PN asks councillor to withdraw support for no-confidence motion
Sliema Nationalist councillor Edward Cuschieri has been asked by his party to withdraw his support for the motion he signed nominating him as deputy mayor instead of fellow PN council member Cyrus Engerer who, by law, is next in line.
The party did not say how it would deal with Mr Cuschieri, 82, if he persists in his support.
Mr Cuschieri has been avoiding the media since he and five other councillors (making up a majority) tabled the motion on Monday.
“You don’t need to call here anymore,” a family member said yesterday when contacted at home. Besides Mr Cuschieri, the motion has the support of the three Labour councillors and two others who recently resigned from the PN: former mayor Nikki Dimech and Sandra Camilleri.
The motion of no confidence in Mr Engerer still needs to be approved by the Director of Local Government and is likely to be rejected because, according to law, Mr Engerer must be appointed and only then can a motion of no-confidence be tabled. This means signatures would have to be sought once more.
When asked if the PN had effectively lost its comfortable majority in a traditional stronghold, a party spokesman said that was “gratuitous”.
“Mr Engerer has the full backing of the PN and, as always, the PN will act according to the spirit of the law,” the party said yesterday as it lambasted the Labour Party for supporting the “undemocratic” motion.
The PN accused the PL of supporting a person who it said solicited a bribe, in a reference to Mr Dimech, who was deposed soon after pleading not guilty in court to charges including bribery.
Mr Engerer, 29, has expressed surprise at seeing Mr Cuschieri’s signature on the motion, saying they always worked well together.
The motion says that Mr Engerer does not have enough maturity or experience for the job, a claim he challenged pointing out there were several mayors and deputy mayors younger than him and that he was also a graduate in politics.
Mr Engerer believes there are “other” reasons behind the motion, although he has not spelled them out. A Facebook group has been set up mocking Mr Engerer for his homosexuality.
When contacted, Mr Engerer said the group highlighted the level of intolerance in Malta, showing the need for more to be done in terms of gay rights.
“Seeing all this, I am proud to belong to a party that accepts diversity and does not discriminate when it comes to its membership and candidacy in elections on the basis of sexual orientation,” he said. He said the motion against him showed Labour to be an “opportunistic” party only paying lip service to issues such as youth involvement and tolerance towards diversity.
The PL said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi should look into what was happening in his party, adding that, due to arrogance and threats, the party had lost its comfortable majority. It added that “GonziPN” was in no position to give lessons on minority rights, especially because of its “disastrous record” on homophobia-related votes at the European Parliament.
When contacted, the PL denied the motion had anything to do with Mr Engerer’s sexual orientation, saying it was shameful for the PN to try to exploit it. It had nothing to do with Mr Engerer’s age either but, rather, the “disrespectful way he treats fellow council members”. The party did not give details.
Mr Engerer wondered why this new reason was not mentioned in the motion and challenged the party to give examples of when this happened, adding he did not recall any such instances.
During last year’s local election, Mr Engerer gained the third largest number of votes from the elected PN candidates and Mr Cuschieri got the least.
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Ian Micallef
Jul 15th 2011, 17:15
does it mean that Joe Muscat promised something in relation to same sex marriage. I hope that if he intends to legislate in favour of same sex marriage if he is in government, he should declare his intentions in the electoral manifesto. Voters should not be treated in the same way they have been treated in the question of divorce.
Yvonne Young
Jul 15th 2011, 16:17
It seems that the Sliema Local Council is a truly mixed kettle of fish!!
EMM.STAFRACE
Sep 16th 2010, 07:26
It seems to me the only PN councillor on the Sliema Local Council who has guts happens to be Mrs Camilleri who stood up to PBO and his hoodlooms ,withstood her ground and chose the honourable way out. She showed her male compatriots that nobody pushes her around,and like mr,Cuschieri isalso an old but wise person.
Anthony Mizzi
Sep 15th 2010, 23:46
Sliema Nationalist councillor Edward Cuschieri has been asked , ORDERED or DICTATED
by his party to withdraw his support for the motion he signed nominating him as deputy mayor instead of fellow PN council member Cyrus Engerer ????????
A.E. Camilleri
Sep 15th 2010, 17:56
If Mr. Cuschieri were to give in to Party pressure, then one only call him a "puppet". Doesn't he have the guts to vote according to his conscience? Ms. Camilleri was the only one to stand up to pressure, and wanted to vote according to her conscience, not give in to pressure; she resigned from the party, and carried on with the job. That's the stuff you should be made of.
E. Azzopardi
Sep 15th 2010, 16:25
Whois running the local Councils? The political parties it seems. So why have them in the first place? We could save a lot of money, the parties could save a lot of embarrassment and accusations etc etc etc.
Having said that, this has been the biggest flop for Sliema residents. Residents need their needs to be seen to not that of political parties. There are many pending actions to be seen to in Sliema and time is passing by quickly. So can we please get on with it?
Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors should be very careful what to do and how to act in public. What they do privately ( as long as it is legal and legitimate) is their own business, but publicly, well that is another matter.
H Galea
Sep 15th 2010, 15:30
So we have a war in Sliema, this is stinking, who is behind all this, was this per arranged.!!!
Dr Joe Brincat
Sep 15th 2010, 14:07
How can anyone conclude that this motion was inspired by considerations of personal sexual tendencies ? I repeat here that since Self Government up till today there have been and I think there are individuals who are gay in both political parties. People know but are prudent enough and courteous enough to let everybody lead his own life. Why should Cyrus Engerer be treated differently ? The motives behind the motion, which is not signed by LP council members alone, must be others.
Apart from party discipline, which does not bind LP members, and it seems the Ex Mayor and Mrs Camilleri, who resigned, there is no reason on earth, legal or factual, why in a vote people are not free to choose whom they want. The second question is whether there should be party discipline in such cases.
S.micalled
Sep 15th 2010, 13:04
Following Cyrus' argument, perhaps Mr. Cuschieri can claim that he is not being supported by PN in his bid to become deputy mayor because he is old.
ct busuttil
Sep 15th 2010, 12:42
If Mr Engerer is too young, then with all due respect, isn't Mr Cuschieri too old!!! I have heard Mr Engerer argue and he struck me as mature, principled and a no-nonsense person with a bright future that stands to benefit us, if we are sensible enough.
K. Mifsud
Sep 15th 2010, 12:16
I am no supporter of the Nationalist party, and do not know Cyrus personally, but, for heaven's sake:
Cyrus Engerer is a Masters graduate in public administration and politics of the College of Europe in Bruges, one of Europe's tiny but most incredibly elite and prestigious Universities. The College of Europe is known to be harder to get into than even the likes of Oxford and Cambridge.
People who have studied there include ex-Commission Presidents (e.g. Manuel Marín), various EU Commissioners, Prime Ministers, the Foreign Ministers of Austria and Finland, the Finance Minister of Norway and the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, not to mention about half the judges on the ECJ, the EU's highest court. There's even Nick Clegg, now UK deputy Prime Minister.
Frankly, Cyrus could not **possibly** be better qualified for this job (or indeed much more senior positions). Though I only met him once or twice and have no personal connection to him, I have seen enough to attest to his impressive intelligence and personal maturity. He is exactly the kind of young, energetic, smart and mature person we need.
Janice Debono
Sep 15th 2010, 11:31
PN did the right thing in telling Edward Cuschieri to withdraw his name from that motion - it is a shame that Labour is supporting a motion which is driven solely by one motivation: Cryus Engerer's sexual orientation. Shame on Muscat and his Party
A.J.Borg
Sep 15th 2010, 14:36
That's your own conclusion. Be informed that the Labour Party is the only party in Malta which has a LGBT section within its structure. It is coincidentally the same party in Malta which de-criminalised homosexuality.
Think before you type.
Dr Joe Brincat
Sep 15th 2010, 11:24
Recently I was examining the law and writing an essay as submissions to the Court about the Constitutional aspect of Local Councils. I argued that they are not independent republics, each with its own coat of arms.
When I read the article above, what caught my attention is the phrase "by law, next in line". Oh I asked the wrong question in that essay. It should have been whether Local Councils are "monarchies" which have constitutionally established order of succession. The Local Councils Act speaks differently. It establishes a vote, and that automatically means that the vote is free. If this continues I will recount the story when I was a co-opted council member in Marsa and there was the election of a Mayor and what happened then.
l fenech
Sep 15th 2010, 11:24
Isa Cuschieri obdi.
Carmel Garcia
Sep 15th 2010, 10:48
Djalogu... Djalogu... Djalogu.... Xoghol, Gustizzja, LIBERTA... Membri fl-ghaqda tad-demokratici KRISTJANI.... u issa ghax is-Sur Cuschieir ghazel li jiffirma mozzjoni ohra qieghed ukoll jigi mgieghel (Sic) biex jirtira'. X'demokrazzija hi din? Xi Djalogu hu dan?X'liberta hi din? Parole... Parole.. Parole... Iccediex Sur Cuschieri. Uri li inti matur u ragel.
A.J.Borg
Sep 15th 2010, 10:21
We'll soon have another 'independent' councillor in Sliema. The whole issue has been grossly mishandled by the PN.
True that councillors are expected to toe the party line - but there is a limit. Councillors have a right to act freely and independently if their party has concocted a frame-up against one of their colleagues. Toeing the party line does not mean bowing to 'orders' by a weak secretary general.
Frank Portelli 2BFRANK
Sep 15th 2010, 10:20
Meanwhile
" who's looking after the shop ?"
Frank Portelli
D Gatt
Sep 15th 2010, 09:58
and then they say that the PN is a democratic party where you are free to express your views. will PBO be threatining this one too?
Charles Zammit
Sep 15th 2010, 09:58
Time is ripe to refer to local councils by their proper fitting name i.e. Gonzipn string puppets.
Mark Seychell
Sep 15th 2010, 09:53
'Asks'?
As usual, pretty sure they mean 'threaten'
Alexander Pace Gouder
Sep 15th 2010, 09:44
Whatever happens now we all know the views that Mr.Edward Cuschieri has even if Mr.Engerer becomes Deputy Mayor. PBO is said to have said quoting another newspaper not The Times that he does not "want any more nonsense." On my part I do not think that this is a NONSENSE case. It is a very serious one as the PN will loose the majority in Sliema Council and this seems what PBO is really worried about Also again a party in this case PN is using its hard hand to make a counciller ie Edward(whom I know very well and has always given all his best for Sliema) do something against his will. This council cannot work any more in the present situation. AND THE DIRTY POLITICAL GAME KEEPS GOING ON FROM THE QUARTIRI TAL-PN.
P.Cassar
Sep 15th 2010, 09:39
BUT DOES THE COUNCIL, ITS FORMATION AND ITS MEMBERS BELONG TO THE PN OR TO THE ELECTORATE, WHO DECIDES EVERY 5 YEARS.
THE PL AND THE CHURCH WERE RIGHT THAT PARTY POLITICS HAVE , NOT CONTAMINATED, BUT POISONED MANY LOCAL COUNCILS.......ESPECIALLLY PN ONES !!!!
Manuel Micallef
Sep 15th 2010, 09:28
DEMOCRACY!!!
if PN believes in democracy, and the right of free will - then they will let Mr Cuschieri to vote as he wishes. That is the basis of democracy.
Perhaps Prof. Wain could lecture us a bit about democracy? or is "his" democracy just one sided?
As it comes to prominently publishing by the Times of Mr Cuschieri's age - "82" - I am a bit disgusted.
Old people have the right to participate and voice theri concern - especially if this is shared by the majority of that council.
gcForte
Sep 15th 2010, 08:51
The P.L. statement says it all................A.... It has nothing to do with being gay, because every Maltese family have one or more, like so,even within the P.L . B.... It has nothing to do with age, because the P.L. always had the youngest members, in councils, in parliament and M.E.Ps. C.....Mr. Engerer, knowing that he was the third in line, he worked hard to shove Nikki, so he will become second in line...D......Nikki Dimech and Sandra Camilleri wanted Engerer to taste some of his own medicine and teach him that " Kif tghamel jghamlulek "....E.....As for Edward Cuschieri, it is not who is in line first that counts more , but PRINCIPLES
The P.L. members, wanted to show that in the Sliema district the council is doomed, and an early election will be the best solution. G........For all the Maltese citizens........This is a replica or a photo copy of what is happening inside the P.N....So let us go and celebrate independence day, while we are not even independent within our party, because, to have a free vote it will be a nice dream in the P.N.
Moira Scicluna
Sep 15th 2010, 08:45
How can people be so cruel. Gay people are the same (if not more sensitive than others).
If Cyrus is capable for the post and he is next in line he should be deputy mayor. He is young and full of energy. Come on Cyrus show them and prove them wrong.
Moira Scicluna - Sliema.
gcForte
Sep 15th 2010, 10:16
Moira Scicluna......You should be more specify and point your finger to the Nationalist Party, because they are accusing the P.L., when knowing that the P.L., have for the first time in the political history created a gay section within the party.
Joseph Aquilina
Sep 15th 2010, 11:05
This has nothing to do with Cyrus Engerer being gay. Cyrus Engerer and PN (wonder from when?) are using this card to play the victims. The motives are different. Read the article.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 15th 2010, 11:16
Moira..you, like MR. ENgerer are doing gays a dis -service by linking this political stance to homophobia.
It is really sad to see someone like ENgerer using his sexual orientation to score political points. If he really had gay rights at heart in the first place, he would have never considered contesting elections on the PN ticket.
Can anyone remember a certain PN politician stating that MPs living a gay lifestyle were not welcome in that party?
R Axisa
Sep 15th 2010, 08:39
Kemm kien qal sewwa John Bundy fil-kanzunetta tieghu Pajjiz Tal-Mickey Mouse! - "Fejn ta' fuq jigbdu l-ispaga, u ahna l-pupazzi nimmarcjaw". Wara dawn il-kummiedji, il-maggoranza tal-Maltin qieghda taghti ragun lil Alfred Sant li ma riedx lill-kunsilli lokali jkunu karru politiku!
H Dempster
Sep 15th 2010, 08:37
Mr Engerer seems to be surprised with Mr Cuschieri's attitude. But he can take it from me that Mr Cuschieri is a man of principle and he is not a puppet like most PN councillors within the Sliema Council. It seems that at least there is one man who will stand up to PBO.
Good show mr Cuschieri , you should be our Mayor.
albert leone ganado
Sep 15th 2010, 11:17
Without entering into the merits of the case It is encouraging to see an 82 year old standing his ground against a 29 year old and the forces backing him. Youth has energy and drive but often also impetuousness in their actions leading to riding roughshod over the opinions of others. Old age gives you the experience and the wisdom not be blinded by apparent quick arrangements and often to spot hidden intentions. As the population gets older we are likely to see more elderly persons not willing to live the patronising role of "kif inti nann" but who will be want to participate actively in the life of society and ensure that their concerns are catered for. In 20 years time retirees will as an age group be in a majority and that confers political power. So let hope that pensioners go beyond simply considering themselves as the subjects of at best a caring society but act in a more militant way to secure their rights. Retirees can exert considerable power in society with their vote, their accumulated assets and their being less dependent on the political class for a career.
Zachary Stewart
Sep 15th 2010, 20:07
@albert leone ganado Yes, that is just what Malta needs, a gerontocracy that establishes a generous welfare state for the elderly at the expense of their children and grandchildren. Who cares about the future? By the time your selfish mistakes come to fruition, you'll be dead. Ridiculous...
a.dalli
Sep 15th 2010, 08:28
Dr. Joe Brincat wrote
"Was the deputy mayorship his right by law ? If so, he can sue. But the law says differently. Secondly, can't some people understand that what tipped the balance was Mr Edward Cuschieri who is being proposed. How does he represent ? If he refused the nomination, there would have been no problem. 3 out of 6 out of 11 is a mathematical minority. Definitely what tipped the balance was in the hands of Mr Edward Cuschieri. His motives ? Ask him. "
victor caruana
Sep 15th 2010, 08:26
You cannot expect better from a minority government of 49%.