Stabbed in the back, for the second time
Richard Cachia Caruana. Photo: Austin Tufigno
Malta’s EU ambassador Richard Cachia Caruana tells Christian Peregin he knew there were issues with Dr Pullicino Orlando and had offered to step down, but the PN backbencher wanted more than just his scalp.
When Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando voted against you in Parliament, you must have felt betrayed. In 1994, you were literally stabbed in the back. Which was more painful?
Obviously, the physical one. But if we are talking about surprise I must say the day the opposition’s motion against me was presented, I received a message from a Labour Party contact saying: “We had no choice.This came from your side and not from the usual person.”
At that point did you suspect they were referring to Dr Pullicino Orlando?
He was the most likely person. A couple of days later, someone else confirmed it was him. That week, the Prime Minister had a chat with him and was led to believe there were no issues.
What did Dr Pullicino Orlando tell him?
I was not present. But the indications were there was no issue. Over the weeks there were other people who spoke to him and were told: “No one should believe what the Labour Party says because they talk so much rubbish.”
However, after the first sitting at which I gave evidence to Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, Dr Pullicino Orlando turned up, looking extremely nervous.
How did you feel about that?
When I saw him there, in my mind I thought there was a problem, so a few days later I messaged him to ask if we could meet. We arranged to meet on June 5. I went to his house and received an extremely warm welcome.
So he was friendly with you?
For the past three years he has always been friendly with me.
But you have had tension in the past.
Yes, because of an episode concerning the 2008 election. In fact I started the business part of the discussion by saying: “I know you testified in court that I attempted to get [columnist] Daphne Caruana Galizia to pressure you to resign after the election but that’s absolutely false.”
So you never called Ms Caruana Galizia to say you think he should resign his seat?
Absolutely not. Dr Pullicino Orlando explained how he remembers their exchange. I pointed out she denied his version under oath. I also told him my position after the election was one of simple arithmetic. The Nationalist Party had been elected to government and he held a seat in a one-seat majority. So as far as I was concerned, the discussion was over.
You needed him...
The government could not operate without his vote in Parliament. And I said if I could draw parallel with the motion in Parliament at the moment, it was also an issue of arithmetic. I told him: “If you believe you should vote for the motion, just tell me and I’ll leave.”
So if he had told you he had to vote for the motion you would have resigned on that day?
Of course.
Wouldn’t you have put pressure on him to change his mind?
There would have been no sense in doing that...
When you told him this, what did he say?
His response was: “If I didn’t vote against Austin Gatt when he did me so much harm, why should you think I would vote against you?”
So he never asked you about Partnership for Peace?
No.
He says he told you he wouldn’t vote against you for personal reasons. Is he paraphrasing?
If he had put it that way I would have assumed that he was going to vote against me.
Whereas you didn’t...
No. I left his house after more than an hour in what continued to be an extremely good-natured discussion. I left with the impression – which I was obviously meant to receive – that there was no problem.
So he tried to deceive you?
He did not only try. He deceived me and he deceived everybody else. Having said that, after I spoke to him there were still signals suggesting there was a problem, which is why I had a resignation letter prepared.
Why do you think he did this?
His intention all along was to vote in the most damaging way to me and to the party... to hurt or humiliate in the most public way possible. That is the only conclusion one can draw. If I could put it this way, he behaved just like a certain kind of Sicilian... not the sort you would want to do business with.
So you do not believe he voted against you because you advocated a lack of parliamentary scrutiny when discussing Partnership for Peace in your role as EU ambassador?
From the way he spoke in Parliament and afterwards, notwithstanding his claim that it was not personal, it is obvious it was purely personal. You do not adopt Mintoffian vindictiveness unless you want to cause harm on a personal basis to an individual... which implies revenge of some sort. Revenge can only be personal.
He said the way you acted with him before the election and after showed a lack of respect towards Parliament. Therefore, he believed the accusation of lack of respect towards Parliament brought about in the motion. Although you’re saying it was just personal, he did link this to the motion.
His attack went beyond what was necessary to achieve his aim, which in this case was to get rid of me. I had already said to him: if you want my scalp, take it. But that was obviously not his only aim.
So it wasn’t personal. He wanted to inflict maximum damage to the government.
If you ignore the part where he says this was not personal, the rest is basically a personal attack. In Parliament he went on at length about what he saw as slights inflicted on him by me through journalists.
Nationalist MP Jesmond Mugliett abstained from the vote because he said he did not fully buy into the government’s explanation that PfP reactivation did not require parliamentary ratification. Given there was no electoral mandate, the government should have sought Parliament’s approval anyway. Isn’t he right?
The hearings have shown that it wasn’t legally necessary.
But he’s saying it was necessary morally.
The motion was on the basis of what was required. But there is also one simple point to remember. The decision or assessment about whether to go to Parliament or not was not mine. That was made clear by the Prime Minister in his testimony.
So if it was wrong, you should not be the one to take the fall for it?
It’s obvious that it was nothing to do with Partnership for Peace or Wikileaks. That was just an excuse... which blew up in their faces as soon as the Prime Minister testified.
In any case, the interface with Parliament is the responsibility of ministers which is why they are also Members of Parliament.
Is he right, though? Would it have been better if the government went to Parliament?
The process of joining PfP in 2008 was handled directly by government, which takes decisions usually based on whether there is a legal requirement to go to Parliament. In this particular case the opinion was that there was no requirement. It was not mine, I did not give one.
The decision (to join PfP) was taken nine days after the election because there was a Nato summit in Sofia at the beginning of April. The next Nato summit was due a year later in 2008. So the government felt it needed to move relatively fast.
That fast?
As I understand it, if we had not rejoined in April, we would not have been able to join until a year later.
But the Prime Minister told the US ambassador in January 2008 that he was planning to do this all along.
I did not know what the Prime Minister had said. I was not present.
Was he aware of the Sofia meeting?
I do not know if the Prime Minister was aware of the Sofia meeting then. I heard about it after the election.
And at that stage you agreed with the government’s strategy of joining now so we do not lose a year.
Precisely.
So do you think Mr Mugliett’s vote was also personal?
What I have learnt over many years is that some people will transfer their hatred or contempt of an individual to a person they associate with them.
Given the facts, I believe Jesmond Mugliett used me, in part, as a proxy for the Prime Minister and in part as a proxy for Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Did he give you any indication before the vote?
I know Jesmond (Mugliett) was spoken to the day before and said he was not expecting any issues to arise. He has since explained somewhere that he took the decision that evening. In other words it could have been an opportunistic decision...
Dr Pullicino Orlando interpreted the Wikileaks documents as exposing the real reason behind Malta’s favourable stance towards Turkey’s EU accession bid.
In Parliament I showed how Foreign Minister Michael Frendo announced Malta’s support for Turkey’s bid before there was any discussion with the US or Turkey on our status regarding PfP. So there is no link.
However, Turkey wanted to secure Malta’s support for a vote that was to be taken in December 2004 so they wanted to keep us happy and find a solution to the blockage on EU-Nato discussions.
So why did they refuse the procedural band-aid proposed?
Because it would have created another category of PfP membership they were not comfortable with.
Dr Pullicino Orlando argues that while the public was kept in the dark, you were discussing with the Turks.
At the end of the day Parliament has a right to know, and the government has an obligation to inform, in certain situations. The government did not believe this was one of those situations. However, when you try and blame me for that, it is nothing but an attempt at a trumped-up charge.
How do you feel about Malta’s support for Turkey?
My position on Turkey is precisely what makes Dr Pullicino Orlando’s comments the ultimate falsehood in a list of false accusations. I follow government policy 100 per cent and have always done so and although I must remain circumspect in what I say, I have certain concerns.
So you weren’t the one proposing it to the government?
Absolutely not. Is that clear enough?
Do you think Nationalist MPs had a duty to tell you how they were going to vote?
No, but there’s a parliamentary group and they have a duty to tell the whip... We are all supposed to belong to a democratic structure so if anybody disagrees with somebody in the party structure there should be a discussion.
Do you believe Dr Pullicino Orlando when he says there were around 10 MPs who were uncomfortable voting for you?
I have seen nothing but respect – reciprocal respect – from the whole parliamentary group and even previous parliamentary groups. That has to be factored in to the reality of what Franco Debono and Dr Pullicino Orlando have said about me.
Did you notice a difference in the way the party reacted to your beheading with the way it reacted to Carm Mifsud Bonnici’s? You didn’t receive any e-cards for instance...
I think you would agree that, with hindsight, the e-card initiative was not ideal. But to give one example, Louis Galea, who has been involved in politics for many years, described what happened to me as the worst day of his political life.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici is a Member of Parliament with a public following, but do not mix that up with whether people thought what happened to me was right or wrong.
Dr Pullicino Orlando said there weren’t many MPs willing to speak in your defence?
Since the debate was limited to one sitting, the Prime Minister and Leader of the House had decided to restrict the number of speakers.
What consequences should Dr Pullicino Orlando and Mr Mugliett face?
It’s not my place to say. My message to everybody is that I accept the right of any MP – or anyone else for that matter – to not like me. But using your seat in parliament, given to you by Nationalist voters, as a tool for personal vengeance, is a gross abuse of power. Also, the deliberate misleading of the Prime Minister and parliamentary colleagues is not acceptable behaviour.
Do you think Dr Pullicino Orlando told Labour leader Joseph Muscat how he would vote before the motion was presented?
The way things developed makes it quite clear that Labour knew what the outcome of the vote would be even before the motion was presented. And I find it very sad that a person who hopes to be Prime Minister – a role requiring a person of the highest integrity that you can basically trust with your life – associated himself with an act of vindictiveness we have not seen in Malta in 30 years.
In one of your very rare interviews, in 2009, you said Dr Pullicino Orlando was victimised by the Labour Party during the 2008 election and described him as a “much-valued political colleague”. Do you regret those words?
I regret only that he found himself unable to overcome his own insecurities and failures.
Ostensibly, Parliament passed this motion because the majority of MPs expressed the opinion you showed a lack of respect towards it. Yet you are here still doing your job. Are you proving Parliament right?
Absolutely not. I have a duty and obligation to serve the government as it deems fit.
But Dr Mifsud Bonnici renounced his mobile phone and driver immediately after the vote.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici was a minister, answerable to Parliament. When ministers lose a confidence vote in Parliament, they have no choice but to resign. Ambassadors are not answerable to Parliament. I resigned because it was the correct thing to do, not because Parliament had a legal right to remove me. Also, ambassadors are based overseas with a residence and effects there. Their moves cannot be made overnight.
The Prime Minister asked you to remain for some weeks until a replacement is found. How long will that take?
My farewell dinner and ceremony are already scheduled for July 11.
So after that you will pack your bags and leave?
I will obviously have to pack my bags before. But appreciate that there are bags to pack. In fact, I consider the recent comments made by Dr Muscat about my departure to be in very poor taste, not fitting of a future Prime Minister – although they are classic Mintoffian sentiments.
Do you believe you are irreplaceable?
Absolutely not. It is true I have over 14 years of EU experience, which is not easy to duplicate. And to combine that with the skills I have is not necessarily easy.
But we have extremely good people in our structures.
What sort of qualities does your replacement have to have?
If my replacement does the two jobs I have done over the past eight years, he or she must first have to be mad.
See also: The rise and fall of a mastermind
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Victor Laiviera
Jun 25th 2012, 12:33
Every word in that interview proves, if any proof was necessary, how absolutely unsuitable Richard Cachia Caruana was to be an ambassador. He is clearly a party man and his party comes first in every circumstance, rather than his duty to the country which he is representing.
JPO did the right thing. Whether he did it for the right reasons is another matter altogether.
Victor Laiviera
Jun 25th 2012, 10:29
"Ambassadors are not answerable to Parliament."
An absolute fallacy. And a dangerous and ant-democratic fallacy. Nothing shows more clearly how arrogant this man, and the Government he supports, has become.
M Borg
Jun 25th 2012, 15:39
Maybe this will help you understand. Ambassadors are not answerable to Parliament.
Quote.......
The position set out by Lord O'Donnell, supported by Lord Butler (another former Civil Service head) is simple. Civil Servants are accountable to Ministers, who are in turn accountable to Parliament - not directly to Parliament. The only exception is the role of 'Accounting Officer' - i.e. Civil Servants who are in charge of a departmental or agency budget - who are accountable but only for the proper administration of public funds. If and when they or other civil servants appear before Parliamentary Committees they do so merely as representatives of their Ministers and can say only what their Minister allows them to say.
O'Donnell is basing himself on a tradition enunciated by Lord Armstrong (then Sir Robert, Head of the Civil Service), known as the 'Armstrong Doctrine', a memorandum circulated in 1985 after the Clive Ponting Affair. In that Armstrong stated that "The Civil Service as such has no constitutional personality or responsibility separate from the duly elected Government of the day." (Hennessy, 1989, p346). In other words, they are solely responsible to Ministers.
When it comes to answering to Parliament this position was set out clearly in something known as the "Osmotherly Rules" (Memorandum of Guidance for Officials Appearing before Select Committees, May 1980, by E B C Osmotherly). These were (and still are) an attempt by the Civil Service to stymie the new Select Committee's (Hennessy 1989, pp 361-363). Osmotherly stated baldly that "Officials appearing before Select Committees do so on behalf of their Ministers." It went on to say that officials "would remain subject to Ministerial instructions as to how he should answer questions."
Victor Laiviera
Jun 25th 2012, 20:59
You have quoted the opinion of two heads of the Civil Service, who would naturally try to avoid having to face parliamentary grilling.
Normally, when quoting. one include the source and a link so that we can check how complete and faithful your quote is. However, I managed to find it (good old Google!) and, as I suspected, you were very selective in your quote.
Here is the link, so anyone can read for himself: http://whitehallwatch.org/2012/03/10/is-the-civil-service-accountable-to-parliament-hodge-vs-odonnell-spat-opens-a-can-of-worms/
I will just quote part of the conclusion, "In most other democracies the permanent civil service is much more accountable to both the legislature and the executive branch of government. Britain, or rather Whitehall, lies at one (extreme) end of a spectrum of such relationships, with accountability of the Civil Service to Parliament being very weak in comparison".
Vince Cassar
Jun 24th 2012, 23:06
Hbieb dan huwa l-alternattiva li qed jofri in-new Labour taht Muscat. Lest li jissagrifika u jattakka n-nies personalment imbasta jkun fis-siggu tal-poter. ezatt kif qed jikritika lil Dr. Gonzi. ghandikun m'ghandux mera d-dar.
Daniel Borda
Jun 24th 2012, 23:03
Another milestone reached by Muscat. He got rid of RCC. maybe we should guess who's next. Muscat must be ashamed about his dirty politics.
Peter Frendo
Jun 24th 2012, 22:41
Is it possible that this person had nothing good? Did all we forgot that through the skills of this person we are all enjoying millions of euros from the EU? The only thing that I will not forget is that some thing never change. Labour will never change irrispectave of the cosmetic changes made by Muscat. The backbone of the PL includes members of the Old Labour such as Leo Brincat, Anglu Farrugia, Alex Sciberras Trigona, Karmenu Vella, Evarist Bartolo and so on. We all know what these people did when they were in power!!
Eddy Privitera
Jun 25th 2012, 11:10
Peter Frendo:Please tell us what these people did when they were in power ! Are you referring to ALL the social services, pension, bonus, children allowance, 40 hour 5 day week , equal pay for women, vote for 18 year olds, free education up to tertiary level, free health services and free medicine etc..etc..etc.. !!!!!!!!!!
Salvu Sciberras
Jun 24th 2012, 20:32
It's evident from the reaction hereunder that old Labour still inhabits the soul of new Labour. Same spirit of vindictiveness, envy of others' success, arrogance, mediocrity. Give Labour a chance and they will crown mediocrity once againn.
Can't they even acknowledge RCC's intelligence, competence, savoir faire and experience?
Go on Labour commentators, keep showing us your true colours. We need your help so that the people will recall Malta's past nightmare under Labour.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 25th 2012, 11:15
Salvu Sciberras: RCC's " savoir faire" did you say ?? Did you find this when he said yesterday that he ADMIRES DAPHNE CARUANA GAIZIA, nicknamed also as 'The Queen of Bile " ? Or when he said that labourites treat nationalists as " subhuman " ???? THIS MAN HAS NOW REVEALED HIS HATE FOR HALF OF THE MALTESE PEOPLE WHEN HE SAID THAT. Definitely not worthy of a man who was supposed to represent our country and thus all the people, in Brussels !!!
John Saliba
Jun 24th 2012, 19:14
The mastermind has been checkmated and ousted . Now its' his creature's turn. Rcc was booted out by the People's representatives. GonziPN will be booted out by the People. If these few remaining hardcore Nats continue to bleat praises on RCC and insist that nobody can fill his shoes, we risk becomng the laughing stock of Europe. Every minute, I'm expecting some Nationalist St Michael who shouts at Parliament " Who is like our god RCC ?'
cesco di luigi
Jun 24th 2012, 18:43
The most hilarious one I heard this week(read in the Times on Friday) was the other EU envoys lamenting that Malta was to loose RCC such a formidable negotiator. Go tell it to the marines I tell them! They have just revealed themselves to be another pumped up clique. If they really though he was such a formidable opponent they would have just shut up and let the next round of negotiations roll on without him!!
T.F. Busuttil
Jun 24th 2012, 18:19
Mr Cachia Caruana you are to political minded and biaist against LP to reppresent Malta abroad. I should say it took long time to keep you there.
Jonathan Brimmer
Jun 24th 2012, 17:56
“I regret to say Alfred Sant probably summed him up correctly” - RCC.
So Labour was right after all. And the PN's was a STRATEGIC LIE.
Will the Maltese believe the PN again in the coming months?
Kevin Marks
Jun 24th 2012, 17:51
'I went to his house and received an extremely warm welcome.'
Smart guy Jeffrey we r proud of you
English supporter so english proverb
'KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMY CLOSER'
jane galea
Jun 24th 2012, 17:05
"My farewell dinner and ceremony are already scheduled for July 11" nixtieq nghamel suggeriment lil Gvern bhal ringrazzjament ghas-servizz li ghamel RCC ghal-Malta taghna b'paga mizera biex tal-inqas jhallaslu ghal din ic-cerimonja u bhala apprazzament jtieh rigal zghir imqar 150000 Euro
Stephen Florian
Jun 24th 2012, 16:22
The taxpayer demands to know how much RCC was costing Malta per month in fees, wages and allowances.
Joe Fenech
Jun 24th 2012, 17:02
Dream on !
Joseph Micallef
Jun 24th 2012, 15:45
These people have one thing in common. They pretend to be GODS, looking down on everyone else, not just labourites but also people of their own!! Let me quote some phrases this "civil servant", jippretendix li hu xi messaġġier, said:
".... a few days later I messaged him to ask if we could meet. We arranged to meet on June 5. I went to his house.."
Was he afraid? This civil servant took trouble in coming from Brussels to cling on to power.
“I know you testified in court that I attempted to get [columnist] Daphne Caruana Galizia to pressure you to resign after the election but that’s absolutely false.”
Il-klikka at its best. Are you seeing how GonziPN works? Power + cheap politics + media to manipulate the people's minds. Is-civil servant jiġi akkużat b'assoċazzjoni / komunikazzjoni ma "ġurnalista".
"Absolutely not. It is true I have over 14 years of EU experience, which is not easy to duplicate. And to combine that with the skills I have is not necessarily easy. But we have extremely good people in our structures."
A civil servant having properties inherited from the Greek / Roman Gods Hermes or Minerva. Incredible. Nazi's style of thinking. They think they are the best and anyone else is very likely to be inferior.
" I consider the recent comments made by Dr Muscat about my departure to be in very poor taste, not fitting of a future Prime Minister – although they are classic Mintoffian sentiments."
Is he a nationalist by any chance? Is this a civial servant? Speaking in an entirely partisan way.. and yet he wants us to believe that he worked (works sorry) for the national interest... nationalist interest naħseb!
"Since the debate was limited to one sitting, the Prime Minister and Leader of the House had decided to restrict the number of speakers."
I think that GonziPN's inner circle saw the cracks in all this and decided to go the safe way by shutting the mouths of those who might be of an embarrassment for him..
"If I could put it this way, he behaved just like a certain kind of Sicilian... not the sort you would want to do business with."
Is this man the one who was so praised for having outstanding negotiating skills and who occupies an ambassador's position? And speaking this way on another nation? Why don't he goes to Sicily and tell them these words? Incredible.
Reading statements like these, make me more convinced than ever that this country needs an urgent government change, otherwise democracy will vanish sooner rather than later.
Mr Joe Micallef
Jun 24th 2012, 16:37
Pity Einstein is not around! He could have multiplied his discoveries using your logic. Bravo. Imbghad xi hadd ghal li il Maltin makku!
Joseph Arpa
Jun 24th 2012, 16:51
I agree with your last sentence Mr.Micallef, what we have today is a Democratic Dictatorship!!!
T Attard
Jun 24th 2012, 17:00
Interesting points Mr Micallef and a subjective interpretation for sure, however don't be too pessimistic in your assessment; democracy doesn't vanish because, at most, a party stalwart has an inflated ego. Especially as it didn't vanish after the historic barbarism the Islands witnessed during the Socialist years - the beatings, the shootings, the crude terrorism towards those who didn't toe the line.
Remember the picture of the woman who had her nose BITTEN OFF by Socialists supporters for the unforgivable arrogance of attempting to attend a PN activity at Zejtun? If you don't then let us humbly teach you; that is how democracy dies, and in case that is too distant a past for your delicate sensibilities ask your shadow cabinet for details; half of them (Vella, Sciberras Trigona, Brincat, Bartolo, Debono Grech, Farrugia) were present and complicit some by silence others by action.
Thanks for your concern for democracy, it is truly a priceless privilege, I know.
Andy Farrugia
Jun 24th 2012, 17:47
Hahaha! Thobb iddahhak naqra mhux hazin int, hux, Joseph Micallef? U l-paraguni tieghek huma brillanti, bin-Nazi style b'kollox, hux? Tghallem ikteb naqra bl-Ingliz sew l-ewwel, imbaghad ipprova idejk fil-fares!
cesco di luigi
Jun 24th 2012, 18:34
Now we know why RCC kept his mouth shut for so many years....the one time he opened it (Times interview) he slipped in so many banana skins...Good to know this guy is actually mortal... the myth has exploded!!!!!
cesco di luigi
Jun 24th 2012, 15:40
Mr RCC feels he was a vitim of a PN MP's lies. As a leading PN strategist for many years, RCC shouldn't be surprised at this PN tactic. I for one was duped by the income tax at 25 % promise which never came about. And by the way not even one of the 35 PN MPs was ashemed. Mr RCC shouldn;t be surprised that he was caught in a web that amny of us have been caught in. He should consider himself lucky that he was afforded 4 pages on the Times to air his lamnments. Not so lucky the rest of!!! (Who e of this abrefaced lie.
George Azzopardi
Jun 24th 2012, 15:20
As I said before he thinks he's too good for his boots .. yes he still thinks he's irreplaceable! Yes typical GonziPN they're so all irreplaceable!!!
Joseph Arpa
Jun 24th 2012, 15:12
I cannot but not believe a word RCC says, and after listeneing to JPO on Dissett yesterday, all I can say is that the PN is a group of insidious people, who cannot be trusted.
GL Calleja
Jun 24th 2012, 17:00
It is starting to look that way, doesn't it? When one of your own Party turns on you, one has to be very concerned. Two people have lost their jobs at the expense of others. I respect both JPO and FD, but I think they are very wrong on this one. You never, ever go against a fellow party member. That is the job of the opposition.
Carmel Ellul
Jun 24th 2012, 14:53
The reasoning behind parliamentary immunity was to protect the right of naming and shaming the power system of the time under imperialist rule.
This should be eliminated and since nobody is above the law, so should be the parliamentarians.
Parliament is not a court of law , and from what happened these last weeks it has been made to look like a possy out for a lyncing .
Parliament court martialled an ambassador, pure and simple, what have the other ambassadors to say??
Joe Vella
Jun 24th 2012, 14:53
Reading the post underneath, God help us if the PL get elected. Nothing comes out of the Gloom and Doom crowd that makes sense. God help Us.
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 24th 2012, 15:42
Oh yes God is certainly helping Malta showing what the pn are really made off.
Lino Fava
Jun 24th 2012, 16:03
From what God should help? From the labour party that brought real jobs. Tried to help the people to stay in Malta and not given a 10 Lira to get rid of his people and now foreigners coming to serve you with cheap labour. From a labour government who gave to the people? Not like GonziPN and his oligarchy giving themselves rewards for bankrupting Malta. At last the devil who gave you the rope of 25 years is suffocating around your necks.
T Mifsud
Jun 24th 2012, 14:13
While he may be arrogant to all you anti-RCC, that character in that person was instrumental to get millions of Euros for Malta!
Edmond Micallef
Jun 24th 2012, 14:45
That is why we have a circa 6.5 billion euros worth of national debts then?
T Mifsud
Jun 24th 2012, 15:17
What logic sense does your reply have?
1. The funding engineered by RCC, like him or hate him, brought several projects to fruition, never mind the obstacles some politicians tried to do, from both sides!
2. The debt would have been much more without the millions brought in to Malta
3. Malta is fairing the least worse of almost all EU states in this general wide affecting Recession of all time!!
Do you realise ALL EU countries surrounding us Starting from Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus are, or have asked for bailouts and introducing harsh austerity measures? And do you realise that the remaining countries surrounding us are just coming out of war?
Some only see sal-bankina!
Joe Fenech
Jun 24th 2012, 13:55
The self proclaimed gods of democracy hate democracy when it involves them. There was no backstabbing or personal issues. What happened fits perfectly within a democratic frame.
Hubert Paul Farrugia
Jun 24th 2012, 14:42
Which democratic frame? Attacking employed government civil servants through a parliamentary vote? God forbid if a parliamentary vote, sacking you, would ever be cast upon you.
Joe Vella
Jun 24th 2012, 14:46
Explain please. What happened this past week never had happened before in any Parliamentary Democracy
Joe Fenech
Jun 24th 2012, 17:00
This was given the blessing of the speaker so it is perfectly legal, therefore democratic.
Joe Busuttil
Jun 24th 2012, 13:38
You speak about reciprocal respect between you and the members of parliament,Mr RCC. Respect my foot. Do you think calling an elected member of parliament a "bicca deputat," is respectful? At least he was elected and not put in the job because he was a blue eyed boy. And remember this to your dying day :you have been sacked from your job by a what you call "bicca deputat." Pity is, that the so called "bicca deputat "did not have the guts to vote for your dismissal,even if he has been thundering and storming and complaining that you called him "bicca deputat.".
R. Cilia
Jun 24th 2012, 15:14
Well said J.Busuttil.He who laughs last, laughs best.
cesco di luigi
Jun 24th 2012, 15:43
RCC meta jaqbillu jissejjah civil servant u meta jaqbillu jissejjah membru tal-kabinett. Dawn privileggi li nahseb jien ivvinthom hu u hadd ma kellu il-guts imerrih!!!
pat muscat
Jun 24th 2012, 13:26
This RCC's saga resembles Shylock's pound of flesh; one cannot ride rough shod over people and expect that hurt people will not answer back! Even the Times of Malta polls indicate that he is not exactly loved by all and sundries!
Michael Seychell
Jun 24th 2012, 14:23
Ms. Pat Muscat - For the first time I agree fully with you - JPO voted with the opposition to take his pound of flesh - infact he got the full flesh of RCC.
Michael Seychell tal-Pieta
Eddy Privitera
Jun 25th 2012, 11:18
And after reading what RCC told Christian Peregin, he convinced me that HE DESERVED WHAT HE GOT !!!
John Cassar
Jun 24th 2012, 13:20
Richard, you did well to give your version of facts and events as is your right to do.
Forgive me but I don't buy it - not one iota of it.
I will however be man enough to post another blog one day if your claims end up being proved true. But until then sorry but I have serious lingering doubts.
Thank you for your past services to Malta however.
cesco di luigi
Jun 24th 2012, 15:47
I think you will find that for a man who held power for so long he has not revealed anything at all. I expect some juicy stories to emerge soon, when he moves fully away from the corridors of power, from people who he may have "stabbed" himself. Lets wait a bit. At least he was allowed a full article in the paper . Not many who have been cheated in the civil service have been allowed even to voice an opinion!!! And by the way if he wasn't removed by Parliament who was going to remove him...the head of the civil service???
Evarist Saliba
Jun 24th 2012, 13:13
To Labour Party officials and supporters who claim that Richard Cachia Caruana should quit his job immediately may I inform them that when the MLP won the election in October 1996 I tendered my resignation as ambassador of Malta in Madrid straight away. However the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then led by Dr George Vella, did not respond to my resignation letter and left me in Madrid, during which time I served government faithfully to the point of preparing a detailed report on all outstanding issues.
Finally I had to take the initiative myself to tell government that I was not ready to carry on beyond the end of November because I wanted to be with my family in England by Christmas and there was a lot of work that I had to do to pack and transfer my belongings to the UK.
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 15:50
So much for vindictive labour.
M Grima
Jun 24th 2012, 18:02
But than you were not made to resign for circumventing parliament Mr. Saliba?
The issue about RCC is different to yours, however I find your piece in bad taste coming from a supposedly distinguished ambassador. The PL treated you as you should be treated.
Evarist Saliba
Jun 24th 2012, 19:36
@ m. borg (slm)
As usual, you ignore the point made and go at a tangent.
I pointed out that a resignation need not imply the immediate giving up of an office and I proved this through my experience when I resigned when Dr G. Vella became Minister of Foreign Affairs. The vindictiveness was show when, sheltered behind parliamentary immunity, Dr G. Vella repeatedly attacked me in parliament, and when I was one of the very last ambassadors to receive the remuneration to which I was entitled on termination of employment.
,
@ m. grima
Your comment is in very bad taste.
I never claimed, or even implied, that my resignation was not what should have happened. Indeed, on a change of government seniour government officials are expected to offer their resignsation. I did not offer it. I handed it in because I was not ready to serve under a minister who had repeatedly attacked me protected by parliamentary privilage. I have no doubt that neither did the minister wish to have me serving under him as an ambassador, but he felt he needed a time of transition.
Incidentally, claiming that Richard Cachia Caruana circumvented parliament in a lie, and even if Labour parliamentarians and JPO repeat this claim a thousand times, it still remains a lie. He, and any other ambassador, was/is not empowered to bring anything before parliament. That is the prerogative of elected parliamentarians.
The perversity with which you, and people like you, go on repeating this lie shows how utterly baseless the motion against Richard Cahia Caruana has been.
Bill Millam
Jun 24th 2012, 13:10
Here it is coming from an old-guard Nazzjonalist:
Richard Cachia Caruana, you are so full of yourself
and the arrogance you exhalt in this interview is unbelievable.
With an attitude like that, I would dare say GOOD RIDDANCE.
Bill Millam
Los Angeles
Joe Fenech
Jun 24th 2012, 17:02
I share your feeling perfectly. Maltese people who maintain strong links with the country never change, they could be living in London, Paris, Brussels or Timbuktu!
John Spiteri Jones
Jun 24th 2012, 12:45
Stabbed in the back! thats a daily routine in Malta, wether it is the PN, the PL the place of work ...............
Anthony Farrugia
Jun 24th 2012, 12:38
In Maltese we have the exact description of the negative comments below : "lanzit". I do not think that there exists an equivalent translation in any other language. As the whiners below like to say "only in Malta" !
Mario Camilleri
Jun 24th 2012, 12:23
"My farewell dinner and ceremony are already scheduled for July 11" good luck too you!!
Do you know what most of us 'Maltin tat-triq' had scheduled for us as from a particular date??? Well let me tell you, a notice letter stating that we can opt "voluntarily" to either take the retirement scheme or start registering with ETC again on VOLUNTARY basis.
"Ambassadors are not answerable to Parliament". Although foreign ambassadors carry immunity, as far as I know the supreme power in Malta is the Parliament. So much so that a parliamentary member can say what he pleases in parliament.
So does this mean that an ambassador since as stated by RCC who is not answerable to parliament has, at his/her disposal our taxes??? Does this mean that an ambassador had every right to negotiate and buy "Dar Malta" in Brussels at the sum of Lm10m+ (€23,294,000) on the bases of the dealing could go through without the peopls' say not to mention their knowledge?
If, therefore an Ambassador is not answerable to parliament then by jolly J Muscat was right stating there were two PMs or rather RCC was the highest ranking PM.
George Azzopardi
Jun 24th 2012, 16:39
what arrogance!!! ... Ambassadors are not answerable to the highest authority, democratically elected by the Maltese people! and GonziPN are so proud of such people!!!
Andrea Briffa
Jun 24th 2012, 12:12
There is a history behind both these men... RCC - a person who has persisted in politics even after people had forcefully tried to shut him down by taking away his life. JPO - a person whom before being kicked out from his (failed) political life (I say failed as he never reached his aspirations) to move towards focusing on his business/professional career decided to make a(nother) bang. People will remember you for your results...
Karl Sammut
Jun 24th 2012, 12:11
This will be one sad loss for the country!
Charlene Fenech
Jun 24th 2012, 12:10
Can't believe that JPO could be so low. Shame on him. Malta has lost a great and important man. RCC has been able to negotate the best packages for the country. We all benefitted from his work.
Jane Bartoli
Jun 24th 2012, 12:09
RCC was an excellent ambassador of Malta. I disagree with hm because he is in fact irreplaceable!
Antonia Cachia
Jun 24th 2012, 12:07
Malta has lost a great representative in Europe. RCC has been working so long that he was considered as a dean.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 25th 2012, 11:20
So even DICTATORS who remain in office for the same amount of time RCC has been wielding the POWER BEHIND HE THRONE- 21 years, should also be considered as "DEANS" ?!
Henry Mifsud
Jun 24th 2012, 12:06
In a previous blog about RCC, I posted:
Ostentatious? .... it's an understatement!
The above interview only reaffirms my comment.
How rude can one be but to continuously remind us, all Maltese, that he as a Public officer, was only representing the Nationalist part of the equation. Ambassador my foot!
But the biggest insult comes in the form of his statement that "... an act of vindictiveness we have not seen in Malta in 30 years." How more pompous can one get? If anything, it only proves that he has spent this period very comfortably sitting in his ivory towers, in Malta and in Brussels. In the past recent history, unless one was a staunch nationalist, or like him, part of the very inner circle, no door would be found open. And that is a fact!
Politics is a dirty game and the above interview is the tip of the ice-berg! (or should I say the rubbish-dump?)
cesco di luigi
Jun 24th 2012, 15:49
I agree. Some of us do not have the luxury of publishing the acts of vindicitiveness that were done to us....for fear of more vindictiveness from the PN!!!!!
Carmen Abela
Jun 24th 2012, 12:05
Voting against RCC was a great loss. He was an important figure when it came to negotating the best package for Malta. Now with the EU budget for Malta I hope whoever will replace RCC will be just as good.
Silvio Boffa
Jun 24th 2012, 12:02
I can't believe the hatred in some people's comments. Although the action is missing your words take me back to the 80's. Can you at least human before being labour!!!!!
Paul Caruana
Jun 24th 2012, 11:54
Il PL ghamlu "autogoal" meta issapportjaw lil FD biex iqacctu lill Carmela Mifsud Bonnici fuq kaz personali bejniethom. Issa din ta JPO li sab ukoll l-ghanjuna tal-PL biex iqacctu lill RCC minhabba l-istess raguni, tidher fic-car li l-PL qedin hemm biss biex itellfu u minghalihom qedin jigwadanjaw iktar voti iehor fil-but. Kemm sejrin zball ! Il-Parlament gabuh qisu loghba cess.
Henry Mifsud
Jun 24th 2012, 13:42
@ Paul Caruana: I am no expert in football but if I recall correctly an autogoal is when one of the players scores in the net of his own team. Both FD and JPO did this so your argument is completely out of point; or should I say off-side?
Again your knowledge of chess seems to be quite narrow as normally a check-mate occurs when the King is brought to a point where he cannot move; PM Gonzi has been in that position for quite sometime due to his own doing.
George Sciberras
Jun 24th 2012, 11:51
It will be a loss for both the PN and the country. But it'll be the country (our pockets) which will get the largest blow from this. The minute the MLP has a majority in Parliament it uses it to stab those who are against them. So many years in opposition were not enough to teach them a lesson!!!!
Henry S Pace
Jun 24th 2012, 11:51
' Stabbed in the back, for the second time
'
YES, This is a fact however it was expected that you were going to say much more that what you have said.
While you consider that this is the second that you had a stab in the back, Dr Gonzi had continuusly been
stabbed to see him off from the party leadership.
The wolves are all around to seek revenge.
j brincat
Jun 24th 2012, 11:51
@Dunstan Crockford
"Malta`s loss!"
Please speak for your own self and not on behalf of the others!
(jb)
j brincat
Jun 24th 2012, 11:50
@m. borg (slm)
"The way things developed makes it quite clear that Labour.........."
And what have you to back this assertion of yours, dear PN apologist?
(jb)
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 15:52
@j brincat,
did you or did you not read my post?
The firts paragraph is an RCC quote from the Times itself (abpve).
Dunstan Crockford
Jun 24th 2012, 11:41
Malta`s loss!
A Dimech
Jun 24th 2012, 11:53
I don't agree; I think he smells so much of arrogance that this comment says it all:-
"Absolutely not. It is true I have over 14 years of EU experience, which is not easy to duplicate. And to combine that with the skills I have is not necessarily easy."
how arrogant is that!!
Joseph Brincat
Jun 24th 2012, 11:54
Dunistan Crockford
YOU ARE RIGHT >> MALTA LOSS hear credibility WHAT GONZI PN
Henry Mifsud
Jun 24th 2012, 12:52
From the above interview, RCC made it quite obvious that first and foremost it is GonziPN's loss as he portrayed himself as God's gift to half of Malta's population.
Dunstan Crockford
Jun 24th 2012, 17:20
@Joseph Brincat...I wish I could understand your reply to my comment!
Pierre Vassallo
Jun 24th 2012, 11:39
It is now very evident that the Labour party was conspiring with a PN MP to reach its goals......the same MP they charged with all wrong doings just four years ago. Zero tolerance my foot Muscat!!!!!!
Joseph Brincat
Jun 24th 2012, 12:39
It is now very evident that the Labour party was conspiring with a PN MP to reach its goals
So if the GOD FATHER said so you you believe so >>> BLIND FOLDED
Denis Pace
Jun 24th 2012, 13:20
Joseph Muscat has only ONE thing on his mind....GAIN POWER....If he has to make a deal with the devil, then be it!
Unlewss he changes dramatically into a real statesman if he gets elected to power, Malta will be in for a TOUGH time!
M Grima
Jun 24th 2012, 11:37
Forsi jekk ghall RCC xi hadd kien 'xi bicca deputat" forsi bl'istess ragunament hawn minn kien bicca ambaxxatur!!!
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Jun 24th 2012, 12:14
Oh well, of you and your ilk I do not expect anything different.
You should perhaps apply for his job. Malta needs you.
Antonio Pace
Jun 24th 2012, 11:33
The PL apologists convince me even more that Labour never changes. Their spite deceives the country's interest no matter what.
Karl Bugeja
Jun 24th 2012, 12:38
Why are you addressing Labour ? Forgot that 2 of the government MPs did not vote with the government ?!
Stop this hatred !
Alison Bezzina
Jun 24th 2012, 11:32
In Malta the personal is SO political that it’s a never-ending web of whims and whines, likes and dislikes, which ultimately dilutes meritocracy to a weak cabbage soup of farts.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120623/blogs/the-personal-is-political.425603
Andy Farrugia
Jun 24th 2012, 12:08
And again!
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Jun 24th 2012, 11:28
Comments posted here say it all - some people do not even understand plain english.
Amazing.
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 11:25
The way things developed makes it quite clear that Labour knew what the outcome of the vote would be even before the motion was presented. And I find it very sad that a person who hopes to be Prime Minister – a role requiring a person of the highest integrity that you can basically trust with your life – associated himself with an act of vindictiveness we have not seen in Malta in 30 years."
Is RCC now a mind reader a prophet all these suppositions. The fact is RCC gave his version and JPO gave his, it is up to the people to decide who is telling the truth or not, personnally I believe none of them the truth lies somewhere in the middle and to put the blame on PL is down right diabolical.
RCC acted wrongly on PfP, at the parliamentary committee he had the chance to make ammends by apologising but instead went his ARROGANT way and reaped what he has sown for the last 16 years.
Why wasn't RCC asked about Mugliette's abstention? Simple answer, because Mugliette gave the real reason behind RCC's demise "....he did not respect parliament" whatever one may think of Mugliette at least on this occassion he was 100% right and that is what PL's motion was about, it was RCC and gonzi who tried to twist the real purpose of the motion.
By the way does RCC agree with gonzi that the motion was one charging him(RCC) with treason?
Charles Massa
Jun 24th 2012, 11:22
Jghid x jghid RCC hadem minn wara dar il parlament. Il mozzjoni tal PL kienet gustifikata. X riedu jaghmel lil PL, RCC? Joqod cicici beqqi u ma jaghmel xejn? Issa zejt tela f wicc lilma. Nerga nghid RCC mar kontra l Parlamnet Malti u ha li haqqu. Issa ghal xejn joqod jibki dmugh tal kukkuddrilli. Anzi ghandna gvern mhux serju li ghal kemm RCC irrizaja, hallif fil kariga. Affarijiet li hawn Malta biss issihom
Michael Seychell
Jun 24th 2012, 14:39
Sur Massa - Kieku kien kif ghidt int, allura il-Partit Laburista ilu cicci beqqi 8 snin ghax dan il-kas daqshekk imur lura.
Il-verita hi li Joe Muscat u shabu bdew jisimghu lill Franco Debono jikkritika lill RCC u ddecedew li jaghmlu mozzjioni ghax emmnu li FC kien ser jivvota maghhom kif ghamel fuq il Ministru Mifsud Bonnici.
Meta ndunaw li Franco kellu hsieb iehor, bn'xi mod saru jafu li JPO kien sar ikun li strument taghhom, u biex jaccertaw ruhom inqdew ukoll b'JM tal PN.
Michael Seychell Tal-Pieta
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 24th 2012, 15:06
@Michael Seychell
Mela ''Il-verita hi li Joe Muscat u shabu bdew jisimghu lill Franco Debono jikkritika lill RCC u ddecedew li jaghmlu mozzjioni ghax emmnu li FC kien ser jivvota maghhom kif ghamel'' ....U ''Meta ndunaw li Franco kellu hsieb iehor, bn'xi mod saru jafu li JPO ''........ U HALINA mela int tahseb u trid tbella lil nies kif tiraguna int......Il fatti huma li bejn il PN mhemx u qatt ma kien hemm rispett lejn hadd u jekk illum wahaltuli, impatijilek meta ikun il mument. Daqshekk kolla u spicca.
Frans Aguis
Jun 24th 2012, 11:21
Cannot believe the people think it is OK for a civil servant, an ambassador no less, to be involved in the tactics of a political party, and take a very active role as well.He tried to destroy who he thought wasn't good for the party even though they were elected by the people.
I mean these are the kinds of things Gonzi is always reminding everyone of from the 60's and 70's!
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 12:07
Let us not forget that RCC is an integral part of PN/gonzipn electoral tactical team which means that RCC has conflict of interests when it comes to his ambassadorial services.
Serve the party or the country?
One can't have his toast buttered on both sides.
A Dimech
Jun 24th 2012, 11:13
He has such a high opinion of himself - which borders on being arrogant!!
"If my replacement does the two jobs I have done over the past eight years, he or she must first have to be mad."
Arrogance was probably his downfall.... he just does not realise how many people his arrogance has antogonised!!
Kenneth Williams
Jun 24th 2012, 11:12
Absolutely not. It is true I have over 14 years of EU experience, which is not easy to duplicate. And to combine that with the skills I have is not necessarily easy.
If my replacement does the two jobs I have done over the past eight years, he or she must first have to be mad.
George |Vella kien jghallimna kollox possibli li ghadu jhossu indispensabbli.
M Grima
Jun 24th 2012, 11:11
" I resigned because it was the correct thing to do, not because Parliament had a legal right to remove me"
You were made to resign by Parliament and if there was no legal right to do so, there were political and moral grounds to resign. It is useless trying to pin this whole episode on the leader of the opposition when it was your own pals who shot you down.
Mr. Cachia Caruana, you are the victim of your own insatiable arrogance, which not only knows no limits , but worse still, you actually think you are some sort of god's gift to the nation. The king has died, long live the King.
Kenneth Williams
Jun 24th 2012, 11:10
L isbah haga li hemm f din li storja hi li qedghin jiggieldu erba nazzjonalisti bejniethom u GONZIPN qed
iwahhal f joseph Muscat. Ma nafx b min tridu tidhku????? Veru ma ghdx hawn min jisthi!!!!!
Joe Tabone
Jun 24th 2012, 11:28
Kenneth,
I don't agree here, the whole issue revolved around the 2 opportunitic motions tabled by Dear Joseph AFTER the dicussion in parliament by Franco Debono. Two motions of censure but tabled differently, one was against a Minister (the civil servants responsible were not even mentioned) and the other was against a Civil Servant. In the one against the civil servant (RCC) , Labour did not prove their case, as Jesmond Mugliett stated yesterday, neither did they censure the Minsiter responsible. However Jeffrey decided to vote with Labour, a decision that has exposed his real intentions.
No wonder he decided not to contest the next elections.............after a poll in a local newspaper showed he lost popular support. Turncoats are all-round losers...............not trusted by anyone!
A Dimech
Jun 24th 2012, 11:10
"...associated himself with an act of vindictiveness we have not seen in Malta in 30 years."
I mean come on now - It is not that he is going to die of hunger, is he?!!
Sure enough that he will have plenty of other things and roles.....
So this act of vindictiveness, and playing the vistim does not really go down very well.
What the Times should have asked me, was around him saying "Bicca MP".... that is what was vindictive towards Malta's Democracy!
M Grima
Jun 24th 2012, 10:59
"And to combine that with the skills I have is not necessarily easy".
If this is not arrogance personified, what is?
Emanuel Farrugia
Jun 24th 2012, 10:54
In the field of human relations, only the humans involved know what the real motives for any action were . When they tell their story, they have a choice either to tell the whole truth or to tell ONLY the pieces that will not make them look bad before the public.
Ex -President Nixon said, all the way to his resignation that the Watergate scandal did not happen. This affair taught me a lesson in life which makes me try to read between the lines.
J Grima
Jun 24th 2012, 11:12
Well said ! It's not like he's ever going to admit anything......
Joseph Brincat
Jun 24th 2012, 10:35
IT IS QUITE CLEAR THAT >>>
Richard Cachia Caruana ' WAS NOT ' ambassador of MALTA
BUT OF THE >>> PN so you can not TRUST some one as
ambassador of MALTA !!!!!
Johnny Xerri
Jun 24th 2012, 10:27
Poor RCC...he feels that JPO deceived him...KARMA...@ its best for in the EU neg RCC had decieved 17,000 hunters...
Karma is getting them one-by-one...Pn is self distructing...after having distroyed the lives of those who had supported them...
Ray Spiteri
Jun 24th 2012, 10:14
RCC on JPO
Quote
JPO is unable to overcome his own insecurities and failures
Unquote
Quote
RCC on DCG (Daphne Caruana Galizia)
I admire her
unquote
EX PN
twanny borg
Jun 24th 2012, 10:36
anki jien nammira lil dcg ghal kuragg taghha li tghid dak li thoss minghajr biza'. ara jpo beza (jew biex jingannah) jghidlu f'wiccu li se jivvota kontrih.
Frans Aguis
Jun 24th 2012, 10:51
Yes it requires plenty of courage to call family members names, and also bring in small children.wow...
J Grima
Jun 24th 2012, 11:14
Shows your true colours Twanny Borg
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 11:27
@twanny borg
Il-garra gejja u sejra fl'ahhar tinkisser.
twanny borg
Jun 24th 2012, 12:33
@j. grima: iva ahjar ikollok miljun bhal dcg milli wiehed li jonhoq il-liberta li tghid dak li thoss.
Michael Seychell
Jun 24th 2012, 14:42
Ray Spiter - prove it!
Michael Seychell Tal-Pieta
jason gatt
Jun 24th 2012, 10:10
Dr Pullicino Orlando said there weren’t many MPs willing to speak in your defence?
Since the debate was limited to one sitting, the Prime Minister and Leader of the House had decided to restrict the number of speakers.
and I belive you.Come on the PM was sh...... in his pants.
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 11:29
......and why did gonzi accept a limited debate?
Because in his ARROGANCE he thought he had a secure vote.
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 24th 2012, 10:10
''When I saw him there, in my mind I thought there was a problem, so a few days later I messaged him to ask if we could meet. We arranged to meet on June 5. I went to his house and received an extremely warm welcome.''
This is what astonish most people....after years of intence cold war and I emphise the word 'intence' between each other, RCC arranged a meet as if NOTHING happened between them in these last four years and they believe each other??!! Somebody should have read Shakespeare beforehand.
cesco di luigi
Jun 24th 2012, 15:55
With all the talk of RCC's canniness and cunning I think JPO proved to be the better strategist...RCC must have been really naive to think that JPO was going to reveal his hand...sorry RCC you lost this one...it's as simple as that....try getting ELECTED to parliament for once and then you can try the same trick yourself!!!!
twanny borg
Jun 24th 2012, 10:07
kif jista' jkun tistieden bniedem go darek tghidlu mhux se tivvota kontrih u wara tivvota kontrih? tal-misthija titradixxi persuna hekk tal-istess partit tingannah biex ma jirrezenjax qabel il-vot? kif tista' tkun aktar kattiv ma' persuna u ma dawk kollha li ivvutawlek u bkew mieghek? kieku jien nitlob apologija u nirrezenja. kif tista' tiftehem mal-pl minn wara l-partit tieghek? tista' ma taqbilx ma' l-rcc izda trid tammetti li malta tilfet ambaxxatur tajjeb. l-aqwa li l-pl heles minn xewka bl-ghajnuna ta' persuna li bekka qabel l-elezzjoni. veru inkredibbli!
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 11:30
Il-kelma ta' RCC kontra dik ta' JPO. Lil min temmen, jien lil l-ebda wiehed minnhom it-tnejn ghandhom l-agenda taghhom.
Michael Seychell
Jun 24th 2012, 14:45
Twanny zgur emmint lill JPO minhabba l-biki li beka l-Mosta!
Michael Seychell Tal-Pieta
pat muscat
Jun 24th 2012, 10:07
I am presently watching the 'Fox' series 'Mad Men'; the present comedy of RCC's forced resignation , could have easily been adapted for this Fox drama. It seems that our country was run by 'a one man band'; otherwise how can one explain this hullabaloo simply because an ambassador was forced to resign?
Many ambassadors are forced to resign-the last American ambassador too was dumped; what is this RCC fuss all about?
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 11:31
Well put Pat.
Some people think they have divine rights over others.
B Attard
Jun 24th 2012, 16:26
He was the most important to others.
Raphael E Vassallo
Jun 24th 2012, 10:01
Indeed a very sad day for Maltese politics! Thank you for the sterling service you have provided your country and its citizens.
mario salnitro
Jun 24th 2012, 10:56
I do not agree with you ,and many other Maltese citizens agree with me for sure.
It might be sad for you but definitely not for me.
Good riddance !!!
A Dimech
Jun 24th 2012, 11:27
Not sad for me.
Arrogance has been removed!
m. borg (slm)
Jun 24th 2012, 11:32
Mr Salnitro , Mr Vassallo has a right to his opinion no matter how wrong it might be.
j brincat
Jun 24th 2012, 09:58
"No one should believe what the Labour Party says because they talk so much rubbish"
And how intelligible does the PN talk?
Perhaps they are not in the mood for talking as they have too much on their hands right now. They would be more interested to limit the damage that the internal strife within it is causing and which shows no sign of abating!
(jb)
Vince Deguara
Jun 24th 2012, 10:30
Have you really got nothing better with life, than re-writing the interview line by line and re-blabb the PL's trump cards?
jason gatt
Jun 24th 2012, 09:56
"Nationalist MP Jesmond Mugliett abstained from the vote because he said he did not fully buy into the government’s explanation that PfP reactivation did not require parliamentary ratification. Given there was no electoral mandate, the government should have sought Parliament’s approval anyway. Isn’t he right?
The hearings have shown that it wasn’t legally necessary."
Legally necessary for me means that it is not illeagalbut it was a sensitive action to take alone by an ambassador to the EU.
twanny borg
Jun 24th 2012, 10:27
-azzjoni kienet tal-gvern mhux tal-rcc. differenza kollha
jason gatt
Jun 24th 2012, 12:01
Twanny saqsi lil mulgliett ta min kienet' jew mhux parti mil gvern? open your eyes and you'll see the light :)
j brincat
Jun 24th 2012, 09:53
"Do you believe you are irreplaceable?"
No mortal is irreplaceable or indispensable!
Addolorata is filled with people who believed that they were indispensable and once they hit the bucket the Maltese went on their way as usual!
(jb)
twanny borg
Jun 24th 2012, 10:15
aqra sew!! ma qalx li huwa irreplaceable. tkunx insolenti lejn il-mejtin l-addollorata hemm nies li hallew gid kbir warajhom li ghadna ingawdu minnhom.
S Vella
Jun 24th 2012, 09:50
Thanks for all you have done to our country. You've even confirmed your professionalism with the above interview. I would have not been able to control my "paying back"
j brincat
Jun 24th 2012, 09:48
"And to combine that with the skills I have is not necessarily easy"
Such a prudent and humble statement!
(jb)
carmel cassar
Jun 24th 2012, 11:32
mirror mirror on the wall who ii the cleverest of them all
Paul Caruana
Jun 24th 2012, 09:40
It is highly ironic that the "power behind the throne", well known for his ability to out maneuver those he considered to be undesirables within the PN, is now complaining that he himself has been outmaneuvered!
What goes around, comes around.....
Paul Micallef
Jun 24th 2012, 09:39
I would take your job if i have your wages. Only one thing it would be with the PL ticket, as now we realy can see what kind of party the PN has become MANIPULATIVE. Having power gives one a sense of being a GOD but when you fall from GRACE rest assured that you will have to mingle with the same people that you and your party once steped on. Through the years a lot of people have been hurt, and thrown away just for being PL, i am one of them, do you think that this pain will go away?????Just because some bloggers here keep on bringing the past up they think that only thye have suffred an INJUSTICE???? Well,,,,, No, as their are a lot of PL supporters that have SUFFRED A LOT, Should we seek REVENGE???? NO,but do not wish on to other that you do not want done upon you. Alred sant with all his shortcomings tried to wash away this TRIBAL attitude that we have, but he could not as it is inbeded in our souls. I thought that Gonzi was different but he is not. I do hope that there will be a new horizon under JOSEPH, but for it to work he must be given the time, if anybody hampers with the way that he does things, well it will be BACK TO THE JUNGLE:.
Franco Farrugia
Jun 24th 2012, 10:19
'I would take your job...' Qas int pruzuntuz, ukoll!
Johnny Xerri
Jun 24th 2012, 10:28
not as much as your humble self...
Paul Micallef
Jun 24th 2012, 10:50
@Franco and co.
I AM BEING SARCASTIC Ha ha ha, Well isma ta bejnietna ta, jekk jigi Gonzi u jofrili il-pozzizjoni ahjar milli itini FRIDGE jew WASHING machine ta, ha ha ha ha.
Jonathan Camilleri
Jun 24th 2012, 11:09
Mr. Micallef, he is not paid as much as CEOs of giant corporations, so I suggest you cool it off, even though everyone would like to have a €40k+ yearly salary of course, excluding bonuses and so on. In my opinion no politician is different, they just portray a different marketing campaign, you cannot be that naive!
Franco Farrugia
Jun 24th 2012, 15:47
@ Paul Micallef: And all together now: hahahaha, hahahaha, hahahaha...!
M. Bezzina
Jun 24th 2012, 09:31
Li naf hu li DCG eda tamel hafna hsara lil esponenti Nazzjonalisti!!!
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