Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca to stand down

Mr Joe Brincat-LL.D

Jun 4th 2011, 08:49

Lower down, V Laiviera stated that it is "truly, truly shocking" that there could be a secret vote in parliament. As if it does not happen elsewhere. In the House of Commons, when there is a division, the members pass through the "ayes" or "noes" doors, with a whip from each side just counting the numbers, without taking names. In Italy, it is seen on television, especially when a new President is elected by the Chamber.

I have some experience with the Parliamentary Assemby of the Council of Europe. There is the secret ballot. Now this is the assembly of all parliaments in Europe.

In most parliaments there is now electronic voting. The member does not declare, but simply pushes a button, and the totals are counted.

It is truly, truly shocking when we cannot devise new instruments for new situations. The secret ballot in elections, which is the guarantee of democratic elections, came in to guarantee freedom of choice. When there is no "party line to follow ", then it is left to the individual conscience of the member, and he should vote freely and without any coercion, whether it be from the press or from one's own constituency.

Although I voted in favour of divorce as a purely civil remedy, for those who need it or believe in it, in the name of freedom of their conscience, I fully respect the position of those who think otherwise, when they come to cast their vote. Let them be free, as I want others to be free.

Mr Carmel Pule'

Jun 4th 2011, 02:53

By its own nature," DEMOCRACY KILLS ITSELF EVENTUALLY!"
If issues of conscience and morality are voted for in a democratic manner, and then the parliamentarians are FORCED to follow the will of the majority, then all those members who interpret the issues of conscience and morality in a certain way, would unfortunately have to RESIGN as theoretically they cannot for the sake of pleasing the people go against their own conscience and their own morality, and this is no democracy at all!!!
Also there is a very powerful human behaviour which democracy lives with and those seeking democratic power do not take this into consideration, for obvious reasons.
It seems to be a human nature for good and moral people to stay apart, looking after their families, and this is their weakness, while it is natural for extrovert, ambitious and selfish power hungry people to work together, this is their strength.
Democracy FORCES good and timid people to change their characters when in real life all they want is to have a peaceful family life. It seems that the others, with their natural characteristics, use democracy to FIGHT IT OUT to set in rules which get or to correct their misgivings and their conveniencies.
For this reason, and human nature being what it is, DEMOCRACY FORCES PEOPLE TO GO AND FIGHT IT OUT WHEN IN REAL LIFE THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIGHT IT OUT and staying at home. Through democracy, if one is timid and logical in nature, one will lose out and the ones who want to correct their own imperfect wants in life, enjoy the fight.
Hence democracy eventually kills itself as it is not truly representative all people. The fighters will win eventually, but it does not mean that they are correct, and moral, and right, in the issues which obtain majority votes. It means that there are more fighters for the issues voted for!! Silly but so true if one cares to think of it, deeply.
And let us get this straight, for a truly DEMOCRATIC result, the result in percentages should not be worked out of/using the number of people who went to vote, but the proportion of people who voted for the issue in hand as compared TO ALL THE ADULT PEOPLE LIVING/RESIDENT IN THAT. COUNTRY. Otherwise the result is not truly democratic!!! Please stop playing games with this word DEMOCRACY and REPRESENTATION it is all stupid drug distribution which intoxicates so many minds. Same go for JUSTICE at a court which uses LAW as a measure of righteousness. It is all STUPID to me.

Allan Gatt

Jun 3rd 2011, 23:31

U b'daqshekk? Imbilli se tirrizenja? Hadd ma geghla. Ma nafx 'l ghala dal-krocjati rankuruzi kontra id-divorzju. Il-kas inghalaq. Il-poplu ivvota favurih. Irrispettiv minn kif xi deputat ta' partit jew iehor ihossu inklinat, huwa fid-DOVER li jivvota b'konkomitanza max-xewqa sovrana tal-poplu. Min jivvota kontra r-rizultat tar-referendum qed juri disprezz ghall-process demokratiku li wara kollox TELLGHU FIL-PARLAMENT. Deputati bhal Mary-Louise Coleiro u Austin Gatt qishom qed jghidulek: "Jien ma jimpurtaniex mill-4 miljuni li intnefqu fuq dar-referendum u wisq inqas mir-rieda tal-Maltin u xorta se nibqa nghid tieghi." GHAJB!

Mary Borg

Jun 3rd 2011, 16:35

Jidher bi-car illi fil-partit laborista m'ghadx baqa' post ghal dawk illi huma tassew socjalisti fil-qalb. Fil-PL hemm post biss ghal dawk li huma Moderati (Middle Class) jew Progressivi (Sinjuri).

Mr Christopher Grech

Jun 3rd 2011, 14:19

Is she the only man in the House of Parliament!?

Mr K.M Edwards

Jun 3rd 2011, 13:46

Friends,

The Maltese are reasonable people for the most part. The referendum was non-binding and consultative in nature. Rushing into a law and silencing anyone who has a contrary view to the 52.7% of the voters who showed up - 38% of the registered voters - is not prudent or just.

To give you just one example: the whole concept of the referendum question pertaining to ensuring the well being of dependents. That is a whole can of worms. Is mental wellbeing included? Emotional wellbeing? Or just financial wellbeing? How about parental and visitation rights? How about vacations if one parent wishes to leave the country? All I am saying is that this is a complex and multi-faceted discussion.

First the house needs to discuss seriously what defines "well being" and then needs to discuss and agree on what will amount to ensuring that well being. From a legal and political standpoint, this is very challenging and needs time for rational and well meaning people on both sides to come to this.

I don't believe that most "yes" people want this rushed for the sake of saying it is done, and MPs like Coleiro and Fenech and Vassallo need to be given the opportunity to influence this debate. It does not serve Malta's or Maltese families' best interests to rush this debate and vote.

If one draft legislation is not adequate it should be turned down and the debate should go on. Ultimately, there is only a 2 year period left before the next general election. And I believe all people of good will in this debate will appreciate that if it is not done properly now, it likely will be near impossible to modify this legislation in the future given the highly divisive nature of the debate.

MPs who were justly elected and have a conscientious objection should be respected. This will serve a *just* and *pruden* democratic debate on the better.

Moreover, I believe most can agree that terrorizing good MPs who have strong objections to divorce is not good and highlights some dangerous elements. I had a very good and respectful debate with Dr Joseph Muscat - PL leader - during the campaign and although we could only agree to disagree, the engagement was very respectful. It serves no one to allow rogue elements to threaten good MPs and believe all Maltese should stand behind Coleiro and all its politicians to protect them from undue threats and harm.

Let MPs vote according to conscience. Let all elected MPs participate in a meaningful debate on the *substance* of the proposed legislation. Anything less will be a disservice to the nation.

Mr Joe Brincat-LL.D

Jun 3rd 2011, 13:14

As I said elsewhere, with reference to Dr A Vassallo and Charlo` Bonnici applies here. MLC has every right for her decision in conscience in such matters. In actual fact, all members of parliament should at all times vote according to their conscience. The only distortion is when the "party whips" are applied. This means that the party (whether on the government side or on the opposition side) decides to take a unified stand. This is not the case here as both leaders have given the free vote to their members. So there is not even a violation of "party" discipline.

Why should there not be a secret vote on such a matter ? The parties could agree on changing the standing orders. It is indicated in the circumstances. Otherwise we are having the punting of the media about who is in favour and who is against. Enjoy.

Mr Joe Xuereb

Jun 3rd 2011, 12:51

Correction. 'I could live Korean food. I could even marvel at Korean...........' should have read 'I could LOVE Korean.........'. Apologies!

Mr Saliba Francis

Jun 3rd 2011, 12:29

I had a dream that some day we could mature towards a peaceful functioning democracy with regular alternation of powers between credible democratic parties that disowned violence and tolerated differences of opinion without threats of political victimisation. Watching the fate of such people as Coleiro-Preca, Adrian Vassallo, Lino Spiteri, George Abela etc makes me very despondent indeed.

Mr Joe B Edwards

Jun 3rd 2011, 11:18

She is doing the right thing, all the other politicians who are ruled by emotions should man up or woman up and do as she is doing.

Mr Joe Xuereb

Jun 3rd 2011, 10:45

This referendum has, yet again, demonstrated an interesting fact. The Maltese people, as a nation, seem destined to be divided by a line down the middle, give or take 1% or 2%. Red or Blue. The contingent that bows to threats of hellfire and the contingent that does not. We are talking of a nation, a people of the same skin colour, same background. And yet, they are not integrated.
Slightly off piste but still relevant we get commenters, do-gooders, apologists and what have you who insist that immigrants, legal or otherwise, should be encouraged to integrate. The problem with this is that they may not want to be integrated, certainly not in Malta. And being human beings, they share an interesting human peculiarity. Which is our natural instinct to be drawn to some people but not others. At any level, are all Maltese people drawn to all other Maltese people? No, I don't think so. We choose who we spend time with and we choose who we wouldn't give the time of day to. It's that simple and that natural. If people of the same skin colour are subject to this phenomenon among themselves this proves that skin colour has nothing to do with it. So much for integration.
I could live Korean food. I could even marvel at Korean culture. But that does not mean I would get along with all Koreans; but I could meet one Korean with whom I might like to spend the rest of my life with. And I could say the same about my own people. It is that simple. But of course you knew all this. So stop clamouring for integration when you know it can't happen, it ain't gonna happen. Because it's unnatural.
@John Camilleri, 47% is indeed a sizeable minority. Take this as a salutary lesson, ie what it feels like to be an oppressed minority. Except the oppression is all in your mind. Nobody is forcing you to divorce and your rights are not being breached. So stop anguishing and grow up. Your rights would be breached if we lived in a theocracy that allowed divorce. But we don't live in a theocracy, we live in a secular state. Adrian Vassallo would like a theocracy, he implied as much. So plead at his door, Camilleri John.
@George Azzopardi, Coleiro Preca I am sure is a wonderful politician, I take your word for it. Unfortunately, and as with so many others, her belief system stands in the way, creates a conflict of conscience. Which makes her resignation understandable and indeed necessary so she can sleep easy at night. If one joins a club(EU) one must obey the rules. If one does not and behaves like an unruly child, one has to pay the price. Or leave the club and face the music. And when that happens, Malta will be free to become a theocracy, officially. Of course not everyone will be happy so the strife would go on. It is Malta's destiny.

George Pavia

Jun 3rd 2011, 10:45

I am happy to be one of those 53% that voted in favour of divorce and also happy that nothing is going to change for those 47% that voted against.

Mr John Camillleri

Jun 2nd 2011, 23:22

Who is going to represent us, the 47% who voted no, in parliament. Adrian Vassallo,one. Thank you. Who else please? 47% is no small minority. Do we have any rights?

Lisa Cassar

Jun 2nd 2011, 23:11

It's not what you do once in a while, it's what you do day in and day out that makes the difference.
-- Jenny Craig . . .

Lu, inti dejjem hdimt u rsistejt HAFNA!

Carmen Mangion

Jun 2nd 2011, 23:10

Philip Hili

Today, 19:00

@K.M Edwards

Lino Spiteri,
George Abela,
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, What they have in common?

The three of them hail from Qormi.

Mr Alfred Cassar

Jun 2nd 2011, 22:55

Joseph Muscat, The Times, 7 May 2003, P8 (After the EU Referendum which was BINDING)

"This treaty is now up for ratification in the Maltese House of Representatives… a question could arise on what stand should be taken by the opposition… I, for one, think that the Labour opposition should vote against… to honour the political will of 48%… who endorsed the party’s manifesto."

No need for any other comments, it speaks by itself, doesn't it?

Mr Aaron Vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 22:44

Such a shame, she was a great and respected woman, especially here in Qormi.

George Azzopardi

Jun 2nd 2011, 22:35

Il-Pajjiz ser ikun qed jitlef peruna ta' vera, persuna li kemm jekk taqbel maghha u anke jekk le, trid tammetti li hija onesta', habrieka u kapaci.

Imma din hi l-politka? dawn huma n-nies li jahilfu quddiem Alla fil-bidu tal-legislatura li jghamlu kollox fl-interess tal-pajjiz u jekk xi hadd ma jimxix mal-agenda taghhom idawruh? Dan hu l-partit laburista li qed jippretendi li xi darba jkun fit-tmexxija tal-pajjiz? ...U jaqliba lil wahda minnu? U jwarrab lil uniku politikant li ghadu jhaddam u jghix it-twemmin Socjalisti?

Sur Muscat, possibli din ma tfisser xejn ghalik? Jista jkun li inti mdawwar b'nies li bhal ma ghamlu lil Marie Louise u probabbli lil Alfred Sant ghad iridu jaghmlu lilhek?

Ghar-rispett ta':

a) l-votanti laburisti fuq is-sit distrett;
b) il-laburisti li ivvutaw LE nhar is-sibt; (mhux jien)
c) il-partitarji Socjalisti li baqa' fit-triq;
d) in-nies ta' kull kulur politku li lejl u nhar kienu jsibu ghajnuna, wens u sabar bis-sahha u ghas spejjes ta' Marie Louise.
e) u ghas sahha tas-serjeta' li ghandna bzonn nibdew naraw fil-partit tieghek.

nippretendi li taghmel xi haga u bla dubju TINVESTIGA min intimieda u hedded lil Onor Coleiro preca.

Ta' l-ahhar.... jaqaw dan Partit tal-moderati u progressivi imma mhux tas-socjalisti?

I am very disappointed. Well done Marie Louise.

Mr R. Abela

Jun 2nd 2011, 22:01

Ms Marie Coleiro Preca,
hadt decizjoni iebsa imma thallik BL-UNURI.

Ma nafx u ghadni ma nistax nifhem ghax ma irrezenjatx b`effet immedjat min Membru tal-parlament. Aktar kienet taghmel sens li ma ikollokx xtaqsam xejn u taghmel wiesgha ghal min jemmen fdak li ivvota ghalih il-poplu.
Nawgurawlek futur hieni u aktar hin u cans biex tgawdi IL-FAMILJA li tant emmint fijha.
Bid-decizjoni tieghek nista nassigurak li il-familja tal-PL tilef Membru u Pilastru Kbir
Baqa cans u bibien kollha miftuha ghal nies Kbar bhalek.
Nemmen li baqa nies mhux tolleranti li jirrispettaw opinjonijiet diversi u jirrikorru ghal attakki personali.
Nittamaw li naraw aktar dawl fuq din l-istorja ghax ghadni ma nistax nifhem

Mr Alfred Cassar

Jun 2nd 2011, 21:49

According to many comments in here, the parliament should only be made up only of PN candidates because, according to their reasoning, since the Maltese people gave the majority to the PN in the last election, then only PN MP's should form the parliament.

This is non-sense. What the majority says has to be obeyed but there must also be people who represent those who voted NO or abstained. I don't understand all the fuss and pressure on all MP's to vote YES. We should leave it up to each one of them ensuring that the Bill is passed. After all the referendum was only consultative.

People like M L Coleiro Preca, Adrian Vassallo, Edwin Vassallo, Austin Gatt, Charlo Bonnici and many others are needed in parliament to ensure we have a broad view of the people whatever their colour and beliefs.

I don't understand all this pressure from the LP. Don't they remember how they voted after the BINDING referendum on EU in 2003? I'm sure Dr Muscat remembers clearly. Oqbra mbajjda!

Joseph Borg

Jun 2nd 2011, 21:27

Din hija telfa ghall-partit u ghal Malta. Grazzi mill-qalb ghas-snin twal ta' hidma genwina. Grazzi hafna u good luck.

Henry S. Pace

Jun 2nd 2011, 21:21

2002: CHURCH EXPECTATIONS OF CATHOLIC LAWMAKERS, AND OTHER CITIZENS:
The Roman Curia's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith" issued a document on 2002-NOV-24 called: "Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding the participation of Catholics in political life." 2 The main thrust of the document is to inform individual Roman Catholics including legislators, that they are not free to vote for parties or laws which deviate from the Church's teachings. Some points raised in this note are:
An atmosphere of cultural relativism exists in many democratic countries. But the concept of pluralism which accepts all systems of morality as equally valid must be rejected. Only the moral and ethical systems taught by the church are correct. That is because the Church's "...ethical precepts are rooted in human nature itself and belong to the natural moral law."
"...citizens claim complete autonomy with regard to their moral choices, and lawmakers maintain that they are respecting this freedom of choice by enacting laws which ignore the principles of natural ethics and yield to ephemeral cultural and moral trends, as if every possible outlook on life were of equal value."
Roman Catholic citizens, including legislators, are only free to "choose among the various political opinions that are compatible" with the church's faith and natural moral law. They are not free to develop an opinion which is based on secular beliefs or on another religion's teachings, if the conflict with Catholic principles.
"Democracy must be based on the true and solid foundation of non-negotiable ethical principles, which are the underpinning of life in society."
The church "has reiterated many times that those who are directly involved in lawmaking bodies have a 'grave and clear obligation to oppose' any law that attacks human life. For them, as for every Catholic, it is impossible to promote such laws or to vote for them." Laws must protect "the basic right to life from conception to natural death."
"...a well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals" as taught by the Catholic church. "
The principle of separation of church and state does not apply in matters of morality: "For Catholic moral doctrine, the rightful autonomy of the political or civil sphere from that of religion and the Church – but not from that of morality -- is a value that has been attained and recognized by the Catholic Church and belongs to inheritance of contemporary civilization."
Lawmakers cannot create a wall of separation between their religious life and their political life. They cannot behave as Catholics part of the time, and as secularists for the rest of the time. "There cannot be two parallel lives in their existence: on the one hand, the so-called 'spiritual life', with its values and demands; and on the other, the so-called 'secular' life, that is, life in a family, at work, in social responsibilities, in the responsibilities of public life and in culture." 2

Maria Zammit

Jun 2nd 2011, 21:20

Dear Ms Coleiro-Preca,

I encourage you to abide by your beliefs and vote NO so that I and those, who like me voted NO will be represented in Parliament.

I do not agree that you should not contest the next general election as it is people with guts that we need in politics. I would like to state that I did not vote for your party in the next election but should you vote against divorce, thus representing me and others who did the same, I will not hesitate to vote for you on a personal basis and will not vote for those PN candidates who choose to change their minds simply because it is more politically convenience for them to do so.

In parliament I want to be represented by persons with guts not by candles in the wind.

Mr Paul Abela

Jun 2nd 2011, 20:21

I just cannot understand these Labour Supporters. Once a Labour person disagrees with what the labour is doing,they just 'JAQLAWWLU it-TAMALL KOLLU"
I wonder what would have happened if JPO and Muliett were Labour MP.s and would have gone with the Nationalist and voted with them.
This happened with Mintoff and even with Sant.

Mario Vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 20:06

I would like to make it clear that I am not any of the two Mario Vellas that have posted comments to this report, as one of your commentators has suggested. Although I have made my position in favour of divorce very clear in my column on this newspaper (next one appears next Monday June 6), I think that Marie-Louise's departure will be a loss to the PL. As a former president of the Party, I worked closely with her and know what she is worth. Mario Vella.

Mr Michael Debono

Jun 2nd 2011, 19:46

Resigning because uknown or known people spoke irreverently is not a cause for resignation. There must be other reasons. Don't be defeatist.Win your argument and not turn your back. That's the last thing a person of character should do.

Mr Edmund Azzopardi

Jun 2nd 2011, 19:44

Unfortunately, abstaining is not an option. You are in parliament to fulfill the people's wishes.
On the other hand, I do not blame her for not contesting the next election as our way of doing politics has degenerated considerably, after we have been promised a new way of doing politics. Come to think of it, perhaps this is the "new way".

Alex Debono

Jun 2nd 2011, 19:13

Ifhem it about time, li naraw ucuh godda, u mhux nies li ilhom hemm min zmien mintoff.. Miz-zewg nahat tal-kamra ghandhom bzonn jqacctu nofshom... ghax ghajjejena bl-istess ucuh u dejjem nibqaw koppi naljenaw lin-nies.... u l-hajja dejjem toghla.... u l-familji jitkissru.... Il-poplu tkellem fit-28 ta Mejju... u allura trid tbaxxi rasek ghar-rieda tal-poplu... trid tiftakar li n-nies jaghzlhom l-parlamentari... mela allura Ms coliero preca, trid tisma l-ghajta tal-poplu

Anthony Busuttil

Jun 2nd 2011, 18:40

Ghaziza Marie-Louise,
Hdimna lkoll ghal partit, bghatejna u gejna umiljati. Niftakrek Segretarja Generali tal partit gewwa l-Macina, bard u kesha, dejjem hemm kont insibek. Ghaddejt min zmien difficli, bhal kullhadd. Illum ghandek tifla li tant thobbok, zewgek ihobbok u habib kbir tieghek. Ghal gid tal partit u ta Malta hdimt distrett difficli. Kellek l-isbah rigal min ghand l-eletturi u dan ghax hdimt bla gheda. Thallix kollox immur mar rih. Nafek mara ta principju u soda fil fehema. Tghatix pjacir lill avversarji. Int blata u hadu pjacir bid decizzjoni tieghek, int mhux semplici deputata. Go fik ghandek il prodott ministerjali. Il Partit u Malta ghandhom bzonnok. Se nibkuk il koll ohti.

Mr M Vella***

Jun 2nd 2011, 18:10

The members of parliament have abdicated their right when they asked the people to decide in a referendum. Now they have no option but to vote YES or else resign.

Mr K.M Edwards

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:42

Dear Mary-Louise Coleiro

It is terrible absolutely terrible that you and your family have been threatened simply because of your viewpoint on divorce. These "yes camp" terrorists are the worst hypocrites and I would strongly advise that you contact the police and have them, with Dr. Joseph Muscat, launch an investigation into the matter. There is absolutely no room for such conduct towards an honorable member of parliament.

Standing down is your prerogative. However, abstaining from voting according to your conscience in the next few days does abrogate your commitment to your constituents regardless of what side of the fence they fall into on the issue of divorce.

Please do NOT abstain from this critical vote and vote according to your conscience. You can then stand down in peace.

Mr Mark Anthony Mifsud

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:41

Ah well... Bullying works!

Malcom Borg

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:20

Il-politici dejjem ifakkruna li l-POPLU huwa SOVRAN. U ghalhekk l-ghazla ta’ Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca hija ghaqlija. M’hemmx lok ghal diskussjoni jew dispjacir jekk l-ghazla tal-politiku hija li jibqa’ jinsisti kontra r-rieda tal-poplu, m’hemmx triq ohra, irid iwarrab. U hekk ghandu jaghmel Dr. Edwin Vassallo. Alla mhux se jinzel ghal kumdità tieghu biex jilluminah. Sfida lil-PL biex ikeccieh hija mhux hlief konfront u theddid. Ghandu jkun ragel bizzejjed u jaghmel bhal Marie Louise, jaghmel post ghat-tolleranza.

Il-problema li ghandu GonziPN hija aktar serja u akuta. Jidher li l-arroganza u l-prepotenza ta' certi Ministri lehqet kull limitu. Dawn in-nies m’ghadhomx jirrapprezentaw lill maggoranza tal-poplu u li jgibu skuza bir-rapprezentanza tal-minoranza hija pjuttost fjakka u ma tregieh ghax kif qal Dr. Joseph Muscat min ivvota kontra d-dhul fl-EU allura ghandu jibqa' jkollu min jirrapprezentah. Dan ma jaghmilx tikka sens u ghalhekk trid tinqaleb folja gdida, nibqghu nhaddnu r-religjon kattoliku imma mhux fil-biza’ u fl-injoranza.

Tony Fava

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:16

Kellu bzonn dawk bhal Austin Gatt u ohrajn li tghidx kemm il-darba qalu li se jirrizenjaw jkollom il-guts bhalek u jaghmlu dak li qalu. Ma tarax li se jaghmlu hekk. Dawk iggranfati mal-poter u addio principji.

Roxanne Borg

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:11

PITY.

Mary Borg

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:10

Prosit Ms Preca. Mhux kull politiku huwa mercenarju tal-vot wara kollox.

Mr Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:08

@Onor Sinjura Coleiro Preca,

Nifraħlek tal-kuraġġ u l-onesta li qed turi f’dal mument importanti u diffiċli tal-poplu Malti u Għawdxi!

Dan ngħidu mhux lilhek biss, imma lill kull min jried jħobb u jirrispetta l-kuxjenza tiegħu!

Il-kuxjenza hija l-aktar oġġett personali għażiż li għandu l-bniedem, dak hu tiegħek, u dak irid jindifen miegħek!

jidstgħu jinsulentawk, jħaġruk jew anke jeħdulek ħajtek jistgħu, imma l-kuxjenza tiegħek ħadd u ħadd ma jista jeħodilhek, għax dik hija tiegħek żgur!

B’dik il-kuxjenza unika, partikulari tiegħek ser tmur fejn il-Mulej, għall din ser issaqsik il-Mulej, u fuq dik ser jippremjak il-Mulej!

Forsi jkun hemm minn jipprova jiddiħaq bik għax inti kuxjenjuża, forsi anki għax temmen bil-kuxjenza!

Tista qiegħda wkoll tbati minħabba li l-kuxjenza tiegħek li ma tippermetilekx li tagħmel dak li jriedhuk tagħmel jew tgħid!

Imma is-sabieħ tal-bniedem huwa dak li lest li jbati bil-bosta, basta mal-kuxjenza tiegħu jkun fil-paċi tal-Mulej, u ma jċediex għar-rikatti u t-theddid tal-bniedmin bla skruplu!

U Jien dan li nawguralek Onorevoli Sinjura Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, kuraġġ u paċi mal-kuxjenza tiegħek u paċi mal-Mulej!

Silvan Cutajar

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:07

this is positive as it allows for new faces in the Labour benches.

Mr M Farrugia

Jun 2nd 2011, 17:07

Ghal attenzjoni tal-membri parlamentari minn Ghawdex.
Nixtieq nigbed l-attenzjoni tal-membri parlamentari li l-poplu ta Ghawdex ivvota bi hgaru kontra d-divorzju u dan ifisser li ma iridux il-divorzju. Jekk inthom veru tirrispettaw il-fehma tal-maggoranza tal-Ghawcin xogholkom huwa li tivvota kontra din il-ligi Jekk ma taghmlux hekk tkun qed tmorru kontra min eleggikom.

Mark Piscopo

Jun 2nd 2011, 16:56

Leader Konsistenti huwa dak il bniedem li fil-mument tal-prova ma jibzax jiehu pozizzjoni minkejja li jista' jitlef biha. Int trid taghmel li hu sewwa u tiddikkjara l-principji tieghek lin-nies inkella tfalli. Ma tridx tuza l-politika ghar-rebh tal-voti kif qed jipruvaw jghamlu xi bloggers ta GonziPN fuq dan is sit u anka lin News taghhom li ha jallega bmod falz li hemm xi qsim fil PL ghax Mary Loiuse mhux ha tohrog ghal l-elezzjoni. Hbieb u huti nazzjonalisti uzaw largumenti taghkom ghas-sewwa sabiex in-nies ikunu jafu fejn huma qeghdin u mhux blargumenti foloz. Ghax ftakru Is Sewwa jerbah zgur u in nies qeghdin jaraw min huwa konsistenti fl-argumenti.Tqisuwiex ga rbahtu l-elezzjoni generali ghax mhux hierga Mary Louise ghax naf fic cert li hawn minn qed jinterpreta hekk. Iz zmien itina parir u ma nahsibx li Adrian Vassalo biss ha jivvota LE. JALLA ma jkun hemm hadd li jmur kontra rieda tal- maggorraza ghax ghalhekk nghixu go pajjiz demokratiku izda kollox possibli f'dan il pajjiz! Grazzi Joseph Muscat tal gid li qieghed tghamel ghal Malta taghna.

Gerry Cowie

Jun 2nd 2011, 16:43

Threats and indimidation come from cowardly bullies.
The pro movement should show their guts here and unreservedly condemn all such actions.
This is also what happens when a vociferous part of a slight majority winning a referendum cannot accept that 48% were against. This is why I said all along that the pro movement's protagonists were the best weapon the anti movement had!
Secularist, humanist diatribe and a deliberate choice to ignore the Catholicity of Malta are very unwise indeed!

joyce darmanin

Jun 2nd 2011, 16:33

Kiku veru il membri tal palament taz zewg nahat tnigishom il kuxjenza,wiehed wara l-iehor jirezinjaw,meta ivotaw ghal kabir ta power station ma missithomx il kuxjenza kemm se tghamel hsara in nies,meta johrog xi permess tal bini u jeqred ximkien naturali fil kampanja ma tmishomx il kuxjenza,u halluna,fil politika ma tistax timxi fuq il kuxjenza,jekk trid timxi hekk mhux postok fil palament

Mario Vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 16:28

If you have guts,MLouise, RESIGN NOW! Do not put yourself in the way of the passage of the Bill! Conscience now has nothing to do, before the referendum it made sense to vote according to your conscience. Now as a representative of the people you are morally bound to respect the people 's will and vote YES. You failed to understand that the divorce issue concerned the complete seperation of STate and Church for which th LP had suffered doubly in the past. Do you now renegade that? You forgot what "suldati ta' l-azzar" meant? do you prefer being manipulated by the PN when counting votes at the approval or not of the bill?Did anyone give you any guarantee that no division will be called? Do you want to be party of some nasty ploy of the PN to undo want the people have democratically decided upon? If your concsience dictates to you, that you should, better RESIGN now! and make way for your runner up in your district who could be more sensitve to the people's aspirations!..........And this stands for all LP MPs who have decided to abstain or vote against!

Mark Piscopo

Jun 2nd 2011, 16:10

Il Wara nofs in nhar it tajjeb hbieb tieghi. Mary Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca ha tivvota skond il kuxjenza taghha waqt li tara li il mandat tal poplu u ghandha kull dritt tghamel hekk li tastjeni. Il bieb tagha huwa miftuh ghax hija gidba fahxija li iggieldet mal PL anzi ghada u tibqa pilastru tal PL fil parlament izda iddecidiet li ma tohrogx ghal l-elezzjoni li gejja, u perswaz li bieb taghha jibqa miftuh fil PL jekk jerga idurila il hsieb.Joseph Muscat ma ghandux nkwiet ma l-ebda deputat u huwa maqghud!

Mr CHARLES TANTI

Jun 2nd 2011, 16:05

The Hon. Coliero Prega did not resine but not contesting next election.
The HON. is aganist divorce thats democracy.She was not sent out of the party.
We well see later what she wants..................?

Mr J. Bonnici

Jun 2nd 2011, 15:56

It would be a pity if Ms Coleiro Preca had to step down. She's made great sacrifices for the party, working long hours and sleeping very little to serve her constituents and remains one of the most popular Labour candidates.
The reason for her departure is not yet clear. I know for sure that she faced great internal opposition when she wished to contest the deputy leader elections and eventually had to succumb to the pressure of senior party members.
If she is going to resign because of the divorce vote then she's paying a high price for a relatively minor issue. I can't see an abstaining vote as harming anybody at this stage.
She should speak publicly about the matter like other MPs did.
The party (and the country) cannot afford to lose her.

Mr Danny Apap

Jun 2nd 2011, 15:32

I have nothing but admiration to this politician she is brave to do what she is intending to do.
I see at close hand what divorce brings at a later stage in time.

Mr C Briffa

Jun 2nd 2011, 15:28

This is the earthquake promised, the pl will be doing everything to be in Government. Who will be the next victim? Is this the party of the liberal and moderate? Another question yesterday she said that she was threathened so if she was against divorce it couldn't be the Church or the pn, so guess who?

Mr Stephen Florian

Jun 2nd 2011, 15:25

Respect and honour the result of the majority vote! Abide by the will of the majority or face the consequences !

Mr l Azzopardi

Jun 2nd 2011, 15:21

IF an MP cannot follow the lead of its people its a good to resign. Obviously Nationalist MPs could learn a thing or two from this too. If an MP does not respect the will of the people Parliament is just not their place!

Joseph Agius

Jun 2nd 2011, 15:01

@ M. Borg
Please drop the "this was a consultative referendum only" BS!
The only reason it was consultative is because our legislators - who are nice and comfy in the Palace only because we voted for them - do not believe we are intelligent enough to vote in a binding referendum. They believe that the last word should be theirs. It is a sorry indictment of our collective opinion and the national kow-towing to a bunch of hopeless ingrats whose only quality is their ability to lick the butts of their constituents for three months before the election.
Speak to someone in a real democracy - UK, Switzerland or Scandinavia for example - and try to sell them your argument. he or she will kick it out by the end of the first sentence.
Do you know what happens to company directors who do not follow the demands of their stakeholders for whatever reason. They are forced to resign from the board.

Dr Hermann Paul Farrugia

Jun 2nd 2011, 14:55

SINJURA Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca,



Sfortunatament qatt ma iltqajna wicc 'imbwicc izda forsi tiftakar li hallejtlek xi messaggi
ta'kuragg meta ressaqt il-mozzjoni ghall- istituzzjoni ta'kumitat ghall- Familja Maltija
fil-Parlament. Fill-fatt ,smajtek tindirizza s-seduta tal- Kamra tar-Rapprezentanti ta' pajjizna
lbierah filghaxija dwar din l-istess mozzjoni. Issa nista' nifhem ahjar ghalhiex kont tant
tinhass emozzjonata izda fl-istess hin tant konvinta u sinciera. Id-diskors tieghek kien wiehed
spontanju mill-qalb u mhux preparat bil-miktub u moqri bhal bosta kelliema qablek.
Ittrasmettejt messagg ta' kuragg u determinazzjoni favur l-akbar gieh li ghad ghandu sal-llum
il-gens taghna: ir-rispett ghall-valur tal-familja Maltija kif wrietnih u kif, s'issa , jkompli jinseg
l-identita' taghna l- Maltin. Inti semmejt, permezz tal-ittra ta' zaghzugh Malti, mwegga izda
le imkisser,fejn u kif fil-prattika , il-familja Maltija tal-llum ghandha tigi rriabilitata.
Nixtieq ninnota wkoll li smajt lill- Avukatessa Ghawdxija Justyne Caruana titkellem dwar din
l-istess mozzjoni nhar it-Tnejn u hi wkoll instemghet inkwetata kwazi mbikkma. Naghmlilha
kuragg ukoll biex izzomm shih u determintata biex tibqa' tisma' l-vuci tal-verita' li giet espressa
b'mod tant car u inekwivoku mill-kostitwenza taghha. J'Alla deputati ohra miz-zewg nahat
tal-kamra, huma min huma, ma jcedux il-valuri sodi li s'issa dejjem ikkaratterizzaw lil gensna.
Dawn jibqghu l-qofol , l-uniku gieh li jista' jibqa' jiftahar bih il-poplu Malti. Nazzjon tassew
zghir fis-sura tieghu izda minn dejjem mill- aktar ghani f'fehmtu u f'ghemilu.


HERMANN PAUL FARRUGIA MD

Mr Joseph Cauchi Senior

Jun 2nd 2011, 14:46

Didn’t the PM say that the referendum vote is going to be respected?

So why all this fuss if some MPs are deciding either to vote No or even Abstain! The important thing is that this bill will be approved by parliament as promised by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

I believe that in order for this vote to be truly representative of the referendum result, the parliamentary vote should be 37-Yes and 32-No.

JC.

Ms pat muscat

Jun 2nd 2011, 14:42

Sewwa mela, MPs ta kuxjenza huma biss fil-LP? She did the right thing to resign now, at least she was honest with the people who voted for her.

Charles Sammut

Jun 2nd 2011, 14:42

i live in the USA so I cannot follow the situation as close as I would like to. But Ms Coleiro sounds like a sore loser to me. Anyone that wanted to deny the right of Divorce to others should not be holding any prominent aspirations of political positions. Very glad to see her go and I am sure so is Joe Muscat.

James Catania

Jun 2nd 2011, 14:26

Who can't deal with democracy should follow your example. Kudos.... moving on....

Henry S. Pace

Jun 2nd 2011, 14:21

Its quite a pity that Hon m'Louise took this difficult decision. Through this legisliture she was a very valid MP. Parliament will miss however the decision is completely yours. That is what St Thomas Moore did after all. Thats why he was proclaimed the Patron saint of parliaments by Blessed John Paul II.

Keep it up to your convictions.

Is-Sewwa jirbah zgur' in the very near future.

George Vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:50

Hon. Coleiro this is not a matter to flatter you, but a matter of principle, for during the last election we elected all the MP’s from both sides on the grounds that divorce was not proclaimed. You have a right to stick to your decision.

Mr Joseph Brincat

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:46

How is it that nobody from the PN side seems tofollow the example set by MC.

They (PN) remain glued to the seat of power - principles or not!

(jb)

Mr edward ciantar

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:42

........and life moves on........

A Azzopardi

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:37

Dear MLCP, I will never forget what your words meant to me a long long time ago:-when during one of your home visits at my place, when I was on the verge of quitting University, you gave me some heart warming words which changed my thoughts and thanks to them I now finished University and have a job I love. I owe you a lot, and now I could answer the same; whilst I don't agree with your stance; don't get lost in all this craze. We still need people like you.

Mr Paul Cassar

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:34

WHILE ADMIRING MS COLIERO PRECA.............. I AM STILL BAFFLED BY THE FACT THAT DR. GONZI IS LINGERING ON AS LEADER OF PN AND PRIME MINISTER WHEN

HE IS NOT READING AND LEADING WELL HIS OWN PARTY

AND MUCH LESS MALTA IN GENERAL.

THIS CLINGING TO POWER PREVAILS EVEN AMONG MOST MINISTERS NO MATTER HOW BAD THEY (MIS)MANAGE.

Mr S Vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:20

Kemm hargu nazzjonalisti f'daqqa wahda jammiraw lil Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca! u kollha jiddispjacihom li sa nitilfuha. Kif qatt ma hrigtu tfahhruha u tghidu li taqblu maghha qabel???

Mr Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:20

@Onor Sinjura Coleiro Preca,

Nifraħlek tal-kuraġġ u l-onesta li qed turi f’dal mument importanti tal-poplu Malti u Għawdxi!

Dan ngħidu mhux lilhek biss, imma lill kull min jried jħob u jirrispetta l-kuxjenza tiegħu!

Il-kuxjenza hija l-aktar oġġett għażiż li għandu l-bniedem, dak hu tiegħek, u dak irid jindifen miegħek!

Jistgħu jinsulentawk, jħaġruk jew anke jeħdulek ħajtek jistgħu, imma l-kuxjenza tiegħek ħadd u ħadd ma jista jeħodilhek, għax dik hija tiegħek żgur!

B’dik il-kuxjenza unika, partikulari tiegħek ser tmur fejn il-Mulej, għall din ser issaqsik il-Mulej, u fuq dik ser jippremjak il-Mulej!

Forsi jkun hemm minn jipprova jiddiħaq bik għax inti kuxjenjuża, forsi anki għax temmen bil-kuxjenza!

Tista qiegħda wkoll tbati minħabba li l-kuxjenza tiegħek ma tippermetilekx li tagħmel dak li jriedhuk tagħmel jew tgħid!

Imma is-sabieħ tal-bniedem huwa dak li lest li jbati bil-bosta, basta mal-kuxjenza tiegħu jkun fil-paċi tal-Mulej, jċediex għar-rikatti u t-theddid tal-bniedem bla qalb!

U Jien dan li nawguralek Onorevoli Sinjura Marie Louise Coleiro Preca,kuraġġ u paċi mal-kuxjenza tiegħek u paċi mal-Mulej!

Mr Joseph Aquilina

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:14

This is a bad move from PL. I am sure that some PL supporters voted NO in the referendum and with this news PL is clearly telling those people that it does not respect them. It does not respect their opinion. It will not represent them in parliament!! This is undemocratic! PL and PN should both be doing their best to ensure that the minority - 47% - gets respected as much as the majority!! This was a NON-BIDING referendum yet both parties are considering it as biding - something not made clear before the referendum!! Also 52% is far off from an absolute majority and therefore the LAW has to be tweaked in order to reflect better the division that the Maltese have about the subject!!! IF NOT THEN WHAT DEMOCRACY IS THIS??

Alfred Falzon

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:09

Our best wishes and solidarity go to Labour MP Mrs Marie Coleiro Preca and her family for remaining faithful to her ideals in spite of the great odds and diatribes levelled at her by selfish and ungrateful individuals within the party !
I, for one, feel that all is not well within the newly revamped Labour Party. Some elements are proving to be a major stumbling block in the next leap forward!
Champagne Socialists - the Zappatero type - and far-right activists seem to have taken the upper hand and are scaring voters away!
Her decision cannot be taken lightly and begs for some random reflections!
This is not a sweeping statement!

Mr S Vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 13:04

Kemm hargu nazzjonalisti f'daqqa wahda jammiraw lil Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca! u kollha jiddispjacihom li sa nitilfuha. Kif qatt ma hrigtu tfahhruha u tghidu li taqblu maghha qabel???

Joseph Agius

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:50

All those crying crocodile tears about free choice of our parliamentarians, you totally miss the point. As INDIVIDUALS they have every right to their opinion. However, having requested a referendum from the people, as PARLIAMENTARIANS they are duty bound to follow its results. Unless of course you do not believe in secular democracy, in which case just say so.

J. Galea

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:37

Appell liz-zewg partiti : HARSU FTIT LEJN NIES TA VERU U BIS SENS

Mr A Spiteri

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:37

great news!

the less this kind of MP representing the people, the better for the meaning of democracy itself!

Mr Saliba Francis

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:32

The Hon Marie Louise Coleiro Preca's decision not to present herself for election next time round raises disturbing questions.

Is she resigning for reasons of conscience? If so, does it mean that conscience is no longer supreme in the LP and among those who voted "yes for divorce" under the pretext that that is what their "conscience" dictated?

Was it because she and her family were intimidated, and if so by whom? Surely not by our bishops! Then by whom? Was she intimidated by those who have been accusing the bishops that they were intimidating voters when the intimidation was being carried out in the opposite direction?

N.B. Rhetorical questions not requiring answers that are obvious, especially to those who wear blinkers.

J.f. Micallef

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:32

I have always found it hard to completely agree with Ms Coleiro Preca when I happened to follow her debates or speeches, but I cannot feel more saddened than I am now that I heard about her decision to give up politics, because her party loyalty was never questioned and without blemish throughout her political career, We, of course, do not know the exact reason for her decision, and we can only conjecture and resort to guesswork.

What is certain however, is that every outstanding poilitical change for a country is bound to leave victims along the wayside, except for the Macchiavellian few who can wriggle themselves out of every maze. In the wake of the referendum result, things will never be the same, not only for Ms Coleiro Preca, but also for Dr Deborah Schembri, for JPO, for the PN and the PL, and no less for the Church. and even for other Parliamentarians who were always open with their stand in favour or against the introduction of divorce legislation.

Whatever political affiliations one might entertain, one should always feel sorry and truly sad to witness the personal tragedies befalling those whose public status has thrown them in the unforgiving public spotlight.

G. Cachia

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:23

So first Mr. Lino Spiteri, then Dr. George Abela (President of Malta) and now Ms. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca to leave the PL. Well known, hard working and respected people from Qormi.

What else? This we call it the New Labour.

Mr M Vella***

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:19

@Mr Joseph Cauchi Senior,Malta needs free politicians and not catholic fundamentalist , this country was run by the curia masters until last Sunday that all changed.When will Cikku Poplu wake up and realise that the YES won.Ignorance promoted by the Church will continue to shackle minds for countless generations to come but not in Malta that is all over,lets hope that Malta is not the capital of fools.The MP’s who do not respect the will of the people should be punished in the next general election.

Mr Michael Debono

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:17

Following Mrs Marie Ouise Coleiro Preca then if the divorce referendum gave a No result then the majority of Labour M.P. ought to have resigned starting with the leader Dr. J. Muscat.
Stupid reasoning.
One is either made of steel or of straw.

Ray Gatt

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:14

I'm deeply sorry Ms. Coleiro Preca decided to call it a day as regards to the next GE, but I am also hurt that Ms. Coleiro Preca is not prepared to accept the decision taken by the majority of Maltese. In a democracy majority (YES 53%) rules while respecting minority (NO 47%). Parliament's loss will be somebody else's gain.

Mr Joseph Mizzi

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:09

MarieLouise, I hope that you re-consider your decision. We are shocked. You are needed in the PL, especially if labour wins the general election.

Mr A. Mifsud

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:08

the good ones are stepping out of politics..... I don't like the fact that this MP was intimidated simply because she had a different view on divorce. Aren'y we supposed to be living in a democratic country. Ok we had a referendum on divorce, the people sent a clear message in favour - and divorce will be introduced. But why all the fuss about whoever thinks of this differently???

vivien pace

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:06

Dear ML Coliero Preca.

It is a pity that you decided to quit from the political scene. I think it is a great loss for the Labour Party. I am sure that Members from both side of the House would not wish to lose such an honest and hardworking person from their fold but rather gain others of the like. You will be an asset to Malta wherever you venture to invest your energy and dedication. Just stick to your principles.

Irene Forster

Jun 2nd 2011, 12:05

Thank you and goodbye, I would now like to call on all other MP's holding the same opinion from both sides of the house to also confirm they are standing down at the next election. Make way for some real politicians who understand democracy.

vincent zerafa

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:56

The Divorce Bill has unveiled the reality in our parliament. We have a situation where parliamentarians instead of following the people's will, are demonstrating that loyalty to their party comes first . Then there are other parliamentarians who give priority to their religion intstead of the people's will. Both cases are worrying and raise the question whether democracy truly reigns in our supposed European state.
I just hope that the will of the people will be implemented. We cannot accept a situation where parliamentarians, voted in and paid by the people, decide to ignore, for any reason, the will of the people.
Parliamentarians have had their chance to vote as ordinary citizens and according to their conscience. But now they have to uphold the will of the people. They are Representatives, that is they represent the will of the people. Power to the people!

Mark Calleja

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:52

Ma setghetx tivvota LE fil-Parlament, skont il-kuxjenza taghha? Daqshekk free vote Sur Joseph Muscat?
M Calleja

Paul Saliba

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:50

While I strongly condemn any threats again you and your family, I do not agree with you that you had to step down just because you do not agree with divorce. When you are in a party you cannot agree with everything. You give your views but at the end you should accept the majority. This you knew how it works and if you did not agree with this, you should have never been in politics.

Do you agree with everything in our religion? Mela x' naghmel ma nibqax nisrani?
I do not agree with everyghing in my place of work! x' naghmel nitlaq?
Jien ma naqbilx f'kollox mal partit tieghi l-anqas, allura ma nibqax wara il partit?

I do not know why this issue of divorse has escalated this much because if you don't like it, don't take it! but do not deny it to others that really needs it. There might be people that abuse from it. I agree but now it is up to us to educate the people and do our best to strengthen the families. I do not need divorce myself up till today but I know friends who need it.

You are a good person and I know the party is at your heart. I feel the decision was taken very fast. Not only the party will miss but Malta as a whole because you had many to give.

I wish there is a way to make you change you mind.

Mr Michael Debono

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:47

It is unbelievable that a person like Mrs Marie Louise Coleiro throws her gloves and retires from the LP.
Characters are shown in difficult circumstances.Are we men/women of straws or of steel.
To take the easyest way out is not a positive reaction. There are two years to reconsider a position and it will not be wrong to have second thoughts. Remember that a Political party is not an individual but a movment that wants the good for the workers for the undedog. Now if this does not prevail any longer then there must be something wrong with the individual.

Mr carmel callus

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:41

What a loss for the Labour Party; such a person of principles and who upholds her values.

Ms Maria Vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:40

I thought everyone was free to vote as they wanted?

Whilst I don't share Ms. Coleiro Preca's political views, I admire her for taking a stand in what she believes in. It is a pity she is resigning as she has contributed, validly, in the past years.

Mr Jason Xuereb

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:39

Most probably she is feeling that she is not part of this progressive movement. Well, her opinion of anti-divorce says it all whether she has a progressive mentality or not!

Mr Evan Camilleri

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:38

It is a pity that any member of parliament who does not agree with the Party's leader has to resign one way or another. We need more people in malta like Ms Coleiro Preca and JPO - people who were not afraid to oppose party or leader's decisions

Mr Carmel Farrugia

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:37

I am sad to hear that the LP has lost such a valid person. I got to know closely, for a few days, Dr Coleiro in 1981, when we were both on a delegation to Athens representing the FGhZM in a CENYC Seminar. Although in those days we were on opposite sides on the local political spectrum, she representing the GhZL and I the MZPN I admired her convictions, straight forwardness and her love for our country. I have never met her again face to face since, but I have followed her political carrier and can assure readers that this is a great loss to Malta and most of all to the Labour Party.

Emanuela Hadley-Coates

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:35

If Mrs Coleiro Preca feels the need to resign over the issue of divorce, she must regard any other contribution she is able to make to government insignificant, and her continued presence in government unnecessary.

Ms Mari Bor

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:29

Although I agree with MLCP decision i would like to thank her for what she has done to the party! throughly an inspirational woman who as mentioned above fought for social justice.

Charles J. Buttigieg

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:26

All is well that ends way. I would, however, have had a different approach to solve a conscientious objection-an ipso facto resignation, but there again some politicians prefer to chew on principles rather than gum. We now expect a nice epitaph by the intelligent young PL leader lauding her for the sterling contributions she had given to the party and wishing her well for the future. Amen.

Ms Rudi Mcbeal

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:22

The Labour party, and Malta has lost one of the best, decent, hard-working politicians that there are left in this country. Well done and keep it up. NOT. What a shame.

I wish you all the best and congratulate you for your honesty, Mrs MLCP.

Martin Cassar

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:20

Qed nifem sew?, Giet intimidata u medda? Minn min????, Jekk miniex sejjer zball il-PL mux FREE VOTE il kullhadd ta?.

Mr Tommy Vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:20

At the moment I don't share your political ideals but your loss will be a great loss not only to PL but to also to the Maltese Parliament. However I hope that you can still contribute to Maltese society in other spheres.

Mr R ferriggi

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:19

Joseph Muscat was clear yeaterday.

you either vote in favor or abstain.

no vote is not allowed.

very clear for those who noticed.

Mr Joseph Cauchi Senior

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:18

If only we had more of these Men and Women, who are prepared to stick to their grounds, come hell or high water, like Dr. Adrian Vassallo, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Giovanna Debono, Charlo Bonnici and others.

-I am reminded of a scene in "A Man for All Seasons." Sir Thomas Moore is on trial at the end, and Richard Rich perjures himself to have Moore convicted. Moore sees a badge on Rich. On finding out it's for a position in Wales (which he gained as the reward for the perjury), Moore says, "What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world but forfeit his soul. But for Wales?"-

But alas, for power some people are prepared to sell even their political “soul” not but for ‘Wales’ or even the whole world, but for just an “insignificant” parliamentary seat in a miniscule Malta!

Malta needs Men and Women of SUBSTANCE; but alas!

JC.

George Abela

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:15

A truly democratic, liberal Party.........u halluna bi kwetna....

Chapeau Marie-Louise.....Il-pajjiz ha jitlef Ministru(Fi zmien sentejn) b'sinsla u kexjenza Socjali....
Il-Principju gie qabel il-laqizmu ghall 2 voti. Kellu bzonn ghawn aktar nies bhalek.

Attent Joseph Muscat, ghax qieghed taghmel bhall Sant, qieghed tarmi l-aktar nies kapaci li ghandek madwarek, u ghadek fl-oppozizzjoni ahseb u ara la nigu ghad-Decizjonijiet il-kbar...

Grazzi Marie-Louise tas-servizz lill-pajjiz.

Karl Abela

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:14

Partit modern u progressive is what the party looks like from the outside.
A dictatorship and no freedom of speech is what the party really is from the inside.

Whoever tries to question the labour party’s policies will be made uncomfortable. Joseph Muscat is not interested in debate. His main aim is that everyone tows the party line so that they can win the next election. At any cost, Labour cannot afford to spend a total of 30 years in opposition. In fact the younger adult generation don’t even remember labour in government, not even its own leader does, so it’s slowly earning a reputation of always playing second fiddle.

The target is simple. Win the next election at all costs. The means to the end is unimportant.

James Piscopo

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:10

In Qormi, as youths we always looked at her as our political inspiration. This is a truly great loss for the 6th District, for the Labour Party, and for Malta.

President George Abela is doing outstanding work as head of state, but Marie-Louise should be next in line. Thanks marie-louise, you served as my inspiration and a mother to me.
J Piscopo - Qormi

Stephen Koludrovic

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:06

She definitely is a woman of principles. Are there any from the opposing party willing to do the same?

A breath of fresh air would do the country a world of good.

Christian Sciberras

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:06

Whenever someone gets hurt, or "steps down" for some reason, they automatically get hailed as heroes.

We get people using all sorts of nice adjectives, even when the area they supervised pretty much went from bad to worse.

So we had the shadow minister for health shouting against divorce, when hospital services are going from bad to worse.

One would wonder where priorities lie.

Mr william cauchi

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:04

one went, more to go....

I bet the next general election is going to be a killing ground of all the old guard from both sides.....alleluia.....

Mr Joseph Brincat

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:01

MLC has now set an example.

Any other MP from both sides of the House who does not respect the decision that the people have taken last Saturday should follow suit!

(jb)

Mr twanny borg

Jun 2nd 2011, 11:00

Gurnata ta' luttu ghal -poplu malti kollu laburisti u nazzjonalisti. Mara tal-azzar li ghamlet u kienet taghmel gid kbir lill-pl. Ahjar titlef f'din id-dinja milli titlef ruhek specjalment ghal nies ippokriti u egoisti bla kuxjenza.

victor cutajar

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:59

Allow me to show my gratitude and at the same time concern for the stand you had to take re the Divorce Bill.Whilst yor are an example to all Cabinet members , which I am sure most of them "MEN" ,envy you, because you had the factor"B" , you have excercised your right , which freedom and democracy entails you to embrace and vote as you feel right to do so.

I am a Nationalist supporter,not a Funadamentalist one, but i always voted thinking that was the right party to votE for.your actions made me take the decision ,not to vote in the next coming election,(until they proof to me otherwise with their actions) as I taught that what you did from the opposition benches, I thought that the PN goverment members will be the first to do before anyone else,since all they talk about is clean conscience.

Also another lesson comes from Dr.Adrian Vassallo.What a real man of principle.Thanks a lot.You too taughtg me a lot.

A final word to my Prime Minister.I never voted the PN to introduce the Divorce Bill.The mistake was ,that we should have offered Mr Pullicino Orlando to step down or go to early Elections if he continues to insist for the bill to be introduced.There was nothing to loose but a lot to gain.You had every right to do so.No one dictates or kidnaps the parlament.To you as well, my Leader of the oppostion.Whilst you have every right for an opinion , you must be clear with your party members that everyone is entitiled on your bench to feel free and has the right for a free vote, willing no strings are attached and pave the road for a clean and safe house without intimidation anf threats, BUT HONESTLY PLEASE.

WELL DONE YOU MEMBERS,YOU MAKE ME PROUD I AM MALTESE.NOTHING ELSE.

Efrem Gatt

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:58

Dear Ms. Marie-Louise Coleiro,

Much admiration comes your way for all your work throughout these many years and also for standing strong in your beliefs. No one can ever contest your honesty.

I am sure that other paths lie ahead of you and with your vigorous character I sincerely hope that you will invest your energy in other institutions and help towards the strengthening of marriage and family. May we always use our talents, and wisely.

Sincere regards.

Mr Tony Abela

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:58

Ms. Coleiro preca Prosit hafne hekk ghandu jkun bniedem ta' principju wrejt li ma intix marbuta mas-siggu. Prosit.

Mr Aquilina Joseph

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:54

You will be sorely missed.i am not a labourite but i have seen you helping one and all.happy retirement.

George Azzopardi

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:49

Il-pajjiz tilef is-servizz ta' persuna ta' veru.

Andre' Bonello

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:47

U le jahasra, mela dan jista jkun ghax jkollok opnioni l partiet tieghek stess jirikata lilek u ghal giehna l familja tieghek. Ahna fi 2011 qed nghixu ta. Ara x inhu gej il quddiem!! Nkomplu sejrin hekk ghal futur ahjar! Viva demokrazija, imbaghad noqghodu nghidu ghal Gadaffi. U le what a shame!!

MALCOLM SEYCHELL

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:47

I am impressed by her decision. Finally a decent politician who made the right choice. Labour and herself won. Maybe other MPs should be honest like her and resign.

The majority wins. If you do not agree with the people just leave politics

Mr G Mangion

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:46

Hon.Marie Louise Coleiro Preca had the guts not only to her position regarding the divorce, But to not being pushed around how to take her vote !! She is an M.P Elected by her Constituents not like ...........

She has gave a big Lesson to All the M.Ps from Both Sides to Follow.

Shame for the way she and her Family, threats and intimidation to Her and her Family

Shame !

George Azzopardi

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:41

I hope that all those 'New labour' followers are satisfied now.

Well done Joseph and Everist ! your team consists of thousands of Ms. Coleiro Preca level of politicians. .....Well done JPO, within two years the Labour followers will understand what you are doing now......and wait another five years......they get use to it now.

Tarcisio Bonello

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:41

Ms. Coleiro,

I can understand your situation perfectly.... but before you go you NEED to work FOR the Strenghtening of the Family. Make that your aim and goal for these last two odd years.

Be assured that Jesus Loves You.

Mr david debattista

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:38

MP Coleiro Please Reconsider. Any threats or intimidation is an issue for the police no matter who or what.

Mr mario gellel

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:38

IF THE REASON FOR HER RESIGNATION IS BECAUSE OF THE DIVORCE REFERENDUM RESULT, THEN I AS A LABOURITE IS FRUSTRATED WITH IT.
EVERYONE FROM ALL POLITICAL SIDES MUST ACCEPT THE PEOPLES VERDICT. THEY HAD THE SAME CHANCE LIKE US IN THE REFERENDUM. NOW IT IS THEIR DUTY TO IMPLIMENT THE WILL OF THE MAJORITY. IF NOT, THEN THE WORD 'DEMOCRACY' MUST BE SCRATCHED OFF OUR DICTIONARY.

Etienne Farrugia

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:37

the country is loosing out on the best politicians we had, and all this because of what I consider bad politics and wrong attitudes taken by the parties.

karen grech

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:36

It was and will always be a pleasure working with you. Thank you for everything you have done to our country, you were one of the few politicians who didnt look at people's colour. You worked for social justice and I know your values too well. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU, you were a friend, and a mother to me.

A. Farrugia

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:35

What a shame to have to pay this price.
Though we may not be saints, it is certainly admirable to stand up and be counted as she did.

Mr Alex Ciantar

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:34

well if you can't take the heat then there is no other option but to make room for someone who can..........besides no great loss, no one is indispensable!!

Mr john vella

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:31

Dear Ms Coleiro-Preca, they say when a good person pass away from the scene, the whole nation is at a loss.
We never meet so I only can write of what I saw and heard, to me you are one of the few in the New Labor who really spoke from your heart.
The country will loose and miss your sterling serving.

M Muscat

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:31

Ms Coleiro Preca , min ma jirispetax ir-rieda tal-MAGORANZA

m’ghandux postu fil-PL jew fil-PN u wisq izjed fl-ghola

istituzzjoni tal-pajjiez… IL-PARLAMENT.

Ghalhekk ghandek tirrezenja MINNUFIEH.

Joseph Agius

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:30

OH give me a break. This bastion of Catholic faith was the then MLP general secretary at the most nauseating time in Malta's recent history. So giving someone who is not even a Christian the opportunity to remarry goes against her conscience and demands her resignation but at that time, students and demonstrators were systematically beaten by her party in power and labour thugs were running amok without restraint.

Anthony Busuttil

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:26

First casualty after the Divorce referendum.
nghammira l-idejal ta Marie- Louise Coleiro. Jidher l-unika Mara fil parlament li ghanda idejal sod.
Pero Marie-louise ghad fadlilha hafna x'tghati mhux biss lill PL imma lill Malta kollha. Dan huwa ghar min terrimot. Marie-Louise hija vote puller bil kbir. Marie-Louise Coleiro ghanda tibqa fil parlament bhala tarka tal haddiema li hija tant thob, ghanda tibqa tiggielet min gewwa, billi titlaq se tghati pjacir lill min se jakkwista l-voti taghha.

Il Maltin ta rieda tajba ghandhom jitolbu lill Marie-Louise biex tiba fil paralament bhala tarka tal haddiema.Il futur taghha fil parlament wara l-elezzjoni huwa kbir.

Mr Darren Galea

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:24

we lost one of the best politcians in the 6th district :( thank you for all you have done to us. Your determination is your success and our success Mrs Coleiro. Labour party is loosing the few best people.

hermann schiavone

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:22

This is sad news for the country. Ms Coleiro Preca is a decent politician who dedicated her life to the Labour party and the country. Dr. Muscat and his party ought to understand that some of their MPs like a number of Government MPs have a genuine problem with their conscience to vote for a divorce legislation. These are all decent people who should be treated with respect. The Labour party's intimidating attitude should be universally condemned.

C. Sapiano

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:21

Coalition of moderates and progressives my foot. If you are different, in Labour, you are forced to resign. That is what happens when you politicize the issue of divorce. No wonder liberals and conservatives will again unite under the PN umbrella.

Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:19

I disagreed strongly with her stance and told her so in an email but she should not stand down. Malta should have vigorous debates but no politician should be subject to threats and intimidation. I still cannot understand her stance given her excellent record on gay and lesbian rights. I hope she reconsiders. Debates come and go and she certainly would not have been a liability to the LP.

Mr Saliba Francis

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:15

Something tells me that the intimidation against the Hon.Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and her family did not come from anyone acting on the instigation of the local Church hierarchy but I will not be surprised if demands for an apology will be made, and the demand will be acceded to, by the Church authority.

Mr Joseph Cassar

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:13

Alhtough I and not a labourite I am impressed that you stand up for your values, you are a lesson to us all, we should have more like you in our parliament. Its a pity that MPs. like Mrs. Coleiro have to abandon politics because this country is abandoning its christian values.

Mr Joe Gatt

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:12

Life is full of choices.

A hard but wise, mature and respectful decision.

Alfred Gatt

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:08

Ms Coleiro-Preca is to be admired in the tough decision that she has taken, which I am sure caused her great stress and tension. It is when things go against the strain when great values are involved, that the worth of a person is seen. If there could only be more persons like you in such an influential position, not only in this issue but in many other issues. Wish you a happy retirement from Parliament.

Mrs C Zammit

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:08

I take of my hat to you. A true woman of high principles whom I used to enjoy listening to the high quality of contributions in parliament. Its a pity that such people are becoming a rarity. Thanks for your valid contribution - and I'm not even a labourite.

Victor Rodenas

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:03

She will change her mind,she said these words in a very emotional time just after the referendum result ,time heals....

Mr Albert Farrugia

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:02

I had so much hope in a "new" Labour Party. In its new leader. And now this party has lost one of its most valid elements. Well done, Joseph Muscat! I think I am now beginning to see that, maybe, there is really no alternative in Malta. Dr Muscat will soon realise with that his tactics in this divorce business, and with the very clear anti-Church bias on his media, he has alienated from the LP quite a sizeable group of people. Once again, the PN will laugh all the way to the next election. Dr Muscat, why did you feel it was so necessary to talk about divorce 4 years before an election, giving the PN so much time to devise a strategy to neutralise any advantage you might have been trying to obtain? if you are so tactically naive, well then, you are not fit to be Prime Minister.

Mark Abdilla

Jun 2nd 2011, 10:00

Well done! This is what others who are ready to not respect the will of the majority should do.