Mark Micallef
‘Mess’ created by Debono is unbecoming – Fenech Adami
Former Prime Minister and President Eddie Fenech Adami yesterday criticised Nationalist backbencher Franco Debono, saying he was “creating a mess” at a very delicate time for the country.
Contacted yesterday in the wake of a vote of no confidence in Transport Minister Austin Gatt, which was only defeated by the Speaker’s casting vote, Dr Fenech Adami said: “I think it is most unfair on the Prime Minister, who has been delivering, and delivering as best he can and with results. Creating a mess out of the situation is not something I approve of. I dislike it and think it is really unbecoming to create such a situation,” he said.
Dr Fenech Adami added: “It’s what Franco Debono is all about... I disapprove completely, I disapprove of what he is talking about and I disapprove of how he is behaving.”
He also described Dr Debono’s comment, that the national broadcaster was in a worse situation than the 1980s, as “ completely out of this world”.
The former President confirmed he had had a meeting with Dr Debono last week before Friday’s vote, after the backbencher revealed the encounter on the PBS discussion programme Dissett yesterday evening.
“I don’t think I should be discussing my meetings in public but I did meet him,” he said.
Asked about the contents of the meeting, Dr Fenech Adami said: “We obviously did not speak about the moon and the stars, but about matters that are pertinent to recent days.” However, he insisted on keeping the contents of the meeting private.
Dr Debono last night told Dissett presenter Reno Bugeja he had not taken Dr Fenech Adami’s advice. When questioned on this point, Dr Fenech Adami said: “That’s his business.”
Looking ahead, Dr Fenech Adami said although the government was facing an unhappy situation, the Prime Minister had proved he could manage the situation.
“I think the government has to carry on doing the work it’s been doing with very effective results, and think one has to go along and deal with the situation as it evolves. I don’t think now is the right moment to disturb the progress that is being made.”
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Second group of migrants arrives
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
69 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Alfred Falzon
Nov 6th 2011, 21:53
Some PN hardliners seem to be scared stiff of criticism, constructive criticism!
They just don't see beyond their nose and seem to live in a glasshouse with opaque windows!
Unless they grow up to be seasoned democrats, they will have, most likely, to regurgitate haughty Dr Alfred Sant's lesson, who had willy-nilly to go to the polls, and bow down to the will of the electorate soon after calling Mintoff a traitor without even allowing him to defend himself by airing his views on ONE TV in spite of the mud slinging!
Dr Franco Debono has been intelligent and wily enough to draw a line between constructive criticism and sheer political opportunism.
Otherwise why has he opted to declare himself in favour of a vote of confidence in his Government come next Tuesday?!!
Food for thought for those who are blinded by political expediency to the extent of putting their party before the people's interests!
With due respect to Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi, who has already garnered a few feathers in his cap, colour-blind Maltese citizens have no qualms in expressing their solidarity with PN Member of Parliament Dr Franco Debono for his genuine concern with regard to Malta's underdogs and downtrodden!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 7th 2011, 14:44
@ Alfred Falzon.
You ask: "Otherwise why has he (Dr Franco Debonoo) opted to declare himself in favour of a vote of confidence in his Government come next Tuesday?!!"
The answer should be obvious to you! Dr Debono knows "on which side his bread is buttered". He is is "intelligent and wily enough" (your words!) to understand that, not giving the NP government a vote of confidence tomorrow, would be tantamount to committing a political hara kiri - and he is not ready for that just yet.
Alfred Falzon
Nov 7th 2011, 17:26
@ Francis Saliba MD
You are jumping to conclusions because you seem to be unaware that only constructive criticism can make a party regenerate and forge ahead in time. The Mintoff saga that the failed leadership of the local Labour Party tried to muffle in the 1990s is a mirror of what could happen to the PN in the not-too-distant future!
You prefer to remain bogged down, unable to move as if caught in a quagmire, pulling your party down with you by obstinately refusing to acknowledge what is black on white!
If all the Maltese were to follow suit, then Malta would be in dire straits, for it's much easier and rewarding in the long run for MPs to toe the party line in spite of the harm inflicted on the nation.
PN member of Parliament Dr Franco Debono is fully aware of what is at stake: he is being renounced by some of his fellow MPs, on one hand and, on the other, goaded by the Opposition.
Yet his stand is one that should inspire all political parties in power or those in-waiting for, to all intents and purposes, everyting is pointing to a new dawn in local politics: a gradual fading away of crippling polarization leading to "what's in a name?" approach by way of putting the nation's and, for that matter, the people's interests, above all other considerations including monolithic party rule that makes of its members sheer numbers and humiliated yes-men!
Dr Franco Debono must be feeling a lonely man today, but he may rest assured that he has all our sympathy, for he is among the few honourable men who have learned to stand up to be counted!
May all the other MPs on both sides of the House emulate his shining example!
Carmelo Mamo
Nov 7th 2011, 20:14
Saliba is in denial Mr Falzon. He has always been even in the referendum for divorce. He was and always will be as it seems from his very selective contributions to the blogs. I understand that it is not easy for someone to accept that all that he believed in was just an illsuion and a lie so i do suggest to you not to waste too much effort in trying to persuade the 'doctor' to admit he believes in fairy tales !
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 7th 2011, 23:22
@ Alfred Falzon.
What I am aware of is that a political party like the PN who has retained power, almost uninterruptedly, for twenty-four years does not need to “regenerate and forge ahead in time”. What it needs is loyalty by its representatives in parliament to the promises they made in the party’s electoral manifesto in so far as those aims remain achievable.
You seriously over estimate my ability to pull the Nationalist Party down with me, anywhere, and especially not into some “quagmire” where I have never been and where I do not intend to get “bogged down, unable to move”. Much less do I believe that “all the Maltese” would ever “follow suit”. Your generous overestimate of my unknown powers to lead all the Maltese, and to induce the NP to follow me, make me blush.
Unlike you I do not claim to be privy to what goes on in Dr F Debono’s mind neither am I aware that he has been “renounced by some of his fellow MPs” so I will not allow myself to become bogged down in that quagmire.
I am all in favour of “honourable who have learned to stand up and be counted” but only if they stand up for an honourable cause. Disloyalty to the members and the leader of one’s political party, and to the party’s electoral manifesto is not one of those causes.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 6th 2011, 20:15
@ J mangion x2, Patrick Zammit, & R Gauci, (6 Nov 2011 between 11:00 and 11:57)
Dear sirs, you do not fool me. I sincerely hope that you do not fool Dr Debono either.
Anyone with a smidging of grey matter between his ears knows that the labourites who, like you, today are inciting him to greater heights of folly, will be the first to drop him like a hot brick at the next general election after inducing him to burn his bridges to the Nationalist Party.
Patrick Zammit
Nov 7th 2011, 08:15
Dr Saliba
Unlike you, I am a floater and so can see things in their perspective since I am not blinded by allegiance to any particular political camp.
And despite finding time to attack me personally as a "labourite", you have conveniently ignored my comment (yesterday @ 11.41) to yours which blows your claim that Debono wants to "destabilize the Govt".
But don't worry, I will repeat my counter argument again;
"If Dr Debono truly allied himself with an attempt by the opposition to destabilize the government, he would have voted in favor of the motion."
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 7th 2011, 11:21
@ Patrick Zammit.
I am actually another "floater" but, up to now, I have not been provided with a credible second choice.
The answer to your query is simple and obvious to an intelligent person. Dr Franco Debono did not vote "in favour of the motion" because, as matters stand at this moment, that would consign him to instaneous political oblivion - and he is not yet ready for that catastrophic destabilising of his own party in government.
Carmelo Mamo
Nov 7th 2011, 14:43
@ patrick Zammit ---- Saliba's moto is simply " Minn mhux maghna .. kontra taghna ! " .. Don't waste time my friend !
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 7th 2011, 17:38
@ Carmelo Mamo.
" Minn mhux maghna .. kontra taghna ! " is a labourite motto - it is not my motto and I find the idea repulsive.
I do not attack people - I criticise the strange notions some people express in these comments. When they do not know how to reply they chicken out under the pretext of "not having time to waste". That is what you have just done, my friend.
Patrick Zammit
Nov 7th 2011, 18:15
Dr Saliba
An intelligent person would come to the same conclusion you expressed now (and my previous counter argument) when you said;
"and he is not yet ready for that catastrophic destabilising of his own party in government."
So, it follows that contrary to your accusation yesterday @10.38 against Dr Debono himself, he has not allied himself with an attempt by the opposition to destabilize the government.
What he is doing is done in all democratic countries and for that, he should be applauded and not condemned.
Carmelo Mamo
Nov 7th 2011, 20:27
I am actually another "floater" but, up to now, I have not been provided with a credible second choice.
Now let's see.... " A floater " .... and at the same time wasted with rage at the idea that a PN back bencher attempted to put some sense in the PM ! .... hallina dot !
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 7th 2011, 22:16
@ Patrick Zammit.
Of course there is a contradiction but the contrariness is not in my comments. It resides in Dr Franco Debono’s political shenanigans. He has placed himself on the horns of a dilemma. He aims to achieve a meteoric rise over the heads of his seniors in the government party but he can only succeed by blandishing his power over his party due to its slender one-seat majority in parliament and by threatening to forge some sort of alliance with the opposition.
This unholy alliance is dangerously counter-productive if it actually precipitates an early fall of his own party in government. Hence his erratic brinkmanship; one pace forward, one pace backward, to the extreme annoyance and despair of both political parties whose hopes/fears are capriciously raised to high heaven then dashed to the ground according to his whim. That exasperating vacillation is not going to endear him either to his party or to the opposition - as he will find out for himself soon enough at the next election.
To you that is an acceptable regular feature of “all democratic countries”. To me it is rank Machiavellism.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 7th 2011, 22:32
@ Carmel Mamo.
Annoyed at the antics of a Nationalist Party backbencher? Yes! Because I am one more person who considers those antics “unbecoming.
But, most definitely, I am not “wasted with rage” at all. That impotent rage is manifested by persons who are bereft of the ability to engage in a reasoned dialogue and yet they insist on writing something, even if it only “ … hallina dot !”
raymond scicluna
Nov 6th 2011, 17:46
So first we had the prime minister and his wife to take themselves to task to visit Dr Debono s house at Ghaxaq, now we learned that the former prime minister, former President of Malta and Former Leader of PN for several years who hosted and adviced Dr Debono. Who does he think he is!!God!!!He is almighty by now since the majority is just of one seat but really hope that the PN will start seeking serious candidates to make place for the Debono, JPO, Mugliett and Musumeci.
Maria Brincat
Nov 6th 2011, 17:37
It's true that the whole ppublic transport reform is one frightful mess, but to lay the blame soely atthe door of the minister is infantile... this was a decision taken by more than one person.
ARRIVA is certainly to blame.. it promised so much in the days before they took over, but then they delivered little or nothing. They certainly haven't delivered courteous drivers.. I live in Qormi, close to the Interchange.. and it is a miracle if one bus ever follows the give-way rule by the Lowenbrau roundabout.
Also, anothter thing they promised was they'd be washing the buses everyday... did you ever get a good look at the buses when you're stuck behind one in the traffic?? More often than not they're filthy..
And I honestly find it hard to believe that Franco Debono is doing all this 'for the glory of God'..
John Micallef
Nov 6th 2011, 16:14
EFA always disapproved of any criticism and dissident remarks. Thankfully, back then, there were people within the PN who encouraged other to speak.
What F Debono is stating is what's on the people's mind. God knows what he ends up having to listen to from his constituents. IF F Debono manages to make the PN in Government open its eyes, then it would be justified.
There is no alternative (still!!!) to the PN, and it would be a shame if a party that has so much potential loses Government becasue of some big headed members who think they are infallible.
PN still in time to make mends and assure another 5 successful years in Government come the next election. But they have to listen to people...take the pulse as someone once said...
Ms.D. Galea
Nov 6th 2011, 15:27
Dr Fenech Adami is right.
Allan Gatt
Nov 6th 2011, 15:00
You know what I think is unbecoming? This persecution of an MP who - unlike Adrian Vassallo - broke the party line in order to stand up to clique politics and yes-men who fiddle while Rome burns. I think it is a lot of marmite and HP sauce that Eddie Fenech Adami - whose built his whole career on standing up to oppression and corruption - should be the one to slam Dr Debono's pro-active approach. The mind must become forgetful when one gets old. Let us also not forget that EFA also criticized the outcome of the divorce referendum. Democracy - always more sinned against than sinning.
Lawrence Anastasi
Nov 6th 2011, 14:58
F Debono is doing his job the way he was elected to do. Look out for the population who elected him. Bravo. Unfortunately Gatt has failed the whole island along with his boss!!
F Debono for Prime Minister.sounds good. A man for the people!!!
Mr leo attard
Nov 6th 2011, 14:44
Gee, I thought the 'mess' was Pl's fault, at least that's the i9mpression i got from the PM
Godwin Cassar
Nov 6th 2011, 14:23
It would be interesting to learn what Dr Debono delivered in his role as Parliamentary assistant at the Office of the Prime Minister ! Did he have precise benchmarks to deliver results within a specified time frame?
Jeremy J Camilleri
Nov 6th 2011, 19:24
Why didnt you ask that question BEFORE the vote? Are you asking the question to other Mp's as well?
Joe Calleja
Nov 6th 2011, 14:16
Inwiegeb lilek Sur Debono, u fl-istres ħin lil Zahra Diaciono li qal li "Il-poplu itella lil min jiraprezentah fil-parlament biex jiraprezenta lilu u mhux biex jiraprezenta l-interess tal-Partit.", billi nerġa' nirrepeti: Lil Debono ivvutawlu eletturi NAZZJONALISTI ghax hu hareg mal-Partit Nazzjonalista.
Issa Debono mar kojntra d-direttua tal-Partit u ma vvutax kontra l-mozzjoni tal-oppozizzjoni.
Gġalhekkm issa jekk hu ragel fadallu triq wahda biss: JIRRIZENJA minn deputat, ghax jekk jerga' johrog m 'ghandux cans jerga' jitla', ghax HADD mhu se jafdah aktar ,,,lanqas is-Socjalisti!
R Axisa
Nov 6th 2011, 19:02
Niftahru tant bid-demokrazija!!!!! Imbaghad ghax issir kritika lill-partit tieghu tghidlu li fadallu triq wahda biss ....biex jirrizenja???? Ghandi dubju kemm taf xi tfisser il-kelma demokrazija biex lanqas taccettaw self-critisism. Ghal certu nies id-demokrazija tfisser biss ' yes sir yes sir ......' bhal ma jkantaw it-tfal iz-zghar!
John Azzopoardi
Nov 6th 2011, 14:13
I think in Malta, every time we see a member of the party or even a private individual criticizing a government, and this is from both PN and PL, people are automatically accused of switching allegiance. This is not right because it limits freedom of speech. Howev er, having said that, someone who uses is power or speech because of a very small margin in Parlament, is doing a disservice to the party.
Ben Agius
Nov 6th 2011, 13:24
EFA intervention in by partisan poltics ia an example of why ex politicians should not be selected to serve as Presidents of the Republic. What he's doing is demeaning to that office.
Carmel Tabone
Nov 6th 2011, 13:18
Why does not Dr. Adami refrain from making remarks. His days are over now, so please spend the rest of your living days (hope that these will be long) attending to you family needs and leave politics to the politicians. We used to say the same things after Mr. Mintoff reseigned from party leader.
Carmel camilleri
Nov 6th 2011, 15:15
Dr. Adami only replied to questions put forward by 'The Times' He did not try to dictate as Mintoff used to do.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 6th 2011, 15:57
@ Carmel Tabone et al.
Dr Eddie Fenech Adami does not refrain from exercising his Fundamental Human Right to express his opinions because his opinions carry much more weight on intelligent voters than Dr Franco Debono will ever carry. This is proved by the flurry of agitated comments by labourites who would like to suppress his freedom of speech!
B Attard
Nov 6th 2011, 18:44
Donnu EFA ghadu ma tghallimx mill l-paroli zejjed wara r-referendum tad-divorzju. Jidhirlu li dak li jghid hu vangelu.
S Vella
Nov 7th 2011, 13:33
Mela EFA fis-satra tal-lejl f'kongura tajjaru lil Borg Olivier u hadlu postu, sar Prim ministru fejn anki iccalngja lil Labortisti "fejn huma l-Laboristi?" tiftakruh?, umbghad ghamel lilu nnifsu president ta Repubblika li vvota kontriha u sar president "tal-Maltin Kollha" u suppost irtira imma mid dehra ghadu ma xebghax....ara tergax tithajjar tohrog ghal elezzjoni? Indipendenti of course !!
Inti li tant kont tippriedka d-demokkrazja, daqshekk inti demokratiku? din kienet manuvra biex il Dr F Debono jdaghjjfuh u elezzjoni ohra ma jitlax ghax dawn li jippretendu li huma allat tad demokrazzija, min mhux maghom kontra taghhom, u jekk ma tbaxxix rasek ghad dittatura tal-partit jaqtawlek rasek.
Mhux ahjar tgawdi l-familja u thalli l-politikanti tal lum imexxu minghajr indhil?
Claire Busuttil
Nov 6th 2011, 13:08
it is really a messy situation. All I know is that FDebono is correct when he complains and critisise the new local transport, with its minister and all involved.
The thing that I am in doubt of, is if FDebono, is doing all this as a political proporanga, or if he really is doing it because he beleive that it is a good cause.
Sabrina Borda
Nov 6th 2011, 13:00
What I find unbecoming is the misplaced judgement by the patriarchs towards Franco Debono.
What would have been more likely expected is a sincere apology by the Government to all those Maltese who are still highly inconvenienced and even harassed by this terrible transport system and above all the bad state of roads that make driving ridiculous and dangerous in Malta.
Thank goodness there are a just couple of Ministers who are man enough and have the decency to speak up for the Maltese people. We do not need puppets as Ministers....for the sake of other minister's egos. We want results.
Charles Sammut
Nov 6th 2011, 12:35
EFA....go back to sleep and stop meddling in politics...you've had your day !!
The monster you created in lawrence is destroying the island...
...and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on.....
W Azzopardi
Nov 6th 2011, 13:36
It seems you were born this morning.
Alfred Cassar
Nov 6th 2011, 18:52
Charles can you please try to get an intelligent comment for once. please
... and the thirst for power goes on ... and on... and on...
Charles Sammut
Nov 7th 2011, 01:14
@ W.Azzopardi..
I wish I were born this morning...if I were,I would be oblivious to all that is going on under this regime and I would not be wasting my time trying to get people like you to remove your blue blinkers and take a good look around you and also take a deep breath so that you will be able to smell" the smoke without fire"!
@ A.Cassar.....
I promise you that in future I will endeavor to comment in a simpler fashion so that you and others like you might be able to comprehend the message I am trying to convey.
I take it to understand that you meant to write " can you please try to post an intelligent comment "....
...and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on.......
charles tabone
Nov 6th 2011, 12:34
Imma kif int l-uniku president emeritus li jibqa' jippersisti bil-propaganda favur il-PN. When are you going to hold your horses. Is it that rough for you to stay out of politics. Honestly, judging by your unbecoming political interventions, the title of PRESIDENT TA' NOFS MALTA should still hold.
Ray Woods
Nov 6th 2011, 12:26
Visitors like residents are not concerned with personalities but the effects on them of Government policy. The new bus system is an expensive shambles which discriminates against other EU citizens. It has undoubtedly damaged Malta's reputation overseas as well as at home. For that reason, the Minister should go now taking Arriva with him.
francis caruana
Nov 6th 2011, 12:22
it would be better if this gentleman keep his views for himself.WE NEED politicians like franco debono who calls black is black and white is white.YOUR DAYS ARE OVER DR ADAMI.
G Schembri
Nov 6th 2011, 11:48
Dr Fenech Adami used to be called the Prime Minister tad-djalogu. Is this his type of djalogu - telling Dr Franco Debono off for standing up for the rights of the people? Ara veru Demokratiku Kristjan dan il-bniedem. Had Dr Fenech Adami been on the side of the people he would have said, (four months ago) that Austin Gatt has created a mess, but it seems that to all PN leaders the party comes before the people. They only pay lip service to the rights of the people.
mario gellel
Nov 6th 2011, 11:19
LA EFA REGA DAHAL FIX-XENA POLITIKA, HI PROVA LI FIL-PARTIT NAZJONALISTA HEMM IR-RED LIGHT .
Willie Grech
Nov 6th 2011, 11:18
Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami was quoted as saying: “I think the government has to carry on doing the work it’s been doing with very effective results, and think one has to go along and deal with the situation as it evolves. I don’t think now is the right moment to disturb the progress that is being made.”
Since when does the Emeritus thinks that such issues are not in the right moment to be brought up? Doesn't he remember the 70's when he was elected leader of the PN in opposition and wanted, at any cost to oust a democratically elected government out of power? And when I say 'at any cost' it was literally in those days.
Charles Micallef
Nov 6th 2011, 11:11
This is the reason why President Emeritus should have never accepted the post of President of the Republic of Malta as he simply cannot be that person who is impartial of politics as were his predesessors! He just cant help devending the PN even when they are in the wrong and someone within the party has the guts to stand up and be counted! It is clear that the PN comes before the good of Malta for Dr Fenech Adami.
Godfrey Camilleri
Nov 6th 2011, 10:44
By now everybody knows that the mess was not created by Dr Franco Debono but by Mr Emanuel Delia with the approval of Dr Austin Gatt. And then Dr Gatt had the cheek to say he was sleeping soundly and told the university student he was baffled at her complaint when many citizens were suffering, arriving late for work, waiting for endless times on bus stops and then having buses arriving full, going on panoramic tours and all the other complaints (over 16,000 received by TM). It was also obvious that the primary target was not people's comfort and service but money saving: trying to run with less buses and less subsidy. Now, with 80% of the routes changed, all the money that was supposed to be saved will probably all be lost and it will take time for people to regain confidence and start using the service and leave their car, reducing the congestion on the roads. This over 20% increase compared to last year's figures is a joke due to fraud in issuing tickets with the old system (mostly pronounced in Gozo) and multiple boarding with the new system due to interchanges. One should compare month to month since July 3rd, and the present trend is decreasing. Dr Franco Debono had the guts to stand up to arrogance and insensitivity of the people who really created the mess. Dr Gonzi was lucky in that Dr Debono did not go all the way.
Robert Callus
Nov 6th 2011, 10:32
The mess created by Debono affects only the PN. As if I care!
The mess created by Gatt affect thousand of users of public transport on a daily basis. I feel a mixture of anger and anxiety every morning before going to work. I can't plan the day like I used to because buses go out on a random basis. When I have something exactly after work I always tell people I "may" come because sometimes I would be so late that that it wouldn't be worth to attend the activity in the first place.
And there are thousands who, like me face these problems. And I don't think Franco Debono had anything to do with THIS mess. The one that affects us, the people
Simon Oosterman
Nov 6th 2011, 10:31
Fenech Adami is right except that the 'mess' is not created by Franco Debono but by Austin Gatt and/or Lawrence Gonzi for not resigning and/or not accepting his resignation.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 6th 2011, 10:21
@ J Bonnici & J Brincat.
The fact that Dr Eddie Fenech Adami was for some time in the past the honoured President of the Republic does not disqualify him from having opinions and expressing them. That is his Fundamental Human Right and he has the right to exercise it without the need to apply for a "nihil obstat" from the LP.
It is easy to understand that the MLP/LP would very much like to deprive him of that right. That political party is still smarting from the humiliation that Eddie Fenech Adami was the chief architect of the restoration of political freedoms that had been suppressed by the MLP, freedoms that we still enjoy today, and as a result of which the MLP/LP has been banished to the opposition benches for decades by free elections undistorted by blatant gerrymandering.
Carmel camilleri
Nov 6th 2011, 15:19
A well written answer. Well done.
J. Bonnici
Nov 6th 2011, 09:49
Truly unbecoming of former President Dr. Edward Fenech Adami to comment and declare he had a private political meeting, as mediator for and on behalf of Prim Minister Dr. Gonzi, he had with Franco Debono. Ex President EFA should have abdicated from politics when he became President for all Maltese. EFA is an opportunist of the worst kind and seems to forget that he gave his own speech time in Parliament, a replica for history repeats itself, in the case of Dom Mintoff in order to criticize Dr. Alfred Sant than Prim Minister of Malta. So that was becoming and proper for EFA. Never thought he could stoop so low!!
j brincat
Nov 6th 2011, 09:42
Should an Emeritus President indulge in petty politics?
Seems he still likes the limelight.
(jb)
Mr Tommy Vella
Nov 6th 2011, 10:14
Does becoming a president deprive a person of a fundamental right we all have to have a political opinion and to try to propose and air your opinion wherever and however you think fit as long as it is not done in an illegal manner? Isn't that what we all are doing in these comments we pass in various blogs.
The president is only required to be, and show that he is, apolitical while serving in that office.
franco debono
Nov 6th 2011, 09:25
In last night's dissett i was asked by presenter Reno Bugeja whether I had been approached by Eddie Fenech Adami regarding my abstention in the parliamentary vote regarding public transport, but i didn't reveal that meeting, and i wouldn't have, had it not been mentioned by Dr Fenech Adami himself.
However after seeing these comments which I consider as highly unfair, I think Dr Fenech Adami should have mentioned what he told me about 'the mess' of public transport.
In Fact, Dr Fenech Adami stated that the first time he had seen Manuel Delia's press conference he had called someone, i think he mentioned Austin Gatt and told him, that that system could not function in Malta and it would result in a mess.
For the sake of balance i would have appreciated, since he decided to judge me, to mention also what was his opinion of the public transport 'mess' too. It was this 'mess' which led to my actions and it would not have been amiss to put my actions, at least in context.
Yes, i confirm, dDr Fenech Adami told me that the first time he had seen manuel delia in a press conference announcing the system, he immediately thought this would end up in a 'mess', and he had spoke to someone, i guess it was austin gatt, to indicate this to him
Luciano Borg
Nov 6th 2011, 10:07
Dear Franco, Thank God there are people like you who have some common sense and are willing to criticise those who destroy the PN' - and the government's -credibility. If anything, you should be hailed for listening to the people and not simply toe the party line. You have made it clear that you are there to serve the people and not be a party puppet. What a pity, Dr Fenech Adami should know better!
Jo Meli
Nov 6th 2011, 10:16
Keep strong Franco
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 6th 2011, 10:38
@ Dr Franco Debono.
Your mistake is to assume that the on-going improvements and corrections of the freely admitted defects in the original routes are due solely to your unaided efforts and that they would not have occurred without you.
Your second mistake was to abuse your position as a Nationalist Party backbencher because, instead of pulling on the same rope as your party colleagues to facilitate the necessary improvements, you allied yourself with an attempt by the opposition to destabilize the government.
J Mangion
Nov 6th 2011, 11:00
Dr Debono,
Even though these are difficult times for you, I would like to let you know that you have the backing from many people and loads of respect the way your not scared of speaking the truth and reality that the Maltese people are facing. Don't let certain people try and intimidate you as I am sure that Nationalist cronies are all out attacking you.
Keep up the good word and I can assure you that you will have my vote in the next general election. This is coming from a floating voter.
Joe Busuttil
Nov 6th 2011, 11:22
Why didn't you ask EFA ,who seems unable to just stay put and shut up, why he did not say the same things he said about you , to Mintoff when he did the same thing to A.Sant?
J Mangion
Nov 6th 2011, 11:32
@ F Saliba
May I remind all politicians that they are elected to represent the people of Malta and they all get our votes to say the truth of what really happens to us !!! Political parties aren't football clubs where the players have to abide by the rules of the team. This is not a game. This is the real life we all face so every now and then having someone with 'B*LLS' that speaks the truth makes us 'COMMON MORTALS' believe that people elected to government are there to do good for us !!!!
Patrick Zammit
Nov 6th 2011, 11:41
Dr Saliba
If Dr Debono truly allied himself with an attempt by the opposition to destabilize the government, he would have voted in favor of the motion.
R. Gauci
Nov 6th 2011, 11:57
An MP is not there for his party but for his countrymen, when you became an MP you didn't kiss the PN coat of arms but the crucifix, that says it all and people must understand that. Well done Dr. Debono, keep up the good work.
Charles Sammut
Nov 6th 2011, 12:53
Franco....you threw the chicken amongst the wolves and stirred up a controversy !
Ok...for having the guts to highlight the inefficiency and ineptness of the minister for everything austin you earned yourself a few kudos.
However all you did manage to do, is alienate yourself from your mates in the aligonzi regime and his cohorts...you are now an outcast...a leper among gonzi's den of thieves!
You should have had the balls to go ALL the way ( like Mintoff did against his boss Sant) and vote with the opposition.
By doing what you did,you only managed to destroy your political career and make yourself a few enemies within the corrupt regime which is bleeding us dry with its corruption and arrogant mismanagement.
It is a pity you failed to rid us of aligonzi and his mates!
Bearing in mind,the Svengali hold austin has on lawrence and the rest of the Castille parasites....Me thinks that next week you will be working full time at your Law Firm!
...and the beat goes on....and the beat goes on...
Noel Zahra Diacono
Nov 6th 2011, 13:04
Jien bniedem indipendenti u ma nzomm ma l-ebda partit politiku. Kellu bzonn hawn Malta hawn iktar politikanti bhalhekk li jghidu car u tond l-opinjoni tahhom minn ghajr ma jibzaw li sezjoni tal-Media tista' tahdem kontrijhom.
Il-poplu itella lil min jiraprezentah fil-parlament biex jiraprezenta lilu u mhux biex jiraprezenta l-interess tal-Partit.
Charles Sammut
Nov 6th 2011, 13:07
...and anyhow, you must have been fully aware that frendo would be obliged to cast HIS vote in lieu of yours and you do not need to be a Rhodes scholar to cut through the bullshit and forsee what frendo's vote would be...the outcome of the vote of course confirmed this!
So, what your aim in abstaining was..is very vague and very foggy...you have achieved nix except to cast yourself into political oblivion and alienate yourself from gonzi's den of parasities!
That austin is arrogant and is doing a mess of being minister for everything is no secret...the whole electorate is aware of this.
So...you should have had the balls to go ALL the way and cross the floor!
...and the beat goes on....and the beat goes on.....
Victor Caruana
Nov 6th 2011, 13:13
Dr Debono, keep it up well done Malta needs politicians like you other wise were STUCK!!
Ben Agius
Nov 6th 2011, 13:27
proof, if one was needed, of the meddling in by partisan politics by someone who pretended for a while, that he was above it when he was President. I suppose, back to the trough! Where he always belonged.
B Attard
Nov 6th 2011, 18:58
Franco, min jaf kemm hemm deputati u anke ministri li fis-skiet jghidu kemm int kuragguz. Dan int zgur thossu ghax wara kollox dawn shabek u deep down taf il-feelings taghhom.
Prosit talli ma intix yes man bhal ma hafna partitarji nazzjonalisti jippretendu li ghandek tkun.
Keep going strong. Illum il-maggroranza tan-nies ma ghadhomx mohhom maghluq u jbellawlhom ir-ross bil-labra anzi intelligenti bizzejjed sabiex jaghrblu u jiznu dak li jkun qed isehh.
Joe Busuttil
Nov 6th 2011, 09:13
So you had to butt in as usual. You did not mind Mintoff doing the same to Alf Sant when you were going to profit from it ,did you?