POWER HUNGRY? NEVER
So I was wrong, Labour have won another cynical, opportunistic, motion,this time riding on the coat-tails of someone else who had a personal axe to grind.
What a sad bunch, snapping at the heels of people who are so much better than them that they can't even comprehend the vastness of the gap.
I'm told, because I am away and I couldn't bring myself to waste some international bandwidth listening to him, that the Honourable Pullicino Orlando mentioned me in the House while he was venting his spleen on Mr Cachia Caruana. I was going to write "his ineffectual spleen" but sadly, the combination of his spleen and Labour's opportunism resulted in it being effectual.
Let me spell it out, so even Mr Pullicino Orlando can grasp it: I was, am and remain honoured to call Cachia Caruana my friend. This does not mean, however, that he tells me what to write and what opinions to hold.
Perhaps in Pullicino Orlando's version of reality, this happens, but in mine, it doesn't. If he has proof to the contrary, why doesn't he have the moral fibre to say it without Parliamentary privilege, where he has to be careful what he says, because if he lies, he can be called a liar without being able to invoke the privileges to which he is entitled?
What a sad reflection on the depths to which Labour and its opportunism have reduced the House. The more they preach about Parliament being the highest institution in the land (it's not, but only they and people like Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici keep saying so) the more they resort to means which make us see under their murky rock.
Labour's little helpers will preen and prattle as if they have brought down the Government. They haven't and it seems they won't but this won't stop the crowing.
They will be crowing only about how they took advantage, for a second time, of the personal grudges of someone who is now resplendent in his moment of glory. He must be so pleased with himself.
The cock hasn't crowed for the third time so we might even get another little episode of denial yet!
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Francis Saliba M.D.
Jun 21st 2012, 20:50
@ ABC
If I were you I wouldn't challenge JPO to produce proof of anything, in or out of parliament.
It is fair to anticipate his reply that he has confidential SMSs to prove that black is white, but out of his boundless honourable qualities he would not disclose their contents. There may still exist willing, gullible fools who pretend to believe such a solemn declaration coming from the tearful joker of the Mistra tragi-comedy
Lawrence Fenech
Jun 20th 2012, 16:46
It seems that Gonzi is taking Tonio's adivce and does not want a cuc malti to replace RCC.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Jun 20th 2012, 14:40
a) On the 'one' side we have:
>What a sad reflection on the depths to which Labour and its opportunism have reduced the House
And on the other we have:
- "In less than a month, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi twice lost his parliamentary majority"
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120620/local/Caught-between-the-personal-and-political.425105
- He said it was unacceptable for high-ranking PN and government officials to “cavort” with her when she “disgustingly” derided Nationalist “icons” like the late President Emeritus Guido de Marco.
- This, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, showed Mr Cachia Caruana's disdain to democratic norms.
Martin Scicluna, defence adviser at the Office of the Prime Minister had written that: "ministers and parliamentary secretary were treated with utter disdain by him and his remark on bicca deputat with regard to Franco Debono rings true."
"He did not have the least doubt that what was said in the Wikileaks cable was true. He had no doubt that Mr Cachia Caruana had negotiated with senior American officials behind Parliament's back."
il-bocca will (of course) put ALL and ANY blame on the LP when it is the PN's side itself that are saying "ENOUGH - NO MORE!" to the conservative wing (Oligarchy) of the government which seems to be holding together with sticky tape, chewing gum, self-denial and not much else...
b) "His actions, however, continually showed disrespect for democracy. His actions had put off genuine Nationalists."
> I was, am and remain honoured to call Cachia Caruana my friend.
>Perhaps in Pullicino Orlando's version of reality, this happens, but in mine, it doesn't.
Long may the friendhip reign and provide succour and succulent imagination for this blog(sic!)
c) and how about the piece-de-resistance, the "clincher" (!!):
"The cock hasn't crowed for the third time so we might even get another little episode of denial yet!"
Lovely.. how can THAT not put a smile on anyone's face..?
j brincat
Jun 19th 2012, 20:19
"What a sad reflection on the depths to which Labour and its opportunism"
Have you conveniently forgotten the 1998 era when the PN MPs sided with the Dom to bring Dr Sant's government down? And if your memory serves you well you will remember that in 1996 Dr Sant did not win the election by the thinnest of all whiskers in the world like GonziPN did in 2008!
Did you forget that the PN MP's at the time had agreed to an MTA bill but then had a 'sudden' change of heart and voted against it.
But then the kettle never ceases to tell the pot black!
(jb)
j brincat
Jun 19th 2012, 20:13
"So I was wrong, Labour have won another cynical, opportunistic, motion,this time riding on the coat-tails of someone else who had a personal axe to grind"
And all strictly accordingly to the rules of democracy which has further thrown GonziPN in panic mode!
(jb)
Edmond Micallef
Jun 19th 2012, 17:49
ABC says of RCC - Quote : "This does not mean, however, that he tells me what to write and what opinions to hold."
Could be true, but he surely benefits fully out of that you vehemently write on others and by the expression of your puerile opinion. Classically scratching each other's back when the appropriate time befits.
One notes that you did not bite at FD this time. Could it be, by any chance, that he has put his money where his mouth is?
Joseph Calleja
Jun 19th 2012, 17:44
Oh what a lousy blog! It seems your are slipping more often now, you should give yourself a break perhaps if you take philately that will keep you quiet for a while at least until the forthcoming elections are history.
Joseph Calleja
Jun 20th 2012, 18:09
This morning I saw you on TVAM Dottore. How puerile! You were a bore all the way, you are loosing your grips. You should have stayed at home.
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 19th 2012, 17:41
''What a sad bunch, snapping at the heels of people who are so much better than them that they can't even comprehend the vastness of the gap''.
Excuse me! Me thinks its you and your beloved party that's doesn't comprehend EXACTLY what the pn drove themselves into, otherwise they would have called an early election long time ago. As it is they will only prolong their agony to their very own grave detriment.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 19th 2012, 16:19
Hi ABC ! How is it that you didn't comment about the most telling words said by Dr. Pullicino Orlando, namely, that there were at least 10 other colleagues of his on the government side, who would have wished to vote in favour of the PL motion ??????
K CASSAR
Jun 19th 2012, 15:41
"What a sad bunch, snapping at the heels of people who are so much better than them that they can't even comprehend the vastness of the gap." - Well done. The perfect description of the nationalist party!
I've asked it time and again: is it really so unbelievable that the nationalist members of parliament might have their own opinions or is it that LG just can't handle them having one?
Mr Borg Cardona, maybe it's just that people unlike yourself that are not friends of RCC and honoured to be so are not treated in the same way you are.
Let me spell it out. You are wrong. It is not the Labour party motions or little helpers to drive Gonzi PN to the ground. It does so on it's own and without any help.!!!!
Paul Sammut
Jun 19th 2012, 14:50
The most stupid of them all is Dr Franco Debono who some months ago was described as a 'bicca deputat' by Mr Cachia Caruana. Well I think after all Mr Cachia Caruana was more than right when he said the he was a 'bicca deputat'. All this tension in the country is because Dr Debono has been inconsistent in the way he acted, bringing his reputation to zero. I am always against Cachia Caruana's arrogance but for once I agree with him calling Dr Debono 'bicca deputat' . That's what he is today ! By the way I hope he has realised at least that his days in parliament and with the PN are counted !
Charles W. Sammut
Jun 19th 2012, 13:54
The pot calling the kettle bla ....... sooty.
Andy Farrugia
Jun 19th 2012, 12:56
There's one thing I cannot understand about this blogger.....but he is entitled to his opinion, of course....WHY put the blame on the opposition when the government side is littered with a motley crowd of opportunistic, ambitious, scheming, morally bankrupt creatures?
Alfred J. McEwen
Aug 7th 2012, 15:19
Alfred J. McEwen
I could`nt agree with you more, most of what you said is true, however, the Knights in Shining Armor belonging to the other side will eventually become a motley crowd of opportunistic, scheming, and morally bankrupt creatures of tomorrow, similar to the other shower, once they have their snouts in the trough. One must realise that politicians of whatever political persuasion will become so by default rather than by design as they are out to line their own pockets and grab all the lurks and perks that being in office affords, at the expense of the tax paying `sucked-in` voter who will then CONTINUE to grumble at the long string of broken promises, poor services and to suffer the colossal ineptitude of the new and much vaunted politicos that have formed a new administration. Unfortunately, the nation has nothing but ``Hobson`s Choice`` (no choice at all) on their selection of elected hairy chested individuals that will promise the earth and then deliver Zilch. We have seen it time after time that politicians in general don`t give a rat`s arse for the country but only care about themselves. The nation on the other hand can learn to be discerning by electing the proper kind of politicians that put the needs of the nation first or kicked out of office if they fail to deliver. This fetish that voters hold for partisan politics needs to be eliminated and consideration for the needs of the country come first. Hence a good choice in voting for a party that works for the country and not vice- versa but unfortunately, it is nothing short of a Utopian fantasy ...or is it? ...well that`s for the people to decide is`nt it ?
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jun 19th 2012, 12:24
If anybody is power hungry, it is the oligarchy of GonziPN. The blood suckers around GonziPn are terrified of the trough being pulled away from their snouts. You once again attack the LP but have nothing to say about a party whose leader is losing his own sheep - instead of being a good shepherd, Dr Gonzi has alienated so many in the NP that now even his PMs are straying. The NP has become fragmented with internal strife galore. But all of this does not matter to you so long as GonziPN stays in power. Keep on attacking the LP while GonziPN just falls apart and starts to eat its own children.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jun 19th 2012, 12:09
Another slap in the face of GonziPN - the sooner they go, the better for this country. The Opposition represent almost half of this country and they have every right to express their opinion about a minister who has zero votes from the Maltese public. And it seems that on this, they have also the agreement of a large number of Nationalist MPs. As for JPO, he did not say that RCC tells you what to say - only that you and the others he named are under his influence. I have said this before: DCG's blog will cost the NP the next election. Finally, you keep talking about being opportunistic - don't tell me that if the NP was in oppositon and they smelt that a government MP was unhappy, that they would not have done the same thing as the present opposition has done. They would have been fools not to!
edgar rossignaud
Jun 19th 2012, 10:18
Yesterday's vote could set a very dangerous precedent for the country - much bigger than losing an Ambassador. Let's say the Attorney General gives a ruling which is not good music to the Opposition, and somehow these manage to find a member of the Government who agrees with this view, then the AG could be brought before Parliament and made to resign. In this scenario public servants (eg Chairpersons of banks, authorities, etc), are going to lose their freedom to decide even on trivial matters - let alone more serious ones, as they will risk being dragged out in front of the People's Court, as Parliament is fastly becoming.
Franco Farrugia
Jun 19th 2012, 11:14
EXACTLY! Read my comment, please!
Victor Laiviera
Jun 19th 2012, 14:20
"Let's say the Attorney General gives a ruling which is not good music to the Opposition, and somehow THESE MANAGE TO FIND A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNMENT WHO AGREES WITH THIS VIEW (my caps)
That can only happen with a weak and fragmented Government, riven by dissension and internal strife.
So blame Lawrence Gonzi, for not having the courage to call an election and put his case to the people.
Joseph Camilleri
Jun 19th 2012, 09:47
This is a decision that will come back to haunt the country. Who does not believe that a country gets the government it deserves is foolish. At the moment we have it good, economically and politically. So good in fact, that we are like the proverbial dog with the bone looking into the pond. Perhaps this country does need a dose of Labour to realise what it is losing. Motions like these are clear evidence of the power of the green eyed monster. However, do they realise, those brave boys who voted to oust a civil servant, that they have now unleashed his undisputed abilities as a strategist full time? Be that as it may, I am inclined to think that the country will go for labour and will get what it deserves. Richard, and Carm, will be vindicated but not in the short term.
Paul Ellul
Jun 19th 2012, 07:34
The one thing that is always coming up when PN are defeated in Parliament, and in the course of running the business of our beautiful Island Country is....Why do the PN apologists always and forever have to blame the messenger or a third party for the outcome?
If Parliament is structured for motions and votes to be carried, why is that voters have to read articles which only serve to try to give the impression that these persons have commuted some deed most foul and proceed to shift blame on those who are exercising their rights?
Just as in a game of football, there are two teams, rules and a referee. And if a team score goals, and even due to the opposing team's mistakes such as an auto goal, or the goalie making a tactical, error, will the sports journalists start blaming the winning team? Of course not. But in Malta, this happens all the time.
But one is for sure. Voters, tax payers and / or citizens of Malta, call us what you wish, are seeing through this very clearly.
And let's face it. PL are now playing by the rules and have moved on from 'gang warfare in the streets that we witnessed in the early 80's. They are using the rule of law and doing what is allowed for them to do by the rules of the democracy.
Even in 1996, through to 1998, PL did not resort to street violence, and when push came to shove, they caslled an election and accepted their fate and went for an early election. Big deal.
Is that so bad? I don't think so. And I have right to speak my mind. And there will be those who agree, and those who disagree. Everyone has a right to express themselves. And if we do not agree, we should remain civil and accept the outcome.
Everyone else has, so why shouldn't the PN apologists also move on?
ANTHONY PAVIA
Jun 19th 2012, 11:27
Excellent comment.
Andrew Camilleri
Jun 19th 2012, 15:09
Well sad.Agree.
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 20th 2012, 09:34
First of all an excellent comment......as to the ''Everyone else has, so why shouldn't the PN apologists also move on?'' Well you see they are caught in a 'time warp' of their own making with no end in sight. So.... there it is.
Richard Caruana
Jun 19th 2012, 07:06
Shame on the PL for reducing Parliament to an arena for those with a personal axe to grind.
After Lino Spiteri's comments yesterday one would have thought that the opposition would have done the decent thing and scrapped their motion.
Edward Zammit
Jun 19th 2012, 08:54
I feel that Lino Spiteri is doing all that is possible to help PL obtain victory in the next election. However with Joseph Muscat around, digging his heels in opportunistic motions, Lino Spiteri conviction that JM is failing to gain support from level headed persons is correct
m. borg (slm)
Jun 19th 2012, 13:43
Who the muck is Lino Spiteri ?
He is entitles to his opinion but it doesn't necessarily mean he is right all the time.
Lino should know better because he was one who abondoned the party after the 1998 elections. I still would like to know if Lino was of the opinion that the 1996 labour government should have stayed on with a backbencher taking occassional bites at the government.
T.F. Busuttil
Jun 19th 2012, 17:27
shame not on PL but on the 2 GONZIPN members. PL is in minority.
Mr Eric Camilleri
Jun 19th 2012, 00:24
Dear all, the parliament has become the walk of shame for GonziPN!!
So all of you all you want is that these type of motions do not reach the parliament??? You want an opposition that never speaks out and acts on what is wrong??
If RCC was not guilty this vote could have been rejected! It' time to go for the PN that is all..
M Grima
Jun 19th 2012, 00:11
Your popularity index is getting higher, a fact which may excite you, even though its for the wrong reasons. Don't worry Andrew, the PL won't mind if your beloved and inefficient PM want to stay in power until the last hour of their mandate, the further they plod on, the margin of defeat gets bigger. And with your help and those of your clique this margin is reaching astronomical heights.
Alfred Fenech
Jun 19th 2012, 19:00
Any Party beyond a ten year term becomes rusty. Twenty five years is unrealistic. .
However, to be honest .... Memx minn fejn tasel !!!!
Chris Farrugia
Jun 19th 2012, 00:04
Stop pointing at an opposition who is doing it's job i.e. to oppose. If they found backing from the government side, the fault lies squarely on the government benches. JPO has revealed your true colours as well as those of your same ilk. RCC was the master of puppets and you were either happy to share that power or else you were happy to be one of his puppets. Either way, your god is on his knees now. FD revealed this intricate web, and piece by piece it is falling apart.
Jessica Smith
Jun 18th 2012, 23:15
ABC you said that JPO has an axe to grind.
Do you have an axe to grind with Labour?
Mark Scicluna
Jun 18th 2012, 23:05
Keep justifying yourself to yourself , and only yourself. " Iceberg, right ahead"........
Paul Caruana
Jun 18th 2012, 21:58
The opposition is just doing its job. Regarding the PN backbenchers, surely they cannot be all wrong all of the time!
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Jun 18th 2012, 23:39
Seriously? Your standards of discernment are that low?
Mario Sciberras
Jun 19th 2012, 00:37
No they can't be all wrong.
Just the ones that Joseph puts a carrot infront of them.
B Ellul
Jun 19th 2012, 07:28
'The opposition is just doing its job'.... what job is that?
Franco Farrugia
Jun 19th 2012, 07:40
We are here talking of two, three, maximum four PN backbenchers, each with an axe to grind. They want amendments made, but none of them gives up parliamentary privilege which has been used and abused ad infinitum.
What I find irritating in ABC's writings is that he doesn't accept the fact that this national fracas is in the lap of the PN and the PN MPs, and not in the lap of the Opposition. Remember that the Opposition has been in those benches for donkey's years and now they are seeing that their enemy, Troy, has breaches in its walls not once, but twice, thrice and perhaps four times! Do you expect them not to try and invade the city? You must be a fool to do that.
The problem lies with the PN. I hate to say this because there is still, to my mind, no suitable replacement for them but ... the problem does not lie with the PL but with the PN.
Do people think that the PL did not know that JPO would vote with them and that Mugliett would abstain, thus making it impossible for the Speaker to use his vote? Do people think that this was not yet another planned scenario?
'They cannot be all wrong all of the time!' But they can, if you consider that they crucify a man or woman for the wrong reason, whatever other faults he or she might have. And read what I have just written over and over again.
Tomorrow, 20 June, it might just be the turn of some other government official who finds just one, JUST ONE, dissident voice - purely for personal reasons because that is what Parliament has been reduced to, from the PN ranks and the PL get wind of it: yet another opportunity to bring Gonzi to his knees.
This is what comes from a leader who does not favour a free process for the choice of successor. The chickens have now come home to roost.
Alfred Fenech
Jun 19th 2012, 18:56
Any party in opposition always does a good job. No matter what colour.
Please choose the reason of your report below: