Update 2: Debono says he will support anyone but Dr Gonzi

Fenech MD

Jan 9th 2012, 14:10

Debono says he will support anyone but Dr Gonzi.

Anke lil Dr Austin Gatt?

Qatt ma kont nobsor li se jiehu falza stikka bhal din, aktar u aktar meta huwa avukat, li suppost iqis kull kelma li jghid.

fred fellon

Jan 9th 2012, 09:08

What is the president reaction in all of this turmoil ? oh yeah He is cutting a ribbon or two somewhere on Timbuktu

fred fellon

Jan 9th 2012, 09:04

" Giving themselves pay raises" and the people suffers, Gonzi is no leader, imagine promoting a FNG after bailing out his brothers fro raping a 15 yr old girl yrs ago without serving a day in jail for their crime

Mr Joseph Fenech

Jan 8th 2012, 21:15

The tragedy here is that we are all - reds and blues and greens and technicolors- at the mercy of this ambitious and ego minded person!!!

John Schembri

Jan 8th 2012, 20:51

"His methods are also despicable. While in public he talks of noble concepts of democracy, freedom and the dignity of Parliament, in private he engages in another manner. For months, his principal, though far from only, target has been the Prime Minister.”

Hats off to The Sunday Times of Malta editor.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120108/editorial/Stranger-than-fiction.401408


Is this the tip of the iceberg?

Carmel Lino Vella Clark

Jan 8th 2012, 19:36

Franco Debono has stated that the problem is Dr. Gonzi. May I remind Franco Debono that there are another 33 NP debuties in Parliament and none has stated that they have a problem with Dr. Gonzi. Therefore, the problem is Franco Debono!!!! He still thinks that because he was elected and not won a seat in Parliament by a bye-election, he pretended the Dr. Gonzi to give him a ministry. And he gave himself up when he said that Helen Damato was made a Chairperson since she wasn't elected. By showing off his school result he only showed that hs is still a child who expect to be rewarded for being a good pupil!!!!
Franco, why don't you grow up! Being a good student does not make of him a MAN.
Lino Vella Clark, Msida.

R Galea

Jan 8th 2012, 13:25

he might have ruined his political career, but he s moving out with his head up... and if you say that he has to abide by everything in GonziPN (coz btw the Nationalist party seems to have changed it s name strangely enough), then don't say we re in a democracy!

R. Gauci

Jan 8th 2012, 12:50

Dr Debono was elected because of who he is and not for being a PN Candidate. There were other PN Candidates on his district where people could have chosen from but they wanted him for who he is - a true PATRIOT who cannot sit back and see his country slide even further down the oligarchy road which was paved by GonziPN and friends.

Joe Camilleri

Jan 8th 2012, 09:23

Debono succeeded in ruining his political career. He made it in the history books. He is in the concluding phase. He can move out honorably or be forever remembered for the harm caused to his country.

Joe Pavia

Jan 8th 2012, 08:42

Dr. Debono you were elected under the wings of the PN and you have to abide by the PN. If you had all this elemosina in you for Dr. Gonzi why did you contest the election with Dr. Gonzi being the Leader? Dr. Debono you expected a Ministerial post and i believe that is the end of the story. And you are acting as a little spoilt brat that did not get what he wanted, and since you did not get to become a minister you are all out against Dr. Gonzi. Igber ftit. And please do not contest again with the PN.

Mr Anthony Briffa

Jan 8th 2012, 08:30

Dr. Debono has no right to choose the Prime Minister under whom he will serve as an MP. He already did when he accepted to run on the PN ticket. Now that he has change his mind all he has to do is leave his parliamentary seat for somebody else who will accpet to serve under Dr. Gonzi.

I think it is about time that the PN supporters will show en masse their trust and support in Dr. Gonzi.

Johnny Xerri

Jan 8th 2012, 07:36

Lawernz Gone-zi has finally found his pair.

He took for a ride too many people for too much time!!!

He took the hunters for a ride, promising that hunting would only improve and yet we all know what has happened.

He took the tax payer for a ride...when he claimed that he would impliment tax cuts, then claimed that there was not enough money and yet implimented increases in their salaries.

He took those who believed in democracy for a ride by claiming that he would split the ministries and only did so when faced by an ultimato.

This is not an issue of some one having a grudge its an issue of someone finally sounding his voice against a person who sees people as numbers and votes...who can be cast away once they gave him power.

I can imagine how the people commenting against FD would comment if it were the other way round and Joseph Muscat was facing such problems...would you stand up for PL and Joseph and bring in the 'gid' & stability buzz words...or simply say...ara xi tgerfixx...ejja forsi nergaw nitilaw fil gvern!!!

The people who support Gone-zi are doing so because they want to hold on to power...mostly for vested interest...otherwise nobody in his right senses would support someone who breaks democratic obligations and who's words are so childish that he does not even honour them himself

G Tonna

Jan 8th 2012, 07:31

LOL Would you support Camelo Mifsud Bonnici as prime minister?

R Galea

Jan 8th 2012, 03:33

VERY WELL DONE DR DEBONO!! YOU TRULY HAVE GUTS!! @ people such as Rita Smith, do shut up and follow the example of Dr Debono... you re still in time!

Wilfred Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 23:21

Debono has given up his right to be a member of parliament! RESIGN NOW!

GEORGE CUTAJAR

Jan 7th 2012, 21:22

@ Mario Grima.

I have the honour and privilege to be able to publicly state that I have never, do not and will never consider Debono as a 'fellow lawyer'. I consider 'fellow lawyers' only those who act ethically vis-a-vis their colleagues. Enough said on this matter.

As regards belonging to the same clan I fail to understand what you mean. I belong to no clan and indeed not even to the PN but I do love my country and cannot stand people who use their warped brains to create mayhem when this country needs stability.

As regards the heat rest assured that the only heat I am feeling at the moment is that coming out of the fireplace while watching Debono making a fool of himself on Super One..

Carmel Lino Vella Clark

Jan 7th 2012, 21:10

If Franco Debono truly belief in democratry - and in a decomratic country the will of the majority prevails - then he has no alternative than that to resign from parlament and the PN where he has lost all the supporter of both of the party and, most important, the supporter of those who elected him to represent them and the PN.
Unfortunately, he is behaving left a Little Spoiled Brat!!!!
Lino Vella Clark, Msida

K. Vella

Jan 7th 2012, 21:06

RESIGN FRANCO....

You are an emberrsement....

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jan 7th 2012, 21:02

Dr Franco Debono does not need any advice from Nationalists or Labourites as to how to seal his fate.

He has had his finger on the "self destruct" button for many months now. He is undecided about one thing only and that is whether it is going to be "morto Sansone" by himself or whether to try to destroy with him " tutti i filistei".

Wilfred Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 20:47

If Dr. Debono had any principles, he would resign. But seeding that he hasn't tendered his resignation, it is obvious that he doesn't!

Mr Mike Farrugia

Jan 7th 2012, 20:40

I think Dr. Debono has talked too much. Will he accept Karm Mifsud Bonnici or Austin Gatt as PM?

M. Avellino

Jan 7th 2012, 20:37

Dr Debono, you really want uas to believe that all this is not called "AMBITION?. I will definately give you my number 1 for the best bad loser ....It;'s all sour grapes . You thought that you are going to drag the Prime Minister by the nose and failed. Seems that though you got good marks at school your brain is still of a form 1 student. Pity that the whole country is suffering the conseguences because of your stupid ambition.

carmel muscat

Jan 7th 2012, 19:30

prosit sur debono talli kellek success flezammijiet meta kont l iskola imma is success meta kbirt marlek il bahar ax tlift kollox avolja sabbat saqajk bhal tifel zajr ax ma tawkx dak li tlabt voldirri ministeru ara veru kullhadt jahdem biex jara xijsta jakwista u mux al gid tal partit

Fenech MD

Jan 7th 2012, 19:13

Dr Franco Debono ihoss il-polz tal-poplu imxebbgha minn dal-gvern.

Huwa biss kellu l-guts jieqaf lill-PM meta rah jaghmel l-izbalji. Dr Debono ta lil Dr Gonzi aktar minn cans wiehed. Imma kif qal tajjeb hu, il-partit mhux immexxi minn Dr Gonzi imma minn klikka. Dr Gonzi qieghed hemm biss ghan-numru.

Kien hawn gvernijiet bhal fis-70s/80s immexxija minn Mintoff u fit-80s u 90s immexxija minn Fenech Adami li kellhom maggoranza ta'siggu wiehed biss. L-unika darba li kien hawn instabilita` fil-parlament kien fi zmien Sant, li kien ragel bizzejjed u mar ghal vot tal-poplu meta ra li ma kellux maggoranza fil-parlament.

Imma Dr Gonzi tant huwa mwahhal mas-siggu tal-poter, li l-anqas mill-istess nies ta'madwaru ma jrid a'. M'ghandux il-hila jmur ghal vot ta' fiducja fil-parlament ghax jaf li jitilfu. Il-backbenchers l-ohra li jhossu bhal Dr Debono misshom jappogjaw lil Dr Debono.

Il-bierah stennejt lis-Sur Peppi Azzoppardi jkun aktar assertiv fil-mistoqsijiet tieghu. Kien jibqa' gwejjed kieku kien hemm PM Laburista quddiemu? Kuntent is-Sur Azzopardi kif il-PM beda jkellmu l-bierah, meta beda jghidlu li Dr Debono m'ghadux jappogjah?

Ma naqbilx ma Franco fuq haga wahda biss; illum mhux 'oligarkija' ghandna imma Gvern Dittatorjali. U f'Malta dan mhux accettabbli.

Chris Mifsud

Jan 7th 2012, 19:04

Dr Franco Debono, YOU are the one with a problem because you were not made a minister. YOU are the one who should resign and not Dr. Gonzi. You talk about disrespect but YOU are the one who is disrespectful. Disrespectful to your team, to your Prime Minister and to the people who voted for you.

YOU resign. The people voted for a PN government for 5 years and that is what the people will get if you like it or not. You just show what a child you are. A sore loser.

Dr. Gonzi, i urge you to make life as difficult as possible for this man. Ignore him and disrespect him just like he did to you. You gave him what he asked for more then once and yet he is still around stamping his feet and crying like a spoilt 5 year old. Dump him, you don't need him around you.

This is true, but before all this mess i always said that if there would be an election tomorrow i would not vote, but if there was an election as a result of this childish play i would be the first one voting for PN.

matthew tanti

Jan 7th 2012, 18:34

flok tirrigrazzjaw l'Alla li ghandna xoghol mhux bhal miljuni ta' nies li tilfu xogholhom f'pajjizi izjed sinjuri minn taghna!

G. Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 18:26

aqbad u irrezenja mill partit nazzjonalista Dr. Debono, tistrieh inti, u sserrah lil Malta.

Kevin Attard

Jan 7th 2012, 18:13

Franco Debono - The Dom Mintoff of the Nationalists
Lawrence Gonzi - The Alfred Sant of the Nationalists
....
2013... Vote for the alternative.. vote AD.

T Gauci

Jan 7th 2012, 18:12

I would reconsider my vote if Dr.Gonzi and his close ministers who backstabbed us during the last 4 years resign. Somebody who is a true Nationalist and the put the Maltese interests first deserves to be the leader of the PN and PM, the current legislature failed to adhere to our requirements. I am not loyal to a person or color but to the ones who truly recognize me.

James Portelli

Jan 7th 2012, 17:55

What a waste of tax payers' money! Doesn't parliament have some 'real' and or more pressing issues to debate?

James Portelli

Jan 7th 2012, 17:55

What a waste of tax payers' money! Doesn't parliament have some 'real' and or more pressing issues to debate?

M camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 17:45

Nies bhallek ghanda bzonn Malta Dr Franko,Prosett u Grazzi Inti luniku nazzjonalist fpartit li ma jafx fejnu qied jek hux fix xellug jew fil lemin.Ghandek twaqaf partit ihorr u jekk alla irid ikollna 3 partit fil parlament.

carmel parnis

Jan 7th 2012, 17:41

Well th e first thing i wanted to see is Franco Debono's resignation as parlamentary assistant at the OPM serving under the same PM the same person he wants his resignation and more he said he wont work under him .Is that too diffult to submit Franco ? If he does not i expect Dr Gonzi to ask for it immediately or kick him out .

Mr Stephen Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 17:36

I think that the press conference given by Dr Debono shows the frustration of Mr Debono and represents the frustration of the many that are unhappy with the way the Gonzi administration is running this country. Through his press conference Dr Debono has highlighted a good number of events and desicions which are infuriating the Maltese people as a whole. I had greater faith in Dr Gonzi.

Leonard Grech

Jan 7th 2012, 17:27

If FD wanted the PM to divide the Ministry and it was done, I guess he should be happy that his suggestion was taken. So what is the problem now? and why can anyone be PM but Gonzi? to me it is more than clear that the issue is a personal one, and as many wrote - he is the one to differ, so he should be the one to leave.

Justin Agius

Jan 7th 2012, 17:24

Dr Debono is behaving as as a child. Stop having your tantrums and behave like a true gentleman and resign

Wilfred Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 17:24

Dr. Debono is a looser! Enough said.

Mario (Marinton) Gauci

Jan 7th 2012, 17:23

I am a NP supporter who was thinking of abstaining from voting in next election. However after the theatrical farse by Franco Debono I will definitely vote PN come next election.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jan 7th 2012, 17:19

The important point is not whether seven or eight months ago Dr Debono had discussed the situation with the President. Much more relevant is the result of that discussion and if Dr Debono is now following any advice given to him. I do not think that we will ever know the answer.

G. Portelli

Jan 7th 2012, 17:17

Franco next time be more clear and tell the prime minister that YOU wanted to become a minister. Alas there is not going to be a next time!

Alexander Abela

Jan 7th 2012, 17:14

Update 2: Debono says he will support anyone but Dr Gonzi................

Come to think of it......... would Dr. Debono now support Dr. Austin Gatt ??
Interesting thought.

A Dimech

Jan 7th 2012, 17:12

Also, by prolonging the impasse - Gonzi is risking that violence will come back to this country.

During these periods, tension is going to be high as a group of people will not want to loose power or face.

The quicker Gonzi realises that there is no way forward - the situation has degenarated too much now - and start focussing his attention on an Election,the safer it is for our citizens, the better it is from every aspect.

Indecision can bring some nasty events... and Gonzi has the responsability now to take action and decide. He has no majority, and needs to act.

James Hili

Jan 7th 2012, 17:08

Yesterday our supreme Leader of Republic of Malta Gonzi whiltst being interviewed on Xarabank, cited Berlusconi as a reason for not calling an election..but hey..correct me if am wrong please..as far as I know the first thing that Berlusconi did when he saw that he just had a very tight majority (in the last vote in Parliament he still has a majority unlike what Gonzi has now) in Parliament, was that he went to Napolitano and tendered in his resignation!! And this in banana republic Italy..sirna aghar min dan il-pajjiz..Gonzi uzajt ezemplu hazin ta..missek semmejt xi Gaddafi jew Assad ta!!

Mr Steve Cassar

Jan 7th 2012, 17:04

Dr.Debono next time show us the kinder garden results cause that's how you acted ... like a child!
"Ma niehux dak li rrid mela nsabbat, nghajjat u naghmel li rrid!!"
Forsi ma tirrealizzax li l-pajjiz ha ggibu dahru mal-hajt minhabba elezzjoni li ha jkolla tissejjah u li l-pajjiz u l-poplu ma jiflahx elezzjoni bhalissa!

Jonathan Attard

Jan 7th 2012, 17:01

Do the election Dr Gonzi there is no way out we are after you Dr Debono.

j falzon

Jan 7th 2012, 16:53

Only in Malta indeed. In any other country those MP's who do not support the leader would make a leadership challenge or would promote another MP to challenge the leadership of the party through a vote in the party caucus. Instead, an embittered MP who got his seat on the pack of the PN is now holding the country to ransom because he thought that he would be handed a cushy ministerial post. FD, luckily that is not how politics works in a Westminster-style parliament. You use the caucus to mount a challenge, not the parliament. Now you should resign or defect to another party. In all honesty I found the press conference embarrassing to watch.

Joseph Bonello

Jan 7th 2012, 16:51

Franco Debono vs Lawrence Gonzi, nice round ...

Oliver Grech

Jan 7th 2012, 16:49

Once John F. Kennedy said " ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country". I guess Franco asked this question and answered I can just try to break down my country. Very shameful.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jan 7th 2012, 16:44

Dr Franco Debono is alllowing his selfish interest to over-ride the interests of the Nationalist Party, of those Nationalists who had voted for him during the last election and the democratic credentials of the whole Maltese electorate that had entrusted the NP to effect its electoral manifesto.

He knows that his disloyalty to his Prime Minister, is consciously risking a change of government from NP to LP. Assuming that he is really loyal to those who elected him, to the whole NP (with the exception of the person of Dr L Gonzi) he must realize that he is putting at risk, the fortunes of the whole Maltese nation because of his infinite ambition and his self-admittied animosity towards Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

Joseph Brincat

Jan 7th 2012, 16:39

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
GONZI PN ?????????????

A Dimech

Jan 7th 2012, 16:32

I don't care who is right or not right - Franco or Gonzi...

PRACTICALLY, the only way is an ELECTION!

Government not able to govern has to go back to the people to ask a new mandate!! no other way forward ...

Currently we have what the Americans call a "Lame Government" - that is a government without any real powers as it has no majority.

Let's move on - call an election; The people are wise enough to either re-elect the government or not.

People and Nation first please!!

M Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 16:30

Why ask " why should I resign ? "

Why ? because you are the one who cannot work with the rest of the party. You are the one who thinks that you are the best at everything.

You are the one who cannot work with your leader , so it is very plain for all that you are the one who should resign and leave the Prime Minister do his work.

Mr M Saliba

Jan 7th 2012, 16:30

Dr Gonzi should have seen that the southern part of Malt be well represented in the cabinet. It seems that only Franco Debono is sticking his kneck out for the south of the south.

GEORGE CUTAJAR

Jan 7th 2012, 16:25

Franco - You have betrayed your voters and you know it. Your press conference this morning was a circus even better than the one in Floriana. You have now unmasked yourself and think that this countries owes you a debt. The reality is that the Nationalists in this country will, from now, look upon you with scorn and disdain while your class room rival Joseph Muscat will look upon you as the boy who made him king!!!!!

raymond scicluna

Jan 7th 2012, 16:24

Just listened to Mr Lino Spiteri comments a former Finance Minister on the MLP side. When he was questioned about Dr Debono s behaviour and approach, he answered that when one gets elected, he was not elected on his own but by the constituents and the Party so the only way to show his total disagreement is RESIGN. Mr Spiteri did it without tarnishing neither the labour nor that government. He simply moved out and allowed others to proceed. Unfortunately such gentleman are not found everywhere!! A buon intentidor poche parol

Oliver Grech

Jan 7th 2012, 16:22

Do the nation a favour, resign and leave the country Franco. We do not want babies in parliament.

Victor Vella

Jan 7th 2012, 16:22

Tomorrow we go to Marsaxlokk to show were we stand.As for this little child he can go to hell.

C. Mifsud

Jan 7th 2012, 16:15

Given the current situation in the Maltese parliament, we have a prime minister who does not have the support of the majority of members of the house of representatives. Therefore, as per our constitution, the president should ask someone else to take the reins or otherwise an early general election should be called to resolve this issue once and for all.

G Tonna

Jan 7th 2012, 16:15

Political careers are destroyed in silly manners. Here we have one of them.

S. Deg

Jan 7th 2012, 16:05

the video itself is a crystal clear indication that all he ever wanted is to become minister!! I am DISGUSTED!!

Michael Mercieca

Jan 7th 2012, 16:03

Dr Debono we need serious people in politics not cry babies who cause an upheaval just because they do not get what they want . If you are unhappy about things , and dont want to be on the team anymore, resign and let someone take your place. Who are you to decide for the Maltese people. The only reason you are in parliament is because you were on the nationalist party ticket. No one decides on a candidate then looks to see what party the candidate is with. Voters choose a party then select the candidate. You have no right to undo the mandate the people gave to the PN . Stop being egoistic and thinking that your constituents are proud of you for causing this instability . They did not vote for you but for PN and that was the party they decided on for the 5 year legislature.

Erik Mifsud Grimaud

Jan 7th 2012, 16:02

Dr Debono should be taught a lesson... Dr Gonzi has to be backed.

Erik Mifsud Grimaud

Jan 7th 2012, 16:01

Everybody who has lived in malta in the last few years knows what a BIG FOOL Dr Debono is... HE SHOULD RESIGN...Dr DEbono go HOME

P. Zammit

Jan 7th 2012, 16:00

Do us all a BIG FAVOUR ..and resign Franco !

Erik Mifsud Grimaud

Jan 7th 2012, 15:57

I think it is about time someone shuts Dr Debono's mouth and send him packing. ... by standing up in favour of Dr Gonzi who has been inspirational these last 4 years ... Dr Debono has just shown everyone what a fool he is politically and should resign at once he is no PN supporter. This is the time to show true colours and let Dr Gonzi keep up his good work...

E. Vassallo

Jan 7th 2012, 15:57

Dr. Gonzi, I am with you all the way. Dr. Debono, you are playing with the people's votes. Definitely, your political and working career is over. I hope that the Nationalist voters (5th district) tomorrow go to marsaxlokk to show their support to the PM. A demonstration should be held in front of Dr. Debono's home to show our disdain. His body language gives him away. What a weak minister he would have been . He does even not make the grade for a civil servant.

J.K. Sciberras

Jan 7th 2012, 15:53

Just immagine for a short time, that Dr Debono was an LP member and in government we have the LP and not this present government, would you all people still be saying the same about Dr. Debono?
But please just for once be honest with yourselves, remember when the previous Government was held hostage by one of his MP, what did you say……? I can actually hear you all finding excusses, but that time it was different, but that government was not doing what is right…..and more.
So please stop saying more rubbish, and if Dr. Gozi still wants to be respected and not remember as power hungry person, he should be a man and resign.

J. Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 15:41

COALITION GOVERNMENT

If Dr Debono believes that democracy must be restored and at the same time, Dr Gonzi believes that Malta cannot afford an election right now, there are two other options as a way forward:

i) both Dr Gonzi AND Dr Debono resign to let others from with the PN side to do their work

or

ii) Dr Gonzi invites two MPs from the opposition to help with Governance of this country ie be part of an extended cabinet to form a coalition until the next election.

Martin De Bono

Jan 7th 2012, 15:41

UNBELIVABLE !!!!!!!!

SOUR GRAPES AND NOTHING MORE.... its such a clear case that he is personnaly offended that he did not become a minister. You can notice from his tone of voice and body language that he is offeded to the bone. In that case you only prove to me that you are not a profesisonal as you are being emotional about the situation. This means GET OUT OF POLITICS NOW!!! as you are the one who is creating unstability in the gov and not gonzi.

Stephen Farrugia

Jan 7th 2012, 15:38

Why is Dr.Franco so adamant to show that he's right and Dr.Gonzi is wrong? What is he trying to prove?
He should sit down and write about it after his five minutes of glory are over and let us all be amazed. Politically he knows very well he is finished. In Maltese we say 'Hadd ma jafdak aktar'.

Gonzi can call an election right away - I am confident PN will still beat the opposition by a furlong.

Francis Farrugia

Jan 7th 2012, 15:25

Election is not far away. In fact AFM is already preparing the personnel for special training as from next week or the week after.

CHARLO' SAMMUT

Jan 7th 2012, 15:18

why mr debono leave the prime do his work and go away from Malta ....and resign !!!!!

Tonio Farrugia

Jan 7th 2012, 15:17

Dr. Debono talking of "child's play".... Better if you listen to yourself!

Pathetic!!!

A Cachia

Jan 7th 2012, 15:14

I am loving the future of politics in Malta.

The time has come....for backbenches from both sides of the room to vote against their own party....

The maltese parliament is such a bore one party against....one party for something to change...

Tonio Farrugia

Jan 7th 2012, 15:14

Dr Debono you put yourself and the country into a vortex which will lead to nowhere. You're in time to swallow your pride, and reconsider your position.

Do not be remembered as the no one who lead the country into harms way!

Kenneth Ellul

Jan 7th 2012, 15:11

This press conference continues to show that Franco Debono has lost all sense of reason. He disrespects the PN, its structures and most of all its activists who worked ever so hard during the last electoral campaign. Franco you are a disgrace to the party. You seek not what is good for this country but what is good for yourself. Your arrogance is beyond measure. You want Dr. Gonzi to resign yet you have no idea who should replace him! Do you even have any support from other Nationalist MPs? I highly doubt that.
Dr. Gonzi has not lost the confidence of his MPs, he lost your confidence. Yet in so doing you have lost the confidence of the majority of the electorate who voted for you not so long ago.
You are on your own. Resign Franco and put an end to your whining. You have exposed your true motives and they are anything but honorable.

John Mifsud

Jan 7th 2012, 15:10

Being a spectator in this pantomime, or tragedy, I can't help but remember the agony Dr Alfred Sant went through when the character assassination on this true gentleman succeeded.

This arrogancy is all coming from the fact that certain politicians think that they are indispensable.

E Zammit

Jan 7th 2012, 15:09

Is it right for someone to hijack a country and hold its people hostage? it is so evident now that Dr.Debono is doing this for his own personal ambitions and his very own desires only and for no other reason whatsoever.

Therefore, I believe it is time for Dr.Franco to own up and admit that he was wrong. Only then will he regain some of his lost dignity and repair the damage he is causing to the country. All this drama is totally unwarranted and uncalled for.

The mask has come off his face. I have seen it now and I just hope that he moves away to the side and make way for the sake of the country. If, as he said, he only has the good and well-being of the country at his heart,
he has to realise his mistake.

Alfred Dimech

Jan 7th 2012, 15:04

This is madness!
Yesterday Debono made accusations of an evil hand manipulating people behind the scenes. He also mentioned that the government was an oligarchy. Today he claims he'll accept anyone but Gonzi as PM.

So his problem is just with Gonzi? What happened to the oligarchy and the hidden evil forces? Or is it just that Gonzi's Form 2 religion exam results aren't up to Debono's expectations?

Come on, politics apart, even the most ardent Labour supporters have to admit that there is something wrong here.

MALCOLM SEYCHELL

Jan 7th 2012, 15:00

My only wish is to have more people like Franco on both sides of parliament. He is not a puppet of the prime minister. Franco most probably at the moment has the support of 75% of the whole nation

V Caruana

Jan 7th 2012, 14:58

Kemm rajna biki u xenati wara t-telfa ta' Kim Jong-il. Għada x-xenati se jsiru f'Marsaxlokk għal Dr. gonzi. Il-PN huwa mmexxi bħal one man dictatorship. Mistiedna dawk li sabu l-ogħli tal-bolla bħala strina. Barra minn hekk dawk li ħadu €500 żieda mitluba joffru donation. Dr. gonzi mhux aħjar f'Marsaxlokk tieħu miegħek il-liċenzji tat-tonn (kollha mhux nofshom) għax is-sajjieda xogħolhom lura jridu.

N. Cordina

Jan 7th 2012, 14:56

The only person who should resign is you Dr Franco Debono. Debono has shown us how politically immature he is. This is not a person with guts but a person who lost the sense of reason. The country not cannot be held at ransom by one guy!

Carmel Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 14:56

@Gordon Grech. Ghandu 'l laboristi warajh.

Carmel Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 14:49

This is all jealousy and lust which both can lead a person to hell.

john gauci

Jan 7th 2012, 14:49

Dr. Debono. You had your time in the limelight. Now's it's time to disappear into the shadows. If you think you will be remembered as a hero or for anything heroic Your ARE so so very very very mistaken. You try to potray yourself as God's gift to this nation and its democracy and you think you can ass u me that only you are right and that you can hold the enitire country to ransom.
The more you talk and act the way you are doing the more you are proving that it is not the country, nor the party nor the principle etc., but YOURSELF!!!

S Vella

Jan 7th 2012, 14:49

Franco, still waiting for your answer re proposing Austin Gatt as the leader of the PN!!!!!!!!!

Mr Adrian Grech Cumbo

Jan 7th 2012, 14:48

Dr Franco is a truly gentleman of substance ! he is respecting his electorate and he is no puppy of anyone let alone the PM. You will for sure teach everyone what is democracy.

matthew tanti

Jan 7th 2012, 14:48

it seems that he is trying to set the stage for somebody to challenge gonzi for the leadership....

Alfred Falzon

Jan 7th 2012, 14:45

If the Marsaxlokk meeting is held it might be history repeating itself after Dr Sant's debacle at Cospicua where he called Mr Mintoff names, the term "traitor" still resounding in our ears!

Dr Gonzi might not go to that length but he may be thinking of some other scheme to outwit Dr Franco Debono!

The saga is still not over but, so far, all is pointing to early elections!

Shades of the South! Ghosts of another Parliament yet to be!!

Jeffrey Mallia

Jan 7th 2012, 14:44

Addio GonziPN............

S Farrugia

Jan 7th 2012, 14:43

To all those that back in 1998 were all eager for the PL to come down I say: "What goes around, comes around"!!!!

adrian dimech

Jan 7th 2012, 14:39

Dear Dr Debono

Therefore it is clear that the issue is your personal thinks with Dr Gonzi, Before you continue with your plan may i suggest that you to consult the electorate , that you are representing, and analyse if they are approving what you are doing.

If you get this good , just get on with whatever you what to do , this is Democracy .. else if you do bad just resign.

Regards

Mr Marcel Dingli

Jan 7th 2012, 14:38

My earlier comment should have been addressed to Albert Dimech not Adrian. Probably something is wrong with these machines.

Mark Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 14:35

At this point in time I feel that the most adequate thing to be done is that Dr. Franco Debono resigns.

Just a couple of weeks ago we had Dr. Debono who was ready to support the government, and when a vote of confidence was called for, Dr. Debono gave his vote in favour of the government. Now just a few weeks after, we have a sudden U-turn from Dr. Debono. What happened to make Dr. Debono change his mind? Is it that he didn’t get what he wanted? In which case now not supporting government is a very irresponsible and childish attitude.

Europe is going through one of the worst economic recessions ever, and this recession is just at our doorstep. Calling for an election this year is one of the worst things we can do for our own fragile economy. This fundamental fact is something every politician both PN & PL must embrace, and calling out for an election from either Dr. Debono, Dr. Muscat or Dr. Gonzi would be irresponsible and egoistic, as they would only be calling an election for their personal gain and thirst for power rather then looking at the requirements and needs of our fragile economy.

For the benefit of our country and economy, Dr. Debono must resign, and not keep on threatening the PM, because by doing so he is also threatening us, our families of livelihood.

Stephen Florian

Jan 7th 2012, 14:34

The Hon Dr. Franco Debono, comes out strong as the truth is on his side and he has the courage to say so. Malta needs more people like him.

D. Xerri

Jan 7th 2012, 14:29

So first in this legislature Dr Gonzi had a Red Alert Warning when in the MEP`s election suffered a humiliation defeat - Then again Dr Gonzi had another Red Alert Warning when The Divorce movement won by another vast majority - and he still voted against in Parliament against the will of the Majority of the Maltese Democratic Vote.
Then we had the salvations by the vote of the Speaker ! Now Again Another Serious Threat to Dr Gonzi`s Miserable Majority of a 1 seat in parliament with Dr Franco Debono ! This is certainly The Most Unstable and Hard Struggling Government Malta has ever had and its Totally Obvious that Dr Gonzi`s preference is Himself and PN to stay in Power at all cost then comes Malta`s Interest !

Joe Scerri

Jan 7th 2012, 14:25

This is a typical case of cut your nose to spite your face.

If Debono brings down the government what would he have gained?
If not the chances are that PN will lose the next election and even if by some miracle they do win the election, either way he is going to be kicked out. So what does he really want?

Tony Agius

Jan 7th 2012, 14:23

Dr Debono may have the guts to do these things , but he does'nt have the political maturity and the know how , how to handle politics , and how to responsibly work in a politcal team with recpect to all.

M Galea

Jan 7th 2012, 14:22

Do you think FD did this because he has not been granted a ministry?.. how ignorant.. If FD wanted to become a minister he wouldn't have acted the way he acted but acted differently and not giving deadlines to the PM and all. And if Gonzi made him a minister for how long would he occupied it? A year or year and a half before the election? For all i know he is doomed with the Nationalists and am sure he wouldn't be elected again if the PN had to win the election.

Mr Joe Micallef

Jan 7th 2012, 14:20

So let us try understand Debono's enigma

1) Yesterday he was telling all and sundry that the Prime Minister is nose lead by evil forces acting behind the scenes.

2)Today he tells us that he "will support anyone but Dr Gonzi" (we know why - essentially because he did not make him minister. But that's another problem Debono has).

3) So Debono, if the PM were to take your stupid advice and resign wouldn't it easier if you give us the names (excluding your own) of those you are ready to support, lest you make us go through this saga given what you said yesterday (that is point 1 above)

Gordon Grech

Jan 7th 2012, 14:20

Kuragg Franco! Mintix wahdek!

S Vella

Jan 7th 2012, 14:19

What about putting Austin Gatt in the helm - - what would be Franco Debono's next move!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joseph Galea

Jan 7th 2012, 14:19

What a sad, sad, individual!

Joe Scerri

Jan 7th 2012, 14:19

In the world news section of todays Times there is an article about Yulia Tymoshenko. It says “Yulia Tymoshenko the leader of the 2004 Orange Revolution, was sentenced in October to seven years in jail after being convicted of abuse of power while in office”.

I wonder if we have a similar situation here.

Joseph Cauchi Senior

Jan 7th 2012, 14:18

Many are questioning whether Franco Debono’s motives are what they seem to be or not and

a) if he is being manipulated by some unknown ‘hand’ to facilitate the electoral win for the PL and thus have Joseph Muscat as the youngest Prime Minister of Malta, (thus also beating Duminku Mintoff’s age) or
b) by ‘someone’ behind the scenes who is trying to make a come-back to take over the leadership of the PN party.

One thing is certain, that Franco Debono is not thinking straight (just look at yesterday’s Form 2C mid-term school results!).

Someone close to him should urgently see to it for FD's own benefit.

JC.

joe muscat

Jan 7th 2012, 14:18

Nahseb li issa wasal il-mument li l=President ta` Malta jibghat ghal Prim Ministru biex jara jekk il-gvern baqghalux maggoranza fil=parlament , biex ikun jista` jkompli jiggverna , dan huwa dritt u dover tal-President ta` Malta

M. Zammit

Jan 7th 2012, 14:16

Franco, you were elected in the name of the PN. That's why we elected you. If you don't agree any longer with the Party, just RESIGN. And let us get on

fredu debono

Jan 7th 2012, 14:09

Franco. please shut up and resign. leave the goverment to govern in peace. i was one of those who gave you my vote to support the nationalist party in goverment. now i am telling you not to represent me anymore in parlament. you simply are working for your stuff only. PLEASE RESIGN AND GO TO ITALY WE DON"T WANT YOU>

A Caruana

Jan 7th 2012, 14:07

Ha ha, it is clear, watch the video, Franc was led to believe that he was going to be one of the chosen, but he was not - sour grapes as the wolf said when he couldnt get to them!

Vincent Cassar

Jan 7th 2012, 14:01

The reality is that we have come to the end of the line..or as they say: capo linea. The real question is: Can Gonzi govern with no parliamentary majority??? The implications of this are that the PM cannot make ANY (caps to emphasize) decisions in parliament and he cannot even pass new laws and hence the country is now at a halt. He cannot make use of the casting vote of speaker neither because Debono stated that he will vote AGAINST and not ABSTAIN. That is an objective reality and whatever names we call each other and insults we throw at each other, that is a fact: Elections are inevitable...not for Gonzi's sake, or the PL's sake or Debono's sake...but for ours!!!! Many of the comments here are emotionally biased, party line and personally convenient...but the reality, and Gonzi knows this, is that he is now in a very very tight corner and will be forced to go to elections, even if it is against his will...if anything to ask for a fresh mandate from the people who are after all more important that Gonzi, Debono, and all parliament put together. The people should have the final word in this case and not the PM. One last thing: When will the people in this country stop thinking that the PM or anybody else is indispensable??? As they say: Imut Papa u jsir iehor...and the world moves on...and on...and on...In a 100 years time our children will know of Gonzi, Debono, Muscat and all through their history books. Life is bigger than us all!

John Cassar

Jan 7th 2012, 13:58

Franco definitely means well but there is more at this than meets the eye....... I guess the next few weeks will illuminate us!

Mr l Azzopardi

Jan 7th 2012, 13:58

No matter what anyone writes No one below is really interested in the country

PN want debono to disappear to stay in government
PL wants debono to keep it up to get in government

Dear President of the Republic...please intervene.

Etienne Zammit Lupi

Jan 7th 2012, 13:56

"A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman thinks of the next generation." James Freeman Clarke, Sermon

Dennis Zammit

Jan 7th 2012, 13:52

The ONLY person who should resign is Franco Debono.

Guido Farrugia

Jan 7th 2012, 13:51

Kif inthom mahruqin towards an MP who's doing his job according to the Oath taken. Loyalty to The Republic Of Malta and it's constitution. Well done Dr. Debono.

j brincat

Jan 7th 2012, 13:48

Joseph Aquilina

"People ask yourself and answer honestly ... why is Franco doing this? For the people or because he was not made a minister?"

I would have put the question otherwise. Why doesn't Dr Gonzi want to call a vote of confidence? For the love of the nation or for the glory of power? Isn't this a better question. What do you think?








(jb)

A Caruana

Jan 7th 2012, 13:46

Franco is to be pitied for the spoilt brat that he is, he is too immature for Politics. Mintoff was an old fossil with his Political career over when he took on Sant, by contrast Franco is an embryo compared to Mintoff and his Political career is over before it's even begun! Bye Bye Franco, Australia needs some good Lawyers!

Joseph Mizzi

Jan 7th 2012, 13:45

In my humble opinion, if the Prime Minister really believes in his statement that stability is what the country needs in these times of crisis, then he should immediately dissolve Parliament and go for an early election as soon as possible.

Given the powerlessness to garner a majority in the House and the lack of popularity of the PN in recent opinion polls, an election today would invariably return the PL to government with at least a three or five-seat majority.

This at least would guarantee stability not only for the difficult year we have ahead of us, but also for the next five years!

raymond scicluna

Jan 7th 2012, 13:41

so if he will support anyone, it high time to support his former class mate Dr Joseph Muscat. Il vera kaz ta Good Riddance to......

E Gatt

Jan 7th 2012, 13:37

“Dr Debono who earlier today told timesofmalta.com that that the Prime Minister's decisions yesterday were a reaction to statements he gave in the morning to timesofmalta.com, told journalists that he will support anyone else but Dr Gonzi.

The only other way out, he said, is an election.”

There is another way, Dr Debono.

Call for a PN leadership contest. You will be free to compete against Lawrence Gonzi or anyone else for that matter. If the party that you still form part of does not choose you as leader, then resign gracefully from parliament.

Emmanuel Caruana

Jan 7th 2012, 13:35

He has all the right to make his voice heard in parliament that's how democracy works, but in no way can he hold his prime minister as hostage. If you don't agree just pack and leave.

Joann Bugeja

Jan 7th 2012, 13:30

We should be looking for the way forward here in Malta & what to do for the best interests of the country,our economy etc & not discussing whether an election should be held Dr.Debono!

@ all- I suggest click on this link ...

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/83826848/

John A. Gauci

Jan 7th 2012, 13:27

What is the point of being so clever, as you showed us in the media, yet showing yourself as ' A man without any principals' ?

What about the people who had trust in you helped you to be in parlament. They feel betrayed by your actions and statements. Is this how you paid them back?.

You are " Man of this Week " --- but in a negative way!

Keith Borg-Micallef

Jan 7th 2012, 13:20

What sheer arrogance, Mr. Debono. How very dare you believe that the people will back you on this one? Do you sincerely think that the people haven't yet realised what your ploy entailed? Well, there's a rude awakening for you: they do know! It's so hypocritical to put your party, and by extension the government, in such distress merely because your plans have fallen through?

"Does he think everyone is so stupid and gullible to believe that he means well? That he really is calling on the PM to resign because of propriety? What if Dr Gonzi had made him Minister for Justice? Would he still have said that? Oh..." ( http://teandrain.blogspot.com/2012/01/when-you-call-shots-and-they-land-on.html )

Joseph Agius

Jan 7th 2012, 13:16

Italy needs you Franco. Go as soon as possible and stop making a mess of your life and the country. Showing your school Form 2 reports certainly did not help your credibility.

Pawlu Agius

Jan 7th 2012, 13:15

STULTUM FACIT FORTUNA QUEM VULT PERDERE - Fortune makes stupid whom she wishes to destroy.

Franco can continue playing with words and playing the advocate as much as he like, but I ask what message wanted to convey by bluffing with his secondary certificate with journalists??? He ruined his own political carreer in a split of a second and probably will cause severe harm to the country. He can join LP and hope than once LP are in power be chosen as a Minister (and expect all present Labour representatives to remain silent for being preferred instead of them despite their many years within the party). Franco does not look far in the future, he sees only his personal ambitions, ... even if it means that this be at the expense of a whole country.

G Buhagiar

Jan 7th 2012, 13:14

Proset Dr Franco Debono! ghax ghal darb'ohra kellek il-kuragg turi l-verita` u mhux ma titkellimx kif qed jaghmlu l-Ministri l-ohra tal-Gvern biex jintghogbu minn shabhom.

Inti kont li tkellimt dwar id-dizastru tat-Trasport Pubbliku, u fuq hafna affarijiet ohra. Hekk ghandjom ikunu n-nies tal-politika li jghidu l-verita` u l-fatti kif inhuma u mhux hafna loghob bid-diskors. Kunu afu li meta xi hadd fil-hajja jghid il-VERITA` ma tantx jaghmel SUCCESS! Sfortunatament fil-hajja min jigdeb jirnexxi aktar...

Keep it up Dr Debono!

Jimmy Magro

Jan 7th 2012, 13:13

Dr. Franco Debono position within the Pn is untenable. He must immediately request the Speaker of the House that he is to be povided with an independent seat and that he does not form of the PN Parliamentary Group.

An MP cannot chellenge the PM, call for the PM's resignation and also remain a member of the same Parliamentary Group.

Antonia Vella

Jan 7th 2012, 13:08

Prosit Franco specjalment tal 500euros mhux hekk min ha miljun fit 2011 u min ha 1.66 lol

Joseph Barbara

Jan 7th 2012, 12:57

Franco Debono - Missek tisthi tpoggi il pajjiz f''din is sitwazzjoni f'dan il mument kritiku. Hareg car li inti tahseb li int hafna aktar bravu mill int. Fil verita, jiher car li ghadek hafna lura milli tokkupa kariga fejn ikollok awtorita esekuttiva. Alla hares ikollok xi poter ghax ghandek tendenzi koroh. Jew li tghid int jew xejn. F'demokrazija, tiddiskuti u tikkritika kemm trid, imma fl'ahhar trid toqghod ghad decizjoni tal maggoranza. Missek tisthi tidher quddiem il kostitwenti tieghek.

Ray Spiteri

Jan 7th 2012, 12:55

Game over GONZIPN. I am convinced that majority want an election. Only those blue eyes who occupy political posts, consultants who are earning thousands of euros, etc are terrified and resist election. The man in the street want stability. We cannot have a PM focused with internal problems.

Adrian Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 12:53

Zomm sod Dr. Debono, jien lilek nirrispettak ghax ghandek il cojones......unlike some pathetic ppl who write on ToM online......ghamel kuragg, ghax ghalkemm cert li kif ghedt inti ix xibka tal hazen pruvat tilhqek, ibqa fuq kliemi li kif nimmagina li taf, these ppl know NO BOUNDS fejn jidhol poter.

Kuragg Dott, zomm il karizma li ghandek!

Tony Agius

Jan 7th 2012, 12:51

Dr Debono may have a good school result , but definitely NOT good result s in POLITICS , Franco you are a Lawyer and it looks like Politics is not for you , TOU TRIED BUT YOU FAILED , PLEASE RESIGN.

Joseph Aquilina

Jan 7th 2012, 12:48

People ask yourself and answer honestly ... why is Franco doing this? For the people or because he was not made a minister? If he did it for the people then why did he wait until Gonzi did not make him a minister? There is no reason or logic in what he has done!

Adrian Said

Jan 7th 2012, 12:46

As if you're the only backbencher that shares your opinion with the Prime Minister. Who knows how many of your colleagues share their opinion with the Prime Minister without showing off like you're doing. All you're trying to do is prove your, so-called, intelligence and brightness, in order to become a minister. I look forward to see you doing politics in Italy, the way you're doing it now......guess you won't have such a long career in politics neither!!!! If you're so intelligent and bright as stated in the school leaving certificate, you should have done this in the very beginning of this legislature, dear Franco. Such intelligence and brightness should make you think that Malta doesn't afford an election right now!!!

John Micallef

Jan 7th 2012, 12:45

Enough is enough Dr. Debono. Please do us all a favour please do stop being a Prima Donna. We all know of the credibility of our Prime Minister.

Mr Lawrence Calleja

Jan 7th 2012, 12:44

I'm sure that at the end Dr Franco Debono will make the right decision and support the PN government. Hope that there is not a hidden agenda of a "blackmail" by others who want to take down the government.

J.C. Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 12:39

SOME PEOPLE NEVER GROW UP.

Bhalissa ghandna ghaddejja pantomina ta' 'tifel tal-mama' (kif nghidu lil dil-kwalita' ta' nies).

Joanne Micallef

Jan 7th 2012, 12:33

Keep strong Dr Debono, you have the support of many who like you would like to finally see a Goverment that is there for ALL the poeple.

Mr M Saliba

Jan 7th 2012, 12:31

Kieku ma kienx Franco Valletta Road taż-Żurrieq ghadha kolla ħofor. Dan ħaqqu jkun ministru biex jirrapreżenta s-south ta' Malta.

Kieku ma kienx Franco Debono kieku l-ministri baqgħu jerdgħu €500 kull ġimgħa waqt li l-poplu jittewweb.

Tonio Galea

Jan 7th 2012, 12:29

I was tempted to start following what you were saying Franco .... until you showed PBS your secondary certificate. Sorry.

joe micallef

Jan 7th 2012, 12:28

keep up your good work Dr. Debono!!

adrian dimech

Jan 7th 2012, 12:27

Dear Dr Debono

Please resign and stop this here, start think more on yourself and less on the country and enjoy life because this year might be the last for all the humanity and let us all live our last day in peace.

God bless you

Mr Joe Micallef

Jan 7th 2012, 12:25

Stop digging Debono! There is only one thing you were after, that is, being made a Minster.

Your manners have shown that you are still not fit for it, and probably given your age you will not be able to rise above your serious problems.

Go ahead do what you have to do - the sooner the politcal scene is rid of you the better.

Mr Albert Dimech

Jan 7th 2012, 12:22

I'm disgusted by some commentators invoking insanity, are they all psychiatrists? Please respect the dignity of the person will you!

Treat the argument not the person. Dr Debono is no lunatic, as Mr Dom Mintoff wasn't in 1998, they are just not the goody, goody type. This is the final chapter of a troubled legislature, which was extended with continuous maneuvering but that was bound to end in this way.

D Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 12:00

with every minute that passes I am ever more convinced that this is a very shrewd ploy by the PN strategists who with textbook machiavellian moves are paving the way for a PN election victory - to be achieved only through sympathy for Gonzi, as Franco Debono will be demonised beyond any imagination.

This is the only card that GonziPN has - and the sooner he plays it the better , as all the hype of avoiding the economic crises and addressing the spiraling public debt is now being exposed as another bunch of hollow manouvers and cosmetic patchwork.
Likewise the early election will avoid having the PN face any party financing restrictions.

Pity the PL has not rid of the elements within it - even at high level - that makes the PL easily unelectable.

However much more vile is the fact that both the PN and PL have yet again dragged their feet to revise the electoral law - thus sabotaging any chance of real proportional representation - thus we are still faced with any Small party still having to garner around 48,000 votes to be able to penetrate into parliament.

I also expect the PN strategists to use the Franco Debono saga to attack Small parties (namely AD the Greens) - by again in a vile an cheeky manner claiming that if elected the Greens will hold government at ransom.

I hope that the public will see through these Machiavellian tactics - and vote for a change of the SYSTEM rather that having an alternating PNPL dictatorship which the PNPL are so well served with!

Tony Agius

Jan 7th 2012, 12:00

The one who is creating instability in Malta at this time is Franco Debono and the electorate should remember this forever before every vote in every Election .

charles v schembri

Jan 7th 2012, 11:57

Again in very delicate circumstances Dr Gonzi acted reasonably and intelligently showing long proven leadership. The hiving off of a number of Ministerial responsibilities from his portfolio would afford him to focus better on his role as primus interparis and particularly as party leader.

Mr Joe Vella

Jan 7th 2012, 11:56

Being in a team is playing for the team, in good times and in bad times.

Oligarchy... 69 people elected in parliament to represent 400,000 is that not oligarchy. You are part of it. Governed by oligarchy because you are not part of the cabinet - a really nice reflection that merits no reflection at all.

Prime Minister thought about your views and acted. Are you thinking about your views?

Malta is currently a stable place, finances in control, economy moving on.... If Malta is at your heart, which now I really doubt, you should resign. If you want Malta to loose its momentum then .... you decide....

Oligarchy means power by few people
Dictatorship means do what I want or you're fired... (This is what you are!!)

Joseph Zammit

Jan 7th 2012, 11:55

tatix kass dawn ic cwiec , ibqa semma lehnek habieb , int ta min jammirak mhux ihamgek u jajrek , u just for the records for these dump ......... jien nazzjonalist daqskom u tesserat ukoll imma l hazin najdlu hazin , keep it up once again .

Mario P. Sciberras

Jan 7th 2012, 11:46

The theory of mind (ToM) impairment describes a difficulty someone would have with perspective taking. This is also sometimes referred to as mind-blindness. This means that individuals with a ToM impairment would have a hard time seeing things from any other perspective than their own. Individuals who experience a theory of mind deficit have difficulty determining the intentions of others, lack understanding of how their behavior affects others, and have a difficult time with social reciprocity. ToM deficits have been observed in people with autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenics, persons under the influence of alcohol and narcotics, sleep-deprived persons, and persons who are experiencing severe emotional or physical pain. (Wikip)

E Gatt

Jan 7th 2012, 11:45

Can someone please let me know why a wannabe prime minister like Franco Debono, would publish his Form 2 report?

I am seriously curious.

Alfred Bugeja

Jan 7th 2012, 11:42

The only child's play I see in this story is that coming from someone who calls in a TV crew to show proof of how well he was doing at school in Form II when he was 12 years old and this toing and froing about who had been naughty first. "Le mummy... hu taghhieli l-ewwel id-daqqa!"

I can't believe that this man (or should I say child trapped in a man's body) managed to bluff his way through to Parliament in 2008.

M Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 11:34

F. D. jien nazzjonalist li tellghajtek fejn qieghed u ghamilt hekk mhux biex taghmel dak li qed taghmel imma biex dejjem f'dawn il-hames snin tissaportja lil gvern. Kelma wahda ghandi xi nghidlek.... Qazziztni!!!! u nispera li tieqaf u tibdel fhemtek!!!

Joseph Sammut

Jan 7th 2012, 11:25

FD does not know where to stop does he!

Fran Abela

Jan 7th 2012, 11:24

You have made your point Dr. Debono. Now, with due respect, leave us in peace to get on with our lives.

Mario P. Sciberras

Jan 7th 2012, 11:22

In the 16th century we had the "Copernican Revolution" in the 21st Century we have the "Franconian Revolution". The effect on the future development of western philosophical thought is difficult to exagerate.

Claire Abela

Jan 7th 2012, 11:22

UUUUUU marelli marelli, enough is enough now dr franco!!!

Ms L Dimech

Jan 7th 2012, 11:20

is this man totally insane?

YOU ARE THE ONE WHO SHOULD RESIGN, IF YOU HAD ONE DECENT BONE IN YOUR BODY - you are the one who usurped people's vote for a Nationalist government and are now burrowing yourself into the Labour Camp.

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE who was surprised with the PM's reaction. WE. the rest, all have total faith in him and his decisions.

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE who wasn't sure that once the PM split the Ministry, you would BOO HOO for something else. HLIEF TEQRED MA TAFX

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE who's tried to corner the Prime Minister into a hostage position.

YOU - AND THE LABOUR CAMP - ARE THE ONLY ONES the Prime Minister has caused streee and instability to the country with these issues.

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE who ever had the arrogance to believe anyone would offer you a MINISTRY - if you are not bananas, I don't know who is.

AND YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE indulging in child's play - AND YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE who's not seeing yourself as the spoilt brat you are.

Once again I ask you to stop shooting yourself in the feet - you probably don't have any more toes left already - and shut your gob once and for all. Concentrate on how lovely it would be for you in Italy, with all those political parties they have - THERE YOU CAN REALLY PLAY MUSICAL CHAIRS.

Paul Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 11:18

if you really think you deserve to be called Honourable...direct your way out of parliament and politics asap.Do you think the Prime Minister is your puppet and the maltese people idiots ?

Charles Sammut

Jan 7th 2012, 11:11

I totally agree with Franco when he said that gonzi "is being held hostage by a clique" and that lawrence is behaving like a child!
So, gonzi decides to retract the disgusting euro500.00 pay rise as well....why now?!?
The answer is obvious, the guy is with his back against the wall and he knows that his end is near and the Ides of March are but a few weeks away!

...and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on......

Jurgen Farrugia

Jan 7th 2012, 11:10

Il-kaz ta l-ittra anonima effetwa lil Franco b'mod ikrah, kemm fizikament u anke mentalment.

godwin difesa

Jan 7th 2012, 11:07

D Debono your ideas where very good and my self i always supported your ideas and you.Now i think you had went a little far from what this country really needs at this propitiate time we are living.The clique always existed not something new in politics so what is the real issue now.Try to settle this uncertainty what had been created the real election is not so far maximum 14 months so be smart as you always been and do not take quick decisions that you will regret in the near future.I am writing this as your friend as a Maltese not because of any other resin as i do not depend on no political party as you no me.Good luck my friend hope you will make the best decision.

Julian Esposito

Jan 7th 2012, 11:02

Franco, this has got nothing to do with the common good; It's about you, and you alone, God's gift to this country. You presumed to be a cabinet minister since the day you were elected. Now that your blackmail has not paid off, you will go down in history for making Joseph Muscat and Anglu 'tuks' Farrugia representatives of all of us. Well done!

Mr David Ganado

Jan 7th 2012, 10:56

Yes Dr. Debono, the world revolves around every word you say.........get a life!

joseph saliba

Jan 7th 2012, 10:54

Parliament is there to serve the country=the people. It is a means to an end. 'dignity', 'insults' and 'disrespect' are subjective political pronouncements; meaning that they always depend on personal interpretation. Parlimantary procedure on the other hand being socrosant is not the prerogative of an individual member or group of the same but subject to a code of governing rules.

Joseph Aquilina

Jan 7th 2012, 10:53

I guess its now obvious that franco is living in a world of his own. He thinks he is the center of every decision taken by the PM. The PM had said last year he was going to split the ministry. The PM kept the samd prople. it is this which angered franco... not being made a minister.

Michael Vella

Jan 7th 2012, 10:48

"The day started in the morning when I told timesofmalta.com that the Prime Minister is being held hostage by a clique"

I don't think that Franco Debono realises that there currently is the Chinese Foreign Minister in Malta and the PM may have had other things on his mind than dealing with a spoilt back bencher who did well in his exams nearly 30 years ago. Well sone by the way, i did pretty well in my exams too when i was 15, does that mean i am owed something by the PM too?

Also, since when does the spoilt kid think that giving comments to the media is the best way to give information to the Prime Minister.

Do us all a favour Franco and resign...and whilst you're at it emigrate to Italy since you seem to be so in love with a country! You are a disgrace.

Jo Camm

Jan 7th 2012, 10:45

SO THAT MAKES IT CLEAR WHAT DEBONO IS AFTER.

"SELF PRAISE IS NO RECOMMENDATION"

j brincat

Jan 7th 2012, 10:45

Dr Franco leads while Dr Gonzi follows head downwards!



(jb)

G. Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 10:44

Imissek tiehu vaganza twila l-italia Dr. Debono, u hallian nghixu fil-Paci. Tahseb inti li Joseph Muscat kapaci jmxxi l-pajjiz iktar minn Laurence Gonzi ? Qieghed turi il-maturita' li ghandek...........

Frank Portelli 2BFRANK

Jan 7th 2012, 10:41

We have crossed the Rubicon

Dr Frank Portelli

M Cassar

Jan 7th 2012, 10:40

I do not always agree with Dr. Gonzi's decisions but the above just goes to confirm that the ultimatum given by Dr Debono was not meant to leave a way out, so Dr Gonzi was damned if he didn't and is obviously damned although he did split the Ministry.

Of course it is very (il)logical to imagine Dr. Gonzi waiting eagerly for Dr Debono's statement yesterday morning and then rushing to act upon it!!! Just before the end of the year I had thought that Dr Debono had realized that there is no 'i' in team. I was wrong. But the issue of the SAC certificate does indicate that perhaps he is not fully aware of what he is doing - for who could possibly logically justify that action?!

Mr Evan Camilleri

Jan 7th 2012, 10:35

In a way I do support members of parliament who go against the decision of their leader - we need a situation where we are able to hear more than 2 voices in parliament. But now to me it is clear that the decision of not favoring government is one of two: (or both)
1 = do how i want else i blackmail you
2 = i want to be a minister

Rose Grima

Jan 7th 2012, 10:30

Dear Dr. Debono, I think the time is for you to learn how to zip your mouth, and do what is best for this country.....that is, leave the prime minister to govern. Do you really believe that the labour leader would want you in his team if you vote against the govt and opt to go with the PL? How naive!!!!

Wayne Criggs

Jan 7th 2012, 10:30

ARROGONZI: He doesn't have the majority in Parliament, he doesn't have the majority in the streets. How can he govern?

Ms D. Borg

Jan 7th 2012, 10:27

M'ghandek rispett lejn hadd, la lejn il-Prim Ministru u lanqas lejn l-elettorat. L-umilta zgur mhix il-forte tieghek.

Andreas Moser

Jan 7th 2012, 10:25

The inflationary distribution of doctorate degrees in Maltese politics makes them look rather worthless.

Kristina Cassar

Jan 7th 2012, 10:24

I agreed with him on Austin Gatt's resignation but for me now he's just a big DRAMA QUEEN!!

fredu debono

Jan 7th 2012, 10:22

when are you going to shut your big mouth. you wanted the split and the split is done. now shut up or resign and go to italy. we are fed up with you.

A. Tabone

Jan 7th 2012, 10:20

Franco "Id-Dinja Ddur Madwari" Debono.