Christian Peregin
PL ‘completely dissociates’ itself from Norman Lowell
The Labour Party yesterday “completely” dissociated itself from far-right political figure Norman Lowell, labelling him a racist and an extremist.
Mr Lowell, who heads the political movement Imperium Europa, last week conditionally endorsed the Labour Party following its leader’s strong words on immigration.
But it seems Mr Lowell’s newfound respect for Labour leader Joseph Muscat is not reciprocal.
“The PL completely disassociates itself from Norman Lowell’s xenophobic and racist views,” a party spokesman told The Times.
The spokesman added that Mr Lowell’s reaction was exactly why Labour chose to speak up on the issue of immigration.
“We believe a mainstream political party should lead on immigration, and not leave the subject to far-right extremists. Our stand is, and will always be, to be tough where it matters and in the right fora. Immigration is a challenge Labour will face strongly by keeping in mind the realities of our small island.”
In a You Tube message last week, Mr Lowell said Dr Muscat’s heart seemed to be beating in the right place and, if he remained strong, he would get his movement’s backing.
He was referring to controversial statements made recently, where Dr Muscat praised Italy for defending its national interest by blocking a boat with 171 African immigrants on board from entering Lampedusa on April 7. Dr Muscat said Malta should also defend its national interest. He later shrugged off criticism that his words sounded like those of a far-right politician, saying that defending the national interest did not mean letting people drown.
“Talking about national interest and security should not be the monopoly of extreme right parties. We have to stop believing that whoever speaks of the national interest is racist or xenophobic,” the Labour leader said. Mr Lowell, who has already been convicted of inciting racial hatred, claims the two main political parties had agreed to keep mum on the immigration issue for the 2008 general election and the 2009 MEP elections.
Dr Muscat did not refer to immigration during his Worker’s Day speech on Sunday evening.
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Mr Peter Agius
May 4th 2011, 10:51
During the past 20 odd years the Labour Party has been losing elections by doing its best to keep floating voters at bay.
The "Gooooooooooooooooonzi" charade, performed by Dr.Alfred Sant in B'Bugia and the DNA gaffe by Mangion are still fresh in our memory. Add to these some very bad episodes of strategic bad timing, such as the JPO Mistra Disco (which should have been revealed later in the campaign) and you have all the ingredients of a very good omlette.
Dr.Muscat should keep mum as much as possible and let the PN do his dirty work.
Then when he is PM he can blabber his heart out, because frankly, in my very modest opinion thats the only thing he is capable of.
Mr carlos ellul
May 3rd 2011, 17:19
National interest is not restricted to the blabbering of some extremist but should be the corner stone of every decision taken by the government. We pay our politicians to take care of our interests and not to earn their sainthood out of taxpayers money. Now no civilized human being would like immigrants to sink. On the other hand there is nothing wrong if Malta decided to pull out from the Dublin 2 treaty which literally forces immigrants here by force. If we're going to be lead by Christianity and Brussels then we can well spare our politicians generous salaries and let ourselves be lead by Brussels aided by some inquisitor.
I often wonder how important Christian morality has become for the PN. If I remember well they remained in silence during Mr Gonzi (the archbishop) interdett and were against giving the vote to women and giving pensions to elderly people. Were those also in line with Christian morals?
Ms pat muscat
May 3rd 2011, 12:48
All this huffing and puffing by PN apologists in trying to corner and frame the PL are nothing but desperate measures as a coverup for GonziPN's failures in the 'voluntary' burden sharing agreement. Unless the EU takes GonziPN seriously, ( and that is his failure) the boat people tragedies in the Med are going to get worse.
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 3rd 2011, 13:39
Drowning people clutch at straws, Pat. A clichè, but very true nonetheless.
Alfred Falzon
May 3rd 2011, 14:56
@Victor Laiviera
Do you have the cheek to call the unbiased section of the Maltese electorate, that is the floating voters, "drowning people"?
Your sweeping statements putting everyone in the same basket for daring to criticise the PL are a reflection of the ghost of Labour Party past, when self-imposed arrogant bosses at Castille thought that they could run roughshod over the people and condemned their party to the opposition benches for so many years!
Come on, Victor, it's high time that we call a spade a spade!
Mr Giov DeMartino
May 4th 2011, 17:46
"Drowning people" You said? Could have said drowning immigrants.....because that is what happens if no one tries to save them.
Ms Louise Vella
May 3rd 2011, 12:32
Illegal immigration is one of the main and central problems facing Malta. It should be tackled by all parties. So far Dr Gonzi has failed to utter in Malta a single word critical of illegal immigrants and their backers. He has limited himself to preaching about Christian values. He has forgotten that his responsibility does not extend to the whole Catholic and universal church. It is limited to tiny Malta, our nation state, and it is his duty to defend our national interest. That is what being a Nationalist means.
Mr Carmelo Aquilina
May 3rd 2011, 13:44
Louise tell us which international treaty obligation , christian principle or basic human instriunct would you have us suspend or abolish in the name of "national interest" ? Be specific please .
Ms Emma Xerri
May 3rd 2011, 14:39
@ Carmelo Aquilina
I should think that certainly all treaty obligations that are detrimental to our nation should be done away with - I know not of any countries that stick with any such treaties if they go against the national interest. For example the US has not signed the treaty to ban land mines and many other treaties and countless other countries have done the same with treaties that they feel go against their corporate and national interests.
Christian and basic human decency do not mean that you have to give up your land, home and future. Certainly these immigrants should be rescued from the seas if they are floundering but their sojourn should only be temporary, that is given medical attention, food and other necessities and they should be sent back on the first escorted boat or flight to their countries - most of which have no wars going on, so these are purely economic migrants, i.e. they come here either to take handouts in the form of welfare (i.e. to be supported by our taxes) or to compete and undercut us in the job market. And do not forget that we are one of the smallest nations and most densely populated on earth, so eventually they will also be competing with us for land for their broods.
As far as I know, Christian principles do not preclude you from looking after your own interest first. Adding to this the fact that not everyone wants to adhere to Christian principles if it means their survival is at stake.
Mr elton grech
May 3rd 2011, 12:23
but one must think "why did Mr. Lowell associate himself with the LP in the first place?"
Joseph should at least realize that what he said appealed to those of a far-right mentality.
you can go on keep telling yourself that you're acting in the nationals interest (that would be very nationalist of you by the way) but here's the proof
Joseph Muscats comments were applauded by Norman Lowell.
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 3rd 2011, 13:25
Strange logic, Mr Grech.
How about this: Hitler was an amateur painter and an art-lover. Does that mean that anyone who loves art "agrees with Hitler"?
Alfred Falzon
May 3rd 2011, 14:45
@Victor Laiviera
What has art to do with right-wing views?
The issue is about an outrageous declaration made by PL leader Dr Joseph Muscat!
This is just hotchpotch reasoning to play the apologetic and bail Dr Muscat out!
If Norman Lowell praised Dr Joseph Muscat for one of his usual gaffes, this time round on illegal immigration, then both are birds of a feather on this particular point!
Small wonder then that the Labour Party thought it fit to dissociate itself publicly from such utterances liable to scare many potential voters away!
Nonetheless, it should have done so before the public outcry!
But as the saying goes: "Better late than never!"
Muscat must not be too fast on the trigger for it might after all backfire as is the case with his illegal immigration stance!
Mr elton grech
May 3rd 2011, 16:14
thanks mr. Falzon, not only have you understood but took the trouble to explain.
hope any "strange" logic is clear now mr.laiviera
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 3rd 2011, 21:26
Wrong, Mr Falzon - the issue is how certain sections of the media pick on utterances by LP people and try to blow them up out of all proportion, while worse utterances by the other side pass unnoticed.
Alfred Falzon
May 4th 2011, 22:58
@Victor Laiviera
Floating voters are genuinely concerned by the newly revamped PL which is failing to differentiate between far-right views and its once-vaunted principles in favour of social justice in line with the people's aspirations for a decent living.
Today, observers of the local political scene have remarked a radical change in the PL's philosophy and thought. No stone is being left unturned to increase its popularity even at the cost of selling its soul to the devil! Appeasing its fresh intake of nebulous party members by expressing far-right views could prove, on the other hand, to be detrimental in the long run, irrespective of your allegation that there are partisan media elements lurking around and ready to pounce like sharks on the slightest slip of the tongue that comes their way!
A party the dimension of the LP, must lead the way by fucusing on the social needs of the population, with special reference to the needy and the downtrodden, exposing corruption and sleaze in consonance with Malta's values and humanitarian tradition!
Ms Emma Xerri
May 3rd 2011, 11:20
That is exactly what is happening, in Malta and elsewhere in Europe. By brushing the immigration problems to the wayside, mainstream political parties and governments are unintentionally (or by stealth intent) paving the way for Far-Right Fascist parties to re-emerge in Europe. People who otherwise would never dream of turning Fascist are left with no real choice when mainstream parties persist in ignoring the fears and wishes of the electorate. Well done PL. This problem should be dealt with head on and with the national interest at the forefront.
As to dissassociating intself from Normal Lowell and is Emperium, the PL nevertheless cannot deny the fact that Lowell and his supporters are individuals, and if they feel that the PL will best serve the nation on this matter, then they are free to vote for the PL and the PL ought to welcome their votes and those of others who while not holding such extremist views are nevertheless on the same page on many of Lowell's concerns with the immigration issue.
Mr A. Mifsud
May 3rd 2011, 11:14
@ Joseph muscat...
...well somethimes popolistic arguments tend to backfire... then whoever delivered them will need to patch up and clean the mess!!
One needs to be very careful because such tactics will only work out for the short term, until credibility is lost!!
Marianne Tabone
May 3rd 2011, 11:09
Jien nemmen b'sahhti kollha li jekk hemm bzonn ta' diskussjoni fuq min ghandu jigbor lil dawn il-bnedmin minn nofs ta' bahar din m'ghandiex issir billi nhalluhom ibatu mqar minuta aktar milli hemm bzonn. Jekk it-Taljani ma jghinux lil dawn, nerga nghid, bnedmin, il-gvern Malti ghandu jaghmel hekk hu! Wara halli nargumentaw imma l-ewwel tigi l-hajja tal-bnedmin! Din mhix kwistjoni ta' min ghandu ragun l-ewwel u wara t-tragedji nifirhu ghax zammejna l-punt! U Norman Lowell! Dak fehem il-kummenti ta' Dr. Muscat kif fehmuhom hafna nies!! U jekk ma riedx ifisser ruhu hekk, Dr. Muscat jaghmel sewwa jghid car x'ried jghid meta qal li Malta ghandha timita lit-taljani a skapitu ta' dawn in-nies!
Mr Tony Camilleri
May 3rd 2011, 12:58
Marianne Tabone l-ewwel ma tigi hija li l-immigranti illegali ma jpoggux lilhom infushom fil-periklu.
Ahna m'ahniex is-salvaturi ta' dawk kollha li jiddeciedu li jipperikolaw hajjithom biex imbaghad nitwikkew bihom ahna ghax hadd ma jridhom.
Kif inti u ohrajn u l-immigranti illegali tippretendu li jitilqu minn pajjizhom u jmorru ferjn iridu anki jekk il-pajjiz u l-poplu ma jkunu x iridhom?
Hadd ma jrid l-immigranti illegali tant li l-UE se thalli li jergghu jsiru kontrolli fuq il-fruntieri.
X'tippretendu, li ngibuhom hawn u jibqghu hawn meta ahna l-izghar pajjiz, ghandu popolazzjoni zejda, m'ghandniex rizorsi u m'ghandniex fejn nimirhu ftit u nkomplu nitwikkew bihom? Biex ha nghabbu? Se nibdew nistivaw in-nies fuq xulxin?
Mr Julian Borg
May 3rd 2011, 11:06
Dr Muscat reacted days later - he should have denounced Norman Lowell immediately - and he had the opportunity at the May Day 'extravaganza'. He finally reacted to a columnist's prediction! So immature!
We have seen this before - not the first time!!
Karl Abela
May 3rd 2011, 10:58
''Immigration is a challenge Labour will face strongly by keeping in mind the realities of our small island.”
We dont want rhetoric. We want to know how this challenge will be dealt with.
I have a feeling that Muscat is making alot of promises without actually calling them promises. Alot of talk and no substance.
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 3rd 2011, 10:44
Well said, Dr Muscat - racism and extremism have no place in the LP.
I'm sorry for those who thought they had found a crack in the LP's armour - like the comments posted here.
Better luck next time.
Mark Galea
May 3rd 2011, 11:12
It is not a question of finding a crack in the LP's armour! I would wager that PL will win next election, but if JM acts the way he is doing now, then it will be much of the same old MLP. An immature politician guided two types of people - pre 1987 dinasours and unexperienced boys and gals.
Mr Joe Micallef
May 3rd 2011, 11:18
You must be fond of ostriches! Trux min ma jridx jisma.
Ms S Micallef
May 3rd 2011, 12:48
can't think for yourself Laviera? I guess for the Laviera family everything said by the PL goes...says so much about a person's ability to think objectively.
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 3rd 2011, 13:37
How typical - when losing the argument, get personal. If even that fails, attack you opponent's family.
I must have touched a very raw nerve.
Ms S Micallef
May 3rd 2011, 14:27
contrary to what you think I am not Nationalist. But your comments are unoriginal and predictable.
It's pathetic to think that one party does everything correctly.
I haven't lost any argument as I haven't expressed an opinion on what I think about PL's statement, I simply commented that you should try and be a bit more objective.
Mr Joe Micallef
May 3rd 2011, 15:21
Mr Laiviera that's what happens when you do not stop digging in hole!
Mr James Cauchi
May 3rd 2011, 10:30
Neither association or disassociation will change the fact that an issue does exist. The lack of concrete and accountable national and international policy is more than wearisome and does not bode well.
Europeans and Americans seem willing to invest tens of billions in interfering with (if not also instigating) conflict in Libya. Would it really have been so unrealistic to invest a fraction of that to both seeking out permanent resolution of the immigration issue as well as gaining political influence on a leader of a country that posed no security threat to Europe or the West (unless one were to count immigration of course).
We may continue dancing in our little handpuppet scenic box stage playing Punch and Judy for all eternity - but I am quite certain that when all is said, done and dusted there will be little of worth to feel pride in - just the hollow pre-electoral self-eulogies ringing out so that the next shuffle of hands may be made, blind to a nation increasingly enchanted by their trinkets and oblivious to the soul of the earth eroding beneath its feet.
Immigration is just one issue - but to continue to be complacent to it is to accept the effect it shall have upon the Islands if unchecked.
Mr Reginald Borg
May 3rd 2011, 10:08
Well done, PL.
M'ghandekx xi tridu!
Mark Galea
May 3rd 2011, 09:57
Immature.
Il-qattusa ghaggelija frieh ghomja ikollha.
U hekk ser jigri - l-PL jirbah l-elezzjoni li jmiss u ...
Mr Joe Micallef
May 3rd 2011, 09:30
The price of immaturity, irresponsibility and absolute absence of a tad of political acumen!
Mr Michael Buhagiar
May 3rd 2011, 09:23
first he lights the fires of hell and now he dissociates himself because he is seeing a bleak future with such a 'partner'. No use now dissociating himself. What has been blattered will not be forgotten.
Mr R Psaila
May 3rd 2011, 10:32
...by who is partisan, like you.
Christian Sciberras
May 3rd 2011, 09:20
They'd better.