Vote of no confidence in Sliema mayor today
All six remaining Nationalist members of the Sliema local council must show up for this afternoon’s meeting and vote in favour of a no confidence motion if the PN is to succeed in replacing mayor Nikki Dimech by his deputy, Joanna Gonzi.
Sources said Dr Gonzi would be returning today, interrupting her holiday midway, just in time for the meeting when a motion of no confidence in Mr Dimech will be debated and voted upon. She is then likely to fly back out as soon as possible.
Patrick Pace, who has been on holiday for a month, was reported to have returned yesterday but has so far been unreachable for comment. Sources from both sides of the vote claim he is on their side.
For the motion to pass it must gain the support of the majority of councillors in office, in this case, at least six out of the 11 members. Thus, if all six PN councillors do not vote for the motion, it will fail, even if Labour councillors abstain and the motion wins the support of the relative majority of councillors.
Mr Dimech was on Tuesday charged with soliciting a bribe and reviling a public official. He was released on bail after pleading “definitely not guilty” to the charges.
The 31-year-old mayor, who was elected through the endorsement of his mentor, MP Robert Arrigo, was kicked out of the PN after he told the police in a statement he had asked for a bribe. Mr Dimech has insisted he had been coerced in making such a statement after suffering a panic attack while in police custody and was not given access to his inhaler. He has vowed to stay on as an independent mayor.
His expulsion from the party irked another PN councillor, Sandra Camilleri, who claimed she was forced to sign the motion of no confidence by PN general secretary Paul Borg Olivier, who rejected the allegation as “unfounded”. Ms Camilleri has resigned from the PN.
Another PN councillor who had reportedly also claimed he was forced to sign the motion has denied this was the case. “These are all lies. It’s not true at all,” Edward Cuschieri insisted, referring to reports in the press.
When contacted, Mr Cuschieri said Dr Borg Olivier had left him free to decide whether or not to sign the motion and he was upset about the articles that claimed otherwise.
However, Mr Cuschieri was somewhat indecisive about how he would vote. He admitted he did not know “the full story” and was not sure if Mr Dimech was guilty or not.
“I will support the motion because I already signed it,” Mr Cuschieri said, only to add later he would “probably vote (for)” but would decide on the day.
57 Comments
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paul Bajada
Sep 2nd 2010, 18:28
It is strange to note that within the Sliema council we have council members who are not permanent residence of the area, when in the past I recall a prominent person how wanted to go out for the elections of the Naxxar council, he had to prove his residents, if I recall well the authorities used to do spot calls to confirm if he used to sleep in Naxxar (his office) or in another locality. Whatever the legal loopholes that permit a person to use any address he wishes on his I.D. it is not right to permit council members who are not residence of the locality to sit on the council let alone become the Mayor.
J.pace
Sep 2nd 2010, 16:57
Why not make an anonymous vote and PBO and Gonzi PN club and the rest who wants Nikky to resign, leave the voters to do their job and decide for their own, not forcing them, and threaten them with their families and with removing them from the PN club. You know what, you (the voters) are all small fish, what will you do if next time this will happen to you?
Yes bring a mayor that do not live in Sliema, just to make PBO happy and another Gonzi name in Sliema, and live the rest of your life, feeling a Puppet. Just be man and vote with your mind. Make the vote anonymous.
MBorg
Sep 2nd 2010, 16:55
To all Sliema Councillors
Do not ruin a man's life and reputation with your vote. All Sliema is behind Nikki. We do not want a non Sliema resident as mayor.
@ LP Councillors & @ Eric Saliba
No one is asking Joseph Muscat to clean the " PNs mess in the Sliema Council " as you put it. He has nothing to do with it.
However the labour councillors formed part of the same council. If they feel and know that Niki is innocent , they should vote in his favour, and show one and all that politics is not everything, Not when you are dealing with a man's wellbeing.
jesmond zammit
Sep 2nd 2010, 16:46
PL councillors did the best thing by not giving themselves hostages to fortune. Imagine if in some months' time Dimech is found guilty. The PN would go on a roll saying that PL voted for corruption.
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Sep 2nd 2010, 16:04
I am a pensioner and spent this morning in Sliema, Ferry area and St.Anne Square. It appear that more then 80% of Sliema Residents and visiters to Sliema this morning only a few hours before the vote on the no confidence motion for Nikki is taken are all showing sympathy towards Nikki. So as many are saying I wish to join: TO ALL SLIEMA COUNCILLORS: BEFORE YOU VOTE THINK THINK AND RETHINK - VOTE AS YOU FEEL AND DO NOT LET ANY THING ELSE BLIND YOUR CONSCIOUS. SHOW ALL MALTA AND GOZO THAT YOU ARE SENSABLE. DO NOT BE PUPPETS OF YOUR PARTY ESPECIALLY YOU WHO FORM THE PN GROUP.
Joseph Cauchi
Sep 2nd 2010, 15:53
Nikki,
While there is still some hours left, why don’t you do the honourable thing and RESIGN?
This will save you a lot of hassle and in the long term it will serve you well!
Courage Man and OPEN YOUR EYES!
JC.
J Messi
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:55
This is a very villain, and I mean VILLAIN move. The reason why PN wants to get rid of Nikki will become much more clear today... if GonziPN has it their way that is. And btw, I still believe that it's not good to have a mayor who is not from sliema. Baqra tajba f'pajjizha tinbiegh!!
M Saliba
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:44
It makes more sense to wait for the court sentence and then the members of the council then act accordingly.
Asking the mayor to resign when he is accused in court can cause public prejudice.
A. Azzopardi
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:27
I firmly believe that a major should be a permanent resident of that town or village. Perhaps several residents of Sliema do not want the "new" chosen major by the PN for Sliema. I live in Sliema and I do not know everything that Sliema needs. So can you imagine.......
A lot of time has been wasted and a lot of damage done. Only time will tell and it will come.
No amount of letters at home will make us forget or make us less angry.
leo attard
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:27
funny, the PL don't have to do a thing to ruin the PN because the latter are doing a good job of breaking up their own house --------- divide and rule ------------ when 2 dogs fight the third makes off with the bone
Frank Portelli 2BFRANK
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:25
I would be very surprised indeed if Inspector Gafa did not respect a suspect’s human rights in his line of duty.
Nonetheless I feel that video recording of interviews with suspects should be established.
This would not only guarantee a suspects rights, it would also ensure that a suspect’s signed admission of guilt was acquired fairly, after due caution, and within the confines of the law – making it at once admissible evidence.
Our Constitution declares that Malta is a ‘democratic republic with respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual’
However it was not so long ago that a Labour Prime Minister declared that our constitution is mereley "Anchovy Wrapping paper" (Karta tal-Incova).
Remember the Maxim
When in Government – Prepare laws - for When in Opposition
Dr Frank Portelli
D Vella
Sep 2nd 2010, 15:32
Why video recordings which can be tempered with,why not the accused's solicitor to be present at all interrogations?. It's a perfect right and one that's practised in civilised Countries.
Frank Portelli 2BFRANK
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:38
D Vella
Normally 3 Video recordings are made at the same time.
One is given to the suspect.
One is given to the prosecutor
One is sealed as a master copy
This is accepted as standard procedure.
Dr Frank Portelli
Frank Portelli 2BFRANK
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:22
Darren
I am completely impartial on this issue
I believe that any one holding public office, and who is are under investigation, has a duty to resign ---in order to allow the due process of law to proceed smoothly.
That way the public office itself is not brought into disrepute and the official can concentrate on trying to clear his name.
regards
Frank Portelli
mario gellel
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:21
@ To all Sliema Councillors
Remember you have a free mind. KEEP DEMOCRACY ALIVE.
THAT'S WHY PL WAS RIGHT WHEN IT DID NOT WANT THE LOCAL COUNCILS TO BE POLITICALY PARTY RUN.
Joseph Mercieca
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:14
how come the PN is the court and judge now.This is gonzi PN FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBLI
M Attard
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:55
Everyone deserves their day in Court. Innocent till proven guilty,then and only then should the Mayor resign.
Jason Copperstone
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:41
While I agree with the principle 'innocent until proven guilty', what worries me is that there is a lot more going on than simply the allegations against the mayor. There are a number of allegations of irregularities that the whole council needs to answer. I do not feel I have all the facts I need and therefore am in no position to pass judgement on the Mayor, but I do feel the council owes all Sliema residents an explanation. Then I will be in a better position to know if I can trust the council/mayor or not.
As to the political issue, what is good for my locality should transcend political parties interests. I want to see a better Sliema regardless whether I am Nationalist or Labour.
J. Mifsud
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:55
@ To all Sliema Councillors
Remember that you are also part of the small fish that at the moment are being put to the grill. Think hard. Your conscience will play its part today. I do not want all the riches of the world and put anyone under the guillottine, especially if I do not have the 100% of facts presented to me.
This saga is troubling all the people of goodwill. There is people's health involved here. Do not let anyone dictate to you on what you should do. You have a mind of your own. Use it sensibly.
J Messi
Sep 2nd 2010, 15:00
@ all sliema councillors
Make sure that whatever you do this afternoon, you will be ready to answer to your own conscience tomorrow. After all we trusted you with our votes - make sure you will still be trustworthy. Legislatura ta' kunsill wiehed malajr tghaddi. Ftakru li tridu tergghu tigu titkarrbu ghall voti taghna qabel li jmiss. Anyway, ghandi ghalxejn tigu, hlief forsi biex tghaddu ghat-tessera tieghi u twassluha ghand PBO bhala trophy ta kemm qed jirnexxielu jgerrex nazzjonalisti bhali. u forsi nkun nista nibaghtlu il vot ukoll - flok ma narmih jien ikun jista jaghtih lill Vince ghar recycling - jaf itih xi haga tieghu ;)
R Grima
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:52
We do not want Dr Gonzi. Not now,no way,not ever. A Sliema person for Sliema Mayor,and make it quick cause the place is falling apart.
J Messi
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:56
You are right.
Baqra tajba f'pajjizha tinbiegh!!
B Sant
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:40
if councillors vote according to the party line given that this is no dogma or principle!!!! i am afraid that whoever we vote in the lcoal council it is just a vote to a party machine
we might gave a blank cheque to PBO and eh decides who runs the office - since it doesnt matter
now two alternativesare awaiting us
either get politics out of councils or get rid of councils....
eric saliba
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:37
@ s micallef. were you expecting joseph muscat to clean the pn's mess in the sliema council? it's your cake.....you made it, you eat it.......and this is not sitting on the fence!!
S.Micallef
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:10
You completely misunderstood my point it seems. It has nothing to do with joseph muscat cleaning up the mess as he clearly has no authority to do so.
however where is the opposition? why is it that the public, (as can be seen clearly from comments posted), is picking up on all these issues, yet the opposition somehow has nothing to say about it.
we have an arrogant government and a pathetic opposition.
C. Muscat
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:36
To All Councillors:
Do not surpass the Courts. Leave the Courts to decide the issue first. Do not be judge and jury prior to justice.
E. Azzopardi
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:26
I really do not care if they show up or not or if they vote or not. We are fed up of this whole circus with letters being sent at home to justify what happened. The people will judge themselves when the time comes, I am sure of that.
The residents of Sliema now demand that this ends immediately for their benefit and that of the locality. The more it drags the bigger the damage for everybody and I mean everybody.
So let's get on with it, for goodness sake.
C.camilleri
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:13
The Sliema mayor was elected on the PN ticket.
Now that they kicked him out of the party, they are asking for a vote of no confidence. Would it have been wiser to let justice take its course before rushing to conclusions? Or is there a hidden agenda after all this witch hunt against the PN elected Mayor by his own party?
Traycy Caruana
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:07
@ Frank Portelli. How many ministers are above suspicion of some wrongdoing or other?
A. Farrugia
Sep 2nd 2010, 12:30
I am one of those people who feel confused though I'd like to know the truth about this whole affair. Would it not be wiser for the Sliema Mayor to resign or else for the council to decide on whether to vote him out of office, AFTER THE COURT DECISION rather than before it is taken? I mean, this is a civilised country where whoever is accused of something is presumed INNOCENT until proven guilty, irrespective of personal impressions, no? So what's the hurry? Is it too much to expect our elected representatives to vote with their heads, rather than because of pressure, allegiances or emotion?
I don't know any of the protagonists in this whole story, and to say the truth I only felt compelled to write because I believe in the principles of justice and fairness and would like to see more politics of persuasion, rather than rash decisions or what, to an outsider would seem like bullying. My voice might not count a lot, but I have one vote and when the time comes I'll use it wisely, and I'll vote for the person first, not for the party.
MBorg
Sep 2nd 2010, 12:28
To all councillors
Do not vote Nikki Dimech out , everyone is innocent unless proven guilty. Being a mayor does not change this. Ask your conscience first if you really think that he did something wrong .Do not just vote him out because you were told to. The way he is being treated is not right.
Why do you chose to believe Buhagiar, when you were the ones to stop his employment with the council and not believe the mayor.? Something does not make sense over here..
gcForte
Sep 2nd 2010, 12:26
This story is getting more exiting every day, I am anxious to see how it is going to finish. The ironic fact is that Alfred Hichock( ma nafx nispelliha ) is dead because he will make the biggest thriller of the century. I hope that we will soon see a film on the big screen soon. I wish that the name given will be " The biggest deviation of the P.N," because that is what it is .........to divert Joe the public from the real serious problems that this government have, in his party and his governance.
Jason Copperstone
Sep 2nd 2010, 15:02
@gcForte
it's spelt Hitchcock :-)
Eric Attard
Sep 2nd 2010, 12:26
mhux jekk, miskin min ghamel xi haga zghira hawn Malta ghax kif dejjem nghidu il huta zghira qatt ma kilet il huta il kbira. Jiena ghaliha ghamel x'ghamel Is-Sindku ta' tas-Sliema qatt ma kellu jigi headline ma malta kollha ara taghhom kollox haxhax qiesu qatt ma gara xejn.
Pierre P Portelli
Sep 2nd 2010, 11:43
I personally believe that this is all a farce ! I have no interest to defend Nikki Dimech, however STOP & think, look into the matter closely and you will notice a few strange things happening...
1. Nikki Dimech was questioned by the police in the afternoon/evening of the 14th August (I believe) -the next day BANG on the front page of The Times, we get the whole story... So we do have good journalists in Malta or is it a matter of leaking information from the PN or members of the PHQ ??
2. All the PN media didn't in any way try to hide this story on the contrary they made more "noise" than their counterparts ONE !! mmm !
3. Nikki Dimech was arraigned in court 2 days ago in the evening. So when we really want justice does take its course very quickly in this country !! Not even a murderer or a drug dealer would have such treatment I bet you !
This all goes to show that there is someone (or more) pulling the right power strings !
ARE WE STILL LIVING IN A STATE OF DEMOCRACY ?
MBorg
Sep 2nd 2010, 12:37
It is true someone is going all out to finish him , Why ? Why did the PN come out so hard against him ? Is there someone who is afraid of him?
He should remain as Mayor of Sliema and only be replaced if proved guilty.
C. Farrugia
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:34
It was the *common* people who elected him, so it should be their choice in this matter too! Simple as that.
Oh and that ...only AFTER they have available to them, ALL the transparent facts!
Lara Boffa
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:07
This country is in need of one big shake. It's a pity that the majority of the locals fail to remove their blinkers. It's pretty hard for a country to do well and exploit change when the majority of us voters are fanatics.
David Caruana
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:48
Dear Lara,
I totally agree with you, but it's people like you who can bring about the much needed change.
Don't give up. Change is possible. A coalition government is our only true hope.
Spread the word ;-)
lgalea
Sep 2nd 2010, 15:36
ARE WE STILL LIVING IN A STATE OF DEMOCRACY ?
No Mr Portelli.Under PN it is spelt "The Mockracy"
Frank Portelli 2BFRANK
Sep 2nd 2010, 11:26
A basic tenet of our society is that everyone must be presumed innocent – until found guilty by due process of law.
There is however another principle annunciated by Caesar’s which should apply to all those who hold public office.
“Caesar's wife must not only be innocent - she must be above suspicion."
Every public person accused of wrong doing must not only be innocent - they must be above suspicion.
The sight of an individual holding on to public office in the face of serious accusations is, to say the least, an unedifying one.
It damages that particular office whatever the outcome of investigations.
Those who are under investigation have a duty to resign in order to allow the due process of law to proceed smoothly.
They can meantime focus on trying to clear their names.
Dr Frank Portelli
Darren J. Galea
Sep 2nd 2010, 12:48
Wise words Dr. Portelli. You are obviously impartial in this whole affair. If so would you also expect others high in the PN to resign should they be suspected of any wrongdoing. Currently as you are aware fingers are pointing and tongues are wagging abount certain PN officials in connection with the power station affair. Do you also suggest these resign to clear thei names or is it only the lowly mayor of Sliema who should?
P.Cassar
Sep 2nd 2010, 12:56
I NEVER HEARD YOU ARGUMENT IN THIS MANNER WHEN PEOPLE HIGHER UP IN THE PN HIERARCHY WERE INVOLVED ................AND THIS RECENTLY !!!!!!!!
ANY VALID / TRUE REASON ?
Joe Busuttil
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:21
Yeah,yeah , Frank. What do you say to what Darren J Galea wants to know of you?
C. Muscat
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:34
One is innocent until proved guilty.
Do you mean ... the mayor do not accept the bribe and the contractor decides to remove the mayor by simply insinuating that he has been requested for a percentage;
I have not forgotten what you said on the Mater Dei, the amounts and the time taken,
Frank you had wise words at the time, what happened now?
Frank Portelli 2BFRANK
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:53
Darren
I am completely impartial on this issue
I believe that any one holding public office, and who is are under investigation, has a duty to resign ---in order to allow the due process of law to proceed smoothly.
That way the public office itself is not brought into disrepute and the official can concentrate on trying to clear his name.
regards
Frank Portelli
Darren J. Galea
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:12
Dr. Portelli.
With due respect, in your first post you stated, quote Every public person accused of wrong doing must not only be innocent - they must be above suspicion unquote.
There is more than enough suspicion, smoke (without fire?) etc. that something is amiss with the Power Station process. Therefore there is suspicion, therefore certain people are pretty far from being "above suspicion".
What should they do in THAT case? Should they resign - a straight answer would be appreciated.
Victor Laiviera
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:19
Dr Portelli, please B frank and give a plain answer to a plain question.
Q: Should anyone resign till the Power Sation tender mess is sorted out?
If so, who?
Thank you in advance for B-eing Frank
David Caruana
Sep 2nd 2010, 14:22
There were no resignations during the AG's investigations about the Power Station contract.
If the EC is not satisfied with the Government's reply regarding the possible breach of EU Regulations in the same Power Station contract, there will be yet another investigation. I hope to see your same comments on this page when the day will come.
And can you please tell us why PBO is not being investigated when he has been accused of:
- Putting pressure on a mayor to choose a particular waste collection contractor.
- Putting pressure on a councillor to vote against the Mayor.
- Working in collusion with Angelo Gafa' (ND receiving a call minutes after exiting the Police Depot)
Can you also tell us why Inspector Angelo Gafa' is not being investigated by the Disciplinary Board when he is being accused of:
- Using inhumane methods with Dimech
- Working in collusion with a political party
Gerard Cassar
Sep 4th 2010, 20:12
Dr. Frank Portelli writing!
What happened to all" might be abuses at Mater Dei" such as the 25 operation theatres the excessive number of post morten so often mentioned by the 2Bfrank.
Some people are prone easily to changes.
S. Micallef
Sep 2nd 2010, 11:26
what a fuss over something so small...what about the bigger things? VAT scandals etc... trying to distract people is not going to work. trying to convince people that the government is doing something about corruption by tackling this case in this severe way is not going to work either.
people are not stupid.
meanwhile whilst all this and worse is going on, all joseph muscat can do is launch new party emblems with his wife. i give up on this place!
David Caruana
Sep 2nd 2010, 13:46
There is an alternative to this mess. ;-)
We've seen the tide of change in the UK and now the Australian parliament.
Let's hope that the people of Malta are up to the task of giving our "established" politicians a loud and clear answer come next election.
L Spiteri
Sep 2nd 2010, 11:20
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout,
Confusion worse confounded.
Milton: Paradise Lost, ii. line 996.
Mark Vella
Sep 2nd 2010, 11:14
Dil bicca tax xoghol tinten wisq pero eh! Xeeeeebbaaaa tahwid!
VV Bartolo
Sep 2nd 2010, 11:12
"Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast The First Stone"
d.debono
Sep 2nd 2010, 11:04
the funniest part of this is that both Joanna Gonzi & Patrick Pace are enjoying summer goin holidays for long time following this Sliema council fracass !!!
Ksciberras
Sep 2nd 2010, 11:28
And rather then pick up the pieces and sort out the mess we are on vacation. Will that be the future our my council until the next election?
Mr. Pace and Mr. Cuschieri, do the right thing when you vote. Remember ultimately we all have to face the Ultimate Leader and pass His Judgment. One of the greatest sins is not disobeying the Party (after all they can dispose of you) but ruining a man's life if it turns out he is not guilty. If Nikki is guilty he will automatically have to resign from his position since he would go to jail but this is after judgement from a judge and jury and not a political party