we are a democracy like thousands of others I decided to support labour for the very first time in the EP election and unless DR.Joseph Muscat doesn't plan on murdering babies in public many I know plan to do the same in 2013. Regarding values I'm a liberal, always was and will always be and that is why I never even bothered becoming a paying member of the PN. That's called an informed choice not pinnur(ism) dear Mr.Portelli.

Denis Catania

Dec 27th 2009, 19:13

One must wonder, what else they do behind closed doors ?

Jesmond Abela

Dec 27th 2009, 19:13

In nies li qedin hawn jikkummentaw u jiktbu favur Franco Debono huma l-istess nies li fahru lil Perit 11 il sena ilu jew ghajruh TRADITUR dak in nhar!!!!!! Jekk Dr Debono ma jridx jew ma jogbux kif qied imexxi Dr Gonzi jew jirrizenja inkella ikollu joqod ghad direttivi tal Partit. Dr Dupuis ghandu ragun li Dr Debono ma jistax jibqa jigi fdat iktar. Fl ahhar mill ahhar qied fil parlament f'isem il PN u mhux indipendenti.

Lawrence Attard

Dec 27th 2009, 19:13

This former minister really made me sad. Was this his ideal while he was representing us? The PARTY comes before the country. Is this still the NP's objective? Dr. Gonzi please dissociate yourself from these comments. At least Franco Debono is working for his constituents and understood what democracy is all about. Well done Franco, you may be the target of your party but we nationalists of your districts understand what are your concerns when we take a look at the environment and infrastructure around us.You earned a number 1.

MBorg

Dec 27th 2009, 19:06

Why all this fuss just because Dr George Bonello Dupuis used the word " enemy "? Everybody knows that he did not mean it in any bad sense , but used it as another word for opposition. Anybody who knows George Bonello Dupuis knows that he is a jovial person and not one who preaches heatred. Some people are just clinging to this word because deep down they know that he is right.

Jos Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 18:48

What is the party? What is democracy? I think Dr Debono, JPO and another bank bencher have their rights to show that they agree or disagree. Some time prior to the election for the EU parliament Tedesco Triccas spoke publicly on a subject as she disagreed on how the subject was being tackled by her government? Gonzi encourages these type of people to voice their concerns and refers to such instances as 'everyone has freedom of speech'. With all due respect politics have changed quite a bit from Bonello Dupuis era, and the fear of going public is now over. l-abjad huwa abjad u l-iswed iswed...jghid x'jghid il-partit!

C Taliana

Dec 27th 2009, 18:36

Wow.... who will be interviewed next.......? This is pure entertainment!

Manuel Micallef

Dec 27th 2009, 18:13

I am a Labour supporter - but I don't consider PN supporters as my enemies. We just don't agree on some arguments - but never enemies. In fact, I have many good friends who are PN supporters - and even close family members. "Enemy" is a heavy word. I will never harm a PN supporter knowingly - although justice needs to be done - but by people who are qualified to do Justice - not by myself. The more I think about this interview, the more ashamed and disgusted I am. and a question which I have is the following:- Does Dr Gonzi agree with what GBD is saying? can he either reject or accept it?

T. Black

Dec 27th 2009, 17:54

What a shame. To talk with such hatred about the enemy in this time of the year when everybody unites is simply unbelievable. The church should NOT be afraid and be first and foremost to air it's sentiments. At his age I would have thought he is much more mature, after all it's due to his failed politics that Malta is on its knees with mammoth debt.

Marcel Dingli

Dec 27th 2009, 17:40

@R Portelli. Mela hawn hafna pinnuri ta, bl eluf ukoll !! Kemm hawn min ghandnu rasu iebsa li il hazin irid jibqa jghidlu tajjeb.

A. Zahra

Dec 27th 2009, 17:32

Dr. Bonello du Puis could have put it better. All he need said is that one needs to be a team player to succeed. Unfortunately Dr. Debono is not a team player.

R Portelli

Dec 27th 2009, 17:12

@ A gauci Cunningham

The most important thing in politics is values and principle ... somebody is a big pinnur Mr. gauci cunningham!

Godwin Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 17:01

Ghal li jista jkun dan l-istess profeta li qal li d-dejn ihallsuh uliedna u ulied uliedna?!!!!!!!!

A.Gauci Cunningham

Dec 27th 2009, 16:59

The young generation today votes and supports that party they deem best fit to govern and closest to the people. The PN might think of itself or see in itself an institution which will remain in government forever, Bonello Dupuis might think that loyalty to the Party means being a puppet on a string but in this day and age both the PN and PL have to keep in mind that they owe the power they find themselves with to the people who elect them. The troubles the PN is in are owed to the fact that as a Party it has betrayed the trust so many people invested in it when against all odds (and to keep you know who out of the premiership) they voted PN again after it had already spent 20 years in power. Now those who persist in supporting GonziPN can either do something about it or else they can continue burying their heads in the sand and pretend that all's fine and dandy and that come 2013 the lost sheep will go back to the fold like stupid lemmings do.

Galea. L

Dec 27th 2009, 16:56

c. camilleri
Maybe the PN did not have a clause to fine its MPs but they certainly know how to get rid of them. GBD laid it out for you when he referred to Dr Josie Muscat.

GiovDeMartino Tant hawn mizerja li dawk li bilkemm qed ilahhqu mal-hajja komplew ghamlu sagrificcju biex jghinu lil min hu aghar minnhom ghaliex Gonzi mhux qed iharishom u ghax jafu xi tfisser i ma tkunx tista' tlahhaq mal-bzonnijiet tal-hajja. Tal-misthija mhix li ngabru dawk il-flus kollha, imma li Gonzi gabna f'din is-sitwazzjoni ta' mizerja.

To all pn apologists who say that the Party comes before the people and the country, have a look at the Oath that the Prime Minister, Ministers and MPs take. See Schedule 2 and 3 of the Constitution.

C Zammit

Dec 27th 2009, 16:26

No wonder so many people are fed up of politics and are becoming apolitical. Fed up of hearing such rubbish and nonsense from the red and blue politicians. Give us a break.

sharon camilleri

Dec 27th 2009, 16:25

Thank god he is retired.... my god what an attitude!

Marcel Dingli

Dec 27th 2009, 16:25

Prosit Franco Debono. Thallix min igerxxek. Hemm bzonn li c cittadin jigi rispettat. il partiti wara kollox mhux suppost jaqdu l bzonnijiet tan nies? X monstru hu l partit biex jigi l ewwel?

MBorg

Dec 27th 2009, 16:14

Dr Bonello Dupuis is right Who does Dr Debone think he is? That he , a newcomer has the right to act the way he did ? He was elected on the ticket of the NP and he should be gentleman enough to follow the needs of the party. Dr Bonello Dupuis is also right when he says the Dr Debono should be disiplined this person just cannot be trusted he has ruined whatever chance he might have had of a political career. No one is greater than the party one choose s to follow . If one is presumptuous enough tothink that one is indeed greater one can always try to get elected independently.

Lewis Ellul

Dec 27th 2009, 16:06

I was enjoying reading the posts on the Depuis interview until I came across the ones of the usual pro-Gonzi apologists - Andrew Borg Cardona, J. Martinelli - J. Farrugia and Giov. DeMartino. How can such seemingly intelligent people continue to bury their head in the sand and persist in thinking that they are better and wiser than anybody else? Unbelievable!

c. camilleri

Dec 27th 2009, 16:01

I still remember the wrath that Dr Muscat (if i remember his name well) had to face when he had unintentionally been away from the House when a vote was taken during a labour Govt. I am not sure whether he had been made to pay the sum stipulated (Lm5,000) for those who criticise the party or do harm to the party by their actions. This clause which has shamed the labour party over the yrs has only recently been removed. I am sure the Nats will never imitated labour in this way. As for those hoping for an early election one can only reply by telling them hopes spring eternal.

Marcel Dingli

Dec 27th 2009, 15:59

@ Giov Demartino. IVA hawn il mizerja. Kieku ghalfejn imorru it 3 miljuni ?

GiovDeMartino

Dec 27th 2009, 15:48

Ma jisthu isemmghu l-mizerja dawn in-nies. F'gimgha ngabru 3MILJUN euro ghall-karita u partiti....miljuni ntefqu fil-milied, ikliet reklamati haw bil-150 KULL PERSUNa, xalar, divertimenti, infieq, infieq, infieq, xorb, ikel, sigaretti, gugarelli li jiswew il-belli liri....kontijiet tad-dawl, karozzi......mizerja? Mela ma tafux xi tfisser dil-kelma?

Franco Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 15:48

Dr DuPuis says that when he was thrown out of politics, he took it well. But wasn't he made British High Commissioner? Or does my memory fail me? Which I doubt. Well, that's politics for you. I like to see more of this ... people from both Parties going public about the misdeeds of their own Parties. That is politics. The Party should not supercede the invidual. I think that the more the Party grows, the less the individuals within it become. We must do away with this 'idolatry' of the Party Leader.

GiovDeMartino

Dec 27th 2009, 15:48

Ma jisthu isemmghu l-mizerja dawn in-nies. F'gimgha ngabru 3MILJUN euro ghall-karita u partiti....miljuni ntefqu fil-milied, ikliet reklamati haw bil-150 KULL PERSUNa, xalar, divertimenti, infieq, infieq, infieq, xorb, ikel, sigaretti, gugarelli li jiswew il-belli liri....kontijiet tad-dawl, karozzi......mizerja? Mela ma tafux xi tfisser dil-kelma?

rene joseph

Dec 27th 2009, 15:39

Can you imagine George Orwell watching this interview? He would have probably written the sequel of '1984'. Basically, Dupuis is saying: don't you question the party, don't you even think of questioning the party, the Party knows what is best for you, your family and the nation. You are only there to serve the party, if it throws you crumbs, smile and be grateful. The Party is the nation, you stupid. Quite an eye-opener of an interview.

M.BEZZINA

Dec 27th 2009, 15:34

Adrian Camilleri
Veru ktibt 4 kalmiet ta ragel habib!!Prosit!!Ghax min jaf meta se jithallas dan id dejn!!
Tomorrow never comes Gorg!!Ad multos Annos habib!!!

Charles J. Buttigieg

Dec 27th 2009, 15:32

Didn’t I hear Gonzi say that he hasn’t got a problem within the PN? Isn’t he saying that Franco Debono did nothing which is untoward and that the non event is a mere event invented by Joseph Muscat and his PL? Is Gonzi in a state of denial or what? Could one of GBD’s admirers please clarify the situation for me as I’m getting a bit confused here? Joe Vella please keep out of this because you confuse me more.

Il verita hi li partit tal hadid irrudicejtuh ghall partit tal Micky Mouse b’appogg miseru ta 40% U 60% OPPONENT JITULBUKOM BIEX TWARRBU.

R Portelli

Dec 27th 2009, 15:31

well said dr bonello du puis! Unfortunately today there are politicians who are only driven by personal ambition and power ... Joseph Muscat is one of them and like him there are others on both sides of the house! We need to get rid of these politicians asap

Denis Catania

Dec 27th 2009, 15:20

@George Bonello Dupuis who are these enemies you are talking about ?

Mr. Dupuis NO PARTY IS GREATER THAN THE PEOPLE and don't forget that.

J.Cauchi

Dec 27th 2009, 15:10

If the PN is finding a shoulder to lean on on people who sound more like a Debono Grech then it is no wonder that so many out here have started to think that the PN has really reached its worst depths in history. Bonello dupuis asked who does Franco debono think he is. Well I'd like to ask the same question to Bonello Dupuis himself"Who exactly do you think you are?" Mr.Depuis is just an expired politician of the type who'd never want to fade away, he is an old-fashioned suldat ta l-azzar who if hanged head down and spit at would still very foolishly clap for his party. Some call it principles I choose to call it sheer madness. Mr.Dupuis you're a political dinasoar and in this day and age and also considering your poor track record you have very little credibility left. Sticking your neck out for Gonzi will only make the PN sink even further in the political decay it is in. You are as politically obsolete as KMB is.

Gabriel a. Pellegrini

Dec 27th 2009, 15:09

Thank you Nutar...i can understand your words more than any one else because I was a member of your team and we worked hard to see you through the elections to take your place as Finance Minister.
However in politics there are no gentlemen my family shared a grave fault for Prime Minister Fenech Adami two properties requistioned during the time of Dr. Patrick Holland are still in the hands of this particular Labour supporter even though the Court of injustice gave a sentence in our favour Fenech Adami turned this decision against us and today more than 31 years have passed and we are still without our property. Fenech Adami did not serve us even thought you know quite well that for some 16 years we were behind him every single weekend meetings. Dr Lawrence Gonzi must stay awake and vigilant ......... and not repeat the mistakes of previous prime ministers......No one is greater than the party untill the supporters are happy.
Gabriel A. Pellegrini

Karistu Calleja

Dec 27th 2009, 15:06

The interview of the year which revealed what these Nats are. It's time to change. We are not in the old regime anymore. No one is begger than the party. U hallina Sur George. Mhux ahjar il-gvern jara minn fejn ser ihallas dak id-dejn li bdejt int?

Jeremy J Camilleri

Dec 27th 2009, 15:02

Haha..THis J Farrugia is really something isn't he?

Forever using the royal plural...

Galea. L

Dec 27th 2009, 15:00

J Farrugia
Are you sure Gonzi is going to last another three years?
As for your comments that refer to past events do you remember the bombs going off on government employees property? Do yuo remember potatoes with shaving blased embedded in them and petards thrown on Labour supporters and the Police? Do you remember the MURDER of Karen Grech? Do you remember the Malta File? Do you remember your party MPs going abroad threatening foreign investors not to invent in Malta and to pull their investment out of here? Do you remember the Angli tal-Paci in Zebbug where the balustrades fell by themselves on the Police and Labour supporters? Do you remember them JFarrugia?

Charles J. Buttigieg

Dec 27th 2009, 14:57

@ Joe Vella.

Best friends can never be political enemies. Friendship between different political supporters is rampant but they are not enemies; I for one refer to my numerous friends who support the PN as my political adversaries not my enemy. An adversary is an opponent in a contest or debate. An enemy is someone for whom one feels hatred towards, intends injury to, or opposes their interest; a foe.

Joe surely you do not feel hatred towards me, intends injury, opposes my interests and consider me as a foe just because I support PL. Or do you?

Ramon Mizzi

Dec 27th 2009, 14:52

This interview shows what the PN is all about. 'Par idejn sodi' where the key word for 2008 elections, but apparently it was just a marketing tool to bag votes in the last minute. Recession hit every country in the world, but to push it on the workers or the subjects make Gonzi a failed PM. A true leader would weather the recession like countries overseas did and not increase financial strains on people who had nothing to do with the recession, statements like 'Irrigrazja l-Alla li ghandek xoghol' and all that jazz. Gonzi PN you need a break, the government has drained you. This column tagline reminds me when we were back in the 80s. Shame that we had to revert back after all the fighting for freedom taglines. Sounds very communist to me.

Robert Agius

Dec 27th 2009, 14:52

Party comes first!?!? I though the country should come 1st....

'The country needs us'...ha ha ha. nice one, haven't heard a good one in a while. This country seriously needs to stop seeing things in Blue an Red......

A.Busuttil

Dec 27th 2009, 14:51

Look who is talking !!!!!!!!
You forgot the meeting of Fredrick Street during the night against Our great Prim Minister George Borg Olivier? You forgot that you voted against his wish on 13 December 1974, and HE as a gentlemen and true leader gave you free vote . He did not take any deciplane action against you and the rest. Paroli zejda. Illum qed nghixu f'dinja mimlija realta. U mhux bhal fl-imghoddi nigu medda li dejn ihalsuh uliedna u ulied uliedna.

J Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 14:48

Dr Du Puis is no longer updated on how things work. Mr Franco Farrugia yhou dont know what politics means. so stay out of this debate. As for the one who smells a general election in the vicinity. Yes there is one coming in three years time. And yes Dr Du Puis is right on everything. and those who are saying that he is allthe evil inpersonificated, let them know that Dr Du Puis is the receiver of all the evil that MLP was under Dom Mintoff and KMB. So enough said. If there is evil in politics it is still alive in allthose who marched with Mintoff and KMB. Who doesn't remember the choas in Parliament when Labour ruled malta with an iron fist? Who deosn;t remember the times that Labour supporters beat and maimed Opposition members of Parliament Dr Du Puis was one of their victims. Ja OQbra Mbajda illum tridu tilghabuha tal-pampaluni tal-liberta'? Il-Liberta Gvern Nazzjonalista li maghhom kien Dr Bonello Du Puis li tawkom il-luiberta biex illum tabbuzaw minnha.

Malcolm Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 14:48

@Galea. L,
"Do I smell a General ELection in the not too distant future?"
Honestly i sense that the air is stirring up a little, but this goverment has his rear bottom stuck to the proverbial chair so much, that i think it will take more than this occasion for gonzi to call an election.
Just a small example of how much Gonzi wants to keep his government in "working" conditions, is the fact that The PM had to take his better half with him when he went to visit Franco Debono. Maybe Gonzi was not confident with his own approach and left Kate to do the talking in a "mother to son" style.

John Debattista

Dec 27th 2009, 14:48

Haliena sur G.bonello dupuis, mela insejtu zmienek u l Paprati li kont tejd........

lgalea

Dec 27th 2009, 14:45

George Bonello Dupuis
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.Thomas Jefferson

Never spend your money before you have earned it.Thomas Jefferson

Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.Thomas Jefferson

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.Thomas Jefferson

Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.Thomas Jefferson

J Martinelli
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
Thomas Jefferson

J Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 14:41

that's the true spirit George. Glad to hear your voice again. Even if we have to go to the Opposition benches once more but that is what makes a true party man and a statesman. Give them a lesson in ethics and good manners which alas this last political generation has lost. Yes today's 'men' have lost their souls. And reading Joe grima's blog I say , he is having it good from both parties. First he gets kicked out of the MLP for being a diehard, and then he kowtoes Fenech adami and now he is being made the lackey of Joe Misucat. The guy is like the flag, wherever the good wind blows, he's there for the picking. No we dont want this type of politics.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Dec 27th 2009, 14:40

Once again Joe Vella, hypnotically tries to excuse the unexcusable...

Joe...perhaps you should look up 'enemy' in the dictionary...That might help you understand Dupuis better.....

Enemy- a person who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another; an adversary or opponent.

Now if Dupuis had said adversary......opponent....or anything similar you would have been right...but of all the words he could have chose, he chose 'enemy'....

Pity...and even more so to have people like you finding that acceptable...

rene joseph

Dec 27th 2009, 14:35

I actually got chills with: "no one is greater than the party" - what is this, a totalitarian regime?

J. Grima

Dec 27th 2009, 14:30

What a shame to hear a former minister like Mr. Dupuis talking in a such a way. This is not a football team Mr. Dupuis, it's a political party which is in government presently, so yes if there is something wrong going on, you should do something about it, and to me Mr. Debono had the guts and courage to do so.

One last thing I would like to mention to Mr. Dupuis is that phrases like "'Because the Prime Minister is the Prime Minister, he's not you equal" and "You do not give fodder to the enemy, you keep your powder dry and shoot at the enemy" are very disgusting ways to talk about the opposition party, since they are there to critisice and help the government on how to run the country.

PS - This is 2009-10 were talking about not 1970....

Ernest Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 14:28

For sure the people of Malta are greater than the party...this from DePius is pure arrogance in time when we talk of love, friendship and solidariety...we need more people like President George Abela and less people like our politicians...we lost a true great politician indeed...New Year...Old Politics...I hate saying it but PN is not understanding that is facing a major defeat for arrogance from certain people inside the party....that hurts a lot...and I cannot vote the other side for they are the same.

Galea. L

Dec 27th 2009, 14:26

Malcolm Farrugia
Do I smell a General ELection in the not too distant future?

raphael stafrace

Dec 27th 2009, 14:17

bonello dupuis never mentions malta.he is the type of politician that the party comes before country.he is the type who dosnt care about the man in the streets but he attacks the individual that dosnt go with party lines.in our parliament his type are being neglected and are not re elected because the man in the streets want the type like franco debono politicians who speaks for the country not the party.poeple like franco dont work shoulder to shoulder with you mr bonello.look what you have left behind you qoute;DEBT WILL BE PAID BY MY NEXT GENERATION

E. Vassallo

Dec 27th 2009, 14:02

@MArtin Saliba

Your commenting is so insulting to senior citizens. How dare you? I bet GBD's mind is better than that of some people posting over here.

As for the others I was "amazed" that the great majority who stick up for Franco Debono are labourites are the same who are attacking GBD!!!Imsieken dawn jafu kollox!!!!

J.Scicluna-Rabat

Dec 27th 2009, 14:02

How very Christian of you George.....talking of shooting your enemies!

"You don't give joy to the opposition. You keep your gunpowder dry to shoot at the enemy not wet so you can't shoot."

You show your true colours at last....and that of your Party!!!

Joseph Schembri

Dec 27th 2009, 13:58

Bonello Du Puis is wrong - Franco Debono's first priority should not be his party but his constituents. I want MPs like Franco to represent me not some one with 'team spirit' and no guts who goes with the flow whether he believes in what he is doing or not.

Bonello du Puis - that is why we call it the house of representatives - because men like Franco represent me and not some abstract ideal like a political party.

H Cassar

Dec 27th 2009, 13:57

Well said Dr. Bonello DuPuis. But unfortunately gentlemen like you are hard to come by nowadays. It's a dying breed, and will be extinct in a few years time. I feel today's young people are putting too much emphasis on studies, degrees, masters and so on and so forth. But when it comes to life skills and respect, then it's another story.

Manuel Micallef

Dec 27th 2009, 13:51

@ M Farrugia:-
You said:- "Ahna qed inhalsu dak li ghamel Alfred Sant fit-18 il-xahar li ghamel bhala prim ministru." are you being serious, or sarcastic?

@ J Martinelli:-
you said:- "To express disagreement with the Party in public is bad enough, but to be absent for two important votes in Parliament is inexcusable and his own constituents have taken note of his behaviour. "
I thought you are an intelligent person.... Stop telling what his constituents ought to do. they are free people and they decide what they do themselves. you have no right on them!! that is the key of democracy!!
And, why is it inexcusable to be absent in parliament for two important votes? Why? why can Dr Debono not speak in public? why does he has to hide? does the people not have the right to know of different point of views?
Where were you when Mintoff toppled Sant's government? surely Labour supporters felt like you are feeling now... did you not say at that time that Mintoff's behvious is inexcusable?

Actually Sant's government was more legitimate then Gonzi's, as it had absolute majority, not like Gonzi's with relative majority only.

B Sant

Dec 27th 2009, 13:47

it amazez me how people have lived nearly a century and learnt nothing....... and the only crown they serve is their party!!!!!!
Who would want to vote to such parties upon hearing these words?

Dominic Azzopardi

Dec 27th 2009, 13:46

Franco Debono huwa il veru progressiv, jirrifletti il generazjoni zghazugha li titkellem mhux il yes-man tal-bierah .

David Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 13:39

Is this old man the same one who chanted: "imbghad wara......imbghad wara... NAHARQU KOLLOX!!!" ?

M. Spiteri

Dec 27th 2009, 13:35

Qed taraw hux ghalxiex il-pajjiz qieghed f'din il mizerja!!! Mela ghal dak li riedu isallbuh, Malta kienet l-ewwel u qabel kollox imma ghal dan, l-ewwel jigi il-partit. Mhux ta b'xejn Pawlu Borg Olivier kien bghat dik l-email xi zmien ilu.........u min jaf kemm intbaghtu bhala qabilha u warajha............pero dejjem min xarrbu kielu l-bakkaljaw!

Malcolm Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 13:32

@Galea. L, of course he did resuscitate, he likes to show himself and boast big time every now and then.
From the look on his face i tought that maybe he is setting forth for the coming elections. He might as well show the letter he sent to Fenech Adami when latter kicked him out from politics to Lawrence Gonzi, as a guarantee that if he is granted a seat in parliament, he will toe the line on every occasion.

Happy holidays to all, even to you Mr Bonello Dupuis"hope you keep on holidaying all the way"

K. Spiteri

Dec 27th 2009, 13:28

Come on go and tell it to the marines. We the floaters are bigger than the party. Last time we voted Dr Gonzi into government. Luckily for the PN Dr G. Abela was rejacted by the PL otherwise the next election would be a walk over for the PL. So Dr Gonzi be carefull how to deal with Dr Debono and the other MP's who are telling you what we think. The PL gave you a chance, make sure to capitalise on it.

L. Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 13:24

Sfortunatament f'pajjiz bhal Malta, jekk ma ikollikx partit li jappoggjak ma ghandekx cans li tigi elett, lanqas f'Kunsill Lokali, jew sempliċi kumitat ghax mhux sigriet kif isiru l-affarijiet f'dan il-pajjiz. Ikun hemm block vote u jekk tkun fih taghmilha jekk le miskin inti. Iva f'Malta l-partit jghollik jew inkella ikissrek. Nafu b'hafna kazi fiz-zewg partiti u hadd ma ghandu biex jitkaza b'hadd

Malcolm Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 13:21

I tried to refrain from commenting about this interview, I even tried to ignore Mr Bonello Dupuis's comments, but after having watched the video interview he gave me the impression that he is trying to do a political comeback in his old age. Like telling Lawrence Gonzi that he is the right man for the job instead of Franco Debono.
Dear George kindly ponder the following at your lesiure, you were kicked out of politics from the same party that you are trying to defend, if Fenech Adami showed you the door after only nine years of being a minister you should reflect whether you were a sucessfull politician or not, and if not keep your ideas to your goodself! The time of lackey politicians is well beyond nowadays/

Enjoy your retirment quietly !!!

M. Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 13:17

@j vella, Naqbel mieghek mija fil-mija dwar id-dejn. Ahna qed inhalsu dak li ghamel Alfred Sant fit-18 il-xahar li ghamel bhala prim ministru.

Franco Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 13:17

Dr Du Puis is no longer updated on how things work. The way he speaks, the PM once again becomes a dictator, as in the times of the 70s and early 80s. This is just not on and there is no question of equating people like Franco Debono with Joe Borg.
It would have been better if Du Puis continued lying back, lying down, and enjoy his pension!

GiovDeMartino @ GB Dupuis

Dec 27th 2009, 13:16

Prosir Dott. Ahna ta' fibra differenti. AHNA partitarji mhux impjegati. L-irgulija llum ghosfrot. Bhalma ghosfrot il-misthija!

J Martinelli

Dec 27th 2009, 13:01

To express disagreement with the Party in public is bad enough, but to be absent for two important votes in Parliament is inexcusable and his own constituents have taken note of his behaviour.
Franco Debono should thank his lucky stars that this government survives with a one seat majority because had it enjoyed a larger majority, Dr. Debono would not be sitting on the government's side, today.
Dr Bonello Dupuis is right on the money and Dr.Debono should learn that in politics one should earn his way up starting from the bottom. Reaching the top of a mountain requires clawing at the foot of the mountain first and not land at the top from a helicopter thinking that he has just fooled the people claiming that he had actually conquered the mountain!

@ J Mifsud

You are mixing apples with oranges. The Borg Olivier episode you mention actually reinforces Dr.Dupuis argument that no single person is greater than the party, not even a former Prime Minister, let alone a tyro, and when Dr.Borg Olivier was replaced by Dr.Fenech Adami, he did not sulk or publicly throw a tantrum. He accepted the Party's decision, and retired gracefully.

Joe Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 12:56

@ Jeremy J Camileri

If there is any hatred shown it is coming from you my friend. To take something out of context and misused one have to have no morals. What is wring of being political enemies? But for people like you being a political enemy also means to hate someone outside the political sphere. Please save the time, do not tell me I do not understand. Coming from you I would have expected better.

Perhaps to your surprise some of Best Friends are political enemies. It seems to me that you are the one that is still living in the past and not Dr. Bonello Dupuis.

Chris Ebejer

Dec 27th 2009, 12:55

One of the acute problems of this country is that we still do have aged people to tell the fresh breed what should be right or wrong!

After so many years in politics this seasoned elderly man has failed to understand the prime insight regard politics.

Politics is there to serve the country and not the party!!

Joe Grima

Dec 27th 2009, 12:47

I love George Bonello Dupuis to bits but I disagree with his comments completely. He speaks like a totalitarian Muscovite Stalinist, a far cry from the real George. I don't know what attracts sensible people, who have lived entire lives in a opposite direction to the ones they portray in some of their writings, to a defunct and defeated Stalinism. First, Dominic Fenech criticised Joseph Muscat for not being a red-draped, bereted, militant Che Guevara clone. Now George Bonello Dupuis suggests, in true-blue marxist style, that there is no one bigger than the Party. George, listen to me. Everyone is bigger than the Party. Today, a real, modern Party worthy of its name, represents a grouping of individuals, sometimes with diverse, even opposing ideas, who, through dialogue, can converge on strong principles in the national interest. The more freedom members of "parties" are given, the more our democracy thrives and progresses. Stifle independent thought and action and you get a despicable form of totalitarianism. Those of us who may still be involved promise to persist in trying to destroy the polorisation and division which you still harbour and to work tirelessly for unity among our people even if in diversity.

C.camilleri

Dec 27th 2009, 12:46

Very interesting interview revealing the true nature of the PN.

"the only person who behaved like today's disgruntled Nationalists was Josie Muscat. But we kicked him out...................."

Democracy a la PN.

Thanks George.

Adrian Camilleri

Dec 27th 2009, 12:45

Hallina!!

Ghax ma tghidx li habba fik Gonzi (u l-poplu) ghadu jbati l-konsegwnezi!

Bil-mentalita bazwija tieghek ''LI NAGHMLU ID-DEJN IMBAGHAD IHALLSUH ULIEDNA''!!

Ghalhekk biss bqajt imfakkar inti Gorg........inti kont missier it-terminu il-gdid, i.e. DEJN, DEJN U IKTAR DEJN!!

Mur gawdi li ghad baqalek tgawdi Gorg u halli nies f'sensihom bhal Franco jahdmu.

john cauchi

Dec 27th 2009, 12:45

I remember this politician to promise that he will eliminate income tax completely prior to the 1971 general election, and he mentioned Bahamas as an example. That is how long this GBD has been outdated. U Hallina George, u kif ghidt sew int, issa ma ghandekx bzonn il pulitika ghax bix xoghol ta Nutar and I quote your own words "I'm laughing all the way to the bank" unquote. Franco Debono, I might not be a PN supporter, but I trust you with all my heart, and you get my vote anytime. We need these kind of politicians who take a brave stand, even if they go against their party. Your costituents voted you in to speak on their behalf not the party. You are giving them a valuable service.

A.Borg

Dec 27th 2009, 12:44

Bonello Dupuis is a vivid portrayal of the Nationalists regime-mentality that failure to abide by the rule, you'll pay dearly and be chucked out. This interview comes to no surprise as we've already seen in recent past a series of resignations and personal attacks on institutions resisting Ministers from dictating their way.

PN's arrogance knows no limits. Giving a few examples, PN leadership has attacked the judicial system (following Zeppi l-Hafi case), the Broadcasting Authority, the MEPA Auditor General, environmental lobby groups, trade unions, the Ombudsman, Alternattiva Demokratika, Health Promotion Director, Sea Malta chairperson, former Commissioner for Children, PBS Editorial Board, dissident supporters, 25 resigning chairpersons and top officials (mostly under Gatt’s Ministries), thousands of employees whose case has been upheld by the Tribunal for Injustices, etc etc. Need I say more?

Last but not least, the PN's arrogance boasts another victim -> our intelligence.

Joe Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 12:44

@ j. vella

""'Id dejn ihallsuh Ulied Uliedna.... (the debt will be paid by our childrens' children!)" and why not? What is wrong with the quote attributed to the former Finance Minister?

If debt is going towards investments in infrastructure that is going to benefit future generations, then why not?

Perhaps, if you are old enough, you were happy with the constant disruption in water supply and electricity just to mention a couple of things.

Galea. L

Dec 27th 2009, 12:43

George Bonello Dupuis Mela ergajt irxuxtajt?
Tiftakar meta ghedt li d-dejn ihallsuh uliedna?
Diga' qed inhallsu ahna George.

!He advised the Prime Minister to "take more care in breaking the news" and to "sugar the pill" because he is dealing with human nature."
Advising him to cheat on the people are you? Same usual PN tactics.

Gonzi, if no one is greater than the Party, how come your last election the PN was called Gonzipn?

Mario Ellul

Dec 27th 2009, 12:34

How pathetic! Reads like something out of Orwell's 1984!!! Big Brother is always right - no matter what! The dictates of Ingsoc and the party are not to be discussed or criticized. Bir-rispett kollu - Hallina Dr Bonello Dupuis!!!!

Charles Micallef

Dec 27th 2009, 12:26

NO ONE IS GREATER THAN ANY PARTY...ESPECIALLY WHEN A PARTY IS UNITED..!

Ray Buttigieg

Dec 27th 2009, 12:22

Loyalty and discipline are very important characteristics in social organisations, being family, work, political parties, sports clubs and religous institutions. However in the nature of things on this earth there will always be 'Individualists' who rock traditional ways of doing things. These people will be accused of betraying the social organisation of which they are a part off, when in fact all they desire is change. This is how new leaders evolve and usually make it into key leadership positions. I urge the readers to go back in time and evaluate how political giants made it to the top and revolutionised their party and their politics. Some are born to lead others to follow. Political parties are led by people who have a vision greater than the party. The party is the means to an end and not the end to a means.

martin saliba

Dec 27th 2009, 12:19

What can one say , he's 82 poor man bless his soul. Just ignore him politely.

J Mifsud

Dec 27th 2009, 12:15

The interview with Dr George Bonello Dupuis was supposed to 'help the Prime Minister in a time of need, and teach a lesson to hot-headed Nationalists who "grouse" over losing their posts'.
Does Dr Bonello Dupuis really think that he has helped the Prime Minister? I believe that he did not. Not by one iota.
I sincerely hope that he does not agree that things should be done in the way as the 'secret conspiracy' against the late Dr George Borg Olivier which was held in a Valletta office.
I prefer Dr Franco Debono's way of doing things. He was voted in by the people, rightly so as a PN candidate, but this does not exclude a politician to express his disgruntlement in public.

Quote: ' Take more care in breaking the news' and to 'sugar the pill'..........
Dr Bonello Dupuis' way of doing politics is to let the people think that they are living in wonderland without noticing that they are living at the top of an erupting volcano. It is amazing to read such nonsense from an ex-politician, an ex-Finance Minister.
I agree with him on one point: 'Dr Debono would never be trusted again'. No make-believe politics!!!!!

manuel micallef

Dec 27th 2009, 12:13

@ Andrew Borg Cardona.

Andrew you are completely correct - we are all "small-minded" individuals who have to obey your party lines. We should understand that the PARTY is bigger then us - like Dupuis said.

We are so small that when we utter the word PN, we should do so in private and not in public...

u hallina.....
This interview just shows that PN doesn't care about people and by calling LP the enemy, it also shows that hatred originated in PN... People should come first!! FULLSTOP!

frank grech

Dec 27th 2009, 12:09

Dr Dupuis.
we need more people like Franco Debono, people who can stand up for the common citizen.
Happy new year to all.

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Dec 27th 2009, 12:03

As usual, the small-minded choose to pretend that they misunderstand. No wonder certain politicians behave the way they do, having to pander to people like these.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Dec 27th 2009, 12:00

Calling the oppositon the enemy only goes to show that hatred and vitriol were not limited to one party...

Hopefully, local politics has evolved since Dupuis's days....

laurence schembri

Dec 27th 2009, 11:59

In a way I can understand what he means but, Franco Debono was elected by the people for the people and not the party.

Nicholas Gatt

Dec 27th 2009, 11:57

I don't feel we should be discussing party politics in the middle of the festive season. After all even the parties stopped political activity during this time. Maybe it could have been published a week later.

edgar gatt

Dec 27th 2009, 11:56

George, you could not have put it better. These spoilt brats should be taught a lesson . Some MP's complain after they have been rejected by the voters in their district rather than trying to find out WHY they were rejected. Wise words from a politician who has been through the bad times.

Adam Buhagiar

Dec 27th 2009, 11:54

Dr. DuPuis should be ashamed of himself. Dr. Debono acted in the best interest of his constituents. He tried to voice his thoughts behind closed doors, but to no avail. We need more politicians like Dr. Franco who act with a clean conscience, and not in their best interest to retain the seat in parliament.

Ramon Casha

Dec 27th 2009, 11:49

Putting the party before the country, before the citizens, before the voters? Thanks and please stay in retirement.

Manuel Micallef

Dec 27th 2009, 11:45

I am so dispppointed by this interview....

No one is greater then the party? That is what Stalin and Hitler used to say....

I thought the party is there to serve the people, and not the people become prisoners of the party...

Is this the way PN operates? democracy at its best....

j vella

Dec 27th 2009, 11:39

Lol..... He forgot..

'Id dejn ihallsuh Ulied Uliedna.... (the debt will be paid by our childrens' children!)

G. Camilleri

Dec 27th 2009, 11:37

Dr. DuPuis. Yes , that is why this country has reached such depth because there are people like you, including Dr. Gonzi who thinks no-one is greater than himself.

Miguel Micallef

Dec 27th 2009, 11:35

"I always said you should not put someone in Cabinet if they haven't ever been in football"

You needs to learn that 1) these aren't things a person should think and 2) even if you are so backwards to actually think it, please don't say it in public.

If Mr Debono has shed a bad light on PN, you have just marked it with a big red warning sign.

Joseph Zammit

Dec 27th 2009, 11:35

U hallina Dr Bonello,

Mentalita ta zmien il komunisti.

Ghal nies dicenti li jigi lewwel hija il kuxjenza mhux il partit.

Well done Franco and THANKS.

Anthony Mizzi

Dec 27th 2009, 11:30

Malta and the Maltese are greater than the or your party , Dr. Dupuis.

Anotehre one of your qquotes or gaff, like the time you said that the Family that plays together stays together.....