PM hopes for compromise on divorce referendum question

gcForte

Feb 19th 2011, 11:52

If we are talking about divorce concerning our traditional Church marriage, I believe that it will make more sense to make consultation with the Church. I cannot understand why the Church is keeping it`s mouth shut on an issue which concern its believes. I am sure that something is wrong, from the side of the government. The P.M. first was surprised by J.P.O.`s private bill, it was like being hit by a lightening. Then he became confused, because the pro divorce side were being organized, from both side of the parliament, so his strength of one seat difference, evaporated. Then he consulted the Ministers, Group committee, Back benchers individually , then the P.N. Council et all........and he did not find any refuge. Now he is begging to the one who he ( Dr. Gonzi ) wishes to see his hands cut off ( political means ) . Yes, Dr. Muscat, you show him respect and try to help him to take a good and reasonable decision. After all what he is trying to do is for the benefit of our country. Ever body knows that I am a labourite, but my country comes first and foremost.

Frans Attard

Feb 19th 2011, 10:04

WHY DIDN'T THE PRIME MINISTER SEEK COMPROMISE WITH THE OPPOSITION ON THE SHAMEFUL WEEKLY RAISE OF 1 EURO AND 16 CENTS HE GAVE TO THE WORKERS?

Joseph Galea

Feb 19th 2011, 07:51

Can Dr Muscat - and those in favor of his proposed referendum question - answer the following:
If the people in favor of their proposed referendum question, what will happen in the future if a Maltese government feels he should change the Maltese law as approved during this referendum? Aren't such amendments going to be approved by a simple parliamentary majority?
So the Maltese actually have to vote whether they want divorce or not, irrespective of the question put forward.
This time, I have to agree with the Prime Minister. Besides I also support his views that divorce in Malta is definitely not beneficial.

j.spiteri

Feb 18th 2011, 23:44

The question should read....Is Gonzi a good Prime Minister, Yes or No? We all know the right answer.

simon galea

Feb 18th 2011, 21:59

What is the being proposed is divorce after marraige have failed for good, been seperated for a minimum of 4 years and after maintenance and provisions for the care of children have been taken care of and NOT divorce 'LAS VEGAS' way. So how come Dr.Gonzi is insisting on a blunt referedum question 'favour or against' without stipulating what form of divorce we are talking about.
Is this a tactic towards decieving potential YES voters? Please dear Prime Ministers stop these mind games.

Charles J. Buttigieg

Feb 18th 2011, 19:11

Gonzi's enemy is within.

J Farrugia

Feb 18th 2011, 18:58

The dispute is NOT between government and opposition, but between differing factions within the governing party.

Wilfred Camilleri

Feb 18th 2011, 18:15

The bill proposed by JPO and the opposition is a ruse to get divorce in. If divorce is legalized as per their bill, I'll bet the farm that in a couple of years or so they propose an amendment to the law to reduce the waiting period from four years to two or zero. The referendum should ask if people are in favour of divorce or not and then parliament should debate and decide on the details of the bill if the referendum shows a majority supporting divorce. The four year waiting period is a red herring in order to lull the people into believing that those in favour of divorce really care about reconciliation.

Charles Massa

Feb 18th 2011, 17:05

Sur prim ministru ammetti li Joseph tak tkaxkira fuq din. Kif dejjem trid li tghaddi tieghek meta lanqas bejnnitkom mhux taqblu

a aquilina

Feb 18th 2011, 16:36

I have been a consistent PN voter since 1971. In 2008 I was not convinced the PN was still the valid party to lead this country but as I was convinced Alfred Sant was a recipe for disaster, I opted for the lesser of two evils and voted PN, as I had always done before. I was happy the PN won the election and even happier the PN won by less than a hair's breath. I believed this would cause GonziPN to do some soul searching and be a government of ALL the people and not of the few. Unfortunately I was wrong and decided quite a while ago that I will not vote in he next elections as I am not convinced Muscat can master the right team to govern din l-art helwa. The way Gonzi has hijacked the divorce issue to impose his personal opinion - all his arguments on the subject are bull, even what he says about he referendum - have made me decide to vote Labour at he next election. I just hope they will govern well, but he PN needs to go back in oppostion to cleanse itself.

damian galea

Feb 18th 2011, 15:50

The country is again at loggerheads - political tension is rising and the will of the people is the last thing that can gain from this. All this because of JPOs ego trip. Parliamentary debate is the essence of our democracy -and our constitution still requires an act of parliament for any law - so the referendum cannot be the last word in any case. JPO has shot himself in the foot again by supporting Muscat. How I wish to see JPO out of the scene once and for all - really hope he is not accepted by PN as a candidate in 2013 - that would be tragic.

DGalea

Feb 18th 2011, 15:45

Dear Prime minister, dont you think that the average Maltese family have more important issues right now to contend with ,that are nearer the top of its list of priorities, then the introduction of divorce? How about the energy bills that are set to skyrocket even as the current unrest in the middle east escalates? Why can't the Divorce issue wait until the next legislature is sworn in?

charles schembri

Feb 18th 2011, 15:38

Why is Malta trying to reinvent the wheel? The legislators are none else but our MPs.
The option of a consultative referendum prior to a proposed bill is discussed in parliament is a NON STARTER. Whilst iT is being said that MPs will have a free vote, MPs shall legislate as per the will of the electorate irrespective whether this is for or against divorce.
No Mr Prime Minister, no Mr Head of Opposition this is not on; as if parliamentarians are keen to abdicate from their responsibilities.
ONLY A N ABROGATIVE REFERENDUM WILL DO.

Kenneth Williams

Feb 18th 2011, 15:34

Dr Joseph Muscat oqghod attent ghax il volpi qatt ma sar nghaga. Dr Gonzi jrid kompromess.....ghax JPO qallu li ser jivvota ma l oppozizzjoni.Nesa kemm ma tax kaz ta l oppozizzjoni. Nesa kemm tkessah Austin Gatt meta kellhom 5 izjed fil parlament. Joseph mohhok hemm. Zomm sod

Joseph Cauchi

Feb 18th 2011, 14:55

I think many of us are missing the trees from the woods when we think that we should have a Consultative referendum, because this would leave all doors open to interpretation and will automatically give a Carte-Blanche to our MPs to enact any law they deem fit, without We, the People of having any say whatsoever! Is this what we want? I think the most sensible thing would be, is to have an ABROGATIVE referendum that after parliament having duly debated and legislated, then the people can be called to cast their vote after having thoroughly examined the conditions and clauses at their leisure. This divorce issue is a very serious matter and should not be taken lightly as unfortunately the circumstances as unfolding, leads one to suspect so. Why are we RUSHING things? – Mela waslet l-ahhar tad-dinja? – Or are there perhaps other ulterior motives that We, the people are not aware of? JC.

R.Gauci

Feb 18th 2011, 14:21

A couple of days ago this newspaper wrote that the PM is trying to move the goalposts in the Divorce saga !! I think now that not only he is trying to move the goalposts but also changing all rules of the game, and allow only his supporters to be spectators to this game !
I mean what is wrong to ask a specific question which actually reflects the true way how the pro divorce movement want it to be legalised in Malta that is on the Irish Model that only people which had been living separated for more then 4 years and had settled all legalities such as child maintenance can apply for it? This kind of attitude is being taken just to make this debate to take longer time to be discussed and settled and try to take the attention of the public from others scandals such as the 500 euros increase in the MP's salary and the explosion in the cost of living etc.etc.etc.!

Paul A Vella

Feb 18th 2011, 13:55

Poor Mr Zammit...I do feel sorry for the likes of him, after all, it's not easy living in this century and your heart and soul still belong in Medieval times when the church fought evil with evil!!
Mr Zammit should read some real unbiased history books where he can see for himself how the church fought against all and sundry, simply to keep control over the peasants, non-believers preaching fire and brimstone and eternal damnation.
Get a life Mr Zammit, if your marriage (if you are married after all) is as strong and healthy as you see it and you and your 'partner' are both happy about it...so be it, you have a right to be happy and content but let others who might not be so lucky and content get another chance and live life the way it was meant to be. As to whether the majority is, as you say, against the introduction of divorce, we shall see!!!

james borg

Feb 18th 2011, 13:50

REFERENDUM QUESTION !!!!
Do you agree with Divorce? Answer YES or NO
Don't you think this is too blunt?
Do you honestly think anyone in a good state of mind is going to vote YES??
This is another political trick the PL should be careful about.
Why is the PM insisting about a simple question and not a more informative one??
The catch is for the Referendum to turn down the introduction of divorce.
I'm sure Dr.Muscat knows this much more than I do.

J.Scerri

Feb 18th 2011, 13:38

To me, it makes no difference if we vote in March or in May. But, we do need to have a very specific question, and the one proposed by the Opposition is precise and to the point.

john borg

Feb 18th 2011, 13:33

@Joseph Zammit
Yes. Dear Joseph. The victory is ours. It is already guaranteed. The PL will win the next election as you said. The victory is ours.

Joe Brincat

Feb 18th 2011, 13:29

The real explanation is the following:
a) Gonzi has announced his position against divorce and the Party followed suit.
b) It is likely that the JPO and Varist proposal enjoys the support of the majority of the electorate (whether or not this will transform into a yes win is a different kettle of fish). In contrast simply asking the electorate are you in favour of divorce Yes/No wiuld in all probability mean a NO win.
c) A yes win makes Gonzi's position untenable and he will therefore not risk that ....
Everything else is bollocks.

Maria Vella

Feb 18th 2011, 13:28

Is not the Prime Minister ashamed to treat us like school children? Does he really believe that we need to be influenced by what 65 people decide in parliament to make up our minds? Whose decision is this divorce thing going to be ours or of the 65 wise(?) men? Wasn' he the one who said that it was the people who were to decide this issue through the referendum? I believe that whether we agree with him or not we already know. If it turns out that the majority of those going to vote will differ in their opinion then the PM must be mature enough to alow democracy to really prevail I always thought that the PN stands for Democracy, even when this goes aginst the principles of their leader.

Paul Barrett

Feb 18th 2011, 13:23

I am apolitical but there is vast psychological difference to the question: "Do you agree with divorce" to the question along the lines of that proposed by the Opposition.

From the question and answer session published yesterday, it is obvious that some people are against "divorce" even though they do not know what it is.

tony fava

Feb 18th 2011, 13:13

How come that Gonzipn hopes for a compromise on a divorce referendum question ? Surely he did not use this tact when he increased his and his fellows' pay by 500/600 euros a week backdated for two years. I feel that there is something ominous behind all this play acting and change in tactics. Maybe a sword of Damocles is hanging over his head and an anticipated General Election is to be held ?

David Gatt

Feb 18th 2011, 12:59

Xint tajd Gonz? Meta falliet l-Bill fil-parlament??? JM ressaq l-mozzjoni hu ghax int ppruvajt teqrida qabel titwieled. Issa tippruvax tiddetta l-mistoqsija int kif jaqbel lilek ghax mux se jirnexxielek. Mandekx maggoranza.

patrick zammit

Feb 18th 2011, 12:42

Dear PM
Why are you favouring an open ended question? A Gatt did his best to alarm his readers with his "quickie divorce" scenario.
The question(s) in the referendum should reflect the fact that any future divorce law should not be abused and reflect a balance between the right of a person to divorce in Malta if he cannot afford a foreign divorce and the general support the state gives to the institution of marriage.

gcForte

Feb 18th 2011, 12:27

Ma nistax nifhem din it tattika gdida li qeghed juza` il Prim Ministru, li flok imur il parlament u jghaddi romblu min fuq l-oppozizjoni ( bhas soltu ), qeghed juza` l-ittri u laqghat barra il parlament. Jien nahseb li qeghed jibza li hemm xi M.P`s nazzjonalisti bil guh sabiex jivvutaw kontra il Gvern stess. Nahseb li J.P.O. diga sinn is skieken ghal l-ikel. Dr.Gonzi qeghed jibza min xi disfatta, ghax mhux soltu li ma tarahx b`dik id dahqa sarkastika. Allura mhux ahjar Dr.Gonzi li tnehhi dawn id dubji u tmur titlob vot ta fiducja fil Partit tieghek, forsi jisfiducjawk ( li ma nahsibx ) u jidhol il J.P.O.flokok............Nigu sew !

Paul Busuttil

Feb 18th 2011, 12:02

The Prime Minister is right, the vote at a referendum should be a clear YES OR NO, BUT should not have any strings attached ( apart from safeguarding family rights ) especially waiting for 4 years before being elligable for divorce.

R. Attard

Feb 18th 2011, 12:01

'The Prime Minister is hoping the Opposition leader accepts his invitation to meet to discuss and compromise on the proposed divorce referendum question.'

Why doesn't he accept and compromise on the question put forward by the opposition in their motion?

George P. Grima

Feb 18th 2011, 11:58

I'm a Nationalist and personally against the introduction divorce but I try to be factual in my comments. Dr Muscats's proposal on the referendum question makes much much more sense than a simple yes/no question as our PM is proposing.

j hili

Feb 18th 2011, 11:56

i think that one thing to be kept in mind is not to have any referendums during the festa season. although many don't care about this subject , many more do care. its not fair on those who wait a whole year working for the success of their feast , to see it ruined by politics. And that s what it is at the end of the day . Just politics.

Joe Zammit

Feb 18th 2011, 11:56

The great majority of PN supporters are against divorce.

The great majority of PL supporters are against divorce.

The great majority of Maltese and Gozitans are against divorce.

All these majorities are positive people: in favour of the indissolubility of marriage.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!

james borg

Feb 18th 2011, 11:51

REFERENDUM QUESTION !!!!
Do you agree with Divorce? Answer YES or NO
Don't you think this is too blunt?
Do you honestly think anyone in a good state of mind is going to vote YES ??
This is another political trick the PL should be careful about.
Why is the PM insisting about a simple question and note a more informative one??
The catch is for the Referendum to turn down the introduction of divorce.
I'm sure Dr.Muscat knows this much more than I do.

J Simpson

Feb 18th 2011, 11:51

Let's make a referendum on how the question should be!! Much Ado about nothing in my opinion! I don't see why people can't divorce if they want to!

v mercieca

Feb 18th 2011, 11:44

“I have serious difficulties on the question, which I hope I will be able to discuss with the Opposition leader and get to a compromise” said the Prime Minister.
The question worded by the opposition leader and it seems it is agreed also by JPO is specific if we want to introduce divorce as proposed in the draft legislation presented to parliament.
A simple “Yes or No” answer to question if we want divorce or not, RAISES SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES to me and many others like me, as this would give a “carte blanche” to our PM.
I agree on the introduction of divorce on the conditions and the safeguards of children as proposed in the draft presented to parliament, however I cannot agree to a divorce when I do not know what the Prime Minister intends to put in, or leave out in his imaginary bill.
No thank you Mr Prime Minister.

Mark Borg

Feb 18th 2011, 11:41

Il-verita` hija din, jekk il-mistoqsija tkun 'Inti taqbel li jidhol id-divorzju f'Malta?' Gonzi jkun jista' jgieghel lin-nies jahsbu li xi darba ha nispiccaw bhal-Las Vegas tizzewweg illum ifs-sakra u tiddivorzja l-ghada.

J. Borg

Feb 18th 2011, 11:41

Dear PM,

stop beating behind the bush. The question as proposed by the opposition is based on the bill propoesed byJPO and E.Bartolo. It pinpoints the way divorced should be introduced . So the people will have a clear direction on what they are voting. Not like you are proposing just a simple "Do you agree with Divorce". If the question is put like that the people want know on what they are voting as members of parlament wouldn't be bound by that question. But if the opposition's question is put forward members of parlament should enact on those lines.

J. Azzopardi

Feb 18th 2011, 11:39

In my opinion the referendum question should reflect divorce as it would be introduced locally. Thus it should focus on the Bill, as proposed by the Opposition.

Giovann Attard

Feb 18th 2011, 11:35

Ghaziz Prim Ministru,

jien nemmen hafna li fil-politika ghandek timxi kemm jista' jkun bi ftehim u kompromess imma lanqas ma ghandek tippretendi li l-Oppozizzjoni ser toqghodlok ghal kollox. Fuq kollox, meta inti kellek id-deputati kollha tal-Gvern mieghek fuq hafna kwistjonijiet li nqalghu matul din il-legislatura, int qatt ma ikkonsultajt man-naha tal-Oppozizzjoni biex tara kif tahsibha anzi kont l-ewwel wiehed li iddikjarajt li ser 'nivvota bil-qalb kontra l-mozzjoni tal-Oppozizzjoni'. Dan ghax kont cert li l-35 deputat tan-naha tieghek ser jivvotaw bhalek u ghaldaqstant, il-mozzjoni ma tghaddix. Madankollu, is-sitwazzjoni issa hija differenti ghax minhabba n-nuqqas ta' direzzjoni li qed thaddan fit-tmexxija tal-pajjiz, mhux biss tlift l-appogg tal-maggoranza popolari (ftakar li qieghed tmexxi b'maggoranza relattiva) izda issa tlift ukoll l-appogg tal-maggoranza parlamentari li minghajrha ma tistax tibqa' tmexxi. Ghaldaqstant, nittama li l-Kap tal-Oppozizzjoni ma jilqax is-suggerimenti tieghek halli l-mozzjoni kif imressqa originarjament tkun suggetta ghal vot fil-Parlament. Din mhix kwistjoni ta' divorzju izda kwistjoni ta' demokrazija. Ma tistax tbiddel il-proceduri Parlamentari biex taghmilhom joghgbu lilek u jaghtuk ir-rizultat li tixtieq. Far from it!

Joe Zammit

Feb 18th 2011, 11:24

Our Referenda Act gives us the right to a referendum to repeal the divorce law in case divorce is accepted by our MPs.

The great majority of PN supporters are against divorce.

The great majority of PL supporters are against divorce.

The great majority of Maltese and Gozitans are against divorce.

All these majorities are positive people: in favour of the indissolubility of marriage.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!