Caught between the personal and political
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi (centre) and members of the PN parlimentary group yesterday. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
In less than a month, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi twice lost his parliamentary majority but he has vowed to continue marching on.
The Administration will continue in office as long as the government enjoyed Parliament’s trust, he told journalists yesterday when visiting the offices of a software firm.
It was almost like the business-as-usual attitude Dr Gonzi adopted after winning a confidence vote earlier this month, days after Parliament voted to remove former Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici from office.
But the brave face Dr Gonzi put up yesterday, as he was shadowed by the winner of the Nationalist Party’s Prime Minister For a Day competition, betrayed the problems facing his Administration.
A few weeks ago, it was PN backbencher Franco Debono who voted with the opposition to oust Dr Mifsud Bonnici. The MP later voted with the government in a vote of confidence that prompted Dr Gonzi to declare that the chapter of political turmoil was closed.
But on Monday, a new chapter opened after backbencher Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando voted with the opposition on a motion calling for Malta’s EU envoy Richard Cachia Caruana to resign. Jesmond Mugliett, another backbencher, abstained.
The events have left people wondering why MPs on the government side keep voting against their own party.
PN backbencher Charlo Bonnici believes the majority of MPs who ousted Mr Cachia Caruana did not vote on the basis of the opposition’s motion but on “partisan or personal issues”.
“As a member of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee I was present in all the meetings held over the past two weeks and could say that the alleged treason or bypassing of parliamentary procedures by Mr Cachia Caruana never occurred,” a dejected Mr Bonnici said.
He was left questioning what was gained by “the portrayal of revenge as some kind of virtue”.
Without suggesting what course of action the government should adopt from now on, Mr Bonnici insisted it should “definitely not be business as usual”.
In similar tone, former Prime Minister and President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami said that what happened in Parliament was “most unfair” on Mr Cachia Caruana.
“He has served his country well to the best of his ability and what happened was absolutely unacceptable,” Dr Fenech Adami said of his former personal assistant and long-time adviser.
Former PN president Frank Portelli drew a distinction between the Cachia Caruana motion – intended to censure a civil servant – and the Mifsud Bonnici motion that spoke of ministerial responsibility.
“It seemed to me as I listened to Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando on the radio that he has a big personal issue with journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and, for some reason, Jeffrey was redirecting his feelings to Richard Cachia Caruana,” Dr Portelli said.
If it was not a personal issue, like Dr Pullicino Orlando said, it must be a political problem, Dr Portelli added.
“It must be a case of political assassination.”
The Mifsud Bonnici motion was a different kettle of fish, he said, adding it targeted a minister who was being held politically responsible for some serious shortcomings. “The minister had to resign but the government survived a vote of confidence the next day. Parliament decided against the minister but supported the government to remain in office. This is survival but all within the bounds of parliamentary democracy.”
The Prime Minister’s problems are compounded by the fact that his party is trailing in the polls. An election called now would not bode well for the PN, according to Dr Portelli.
A summer of discontent beckoned unless the government grabbed the bull by the horns and resolved the issues “hurting ordinary people”, he added.
But according to Labour candidate and former pro-divorce movement chairman Deborah Schembri the situation is untenable and only an election will give the country stability.
If the Prime Minister prolonged an election to gain more votes, she said, it was a wrong strategy because the PN was “losing votes by the second”.
She believes the government’s internal problems stemmed from Dr Gonzi’s leadership style, refuting the argument that personal issues motivated various Nationalist MPs to part ways with their parliamentary group.
“Was the divorce campaign motivated by personal issues or was it because many people felt it was time to have divorce? Were the problems flagged in the Home Affairs Ministry personal issues?”
The Prime Minister failed to unite people in his party and was instead creating factions, she said, adding the Prime Minister disappointed her and many other people who believed in him.
“I once believed in him and so did people like Jeffrey (Pullicino Orlando), Jesmond (Mugliett) and Franco (Debono) who are now very critical. But Dr Gonzi is oblivious to the problems that are obvious to everyone else.”
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Joseph Aquilina
Jun 21st 2012, 08:33
What PL supporters cant understand is that what is keeping them away from power is not Gonzi, is not PN but rather Franco and JPO who do not mind voting with PL when they have what many see as personal interests but couldn't care less giving PL the election it so craves about. PN was very democratic, it always saw if it had a majority in parliament and indeed after using PL for their own needs, these MPs always voted with the government. Now PN has showed that this game cannot go on. PN has once again shown everyone that its members do not do what is good for the party - like PL - but what is good for Malta.
S.M. Cuschieri
Jun 20th 2012, 18:16
Forgive me for sounding like a tooth sayer!! LOLOL!! But wouldn't it be funny that amidst all this hate by the PL geared towards the PN, the PN will still come out of the next elections strong, proud and still in the government?? I dislike and detest politics but the way politics crazes this tiny bit of an island, I bloody well wish that the PM does come out of this strong and proud, and believe me, I do not believe in parties or elections or anything!!!
David Bezzina
Jun 20th 2012, 17:32
The PM is in a state of denial.If he is unaware of the air of uncertainty that exists in Malta than the man has definetely lost touch with reality.
Adriano Spiteri
Jun 20th 2012, 17:05
the long cries of failure...
get a life!
Mark Borg
Jun 20th 2012, 16:50
All the GonziPN's apologists seem to conveniently forget that the last two motions presented by the Opposition did not pass thanks to Labour's MPs but the GonziPN's defections. Franco Debono, with all his hot air, seems to be placated for the time being. Who knows? He may have been promised some goodies (you know: the 'you scratch my back and I scratch yours' kind). How to placate JPO? No mean task. A MEPA permit for the Mistra development would do the trick though! You never know.
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 20th 2012, 16:41
IFully concur to what Deborah Schembri said about the present political scenario. I am convinced that this is all the PM doing in the sense that from the beginning of this legislature He started treating cabinet 'as He saw fit' forming circles of inner cores and moving away or distancing himself from all others that somehow did not fit in to his likening. Well as they say you can't have it all the time your way, there is a limit to what one can do and not do. This cauldron had been heating up for quite some time and now it’s spewing up its content unrestricted. I doubt very much whether now it can be contained after reaching these epic proportions.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 20th 2012, 16:15
Lawrence Gonzi has said that those who voted against the party line on the motion of no confidence in RCC, will have to face the political consequences ! LIKE WHAT ? Dr. Gonzi refuses to say BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT HE IS NOT IN A POSITION TO DO ANYTHING SINCE HE STILL NEEDS JPO'S, MUGLIETT'S AND FRANCO DEBONO'S VOTES IN PARLIAMENT !!! sO WHAT HE HAS SAID IS ALL BLUFF !!!
J Busuttil
Jun 20th 2012, 17:29
Ok Eddy you made your point no need to shout. ( Fenech MD take note)
Eddy Privitera
Jun 20th 2012, 16:15
Lawrence Gonzi has said that those who voted against the party line on the motion of no confidence in RCC, will have to face the political consequences ! LIKE WHAT ? Dr. Gonzi refuses to say BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT HE IS NOT IN A POSITION TO DO ANYTHING SINCE HE STILL NEEDS JPO'S, MUGLIETT'S AND FRANCO DEBONO'S VOTES IN PARLIAMENT !!! sO WHAT HE HAS SAID IS ALL BLUFF !!!
Mark Stevens
Jun 20th 2012, 15:48
Mhux sewwa li l poplu jibqa jistenna biex jaghti r-risposta tieghu. Il poplu bhal issa qed jighix f incertezza u ma jistax jafda lil gvern.
Alfred Fenech
Jun 20th 2012, 16:33
The clikka must survive.. I recount that there were other good civil servants who were methodically
destroyed. But when its a blue eyed boy then its another matter. Its a matter of religious belief.
One is either thrown to the lions or the lions caught up with him. Eitherways you fulfil your duties
and still are at somebody's mercy.
Pippo De Marco
Jun 20th 2012, 15:41
"... The Administration will continue in office as long as the government enjoyed Parliament’s trust"
Gonzi seems determined to remain at the helm in blissful ignorance of the fact that he has long since lost Parliament's trust. The only reason he was unopposed as party leader was because noone else would be foolish enough to lead PN into a general election with the weight of Gonzi's record on his/her back.
The reason he survived the confidence vote was because PN members feared losing their seats on the gravy train. But mark my words, they will drop Gonzi like a rotten fish after he loses the election. And serve him right. He should have stood down more than a year ago and given the party had time to recover. But then his monument might not have been completed.
Michael Gatt
Jun 20th 2012, 15:38
To clear the air of uncetinity on one word exist and this is election
B Attard
Jun 20th 2012, 15:28
Metal-kap jibda jmexxi bil-preferenzi dak ikun ir-rizultat ahhari
Lino Cuomo
Jun 20th 2012, 16:43
Xi preferenzi? Taf xi haga Sur Attard? Ghidilna halli il poplu ikun jaf.
A. Xuereb
Jun 20th 2012, 17:26
@ Lina Cuomo: staqsi l Franco, l Jeffrey, l Jesmond, r Robert u l Jean Pierre u jghidulek...
Mr Emanuel Farrugia
Jun 20th 2012, 15:19
"The Administration will continue in office as long as the government enjoyed Parliament’s trust, he told journalists yesterday when visiting the offices of a software firm - Dr. Lawrence Gonzi".
Qieghed jidher tajjeb, illi GONZIPN ma' jafx x'igifieri 'Parliament's trust', anzi jaf tajjeb issa x'qieghed jigri madwaru u dawn huma fatti. Importanti issa, ta' direzzjoni tajba u mhux hbieb tal-hbieb u hafna klikek. TRUST: Trust is both and emotional and logical act. Emotionally, it is where you expose your vulnerabilities to people, but believing they will not take advantage of your openness. Logically, it is where you have assessed the probabilities of gain and loss, calculating expected utility based on hard performance data, and concluded that the person in question will behave in a predictable manner. In practice, trust is a bit of both. I trust you because I have experienced your trustworthiness and because I have faith in human nature. Trust means making an exchange with someone when you do not have full knowledge about them, their intent and the things they are offering to you.
Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council
Joe Fenech
Jun 20th 2012, 14:47
Some people can't help being in denial!
Joe Fenech
Jun 20th 2012, 14:47
" He was left questioning what was gained by “the portrayal of revenge as some kind of virtue”. "
What a stupid way of seeing things!
Paul Azzopardi
Jun 20th 2012, 14:37
We are in for an obvious conclusion to the up coming election.....it seems all the walls are collapsing around Mr Gonzi....soon I think he may come to a point where he will say ,'' Anche tu Brutus ? '', looks like he is being demoralized by his own ranks and we the public are seeing what has been wrong with this Government. But can we stop this from happening again? Will a new Government stand true for the Maltese middle class finally?? What can we as citizens possibly do to halt the onslaught of corruption and bad practice we maltese know of, each time any Government takes over??? Permits, backhanders,priveleges, licences,excuses,cliques, back stabbings and fair commission to all. Will it ever end??
Mr leo attard
Jun 20th 2012, 14:35
i think some people deserve to have the seat --- of an electric chair, that is
Ray Spiteri
Jun 20th 2012, 14:21
Long live the King.EX PN
K CASSAR
Jun 20th 2012, 14:17
Why would a man of a certain intelligence like Dr. Gonzi allow himself the ongoing ridicule of looking like an idiot in parliament? No one in their right mind would accept unless there was something in it for them, or they were forced to do so! I do not want to be in his shoes at the famous upcoming summit. A prime minister with only half a cabinet and an ambassador nobody wants.....how embarrassing!!!!
R. Cilia
Jun 20th 2012, 14:16
I agree with what Deborah Schembri said. There are several disgrunted backbenchers who were ignored by Gonzi for too long. One cannot keep sweeping under the carpet without repercussions.
Rene Levasseur
Jun 20th 2012, 13:41
This is a very good article. It captures the situation well, and so do the comments by the readers. What today's electorate want is 'transparency'. The governing PN has an antiquated ethos reminiscent of the times of the PN and Giorgio Borg-Olivier in the 60s, which resulted in the election of the MLP and Dom Mintoff of that time. The only way for the PN to regain the confidence of the electorate would have been to hold a leadership convention and invite new young blood to lead the party to another election. If one puts aside the political discourse of each party, which party leader projects a connection with the electorate? I find the PM is not doing this well. The PN strategists have led down the country and the PL strategists have implemented a very effective operational campaign. The PN can only blame itself for painting itself into a corner. Amen!
Paul Azzopardi
Jun 20th 2012, 14:52
I really like this ...in a nut shell
M Grima
Jun 20th 2012, 13:39
"PN backbencher Charlo Bonnici believes the majority of MPs who ousted Mr Cachia Caruana did not vote on the basis of the opposition’s motion but on “partisan or personal issues”.
And the other 10 PN members who wanted to support the motion but did not have the guts to do so, did they also have a personal issue with RCC, Mr Bonnici?
Lawrence Fenech
Jun 20th 2012, 13:30
Gonz, postok fil kcina ghalinqas hemm taghmel froga tajba ghax bhala politiku ma irnexxejch. Saqsi lit-tlett muskettieri u l-ghaxra l-ohra li baqu' kwieti u issa lil-RCC.
S.M. Cuschieri
Jun 20th 2012, 14:24
Ma naqbilx mieghek ta lawrence Fenech. Jiena nahseb li il-PM huwa ragel b'sahhtu moralment u fizikament ghax hemm ghadu.....sod u proud.
scott brown
Jun 20th 2012, 15:30
if you are that convinced, why don't you ask JPO to tell us who these 10 people are so that they can answer for themselves. and in so doing, why does JPO not repeat whatever he said last monday outside of parliament so that people who felt offended and lied upon can defend themselves. why is it that the word chicken comes to mind.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 20th 2012, 16:03
Scott Brown: If JPO had lied when he mentioned the " 10 other MPs on the government side ", Dr. Gonzi would have asked ALL his MPs, except JPO and Mugliett, to sign a sworn affidavit , each one denying what JPO said !
That NO ONE dared challenge him is because they know IT IS THE TRUTH !! AND THAT JPO CAN PROVE IT !!!!!!!!!!
scott brown
Jun 20th 2012, 16:28
@ eddy privitera
why should an innocent person be obliged to sign an affidavit to defend himself from the lies of somebody else. why is it you remind me of the worst communist and socialist regimes. no woder you come up with such a solution.Having created the issue himself,and if he want to be given credit, it is much easier for JPO to mention the names and repeat his allegations outside parliament.
John L Galea
Jun 20th 2012, 13:29
The seat of power is comfortable for GonziPN...no matter what he vowed to remain glued to it...no matter the harm he is inflicting to the country.
keep it up Gonzi...keep on rolling over everyone.
Robert Mifsud
Jun 20th 2012, 15:26
The election is within less than a year don't see any reason why he should resign now. Politicians should focus on how they are going to win the next election not attack the individuals.
S.M. Cuschieri
Jun 20th 2012, 18:10
@Robert Mifsud
Well said!!! So JPO is a hero now in the eyes of the opposition.....what a load of hypocrites we are!! Unbelievable!!
Jay Oatmon
Jun 20th 2012, 13:21
Malta's politics needs a complete shake up by the people - in a similar way to the Arab Spring but totally non violent.
The people need to assert their right to a just and proper government which operates in a fair and evenhanded manner - and does not seek to favour the lawyers/courts, property barons and other privileged groups above the general public.
M Grima
Jun 20th 2012, 13:16
One chapter ends and another one reopens and this government who not only has a slow puncture but an engine which has stalled just like the Maltese Economy. Joseph Muscat told you that your party will implode and we are witnessing this with every 'froga' that GonziPN is making.
M Grima
Jun 20th 2012, 13:13
And we shall remain in the cosy seat as long as the government enjoys Parliament's trust. Can you please explain where was this trust in the two motions which your party has lost in the space of a few weeks. The statements made by Franco Debono, JPO and Mugliett are not only embarrassing but shows what a disjointed party the PN is.
And all this is being done in the national interest. U hallina Dr. Gonzi mela hsibtna boloh!!!
M Grima
Jun 20th 2012, 13:08
"The Administration will continue in office as long as the government enjoyed Parliament’s trust"
We had no doubt Dr. Gonzi that you would continue to cling on to the power seat even if your government, especially you as the leader, has been embarrassed in Parliament not by the opposition, but by your members.
Your ego knows no limits, especially the fact that you are always right and everybody is wrong. Well anyway, a few more ribbon cutting events and you will be kicked out not only from Castille but from your own 'loyal' network of evil.
John Zammit
Jun 20th 2012, 13:03
The problem with the PN is the Prime minister Himself He either Goes or face the people
Sarah Grech (Zebbug)
Jun 20th 2012, 13:00
An election called now would not bode well for the PN, according to Dr Portelli.
It really doesn't make much of a difference now Dr. Portelli. The PN has reached its lowest possible level. Now or in a year's time will not change anything when you do not have any money to burn. Sure, the only way is up when you've hit rock bottom but that won't happen..... unless some serious promises are made to curry favour with the voters, that is.
And we all know what happens to the promises made by the PN.
Time to make a fresh start.
Frans Aguis
Jun 20th 2012, 12:46
Of course it is always personal never any justification for anything... Oh come on, after an MP stands up and makes a list of allegations and other MPs do not feel they have to defend RCC, don't you start to get the feeling there might have been a just cause for all of this?
d. attard
Jun 20th 2012, 12:40
I trust that the Nationalist Party will not call a leadership contest or a vote of confidence. They should be really looking at themselves and the real resonas behind their quandry. Being hostile towards anyone who dares call the Party to reason makes the situation as tragic as it is pathetic. It is not even about an election...it is mea culpa time, a time for power to be humble and rest.The P N obviously lacks the stature to be humble....so they will plod on no matter what.... pathetic
j brincat
Jun 20th 2012, 12:30
bryan Sullivan
"I fail to understand how the strategists of the PL are not realising that by creating the siege mentality against the PN is only serving to strengthen and not weaken the party"
Can you explain in great deal what you mean by this 'siege mentality'?
(jb)
bryan sullivan
Jun 20th 2012, 13:25
Mr. Brincat, these personal attacks coming one after another are unjustified. it would have been far better for the PL to focus on unemployment, cost of living issues, overspending and other national problems rather than pander to the PN dissenters who have purely personal agendas and not political ones.
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 20th 2012, 13:25
@j brincat
It is obvious that PL, it’s strategists, and Joseph Muscat have failed. Go on the front page of this website... What do you see? Gonzi and JPO … who cares about Joseph Muscat “il-minsi” who one more time ridiculed his own party by supporting the personal agenda of a single MP!!
Eddy Privitera
Jun 20th 2012, 16:06
Joseph Aquilina: You seem to have missed last Sunday's opinion poll result, did you ???? Dr. MUscat enjoying 9 point lead over Gonzi in trust rating. And PL enjoying a 12 point lead over GonziPN !!!!
Anthony E. Falzon
Jun 20th 2012, 12:29
Honesty is the best policy, but policy has many
interpretations.
j brincat
Jun 20th 2012, 12:28
"In less than a month, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi twice lost his parliamentary majority but he has vowed to continue marching on"
"What happened was absolutely unacceptable"
That comes as a result of remaining glued to the seat of power at all costs!
But the interest of the people of Malta should come first and foremost.
History will judge GonziPN with the decisions he will take in the coming days!
(jb)
Victor Vella
Jun 20th 2012, 12:27
The Administration will continue in office as long as the government enjoyed Parliament’s trust, he told journalists yesterday when visiting the offices of a software firm.- These are words uttered by a weary person in denial of the truth. Gonzi knows that he cannot continue to govern like a cat ready to catch mice eating away his credibility and making of him the laughing stock of Malta and the world. What trust do you hold Gonzi when nearly 30% of your administration do not have any trust in you but only those oligarchy of evil that you hold to your heart? If these things are happening by the LP you already raised your foreign blinkers saying that in Malta Democracy is being threatened by a dictator.
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 20th 2012, 13:19
Thanks to PL being the miserable party it is, in Malta we have a situation where it is not the opposition which makes use of these disgruntled MPs to get what it wants, BUT THE OTHER WAY ROUND, these MPs using PL and JOSEPH MUSCAT for their personal agenda!! I do not know how it feels to be USED for the personal interests of others … but I do not think it is a nice feeling – unless obviously (as might be the case) PL, Joseph Muscat and their supporters have still not woken up.
effie stafrace
Jun 20th 2012, 12:25
dear editor
sometimes i say what type of democracy we have in Malta.why is that when a member of parliament doesn't pull his party strings is lambasted from all directions of our so called civilized society.be it the vassallos from the labour side or the francos from the pn side.in true democratic countries like Italy and England members of parliament are free to vote with there conscience and you can follow these by noting in there final voting result in any type of law or amendment vote.not here you are attacked personally and even your family is put in the fry.so what jpo voted against rcc because and that was his personal view.its unfair and anti democratic to put a line in a party status and order your members to follow party rules.when is these country going to change?
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 20th 2012, 12:44
I think people are angered because this vote was for personal reasons and not for what was really good for the country. In fact the vote is not even good for PL and Joseph Muscat since both have BEEN USED by the personal agenda of an MP ... twice!!
Jay Oatmon
Jun 20th 2012, 12:13
I agree with Deborah Schembri - Dr. Gonzi has lost the trust of enough people to lose an election by his refusal to see the obvious and take the corrective action.
Instead all we get from Dr. Gonzi is statements blaming others for the situation, and blaming combinations of circumstances. In my view if the leader cannot accept responsibility and take action - he needs to be replaced.
bryan sullivan
Jun 20th 2012, 11:55
Please Dr. Schembri, JPO once believed in the PN but is now sleeping with the PL. Jesmond Mugliett is bitter at being left out of the core of the party and Franco Debono had his personal agenda aimed at the Mifsud Bonnici family. None of the foregoing were because of political reasons but purely personal. I fail to understand how the strategists of the PL are not realising that by creating the siege mentality against the PN is only serving to strengthen and not weaken the party. Normal(even if dissatisfied)people tend to rally around what is perceived to be an unjustified attack and circle the wagons to repel the attacks.
Barney Camilleri
Jun 20th 2012, 12:48
bryan sullivan
The PN and this PM dug themselves a place where they will rest in piece for the near future!
Having said that I have to notice that Labor is the 'Old Labor' with a slight name polish. I fail to understand no one dare to disagree in this party. This is a zombi party where one person decide he is against Europe and so say all, if in favor so say all. The scare is that 2 people lost their jobs because Labor wanted it so, although still in opposition, only the Good Lord knows what will be coming to us all if Labor be in power.
HENRY FENECH AZZOPARDI
Jun 20th 2012, 17:19
Hi Brian I totally agree with your argument. It seems that the labourties suit them fine to take advantage of idividual issues to win mileage political advantage.
While the Europeans around us struggle to fight the taxes imposed by their Governments to balance their books, we in Malta grumble on the high cost of just the water and electricity bills. How is that for a comparison.
Sometimes, I stop and think how does a very small island like Malta manages to survive and earn a decent living? It is incredible that our Government manages to keep employment to a desired level and investment keeps coming in.
I would rather stick to the party who has an acceptable track record in the most European difficult times than risk going for the unknown party who has absolutley nothing to offer but past miserable records of corps, belt thighteining and boring christmas messages.
It is better the devil you know than the devil you do not know.
How can one trust perople who were once against the EU and part of the CNI and now in favour of the EU just to be able to clinch to power?
I am convinced that if one puts aside his personal interest and look for the best interest for our country the end result would again by another 5 years of PN ruling. No one can expect for any government to put money in anybodies pocket. Everyone has to give his all and the country will flourish to the extent that social services and the labour force will keep increasing. The more people working the more contributions will be pocketed by the Government and the more the Government will be able to give in social benefits of any form.
However, everyone has his own opinion and I respect that but we have to be on the watchout for individuals with personal agenda that their personal vendetta supersedes the interest of the country.
J Busuttil
Jun 20th 2012, 11:42
I believe what I hear on the street and not the polls Especially those Nationalists who were not even going to vote next election but are n ow scared of the future. . But I hope they stay coming out this way as the surprise will be bigger.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 20th 2012, 11:51
J. Busutti: Bil-Malti nghidu " It-tama l-ahhar haga li tmut fil bniedem !
Vince Deguara
Jun 20th 2012, 11:57
Dear Eddy
Pity he's right. Same experience here. The PN is really tired of governing, and ideally Malta should have a change in government. However, the result of a change in government is frightening so much people that it may take over precedence.
I might be right, I might be wrong. These are the experiences I live with other people.
J Busuttil
Jun 20th 2012, 12:21
Sur Privitera ghall darba naqbel mieghed.
Tama li xi darba nittam f'gvern laburista serju
Joseph Mifsud
Jun 20th 2012, 12:47
Ma nafx kif certu PRO PN supporters jibqu jitkellmu b'dan il mod. Mela ha tghiduli li tippreferu tmexxija imbazzwra, partit imfarrak, mexxej li tilef il polz kemm tal pajjiz u kemm tal partit....?? U dan kollu fuq liema bazi?? Qed tibzu min partit li inbidel kwazit totalment....b'agenda cara....li wera li hu kapaci jinzel al livell tal poplu....li lest jerfa ir responsabilta tat tahwid li ha jsib wara din l-amministrazzjoni mahmuga u mgerfxa li kellna.
Mela ibqu hekk u j'Alla tkunu kuntenti wara li tergu ttellu lil dawn in nies
Chris Mifsud
Jun 20th 2012, 13:26
I happen to be in that situation. About a year ago I swore that I would NOT vote if an election were to be held the next day. Please note I have always voted PN.
However in the current situation, looking at how the MLP is taking every cheap shot they can at the expense of Malta's stability, I will be right there come next election and make sure to vote PN.
The PN might have done mistakes but anything, ANYTHING is better than the MLP.
M Grima
Jun 20th 2012, 13:34
Dream on Mr. Busuttil.
Ian Calleja
Jun 20th 2012, 11:40
MONDAY'S VOTE IS AN ACT OF VENGEANCE NOT VICTIMISATION AGAINST PM GONZI & RCC.
PULLICINO ORLANDO & MUGLIETTE HAVE ALL THE RIGHT TO VOTE AS THEY DID, BUT THEIR LONG PUBLICLY PROFESSED DISILLUSIONMENT AT PM GONZI AT NOT HAVING GIVEN THEM MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES WAY BACK IN 2008 , COMPLETELY BETRAYS THEIR EGOISTIC INTENTIONS.
IT IS OUR NATION AS A WHOLE AND NOT THE PM, RCC OR THE PN THAT IS THE REAL LOSER. THE PEOPLE OF MALTA & GOZO ARE VICTIM TO THE OPPORTUNISM OF JOSEPH MUSCAT ,THE PL & THESE RENEGADE ACOLYTES FROM THE PN RANKS WHO WERE CORRECTLY NOT APPOINTED TO MINISTERIAL OFFICE BECAUSE OF THEIR PAST SHORTCOMINGS THAT HAD SERIOUS NEGATIVE POLITICAL IMPACT ON THE PN.
IT IS NOW AS CLEAR AS CRYSTAL THAT DR GONZI'S 2008 STAND ( BACKED BY RCC'S FORESIGHT ) ON JPO & MUGLIETTE HAS BEEN PROVED CORRECT TO AN EVEN GREATER DEGREE.
Fenech MD
Jun 20th 2012, 11:54
Mr Calleja
1 I can understand that you are angry, but there is no need for you to shout!
2 On your left hand side of your keyboard, on the left of the key A there is another key called Caps Lock - press on it!
3 What Dr Muscat is his job.
4 I have a question to ask you on your last statement if I may.
If as you say Dr Gonzi had a clear as crystal foresight on JPO and Mugliette, then why did he not take action against them before the election ie urged the PN's Council not to give the go ahead to these two to contest the general election under the PN ticket? Why did he not speak out before? Maybe it was to gain political advantage, which I must say, backfired.
Now it is too much too late to say these things.
J Busuttil
Jun 20th 2012, 12:24
" Fenech MD
When ever Mr. Gellel a PL blogger writes on this site he is always angry ( writes in caps lock) did you ever express the sam feeling with him.
Daniel Tabone
Jun 20th 2012, 11:30
How appropriate was today's editorial in The Times. Lawrence Gonzi has no other alternative. He should bite the bullet and go for an early election. He has lost the confidence of his parliamentary group. The NP is in total disarray and denial. It doesn't matter whether any personal issues are involved. The facts are that the government cannot go on in this state. If there are personal issues involved something, somewhere went drastically wrong. Who was responsible for this much of bad blood between rival personalities with the PN? Who created all this mess? If it's not Lawrence Gonzi to blame, it is for sure a leadership issue that brought all this friction which is without precedent within the Nationalist Party.
Joseph Micallef
Jun 20th 2012, 11:28
This prime-minister is just unique... unbelievable. All these indicators in front of him, and with a soaring sense of discomfort, disagreement, unpopularity and still wants to cling on power to the last bit. He was surprise by the members of his parliamentary group voting against government. This means that he is totally detached from his fellow family members, sitting side by side to him, let alone how much he is detached from the public at large!!!
I recommend that the prime-minister nominates a special delegate, this time not to listen to what the public is saying but to listen to what his parliamentary group members are saying!! The current billboard erected by the PL just hit the nail on its head. It's 100% correct.
A Dimech
Jun 20th 2012, 11:13
The PM has lost credibility to lead his own party, figure out the country.
The amount of rift which exists within PN, and which is now apparent in the higest inistitutions cannot be ignored.
The PM needs to be responsable and show to be responsable.
What he does not understand, is that by prolonging this he is damaging Malta and his own party. Any floating voter in the right state of mind will not trust Gonzi as PM again - especially since his management skills are being questioned and facts show he is lacking what it takes to unite people behind him.
He is not a leader with the charisma, and power to unite.
And all he is doing is ignoring issues which are growing by the second...
Charles Vassallo
Jun 20th 2012, 11:28
@ A. Dimech.
I agree with your well chosen, unbiased words. The administration, by playing business as usual is dangerously reaching mediocrity. This country does not deserve to be in such a situation.
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 20th 2012, 11:32
It is PL and Joseph Muscat who have lost credibility! What's in the news? PL and Joseph Muscat OR JPO?? PL and Joseph Muscat + Parliament have now twice been used for the personal agenda of one MP or another!! In the end PL and Joseph Muscat are the ones who did most damage to the image of our parliament, changing it from a tool of justice into a tool of revenge!!
Eddy Privitera
Jun 20th 2012, 11:55
Joseph Aquilina: Obviously you have not seen the result of the public opinion poll published last Sunday !
It clearly shows who is losing credibility by the day !
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 20th 2012, 12:42
@Eddy Privitera
Talking of Polls, check the one on line over here... you will be amazed. Eddy, just admit that one more time PL and Joseph Muscat has been USED by an MP for personal revenge ... nice way for Joseph Muscat to manage the party ...
Eddy Privitera
Jun 20th 2012, 16:11
Joseph Aquilina: Opinion Polls to be taken seriously must be made in a professional manner, not on-line.
Let us wait for the next one in the middle of July. We'll talk then !
Please choose the reason of your report below: