Upstart MP

Eddy Privitera

Apr 22nd 2012, 10:06

Franco Farrugia, how many Maltese and Gozitan voters really knew what the EU accession treaty contained when going to vote in the EU referendum ??? You happen to be one of the relatively FEW in Malta who would vote in favour of Turkey's EU membership. But of course, the Maltese people will never be given the opportunity by the politicians to have their say on a matter that would definitely affect their lives. JPO has the guts to say what he truly believes in, knowing also what common people, and not the politicians, say. He has already been proven right on the divorce issue despite the local Church's direct involvement. He would also be proven right IN A MUCH MORE RESOUNDING WAY if a referendum is held, Sur Franco Farrugia !

Lina Caruana

Apr 21st 2012, 17:43

Whether one agrees with JPO or not apart from the respect for the Minister 's decision , It is very irksome to know that an invited guest to Malta should insult a Maltese MP whoever he may be. When this happened in Austria ,the diplomat was sent packing to his home country reminding him that he could take with him also his compatriots who preferred to leave their home paradise. An apology would be the least to expect if Turks want to be treated fairly.

Ramon Casha

Apr 21st 2012, 16:42

While I disagree with JPO's reasons for not wanting Turkey to join the EU, I absolutely agree that this matter must be decided by parliament.

Wally Vella-Zarb

Apr 21st 2012, 15:06

Perhaps the Prime Minister was too busy in his futile battle against the introduction of divorce to inform his parliamentary group of what was going on elsewhere.

Cecil Herbert Jones

Apr 21st 2012, 12:17

Freedom of speech, freedom of criticism?

Peter Apap Bologna

Apr 21st 2012, 11:51

It is unlike Major Clews to be discourteous. Many agree with Dr Pullicino Orlando on the matter of Turkey and the EU. The Christian character of European culture and tradition is our most valuable quality and we must preserve it at all costs. This is not a matter of religion, but of our customs and ethics. Turkey is a splendid country, a great nation, and a valued friend and ally, but it is essentially a Muslim nation, struggling against odds to maintain its secular system. It could easily lean towards fundamentalist Islam. While muslims are welcome in Europe they have to more or less observe our Christian ways. But we can never accept Islam, for so many reasons which need not be itemised. For me, the way they treat women is enough to repel me. Let us not patronise Dr Pullicino Orlando for drawing our attention to an important issue, nor muddy the waters with the divorce issue, surely mixing lettuce and wind, as our friend Kenneth might put it!

J.C. Borg

Apr 21st 2012, 11:39

"Come off it young man, too much Facebook is not good for you!"

Actually this Face (less) book in not good for anyone. Its staff try to regulate your private life. I told them more than once that I am not interested in what other people do, but they keep sending me emails that, say, my friend has posted something on his 'wall'. What the heck do I care what other people do??????

Eddy Privitera

Apr 21st 2012, 11:28

Stanley Clews, what Dr. JPO said is shared by the vast majority of the Maltese. What you wrote is shared only by those who kow-tow to politicians ! Turkey's admission would be a disaster to the EU. The sole consolation is that Turkey's entry is still very far off. By that time the EU will most probably have died a natural death ! Or would have changed to what it was initially, which I would then agree with.

Mr Tony Gatt

Apr 21st 2012, 10:51

Didn't you realise that Malta is running the E.U.?