PM surprised by questions on Education Ministry

Anthony Mizzi

Jun 9th 2010, 19:19

Quote- Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi insists Mrs. Cristina was kept in the dark and should not be held responsible. "I have nothing to add," Dr Gonzi said. - Unquote

Maybe Dr. Gonzi should have provided Ms. Cristina some energy-saving light bulbs to put some light on the matter!

It is also a wonder why of Education Minister Dolores Cristina’s son, Alessandro, who is the programme manager of the Life Long Learning in Malta kept mum and never hinted to his Mum that the European Commission intended to stop funds to the Ministry of Education

J Martinelli

Jun 9th 2010, 15:34

@ ecortis

There is a difference between 'neglect of duty' and an 'alleged criminal activity'. In connection with the latter, as soon as the PM was informed, he immediately referred the matter to the Police authorities.

Neglect of duty is usually tacked within the department concerned since it is not a criminal matter.

Gianninu Saliba

Jun 9th 2010, 14:45

So the PL expect the Education Minister to resign because the civil servants involved in the matter failed to draw the minister's attention in time. The PL said the suspension was a result of mismanagement in Mrs Cristina's ministry, so the only dignified move would be to shoulder the political responsibility. Does this mean that the PL are accusing Mintoff and KMB who were responsible for the police when they were Prime Ministers of fgross mismanagement as they both should have resigned a hundred and one times each... everytime the police ignored the political violence of the 70s and 80s. Are the new and not so new PL leaders stating that the MLP in government should be condemned for their actions or rather lack there of, when some people were allowed to import colour TV when their importation was illegal? Was the Socialist minister responsible for the Broadcasting Authority supposed to have resigned about a million times for not ensuring broadcasting impartiality? How many Socialist Ministers, plus the Prime Minister should have resigned when private property was taken from its rightful owners to become MLP Clubs. But no this last point does not constitute an error... it was sheer corruption

leo attard

Jun 9th 2010, 14:18

Hon. PM....with all due respect stop using the same excuse to justify a 'political or administrative boo-boo'. It does not inspire confidence when the public keeps hearing 'ignorance' as the excuse and/ or justification of some error -- i refer to your saying that you sign documents that you haven't read; Mrs. Christina she was 'in the dark' as were you when there was that talk of corruption with the marina-privitization and everyone at the OPM knew about it except you ----- the public is not stupid! the general feeling is that there is no sense of accountability! And the 'three blind mice' that resigned are no more than sacrificial lambs who will more than likely end up with better positions outside the arena

J Micallef

Jun 9th 2010, 13:59

It is shameful for the Time to quote an online poll, which is not a scientific poll at all. Konwing how the Labour elves operate on the net, it is quite easily to assume who voted on this poll. And yet, the Times feels the necessity to tweak it in order to pass its hidden agenda along.

Joseph Grech

Jun 9th 2010, 12:31

Hon. Prime Minister - Ms Cristina should resign. She was inefficient and irresponsible in the administation of E.U. taxpayer money. Deep down you must understand that as much as anybody else in this corrupt country of ours!
Cristina's declaring she ''did not know'' what was going on is disgraceful. Sadly, your own stance in this issue is equally irresponsible. Throw Ms. Cristina out immediately. That's what political responsibility is all about. That's what all the Blah, Blah, Blah about political accountability (by yourself and others) before the last election was all about.
Unbelievably you put Cabinet camraderie before National Interests...that's BAD!
Sorry but you are doing Malta - and the P.N. a grave disservice.
As for Malta's permanent representative to the European Union, Richard Cachia Caruana he too should shoulder part of the blame for what happened - he should have made it his business to know what was happening but he seems to have fallen asleep in his high chair also.
Now, Minister Cristina has gone to Brussels to ask forgiveness! How disgraceful! The P.N. need to chuck her out of her Ministry at once if they wish to look credible next time round.

Adrian Gouder

Jun 9th 2010, 12:08

Is this true? This news is close to shocking. Am I to understanding that the EU can shut down funds for whatever reason without even advising the Government about shortfalls? If this is the case then the EU must be made to change, even if only for the sake of guaranteeing continuity. Before shutting down such services, the EU's last resort should be to communicate its concerns in writing to the Hon. Minister responsible, giving him/her the time to rectify or justify prior to taking a final stand.

MEPs your action is required here.

Ramon Casha

Jun 9th 2010, 11:49

"...civil servants involved in the matter failed to draw the minister's attention in time."

In that case, minister Cristina is responsible for not ensuring that she was kept informed. Remember: "the buck stops here".

The excuse given can be used to justify anything. "Oh sure, department X was rife with corruption but the minister didn't know about it so we'll just find a smaller head to roll".

ecortis

Jun 9th 2010, 11:25

Dr.Gonzi said that civil servants involved in the matter failed to draw the minister's attention in time.........Well, isn't it the same case that happened in the Prime Minister's office at Castille ?. One of his closest civil servants and a top Minister failed to draw the PM's attention to the report of a possible illegality i.c.w the yacht yard privatisation. What's good for the goose......