EFA: ‘Postpone divorce till after election’

Mr M Spiteri

Jun 20th 2011, 23:09

@ Mr Francis Saliba

Constitutionally the 1981 election was won by the Labour Party. Like it or not, those were the rules of the game and democracy dictates that you accept the eventual result according to the rules. EFA did not.

Meantime what did Mintoff/KMB do. They immediately commenced to change the rules of the game to those that we have today. This they did IMMEDIATELY and the next election was held on new rules. That is democracy. The next election was won by the pn with a majority of around 4000 votes (ONE QUOTA and a part) and they were given a one seat majority in parliament as well.

1996 we had the same scenario as in 1987 but with Labour having nearly 7800 votes more, equivalent to two quotas. Labour were given only one additional seat in parliament, notwithstanding that their majority was equivalent to two.

You know what. EFA, and Gonzi after him , were so democratic they he never agreed to upgrade the rules further so that the winning party will have a majority in seats proportional to the majority in votes obtained….and fifteen years have passed since.....SO DEMOCRATIC of them both.

Don’t make me laugh!!!!!!!!! A fake democratic.

Walter Joseph Attard

Jun 20th 2011, 21:27

I do not agree with divorce, i voted NO! BUT now democracy must let it be a new law....BUT we must educate more, join the Church respect it! If NOT do not get married in Church!! Why all this hassle, Gonzi must have not let a referendum i think, or is it he ignored the constitution??? Why didn't he take the nation for an election! Pullicino Orlando did not win, he lost a battle, Gonzi did loose his battle too! Is Fenech Adami still the leader??? We are now Europeans, respect Europe and should have everything like Europe....higher wages, lower selling price on cars, more transparency on how things are done! Orlando will not be elected next election i think!!!! Gonzi will neither be ther i think!!! Id it was Dalli matters would have been different....PAR IDEJN SODI AKTAR!

Mr Robert Calafato

Jun 20th 2011, 21:04

So to continue with the "railway " terminology expressed by someone here, are we to understand that in 1980 democracy in Malta was actually derailed? Or was it a case of the engineer driving the locomotive too fast?

Mr Peter Borg

Jun 20th 2011, 18:01

This is truly unbelievable!The self styled saviour of democracy in Malta urging parliament to ignore the will of the people.On what grounds ? On the grounds that it is a matter of principle and that by implication his principles are superior to those of the majority of the Maltese. What makes EFA's principles more important than mine or than those of the majority of the Maltese ? Are we lesser citizens than he is ?

There could not be a clearer mandate than that given to our parliamentarians during the referendum. His position is to all intents and purposes worse than that taken by Alfred Sant following the EU referendum because whilst Sant contested the result using warped logic, EFA acknowledges the result but suggests that it be ignored.

EFA is counting on the fact ( erroneously in my view ) that Liberal nationalist voters would not vote Labour at a general election and what he is advocating in effect amounts to political blackmail. Basically saying to nationalists that if they want the PN in government again they have no option but to accept the PN's official position which is anti divorce. At worst he reckons ( if the PN losses the elections ) it will be a labour government that passes a divorce law and not the PN.

Furthermore, his religious convictions deserve respect but ( with respect ) they are his own and not necessarily those of the rest of us. He may feel that Malta should maintain the link between church and state that has existed in Malta for so many years, indeed we know for a fact that in some spheres he feels that the church authorities should take precedence as evidenced by the law he piloted concerning annulment whilst still prime minister.

Malta has moved on and has slowly ( to slowly many nationalist and labour supporters would argue ) but surely been moving away from a situation where the catholic church occupies an quasi executive role to one where it retains no more than its status as a religious organisaton.

The divorce referendum was a clear confirmation that this is how the majority of us want things to be on our Island and if I remember correctly the battle cries of the eighties were " il maggioranza terbah sgur " and " is sewwa jerbah sgur ". Is this no longer the case your excellency ? Are is sewwa and ir rieda tal maggioranza no longer one and the same thing ?

Mr K.M Edwards

Jun 20th 2011, 17:47

There is in fact nothing monstrous at all about what EFA suggests.

A non-binding consultative referendum was held, and the electorate has provided its feedback.

MPs and Parliament are to consider that feedback.

Many details are needed to be discussed especially since the referendum was explicit in calling for a divorce that ensured "lack of reasonable hope for reconciliation" and "children's welfare safeguarded", topics which in fact have not been fleshed out in any detail either in the media or in parliament.

Given that the "majority" who voted yes actually voted yes not simply for "divorce", full stop, but actually for a made-in Malta "responsible" (in their own words) version of it that accounted for the above conditions, it is surprising and telling that so many just want a law, any law, passed as quickly as possible, regardless of how good or effective it is.

Any responsible Maltese citizen, regardless of what side of the debate they fall under, should want a prudent and responsible approach to law making, and rushing into social experimentation without taking the due time to consider nuances and fine print is simply to invite years and decades of wrangling in the courts. A clear well-defined law that embodies responsibility will take time, and as such EFA's call should be welcome to any Maltese.

Moreover, however, given that no nation that legalizes divorce can be called Catholic anymore, this whole topic raises the issues of Article 2 in the constitution. Certainly, the Vatican's CDF should be called upon to clarify if indeed a nation can call itself Catholic and still legalize divorce. Although this should be quite a no-brainer for Archbp Cremona to clarify for all of us. Because if not, a motion to revise the Constitution is needed before any law is passed for any type of divorce is legalized.

Gonzi, Vassallo, Coleiro-Preca and others on the no side need to voice their opposition in parliament openly and unabashedly, just like the yes side will. Only then will a mature debate that results in the greater good or least evil take place, and all Maltese who love Malta should be in favor of that.

Mr Saliba Francis

Jun 20th 2011, 15:52

It is monstrous how those who scream loudest about their version of democracy are the same people who insist that Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, the Maltese statesman who did more than anybody else to restore to the Maltese people a functioning democracy and the freedom to express all opinions without being assaulted, should relinquish his fundamental human right to freedom of speech, and the holding and expressing of his sensible opinions side by side with the most inane ones being spouted by some other commenters on this blog.

Michiel Paetzel

Jun 20th 2011, 13:57

I am surprised he knows so little about politics, I would say that this referendum gives Parliament and excellent mandate to take a decision like this. If any one would care to listen to him it would mean that no new issues can be decided upon during the term and all has to be argued in the electoral campaign........ On the other hand, this would make having a Parliament unnecessary and too many of them are making a mess of their job anyway. Nice savings to be made here, listen to EFA, no more Parliament.......LOL

Ray Gatt

Jun 20th 2011, 12:47

Incredible - and I always thought EFA was a real gentleman. He's doing exactly what Mintoff did in the 80s and what Sant did in the Europe referendum. Stay out of it. You're past your sell by date now. Thanks for the memories, but your time has gone. The people's feelings about divorce should be respected more. Ir-rieda tal-maggoranza trid tigi rispettata Dr. EFA. Is-sewwa jirbah zgur. .............., gustizzja u liberta'. Pilatu hasel idu u tefa l-ghazla fuq il-poplu. Il-poplu tkellem u meta jitkellem il-poplu, pilatu irid jisma, inkella inkwiet ikollu. Kemm int u kemm Gonzi hsiebtu li il-poplu kien ser jivvota Le u arralkom. Issa ma nistghux inregghu l-arlogg lura. DIVORZJU ISSA.

Johann Aquilina

Jun 20th 2011, 12:46

I am impressed that Dr. Fenech Adami says these things after his fighting over the years on democracy. We can’t go back in the past and when there was another opinion in the cabinet after the referendum we go to the general election. This thing has to be thought before spending the 4 million Euros for the referendum. Sorry this time I am not with you in this.

The cabinet wasn’t capable to take a decision when they had the chance because they were afraid that if done in the Parliament will pass and this Government doesn’t want the Divorce. They decided to go to referendum and the YES won. Now any people in the Parliament have NO right for there judgments in this issue and all have to vote YES as the general people said.


We can’t sleep on this issue for two years regarding the situation till we have a general election. In my opinion who votes No or go out of the room or doesn’t vote I will not vote for him in the General Election since he didn’t respect the wish of the majority on the referendum.

Mr F J Brincat

Jun 20th 2011, 11:50

Le, ma tantx ikkonvingejtni.

Il passat li ghidt inti huwa veru minn jichad affari tieghu - izda il passat hu li hu allura ghalxejn toqghod tigi tighilna 30, 40 sena ilu. Jien jinteressani illum u ghada. Is-sitwazzjoni tinbidel, in-nies jinbidlu w anke partiti jibidlu.

Hemm bzonn ta' bidla fil gvern - ghall anqas ghall hames snin imbghad daqqa ta' sieq u jitla min jrid il poplu.

Denise Mifsud

Jun 20th 2011, 11:41

Dr. Fenech Adami, hawn min jghaddi mill-infern meta jitkisirlu z-zwieg u alla hares ma jghaddix id-divorzju. Sfortunatament mhux kulhadd ghandu l-flus biex igibu min barra, nahseb taf ghalxiex qed nirreferi. Il-poplu ddecieda u l-volonta tal-poplu trid tigi rispetata.

Philip Hili

Jun 20th 2011, 11:00

LILL VOTANTI L-GODDA u forsi l-izje lil dawk l-2800 votant gdid li JM cahhadhom mill-vot fir-referendum!!!

Hbieb votanti godda.

Jekk xi hadd fil-familja taghkom jiddeskrivi il-MLP illum PL bhala partit INTOLLERANTI, KATTIV U VJOLENTI - mimli elementi estremi, forsi tiddubitaw minn dak li jkun qieghed/qieghdin jghidilkom. Qieghed nghid hekk, ghax meta binti giet biex tivvota l-ewwel darba hekk kient ghamlet meta irrakkontajtilha il-passat moqziez tal-hakma socjalista jew ahjar tal-hakma laborista, ghax is-socjalizmu mhux hekk.

Allura, jekk intom mintomx konvinti minn dak li tisimghu fuq il-Partti Laborista, din il-pagna qeghdha tghatikom stampa cara daqs il-kristall ta' l-imgieba tal-PL fil-konfront tan-nies li ma jaqblux mieghu.
Din l-atitudni qeghdin jipprofessawha ISSA b'kitbiethom u allura HADD ma jista' jmeri ssewwa maghruf.

Ghalxejn jippruvaw ipingu lilhom infushom HRIEF ghax minn gewwa huma ILPUP FEROCI LESTI BIEX KIF IKUN IL-HIN OPPORTUN JIBILGHUK u dan bil-provi ghax kitbiethom tikxifhom.
Issa, jekk trid li tghix zoghzitek mahkum, imwerwer u msawwat, kif jigik ic-cans afdohom u mbaghad tkun taf x'jigri minnek. Pero' wara jkun tard wisq.

Mr John Cassar

Jun 20th 2011, 07:33

"moral issues should not be dictated by popular multitude but by principles" HIS PRINCIPLES!!!

What about the principles of the rest of the Maltese population who voted overwhelmingly in favour of divorce upholding the sacred principles of Solidarity?

I guess that we are (unfortunately) seeing the real Eddie for what he really is. As time goes by it seems obvious that Vatican agendas came first and the Maltese people second.....principles my foot!

Silvio Farrugia

Jun 20th 2011, 06:39

I suggest to EFA to really retire and leave us in peace.Maybe he hopes to have the sixties crusades back.He should bear in mind that the people have changed since then.Maybe they will say' if you do not vote you do a mortal sin ' again like the sixties so all those abstentions will vote out of fear and against their choice....no chance St.Edward we can see thriugh you

Mr Alex Buds

Jun 20th 2011, 05:30

EFA; you lost. Get over it. And you cost Malta 4m euros + untold millions more in lost productivity during the divorce debate and vote...

E. Azzopardi

Jun 19th 2011, 23:52

And we will have divorce after the next election, that is in two years time. So why wait if it is coming anyway?
Do not think it is very Christian to let people suffer for another two years. I have had great admiration for Dr. Fenech Adami and wish him well because he truly deserves it, but he should now leave it to those in charge as I firmly believe he is not helping them at all. I think several must be more confused then before but then there are those who will not be swayed by this as they have made up their minds already, according to the wishes of THE PEOPLE. And that is what MPs are there for.

Mr Charles Muscat

Jun 19th 2011, 22:08

What a load of hogwash! If the PM was not scared of losing an election why didn't he call an election and let the people vote on divorce? I would have thought that's democracy not wasting tax payers money on referendums and then sulking when things don't go their way.
(Melbourne, Australia)

Mr Michael N Cassar

Jun 19th 2011, 22:01

What I cannot accept is that after years of experiences of certain families after retiring from Parliament they still hold their ideas through their son’s. This is totally unfair that the same families keep hanging on to the running of any country, while others have to go by for good or for worse and behave as if they are the untouchables. EFA should not indirectly or influence the Parliament. There should be a law where by that no politician can stand for election if his relative was holding a Parliamentary position for specific years.

Frank Borg

Jun 19th 2011, 21:56

Ghadu ma qatax qalbu dan??? Mur hu vaganza Eddie, u halli l- poplu fil- kwiet, mhux hekk ried? Ahjar tikkummenta fuq it-tbatija li ghaddej minnha l- poplu bhalissa.....

John Xuereb

Jun 19th 2011, 21:28

Do we really care what EFA thinks or says. I for one don't. He's history. He's the past and he's past it too. Do us a favour and just disappear into the sunset.

Mr leo attard

Jun 19th 2011, 21:26

your highness, why didnt you get involved when the utilities were unfairly jacked up and when a PN MP called you crazy for having promised that hunting in malta will continued as usual once we entered the EU?

Paul A Vella

Jun 19th 2011, 21:16

Aren't we all so amused?? We are first told that the divorce issue will be resolved through a referendum, we are also told the cost of this referendum...some € 4 million of our taxes, we are also told that the people's will will be respected, the majority voted 'YES', then we are given the impression that the bill will be ratified through parliament. Some of these representatives, (our respresentatives whether they are P.N or P. L.) start getting cold feet especially the ones on the P. N. side as they are still bound to the all powerful institution of the church on these islands and then we get political dinosaurs which should have bowed out of the local political scenario a long while back, trying to keep their 'faith' sound and clean by refusing to bow their heads to the will of the majority. As that song used to go...'Vera pajjiz tal - Mickey Mouse' with due apologies to Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse of course!!

Luke Scicluna

Jun 19th 2011, 21:02

The referendum should have been legally binding. Once the people has spoken, frankly it's none of your business as to the decision - the right of the people to make their own decisions has to be supported.

Schembri Ray

Jun 19th 2011, 20:57

Nahseb li l-messag ta EFA huwa li ahjar titla l-genna b'mara wahda, milli l-infern bizjed nisa (ghax fil-vokabolarju ma nafx xini l-plural ta' mara)

Mr JC Sullivan

Jun 19th 2011, 19:32

The fact of the matter is - it should never have gone to a referendum to start with.

I certainly would never have expected this from the Right Honourable - on the other hand, perhaps I should have - being the lawyer that he is.

Abide by the will of the people NOW and let the people decide whom to vote for in a General Election, when it arrives.

Mr Alex Ciantar

Jun 19th 2011, 19:14

Why doesn't old fella get a hobby like everyone else does when they retire!!!

Noel Mifsud

Jun 19th 2011, 18:59

Tkomplix thawwad sur kap tal pn, pm u president ta Malta. Il poplu ivvota ghax il membri parlamentari kienu kollha bla sinsla hlied ghal dawk li hadu l 500 euro fil gimgha. Issa la huma ma ridux ifuhu u jintnu mal KNisja u tefaw l ballun f saqajn il poplu, iridu joqod ghad decisjoni tal poplu. Il Gvern kellu hafna madati li ma ghamilhom u ghamel dak li ma kellux mandat ghalih. Fosthom din tal 500. Allura sur EFA ieqaf tparla, u dan int kont tafu li jekk se nidhlu fil UE ic cans hu li ndahhlu id divorzju. Igifieri skond int il poplu inqela b zejtu gahx ghazel il UE. Kompli ferrah lil poplu bic cucati. Grazzi

Victor Pulis

Jun 19th 2011, 18:47

Isn't this tantamount to tying to postpone the obvious? Hope is the last thing to die they say. It is official, the people have spoken and there is nothing alse to do now but respect the voice of the people. Dr. Fenech Adami should know this of all people.

Allan Gatt

Jun 19th 2011, 18:45

VIVA D-DEMOKRAZIJA *

* hlief meta ma nistawx ninqdew biha jien u l-klikka tieghi.

George Vella

Jun 19th 2011, 18:28

If the divorce issue is to be voted to in July, then the MP's in our parliament should vote re this issue by a secret ballot. That is the highest form of democracy.

Mr John Azzopoardi

Jun 19th 2011, 18:06

Mr. Fenech Adami. It was the PN who threw the referendum vote to the people to vote in the hope that divorce will not pass. Now that it has passed, you cannot change the rules. Please move forward not backward. For all your insight you are showing that you are not moving on with the times. Divorce should have been introduced a long long time ago. What do you say when today in Malta we have thousands of people poggutti and 30% of the women are giving birth to illegitimate children. That is what you should be talking about.

Mr Johnny Xerri

Jun 19th 2011, 18:04

EFA suurprises me to say the least...he acts all moral today in 2011 and yet felt it morally fit to decieve hunters and trappers into voting yes for the EU. He personally sent hunters and trappers letters addressed to them from the Auberge de Castille in which he guaranteed that hunting and trapping would not be abolished...and could only improve in sucessive years.

Judging from the letters and personal guarantees he made, when he was first and foremost a prime minister and a leader of the PN...his next in office did not have a mandate to restrict hunting...yet they did so...and EFA never bat an eyelid or stepped in to defend us hunters...and say hey this is not what I had guaranteed to them.

Now he stays mum. He also stayed mum over the €500 honoraria increase which his party had no mandate to introduce.

EFA conscience and morality is not something you claim to have when it deems fit...and something you cast away when you deem fit.

As t all those who rejoiced when hunters and trappers were decieved...today I tell you...enjoy...what comes around goes around and if the PN can cheat us...they surely will not stop at you...npw every body has been cheated through the honoraria....now every body is being insulted by EFA stance on divorce...

Il Malti jejd tihux gost bid deni...

angelo cilia

Jun 19th 2011, 17:46

You are out of touch with people Eddie and now you crossed a line and you are pis_ing them off big time.
This is the legacy that you are unwittingly leaving behind to tarnish your reputation, or what is left of it.

Henry S. Pace

Jun 19th 2011, 17:22

Parliament should postpone divorce legislation until after the next election, Emeritus President Eddie Fenech Adami writes in The Sunday Times today.

Dr Fenech Adami says MPs have no direct mandate to vote on divorce legislation, although they cannot ignore the result of the May 28 referendum.

Therefore, he suggests postponing the vote – scheduled for July 13 – until after the next election where the issue will figure in the manifestos of all political parties.

Its quite obvious. None of the MPs have a right to vote on this issue because they were not elected of this issue because Divorce was never mentioned in their respective Manifestos.

All MPs - The YES and the NOs in the House would be scutinised by the electorate in the forthcoming Election.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

Joe Fenech

Jun 19th 2011, 17:14

EFA is a politician behind a backbone. Issa m'ghandux poplu ta' Gahan Malti jigri warajh ghax in-nies qed jitghallmu.

george grech

Jun 19th 2011, 17:08

Jekk tridu l-problema tad-divorzju tissolva immissa l-knisja taghti l-annullament lil KULLHADD.

R. Abela

Jun 19th 2011, 17:01

L-affarijiet kif sejrin mhux joġboni xejn. Wara kliem E.F.A. u ibnu B.F.A , il-kruċjata tal-LE, li ma lidħholx id-divorzju hemm xi ħaġa aktar min hekk.
Meta il-gvern tal- 1992 immexxi min EFA għadha id-drittijiet ta lis- STAT Malti fuq iż-żwieġijiet, il-Knisja ta Malta għaddiet il-propjetajiet lil l-istat Malti, kollox min wara DAHR il-Poplu Malti U Għawdxi.
Nemmen li hemm aktar min semplici VALURI tal- familja Maltija warajja din l-istorja ta EFA u ibnu BFA.
Min jaf? Il-borma il KOKI biss jafu x'fija, fis-sigriet min wara dahr il-poplu għamluha ir-riċetta.

Mr Joseph Calleja

Jun 19th 2011, 16:54

Where was the unholy haste in the referendum? Did we really need a quick referendum vote? Dr Gonz, very hastily decided that a referendum be presented to the people after he and his cabinet very conveniently could not reach a decision on how to vote? Poor politicians felt that the vote was too much for their conscience to bear. So GonziPN decided to have a quicky very expensive referendum and let the citizens make the decision for the hopeless politicians. Dr Gonzi presented the referendum to the people because, like you, GonziPN figured that the people will go along with their believes and vote No. The referendum was a big waste of Tax Payers money, or maybe not? Glass half full, glass half empty. EFA what was the haste for such an expensive referendum? You did not suggest for a postponement of the referendum then? Why was that? You lost and now you are stumping your feet like a little kid because that final vote did not go your way. The people have voted and the results are in, so why postpone the parliament vote till after the elections? I think the politicians should vote now and show the citizens their true colour and intent so they can vote freely in the general election. Waiting till after the election is another PN ploy to mislead the people. It did not work with the referendum and it won't work after the election EFA. The rabbit is out of the hat. As you can see, the people are not as gullible as they were in your time. Remember the words of President Abe Lincoln:
“YOU CAN FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE SOME OF THE TIME, BUT YOU CANNOT FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE ALL OF THE TIME”.
EFA I still have the same question. If you are so death set against divorce, how come you welcome annulment so eagerly? They are one and the same, they both dissolve a marriage. Annulment is for the rich and now we will have divorce which is for everybody. The people have spoken.

Ginevra Alvarado

Jun 19th 2011, 16:51

Nice "solution" !

Joseph Borg

Jun 19th 2011, 16:43

OK. Let's wait until the next election. BUT, let's call the election now (as we did with the EU situation) so we can all decide for a better government and divorce as well.

Mr R Calleia

Jun 19th 2011, 16:42

How about calling an election NOW Dr.Fenech Adami ? This is what I call Dr.Alfred Sant Syndrome, looks like you also got the disease. The people have spoken , Divorce must be implemented ! How arrogant can one be to state this. And to think I fought for Your party in 1987, surreal ! You rightfully called for an election after the EU referendum , now ask our PM to call for another election immediately ! Again, The people have spoken, strange that your 'conscience' does not hear 53% of the Maltese people. The remaining 47% must be heard also and that is why it is imperative to draft the bill with them also in mind.

Charles Alamango

Jun 19th 2011, 16:41

Viva Viva l'karnival - postpone for what reason??? Divorce is not a religious or identity issue. Divorce is about state marriages and not 'church' marriages. If moral issues should not be dictated by popular majorities but by principles why was the referendum held??

Mr Tony Camilleri

Jun 19th 2011, 16:09

Gonzi did not want to displease the Church Authorities and at the same time did not want to appear in bad light with the electorate.
So he wanted a referendum to shift the responsibility on the electorate because he thought that the referendum will not approve divorce.
In that case he would be able to please the Church Authorities and excuse himself with the electorate because he would have been able to say that it was the electorate majority that did not want divorce.
Now that the people have approved divorce he and the other dinosaur are trying to disregard the people.
How's that for democracy EFA and Gonzi?

Julian Tonna

Jun 19th 2011, 16:08

to all people that agree with FA they should understand by now that the country wants divorce and this should be clear for every maltese. we won we want the divorce. we dont care from FA and his followers we want divorce NOW

Mr Joseph Schembri

Jun 19th 2011, 16:01

With all due respect to EFA; please times change and we cannot delay every day life.

Ms Rudi Mcbeal

Jun 19th 2011, 15:40

Let the sheep find out for themselves how divorce will affect the country, most of all their children, and their children's children, Dr Fenech Adami. Right now they bleat but there comes a day when they will realise how very right you were.

Mr Saliba Francis

Jun 19th 2011, 15:35

I do not see anything wrong with Dr Eddie Fenech Adami's sound advice. What is the need for this inordinate hurry at the dictates of someone like JPO? As we say in Maltese "Qattusa ghaggelija frieh ghomja taghmel"

Alfred Grech

Jun 19th 2011, 15:33

Excuse me, is this report about Eddie Fenech Adami or about Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici? The nagging is very similar to KMB and I'm having my doubts if there is a mistake in the report.

Mr James Tyrrell

Jun 19th 2011, 15:31

The PN did not have the courage to decide on the matter of divorce for itself, so it took what it saw as a safe way out and threw the matter open to the country for the people to decide. Going down this road was seen by Gonzi as a safe option as he truly believed that the people would vote against divorce. The fact that he was proven wrong I have no doubt came as a major shock to him. However the fact remains that the people of Malta have voted in favour of the introduction of divorce and it is now up to the Government to introduce this legislation in accordance with their wishes. These suggestions being put forward by Eddie Fenech Adami may be how things happen in dictatorships but as Malta hopefully is not a dictatorship then to go down that road would be political suicide. I think Gonzi PN are in a deep enough hole as it is and if they are going to have any chance of clawing their way out by 2013 it will serve them well to take this on the chin and move on.

Mr Dominic Chircop

Jun 19th 2011, 15:31

When will this political has been attempt to retire gracefully ?

Does not he understand that whenever he opens his mouth he does more harm to the PN ?

Has he any right to expect that the Maltese follow blindly his diktat?

No dear Eddie, do not lose any more respect from the Maltese. They are fast disowning your values !

R. Gauci

Jun 19th 2011, 15:29

X'differenza se taghmel jekk il-ligi tad-divorzju tidhol issa jew wara l-elezzjoni, din m'hiex ir-rieda ta` l-PL jew tal-PN imma IR-RIEDA TAL-MAGGORANZA TAL-POPLU. Il-poplu li demokratikament ivvota b'maggoranza ta` aktar minn 6% minbarra eluf ohra li bezghu jivvotaw minhabba d-dnub il-mejjet u ghandha tghaddi minnufih ghax aktar ma ddum aktar se jbati min ghandu bzonnu. Qatt ma kont nistenna haga bhal din minn Dottor Fenech Adami, l-aktar wara dak li kien jghid wara l-1981 u r-referendum ghad-dhul fl-UE.

Cecil Herbert Jones

Jun 19th 2011, 15:13

I predicted this would happen a day after the referendum result. I predicted that Malta, ie the Maltese nation, as in Nationals, would be separated for four years more (from 3wks ago) before they are awarded Divorce legislation......by the PN !!

In the meantime we will have a General Election, the PL will win convincingly, make a mess of things, not related to the divorce issue, but other pecuniary matters etc. While the Maltese are used to the feel-good factor (presumably), Muscat will immediately inherit a cob-webbed parliament, be forced to put the divorce legislation on the back-burner in order to deal with more pressing issues, since the feel-good factor will be something rather nagging for him to handle, and, let's face it, the MLP are never in favour of incurring debts, that the PN are so good at (look at our deficit).

Eventually, and after staunch opposition from the PN (and we All know how they do it), he will call an early election (I had once suggested that it should be a praxis that General Elections should be held every two years), and the Maltese will once again root for the PN to return at the helm. This will happen four years from now. Of course upon their return to Government, the PN will immediately legislate Divorce.

And there you have it.

Mr Jeffrey Mallia

Jun 19th 2011, 15:10

Kliem ix xih..............insieh......................issa ghadda zmienek, u ahjar toqghod tpappi il penzjoni bil kwiet milli tejd ic cucati.

Mr Mario Debono

Jun 19th 2011, 15:02

So disappointed in you EFA, kolla pezza wahda intkom, teqirdu fuq li ghamlu l ohrajn imbaghad taghmlu l istess

Mr Michael Grech

Jun 19th 2011, 14:46

Is this the same guy who used to make a lot of fuss about Alfred Sant not accepting the result of the 2003 referendum and who in 81 rightly used to claim that Labour MPs have a moral obligation not to form a government because the people had clearly indicated that they wanted a change?

Mr Jimmie Rowe

Jun 19th 2011, 14:22

I think the problem and it is a well known fact of life that older people tend to live in the Past and not the Present and face reality of modern day life, this is why many older people tend to reminicent the old days and time gone by and forget the future for the younger generation. I haven't as yet reached that age, however i do respect the majority's wishes and go with the flow, in otherwords i don't see or dictate how other people want to live their lives,they don't necessarily want to live the way i like to live.

Charles Borg

Jun 19th 2011, 14:11

Neither was the gambling law of 2001 and nor the Partnership for Peace was part of the electoral manifesto but still were passed and accepted by parliament, and these under occurred Dr EFA's leadership - is this man vying for sainthood??

Mr leo attard

Jun 19th 2011, 13:49

Why does it have to appear in the next election's manifesto? A national referendum has been carried out and a decision made. I personallyu dont believe in divorce but i believe in logic --- the people have spoken! the government is there to carry out the will of the majority, not that of a party or a select few! Face the facts, EFA!

J lanzon

Jun 19th 2011, 13:19

Abstain or Yes should be respected, Why would you put a referendum to pass or not and then it comes down to the MP's only..

Tim Gauci

Jun 19th 2011, 13:08

Dear EFA, This is Malta not North Korea.

charles tabone

Jun 19th 2011, 12:49

Hallina eccellenza" Issa zzejjed! Qieghed teccella fil-hmerijiet jew fil-vendikazzjoni lejn Pullicino Orlando u Mugliett. Allura trid li dawn it-tnejn jghibu mix-xena politika. Nahseb li ahjar jaqsmu l-kamra u ma jpaxxukx. Imma kif ma nisimghu xejn minghand l-akbar ragel Bormliz Dott Ugo u minghand l-akbar Ghawdxi Dott. Censu. Semplici, qatt ma kienu pruzuntuzi u ghamlu lilhom infushom president. Issa post wiehed baqaghlek b'din l-attitudni: tiehu post Benedettu XVI u nghajtu Habemus Papam, Edwardus Primus. Ha, ha, haj!

P Buħaġiar

Jun 19th 2011, 12:47

E.F.A main aim is to leave divorce bill after next general election ONLY for ONE reason. Next general election will be;
PN + CHURCH > VERSUS < PL.

This is a political dirty trick which means THE END for CHISTIAN CHURCH in Malta as we know it today especially for those who beliefs that Church and State must be seperated.
Dear E.F.A the sixties is part of the past and the intention to revive the same situation, do more harm than goodness.
The Church Authorities are going to be used for an Election campaign to revive the fragile PN image.
Values are more than simple Annulments given by Church, some of them under false oaths, than divorce given by state under bilateral agreemnet between couples.

Mr John J Borg

Jun 19th 2011, 12:35

l-ewwel ghamilna qassata bhala insara hallejna ir referendu tad divorzju jghaddi.......issa gejja froga ghax mid dehra ser jaqa il gvern biex ma jghaddix mill parlament

Mr J Galea

Jun 19th 2011, 12:34

It seems that every party has its K M B figure?!!!!!!!!!!

Mr Anthony Mifsud Bonnici

Jun 19th 2011, 12:29

Fenech Adami ahjar jghid minn qatel lil Karen Grech u ohrajn. Skond hu stess jaf min. U jhalli lil min ghandu bzonn tibdil fil-ligijiet bi kwietu. Sa l-ahhar laqqatha l-borma u issa jrid anki jindahal fejn m'ghadux jesghu. Viva l-annullamenti.

Ms D Galea

Jun 19th 2011, 12:27

One man with courage is a majority.
-Thomas Jefferson

Prosit Dr Fenech Adami.

Ms D Galea

Jun 19th 2011, 12:27

One man with courage is a majority.
-Thomas Jefferson

Prosit Dr Fenech Adami.

Ramon Casha

Jun 19th 2011, 12:23

Alfred Sant tried that once, and he won the election for the PN.

Mark Jones

Jun 19th 2011, 12:23

Pity that a man who did a lot of good in Maltese politics is now making himself look foolish.
Seems to have forgotten that in a parliamentary democracy MPs are elected to represent the voters, not their own prejudices.
I have no problem with an MP voting against the bill if s/he feels very strongly, and the voters can take that into account when asked for support in the future; but delaying a decision for another two years will only inflame the situation.
Sorry, Eddie, you're on a loser with this one.

Alex Saliba

Jun 19th 2011, 12:15

EFA your are helping Gonzi to dig his party's grave even deeper and deeper!

John Rizzo

Jun 19th 2011, 12:14

And the paladin of Democracy strikes again. Is the same one who boycotted the Parliament for weeks since the "peoples' decision was not honoured”. And now… precisely the opposite way!
Oh sorry, but that was not the same person: in 1980s it was Eddie: this is Edward! Min hu bħal Eddie?

john dimech

Jun 19th 2011, 12:04

So let me get this straight... is EFA saying... 'you can have a referendum (mostly to take the responsability away from the government), let the people have their say... but then it is WHAT I WANT that will happen anyway?! Don't we live in a democracy anymore? Or has one's brain been petrified by the wanting of being seen as a 'good Catholic' so much so that anybody else's opinion (even if it is the MAJORITY of the people) does not count anymore. Isn't that a bit...DICTATORIAL?
And to those comments coming from clerics... why don't you trust your flock anymore to do the right thing? Is that not admitting that you did not teach them well. Or maybe is it that you can see them THINKING FOR THEMSELVES at last... and of course the Church never liked that, did it?
The people have spoken. It's about time Gonzi and his cohorts respect that!

vincent a galea

Jun 19th 2011, 11:50

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT "HAS BEENS" KINDLY LEAVE THE POLITICAL AFFRAY... AND JUST ENJOY THEIR RETIREMENT IN PEACE AND LEAVE US IN PEACE !!!!!!!!

Joe Scerri

Jun 19th 2011, 11:37

I posted this quote by CS Lewis last week and I will post it again. Please read and digest

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. They may be more likely to go to Heaven yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be 'cured' against one's will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals."

Jay Aquilina

Jun 19th 2011, 11:35

kemm se jdum jindahal dan il bniedem, mela nesa li fl 1982 kemm qal ghanda tigi rispettata ( u bir ragun) ir rieda tal poplu, issa il poplu rega tkellem la l gvern ghazel li nitkellmu ahna, u ahna ghedna IVA, u dik l iva trid tigi applikata mill aktar fis possibli sur emeritus

Mr Anthony Formosa

Jun 19th 2011, 11:30

EFA played the same game with hunters and trappers when he postponed hunting and trapping after the 2008 general election, lucky enough FKNK was determined to fight for our rights.

A Dimech

Jun 19th 2011, 11:18

the truth on who is demotratic in the country is more evident now then ever. let's not forget that labour accepted people's wishes on EU pretty immediately!

Raymond Farrugia

Jun 19th 2011, 11:11

Please, Dr Fenech Adami go to writing your memoirs and leave us live in the 21st century. You've done your time.

Mario Grima

Jun 19th 2011, 11:10

Your 'best before' date has long expired, so please do us a favour and vanish from politice. What EFA should have told Gonzi is that the only honourable way in the divorce saga is to call an early election. That would be consistant with the 'No for Divorce' stand taken by the PN. The reality of introducing divorce under the watch of a PN government is really hard to swallow. But, the power seat is all that matters to GonziPN.

MALCOLM SEYCHELL

Jun 19th 2011, 11:04

Go tell your puppet to call an election now. I will not vote for divorce but I will vote for democracy

Mr Michael N Cassar

Jun 19th 2011, 11:01

By the same argument of EFA the PN should not have been endorsed as Government of Malta as the difference was of 1750 Votes. Ether the will of the people or gerrymandering .

J. D. Farrugia

Jun 19th 2011, 10:57

Well said EFA - SO CALL AN ELECTION ASAP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tonio Bugeja

Jun 19th 2011, 10:52

Eddie was the best prime minister in living memory. The performance of Gonzi certainly confirms my belief.
I was in a way always critical of Eddie`s reasoning, that some issues cannot be based on popularity and minorites or majorities..... Take for instance TAX!!!! I am sure that if its removal was subject to a referendum it would be voted off like a whiff. Yet deomcracy or no democracy or majority or no majority....
it will stay put! So woulld that be undemocratic.... Do I have a right to spend all my money without paying tax? Even Jail and many issues cannot be voted in at a referendum!

K Agius

Jun 19th 2011, 10:49

The man who used to preach democracy?????

Victor Cauchi

Jun 19th 2011, 10:49

"...The electorate will choose the party to govern through their first preference vote and they can then proceed to select the individual candidate they want to represent them,” he writes.

Truly, this is a statement deserving a deep analysis as to the interpretation of our democratic choices. When voting, are we actually voting for a political party or for an individual? The Constitution is mute on this point, with pre-1964 elections always reflecting the people's will both in the number of seats and in the percentages obtained by the two largest parties (it was, and still is, different for smaller parties), and the Constitution itself never referring to parties before 1987 besides being drafted on the British model where individual constituency representation is sacrosanct and "party" is a shady word.

I full agree with Dr Fenech Adami that Malta has managed "to maintain its identity as a Christian nation" and it should still do so today, and I think an election with several moral issues still pending would gauge the true nature of our Christian faith. Remember, divorce is only the beginning and there is a string of deviant issues on which individuals and parties must take a categorical stand. I cannot fathom the real meaning of the LP having an LGBT group within it, just as much as the PN attending gay rights demonstrations (precursors of love parades) to keep on a balance with western liberal rights! Is it just a matter of one foot on each bank of the river to be complacent and vote-catching with all, or is it a matter that we, sadly WE, lack principles, even at party or government level?

While on the subject, I cannot fail noticing the amount of Passing The Buck witnessed in this divorce issue. It seems like a national epidemic, from individuals to government and Church too. The House passed on the buck to an electorate which mostly did not turn out as it was aware that something stunk in all this benevolence, while the Church passed the buck to the faithful about whose "formed conscience" it was misinformed after decades of debauched festas and misplaced glory (the Church victorious).

It is a time for reflection, for putting our ears to the ground and listening to people's footsteps, we always say after general elections or vanquishment. But for how long? With the referendum three weeks past, these promises may already be empty talk and party glory and festas are with us again (Pentecost Sunday, a Solemnity, included).

Mr vincent mifsud

Jun 19th 2011, 10:42

dr EFA,it looks like you are looking years to came,I thing that its not the divorce that you are looking at, but for YOUR SON BEPPE TO TAKE OVER FROM DR GONZI (YOU ARE DOING YOUR HOMEWORK TO GET DR GONZI OUT)

Alfred Gatt

Jun 19th 2011, 10:40

I agree with Dr E Fenech Adami. Hope his wrods are heeded to. He pushed us through very difficult times, when democracy was threatened. And this is also a very difficult time for our family institution.

Mr William Flynn

Jun 19th 2011, 10:38

The ex-president couldn't be more out of touch with the people, with democracy, with social justice and with his own party. Your side lost Dr EFA, the church lost, the PN guided by Dr Gonzi lost and Dr Gonzi himself lost.

And now you all realize that the source of your troubles is also the source of you past political strengths - I speak of the church with which the PN has allied itself for almost a century.
The people, including a large slice of PN supporters, have had church involvement in politics up to here and you come out and tell the government to postpone divorce legislation and ignore a referendum?

People agitating against democracy should be indicted and possibly impeached. Shame.

Gerry Cowie

Jun 19th 2011, 10:34

The next thing people will be spinning is that 48% is a tiny minority! Those referring to a "strong majority" are living in another universe! Let the MPs vote and don't rush through legislation in the fear that if you do not there will be none! What amazing speed has been employed to put legislation through Parliament!

Charles Sammut

Jun 19th 2011, 10:28

Hi EFA....how come you never suggested to postpone the EU Referendum until after the election ?

Please stop losing whatever credibility you have left ,put a sock in it and enjoy your retirement and your two pensions quietly.
Or better still, why don't you join a monastery..preferably "ta trappisti"..

Mr Anton Portelli

Jun 19th 2011, 10:27

So last week EFA came out with the idea that MPs should vote against divorce now this week he come out with another ridiculous suggestion - to postpone the vote until the next election.
Please do not ridicule yourself any more - you had preached so much that the will of the majority should be respected and now you try to suffocate the voice of a majority that no party in goverment during the past years has ever had.

Divorce should be introduced straight away. We should not be even waiting until after the summer recess for the third reading. This law should have been part and parcel of the package for joining the EU.

There are many wh saw thier life changing with the referendum result and now you come preaching that we have to wait until another election - shame on you EFA. Is this the tolerance that your catholic values dictate. Please enjoy your retirement and your family and let others enjoy the ray of hope that the referendum brought about.

Noel Mifsud

Jun 19th 2011, 10:27

Naqbel ma EFA li jekk il vot se jsir fit 13 Lulju, ma ghandux jittiehed dak inhar imma dakinhar ghandu johrog ir rit biex isir elezzjoni generali ha nehilsu minn dal gvern. Fuq mandat u mhux mandat nidhaq jew nibki nisma lil EFA jitkellem hekk. Mela fil 1981 ma dahalx fil parlament habba l maggoranza u issa l maggoranza qalet iva u ma jridx jacetta. Ghal Ewropa l maggoranxa qalet iva u qabel maghha. Mandat ghal kacca ma kellux li jnehhija dal gvern, mandat ghal 500 euro ma kellux, mandat ghal gholi esagerat tad dawl ma kellux, mandat biex izarma l arimalta ma kellux, mandat biex izarma it tarzna ma kellux, mandat ghal tal linja ma kellux, taf kemm ma kellux mandati u ghamilhom xorta. U kellu mandat mill poplu u ghadu ma ghamilhomx, tipo inaqqas it taxxa, tipo jalaq il power station tal marsa. Mela EFA igri wara GonziPN ha jaghmel elezzjoni u jekk isir ma iddumx naqbel mieghek li l vot ghandu jittiehed wara l elezzjoni. Imma jekk le please warrab mix xena, ghax tajjeb u hazin zmienek ghamiltu.

Mr david debattista

Jun 19th 2011, 10:25

Respect the will of the people. Stop trying to dictate your principles, we live in a totally different world !
It is the people who have decided on such a fundamental human rights and NOT YOU . Divorce is not about get out of A marriage, it is ABOUT GETTING OUT OF HARMS WAY ESPECIALLY FOR THE CHILDREN . If they want to remarry again you have no right to say No .They have the right to chose, then again even if we have divorce it is up to the individual and not you, if they apply for it or not . It is also logical to set a board to evaluate if there is a possibility to save a marriage and hopefully get it going no the right track , if such is the right thing to do under the circumstances of that particular marriage, BUT FOR YOU TO COME AND TELL US NO DIVORCE, BECAUSE YOU HAVE A PERSONAL PROBLEM WITH ACCEPTING WHAT THE PEOPLE VOTED FOR IS ASKING FOR BLOODSHED. I have told you this before. If you sabotage the divorce issue, I hope you end up in jail.

Mr Joe Cardona

Jun 19th 2011, 10:23

I think that the former President must stop of trying to influence the MPs what to do. Now he is retired and enjoy the rest of the days with his family and don't interfere with politics anymore.

EFA when something comes against his wishes doesn't respect the majority who voted for Divorce. When his wish to join the EU came his way this was OK to respect the majority.

If his wish that the bill must be suspended COME TRUE it will increase his PARTY'S BIGGEST DEFEAT IN ALL MALTA'S GENERAL ELECTIONS.

L GRECH

Jun 19th 2011, 10:22

it is clear that EFA cannot understand that the world moves on and new generations want to live today and not in the middle ages.
Like all party leaders before, he has now become a liability to his party; much as Mintoff was in the 90's.
His suggestion is a foolproof plan to lose the next election.

Adele Mintoff

Jun 19th 2011, 10:21

EFA STLL AT IT?? Gve up and get out of the way EFA!! Your time is over and out. Accept reality, YOUR TIME IS OVER. STEP OUT AND CAUSE NO MORE HARM TO THE PN!!!!

D. Xerri

Jun 19th 2011, 10:20

Dr Fenech Adami says MPs have no direct mandate to vote on divorce legislation - Is this Dr EFA ? The Dr EFA supposed saviour of Malta :~) - The one who supposedly brought liberty and peace and freedom to Malta ? Seems History books in Malta have to be re-printed and hiding masks are falling down to pieces !
Everyone can see now who is trying all means possible to move back the hands of time - So first Prime Minister - Then President - and Now ......consultant ? or maybe Saviour of Malta again ?
Please for the sake of Democracy - The Maltese People have spoken out loud with a Majority of 14,000 votes and you Still want to Stop Them - The PN government is governing with 1,000 something votes :~) so what are we to say - that 1,000 votes is not enough to win an election now by that reasoning :~) - Go Figure if GonziPN won the election with 14,000 votes :~) in favour what PAR-IDEJN-SODI we would have in Govt !

Nathan Catania

Jun 19th 2011, 10:19

Dear EFA,
What about the feelings of the Maltese citizens? Should they also be respected?

I'm sorry but I recall that it was you that wanted Malta to join the EU; and now that we have, we still don't have the same laws as the other countries in the EU.

You should just drop this 'saintly' act and grow up! We do not want a country which is governed by idiotic religious ideals/beliefs. We want a state were the majority's will would be respected (this is called a DEMOCRACY; but are we even living in one?).

Divorce should pass asap and all the MP's against voting NO should resign immediately. I hope that in future generations Malta won't be in the same state as it is nowadays, cause if it is I am sure to be one of those people who will go and work in a foreign country where at least my voice would surely be heard!

Stephen Pace

Jun 19th 2011, 10:17

Dear All,

Can some of your thoughts be spared for those people who are living this family and divorce situation as it will directly affect their future; especially of their children. Please direct your thoughts away from the political scenario and let's start discussing the actual law, be it legislated now or in the near future.

Mr David Farrugia

Jun 19th 2011, 10:06

Postpone a referendum decision? NEVER. If the PN wants to heed EFA, the only option is to call it a day and proceed with an early General Election.

Mario Vella

Jun 19th 2011, 10:04

EFA's words indicate clearly that the election is round the corner! I have already opined that the final vote on Divorce will be taken in autumn and possibly overlap with the Budget so that the government could leave the 3rd reading in abeyance and meanwhile call an early election in which the ball will be thrown back into the electorate's courtyard! The negative impact of such move would then be mitigated by throwing a sop to the electorate by promising it that Income Tax would be reduced to 25% as a maximum threshold. Also that would throw the LP on the defensive by forcing it to declare itself overtly infavour of divorce bringing the Church Establishment in direct collision with it! Is this what EFA's strategy is all about? and with him the confessional ultra conservative elements in the GonziPn? Gonzi is in a quandry, either he has to give in to EFA or face contest of leadership from liberal(sic) faction within the PN. In any case, even the latter points to an early election! For sure, EFA's suggestion could not be left suspended in the air for far too long until 2 years time when election is due. That would be too damaging for the PN. So the option is to call an election!

Mr Carmel J. Caruana

Jun 19th 2011, 10:00

I think the pro-divorce camp should be careful. For me it is obvious that EFA's strategy at the moment is to go on the attack and create an atmosphere of apprehension that the introduction of divorce is in danger. In this way he would be able through proxies to underhandedly pass a very conservative divorce law - with the pro-divorce camp heaving a sigh of relief that at least the law has passed!

I suggest that the pro-divorce people start putting forward suggestions on what type of divorce law we want - and just ignore EFA. I will put the first suggestion: "All those who have been legally seperated for 4 years will not need to apply for a divorce but will automatically be considered as divorced". In this way we will not end up with a 10 year backlog of divorce cases or another costly divorce procedure, after going through a costly separation procedure!!

Mr Joe Gatt

Jun 19th 2011, 09:58

Maybe EFA, gets too much credit than he actually deserves. Certainly looks more like it.

Why do`nt you go back to your Cocoon, and enjoy your benefits?

With Compliments of all the Maltese of course.

Mr C Galea

Jun 19th 2011, 09:57

on second thoughts mr fenech adami could be rightly assumed to be an old fashioned despot? out with this style of politics,goodbye.

guido cutajar

Jun 19th 2011, 09:56

Eccelenza, Ma tahsibx li qeghed tizgarra ? Ara li kieku qabel ir referendum kont tissugerixxi li l-ewwel immorru ghal elezzjoni generali u l-issue tad divorzzju kien ikun marbut, kien jghamel sens. Pero din tad divarzzju qalahha Nazzjonalist J.P.O.li ma riedx jistenna... Ir referendum accettah Nazzjonalist Dr. Gonzi, ghax kien fiduzjuz li ma jghadiex... Elezzjoni bikrija kienet " Out of Order ".............Il poplu tkellem, li hafna minnu huwa Nazzjonalist, Allura x`inhi il problema ? Ma ghandekx ghal fejn tibza... min ma ghandux bzonnu u ma iridux ( bhali ) ma jiehdux.

Paul Pace

Jun 19th 2011, 09:56

“Our electoral system is ideally suited to such a situation. The electorate will choose the party to govern through their first preference vote and they can then proceed to select the individual candidate they want to represent them,” EFA writes.
What will I do if all the PN candidated in my district are all in favour of divorce? Shall I vote for another party or the PN will split?

M Vella***

Jun 19th 2011, 09:53

There are people out there who are suffering because they are living as Pogguti, they need divorce so they can get married. Why all this cruelty , IS ZAQ IL MIMLIJA TIGI TITNEJJEK MIL VOJTA.This is a fundamentalists attempt to s***w the people’s will.Get the divorce law legislation over with and Let us be vigilant to the catholic fundamentalist threats posed by MP's in both parties.Malta voted YES and the will of the people must be reflected soon.MALTA RESIST OR SERVE!

Mr walter camilleri

Jun 19th 2011, 09:53

sadly, Dr Fenech Adami, a splendid leader of the Nationalist Party for so many years, seems to be losing it in his old age.

The divorce issue, is clearly the will of the majority of the people, both those who voted for, and those who abstained from voting because while they approved to divorce they did not wish to go against the positions taken by both Church and Gonzi's NP. For Dr EFA to insist, as he seems to be doing, that the will of the majority should be trrampled upon verges on fascism.- I'm the (ex) leader and it's what I say that goes. (or, as Idi Amin said, it's one man, one vote - I'm the man and I've got the vote!)

The divorce issue should be settled and put to bed as quickly as possible before the next elections become due, so that the vote then should be strictly centred on the real and potential achievements of the parties conbtesting. An election once more centred, as was the referendum, on pro- and con- the diviorce issue will consign the NP into opposition, destroy Lawrence Gonzi, and align yet more Maltese Citizens against our Catholic Church before it gets the chance to come forward into the twenty-first century.

Eddie, go back into an honourable retirement, and retain the great respect the Maltese of both parties have held for you for so many years.

Walter Camilleri

Ms D. Borg

Jun 19th 2011, 09:50

EFA your arguments are becoming boring. You have already been told very politely by the people to stop influencing the PN on this matter. Now we have to be more assertive: Dejjaqtna.

Mr Carmel Debono

Jun 19th 2011, 09:49

Dear EDDIE
May I remind you that such a stand would instigate another Tal Barrani outburst, I was there after you and I will be there again to fight for freedom, after all it was YOU who showed us the way!

Mr A Spiteri

Jun 19th 2011, 09:40

darba tradejtu lil poplu bir referendum u bl elezzjoni issa jekk joghgbok mur u halli lil malta kwieta , u mur dur dawra madwarek u indem min dak kollu li ghamilt specjalment id djun li tfajt lil malta fihom

Charles J. Buttigieg

Jun 19th 2011, 09:38

The reincarnation of Dom Mintoff. Let go Eddie.

Mr Stefan Kottmann-Soler

Jun 19th 2011, 09:38

EFA, with all due respect - and I waved flags in the past at your meetings - just stop it.

John Carmel Navarro

Jun 19th 2011, 09:33

I feel very sad for Emeritus President Dr Eddie Feneck Adami, he is going to drive himself to ridicule he needs to get over living in the past the Maltese People have at long last moved away from the shackles and voted for freedom of choice. Divorce must come in as soon as possible so please enjoy your retirement and get over it.

Mario Vella

Jun 19th 2011, 09:32

EFA's words indicate clearly that the election is round the corner! I have already opined that the final vote on Divorce will be taken in autumn and possibly overlap with the Budget so that the government could leave the 3rd reading in abeyance and meanwhile call an early election in which the ball will be thrown back into the electorate's courtyard! The negative impact of such move would then be mitigated by throwing a sop to the electorate by promising it that Income Tax would be reduced to 25% as a maximum threshold. Also that would throw the LP on the defensive by forcing it to declare itself overtly infavour of divorce bringing the Church Establishment in direct collision with it! Is this what EFA's strategy is all about? and with him the confessional ultra conservative elements in the GonziPn? Gonzi is in a quandry, either he has to give in to EFA or face contest of leadership from liberal(sic) faction within the PN. In any case, even the latter points to an early election! For sure, EFA's suggestion could not be left suspended in the air for far too long until 2 years time when election is due. That would be too damaging for the PN. So the option is to call an election!

Anthony Micallef

Jun 19th 2011, 09:32

With all respect DR EFA. you should be telling your party to hold a general election because the same people you are saying had no mandate to legislate for divorce did not have a mandate to steal the extra 500 euros a week. So I presume you are advicing them to relinquish this because of their conscience.

Mr Johnny Xerri

Jun 19th 2011, 09:29

DR EFA

What mandate did PN have to abolish hunting...when it was wirtten in your manifesto that it would not be banned.

The only reason that you want divorced to be sealed through an election is so that you put PN supporters at ransom since it is either divorce or their party.

And then you wnat to be seen as the Father of Maltese Decomcracy.

EFA were was your estimeed conscience when you guaranteed hunting would not be effected after EU Membership.
EFA were was your conscience when the PN awared the €500 honoraria and gave us the €1.16.

You stayed mum about these injustices and yet you speak out against divorce which has been endorsed by the majority of the population.

You were born a winner...and had the support of Malta....but choose to become a joke....a loser forever.

Mr C Galea

Jun 19th 2011, 09:28

And who are you are you kidding??????????

Mr Victor Laiviera

Jun 19th 2011, 09:27

Dr Fenech Adami couldn't be more wrong when he says "MPs have no direct mandate to vote on divorce legislation".

The strong YES vote in a referendum gave them the strongest mandate that could possibly have. Much, much stronger than any election where people vote on a multiplicity of issues and no one can ever be certain what weight was given to any particular issue.

Mario Vella

Jun 19th 2011, 09:24

EFA's words indicate clearly that the election is round the corner! I have already opined that the final vote on Divorce will be taken in autumn and possibly overlap with the Budget so that the government could leave the 3rd reading in abeyance and meanwhile call an early election in which the ball will be thrown back into the electorate's courtyard! The negative impact of such move would then be mitigated by throwing a sop to the electorate by promising it that Income Tax would be reduced to 25% as a maximum threshold. Also that would throw the LP on the defensive by forcing it to declare itself overtly infavour of divorce bringing the Church Establishment in direct collision with it! Is this what EFA's strategy is all about? and with him the confessional ultra conservative elements in the GonziPn? Gonzi is in a quandry, either he has to give in to EFA or face contest of leadership from liberal(sic) faction within the PN. In any case, even the latter points to an early election! For sure, EFA's suggestion could not be left suspended in the air for far too long until 2 years time when election is due. That would be too damaging for the PN. So the option is to call an election!

Mr Julian Borg

Jun 19th 2011, 09:24

EFA your contribution to Malta has been very significant and incredible. You have turned Malta from a third world county to a leading nation in terms of quality of life. Now is the time to enjoy your retirement and let others do their bit for our history - stop damaging yourself and your party. It is out of character for someone of your stature to disrespect the referendum result. The die is cast - stop trying to sabotage the process because of your fundamentalist religious beliefs.

Mr Joseph Brincat

Jun 19th 2011, 09:19

Dr Fenech Adami ( conscience )

YOU, I SAID YOU AND THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

HAVE ACCEPTED THE DIVORCE COMING FROM AROUND

THE WORLD AND IS LEGAL IN MALTA AND THE

CHURCH STOOD SILENT TOO SO WAY ALL THIS FUSS ? ! ? !

Mr Mario P. Sciberras

Jun 19th 2011, 09:16

"Dr Fenech Adami says MPs have no direct mandate to vote on divorce legislation, although they cannot ignore the result of the May 28 referendum."
What is EFA saying :
1. That we have to hold an election for every piece of legislation before it is passed?
2. That since they cannot ignore the result of the referendum, MP's should vote YES?

EFA "insists moral issues should not be dictated by popular majorities but by principles."
Questions :
1. Who's principles?
2. What principles?
3. What is the honorouble thing to do if voting YES is against one's principles? Is it to Vote NO or to resign?
4. Have we not learnt our lessons from the leaders who went against popular majorities? Do we not look south across the sea to observe what is happening there?

Somebody once said “I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times.”

Mr John Caruana

Jun 19th 2011, 09:16

My bet is that the divorce issue will be debated and voted this summer.And once the referendum is to be respected, whatever decision Parliament takes, willl be legal and legitimate.
The vote of the Parliamentarians will be public, so that at the next election people will know how every Parliamentarian voted in such a way that those seeking re-election will have to face the music - instead of beforehand , afterhand. It makes a difference but somehow the Parliamentarians, voting, will feel the pressure of their constituents. That is why that those who are hinting that the Parliamentarians are obliged, as a result of the referendum to vote yes, and there is no more space for them in voting '"according to one´s conscience" with the possibility of voting against the Bill are saying a lot of nonesnese.
In truth, in this new situation now created, what we should all be preoccupied with is to help the Parliamentarians to porduce a sensible bill. As I wrote on another occasion "that four year elelment" for example,so dangerously and irresponsibly put in the question,should be avoided lest we will pass to future generations that marriage in Malta is no longer eternal but yes, a simple four year thing!Tthis would be suicidal for maltese society at large By time it will become a sad joke..That 'four year element" should be yes, dear parliamentarians, eliminated.
As always, an intervention by Dr.Fenech Adami is welcome - it helps one and all to think more deeply.

Fr.John Caruana
caruanajohn13@gmail.com
Mosta.

Mr Joseph Brincat

Jun 19th 2011, 09:12

Is this the same person who in 1981 boycotted parliament because according to him the wish of the majority was not respected?

Two weights two measures. Please continue in your retirement and leave politics forever!

(jb)

Victor Rodenas

Jun 19th 2011, 09:12

No we will not wait,stop clutching at straws.People want divorce now,Gonzi wanted a referendum that costed 4,000,000 euro.if you do not want Divorce now,well reseign and make new elections NOW.Stop making fools of yourselves,the World is watching.

Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO

Jun 19th 2011, 09:11

After having done a substantial amount of good for the country in his younger days like Mintoff before him EFA has fallen under the illusion that the social and religious situation has remained unchanged and under his purview as when to a certain extent he could claim " L'etat cest moi" . Like Mintoff before him EFA is being divisive and doing irreparable harm to the PN and if he gets his way he will condemn the PN to decades in opposition. Fortunately he lacks that essential vote which Mintoff had unless his son is willing to act as a proxy.
If we want social cohesion in the country the approach being taken by LG is the best i.e. to ensure that the divorce bill passes and at the same time protecting the right to genuine conscientious objection .
Whether the leader of the opposition for political reasons is willing to play ball is still a moot point. But if things go horribly wrong and the divorce bill does not pass JM stands to lose the support of all liberals.

Mr Emmanuel Ebejer

Jun 19th 2011, 09:11

"MPs’ feelings about divorce should be respected"...and what about the will of the people!!!!!?

Charles Micallef

Jun 19th 2011, 09:08

NO EDF, it is the majority of the public wishes who elected the MP's in the first instance that have to be respected and not your own or of those MP's who are now using their conciences as an excuse to please you and the stalwarts of the PN!

That is if we are really a democracy!!

Mr Victor Laiviera

Jun 19th 2011, 09:07

Dr Fenech Adami couldn't be more wrong when he says that "MPs have no direct mandate to vote on divorce legislation."

The referendum result gave them the strongest mandate they could ever need, because it was a direct reply to a direct question.

In an election, on the other hand, people vote on a multiplicity of issues and one can never be certain what weight was given to one and what weight was given to another.

Mr Anthony Briffa

Jun 19th 2011, 09:03

EFA should stop playing into the hands of the PL and stop harming the PN and its chances for 2013. The divorce issue is a close matter and it has to be voted and forgotten in parliament asap. Those parliamentarians who are at a crossroad and are putting their conscience before the clear mandate given to them in the referendum should resign their parliamentary seat and stay at home. They cannot have it both ways.

Mr Paul Caruana

Jun 19th 2011, 08:59

EFA should know better than to persist with such divisive and offensive (to the majority of Maltese) statements.

Ironically, the PN is at the same time trying to get more liberal people on board...good luck with that!

Mr john pizzuto

Jun 19th 2011, 08:59

Dear E.F.A. I think you should have known that Divorce was one of the prices we had to pay,when joining the E U.Now we have to pay up,whether you like it or not. It is no use playing the Holy Holy,you have sold your and our soul. So now just shut up.
What I snicerly hope is that you have a good explanation ,to g ive your maker,when your time is up

Mr Paul Caruana

Jun 19th 2011, 08:57

EFA should know better than to persist with such divisive and offensive (to the majority of Maltese) statements.

Ironically, the PN is at the same time trying to get more liberal people on board...good luck with that!

Mr Anthony Mizzi

Jun 19th 2011, 08:57

Call it a day Eddie! We just had a costly referendum to get the people's opinion and VOTE since MPs had no direct mandate have to vote on divorce legislation!
.
The People have spoken! MPs are Representatives of the People!

Not endoring the people's vote does not make them representatives of the people and in fact will be shirking their responsability!

It is not everyone, Dear Emeritus Eddie , that has the luxury of obtaining 'serhan tar-ras u serhan tal-kuxjenza" with made to measure annulments !

Drittijiet u mhux pjaciri biex inkunu UGWALI ma Maltin ta' Barra u mal-Ewropej!

Mr joe briffa

Jun 19th 2011, 08:55

We respect!!!! We demand respect to our decision that you choose us to make,because you could not do it yourself,and now after spending so much money we will postpone this to after elections...we are jus getting worse...really!!!

Ginevra Alvarado

Jun 19th 2011, 08:51

He should accept the vote. The people have voted and they decided to introduce divorce so he need to accept it as well.

Alexander Sciberras

Jun 19th 2011, 08:51

The people have spoken and the majority of voters decided pro the Divorce issue. Please put an end to this as those representing us in parliament are only there because they were elected in a democratic state. Anybody's personal agenda should be put aside. There are also other very serious issues where one should also have sounded his voice.
Ir-rieda tal-MAGGORANZA ghanda tigi esegwita minghajr tkaxkir tas-saqajn. Mur gibhom saru hekk l-affarijiet fil-passat, il-poplu jsemma lehnu u min jikmanda jghamel fattih!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr john cassar

Jun 19th 2011, 08:50

The PN is in a hole and it should stop digging. Dear President emeritus, we are living in Malta and not Iran. This is a democracy not a theocracy. Any MPs who still have problems with their conscience should do the honourable thing and resign so that someone else can fulfill the people's wish.

Mr Emanuel Farrugia

Jun 19th 2011, 08:46

Ghalfejn sar ir-referendum? Jew sar biex il-Prim Ministru ifarfar min fuq spallejh u jkompli jghaddi z-zmien bil-Kristjani ipokriti li hawn f'dan il-pajjiz? L-importanti imma li taru 'l miljuni. Halluna nghixu. Il-verita twegga cittadini.



Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council

Mr Paul Caruana

Jun 19th 2011, 08:44

EFA should know better than to persist with his divisive and offensive statements.

Charlie Borg

Jun 19th 2011, 08:44

Dottor Fenech Adami, jekk joghgbok tkomplix tnehhi l-ftit rispett li kien baqghalna tieghek. Qed tahdem hafna biex tnehhi r-rispett kollu li darba kellna lejk bhala l-kampjun tad-demokrazija meta kont tghodd il-voti wiehed, wiehed, ... tiftakar l-1981? Umbaghad tiftakar ir-referendum ghad-Dhul ta' Malta fl-Ewropa, meta tghidx kemm ikkritikajt lil Dottor Alfred Sant ghall-imgieba tieghu lejn dak ir-referendum? U issa, wara referendum li sar minhabba Dottor Gonzi, li sewa erba miljun ewro, qed tigi tghid li l-ligi tad-divorzju ghandha tidhol wara l-elezzjoni! U tghid, mhux se noqghodu ghaliha din?
Id-divorzju f'Malta mhux se jhassar xejn mill-identita' ta' Malta ghax jekk dan huwa minnu, allura veru miskina Malta, x'identita' ghandha .. identita' tal-ipokrisija. U din, mhix Malta tieghi.
Jew forsi qed tinstema' ghax hemm xi riha ta' elezzjoni ghal kap tal-partit u trid li ibnek ikun minn ta' quddiem?

Mr Paul Caruana

Jun 19th 2011, 08:40

EFA should know better than to persist with his divisive and offensive statements.

Ms Rudi Mcbeal

Jun 19th 2011, 08:38

It's what should have been done in the first place.

Mr FRANS H SAID

Jun 19th 2011, 08:36

It is easy to pontificate. Can the Emeritus examine his conscience not just on divorce? Is he sure that during his tenure of office he always followed completely with the 10 commandments and ALL of Christs teachings and instructions. Has the emeritus ever been advised of a possible mis-carriage / abuse / of justice? Has the emeritus ever been faced with a tricky problem and passed on the buck. I used to have great admiration of the person and appreciated that as prime Minister his position was not easy, but how can he now throw the first stone? Christ had said that ONLY those without FAULT can stone the accused. Come on man. You have turned the presidency to ridicule and did not appreciate that the postion of president is above all politics and contoversies.

Marco Meli

Jun 19th 2011, 08:32

IL poplu ivvota, storja maghluqa. ridtna nkunu bhal ewropej, u sirna! Kaz maghluq.