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Tuesday, June 26, 2012 by

Christian Peregin

Debono rejected by Gonzi - Debono 'surprised'

Nationalist Party refutes claim of Gonzi’s backing, but Debono stands his ground

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has denied wanting rebel MP Franco Debono as a PN candidate for the next election, although Dr Debono has stood by his comments and expressed surprise.

There is absolutely nothing that can justify an MP of a party voting for the other party without there being consequences

Speaking during TVM programme Dissett on Saturday evening, Dr Debono claimed the Prime Minister told him he was in favour of his candidature, but if he submitted his nomination it would have to be approved by the PN executive.

However, asked by The Times yesterday to confirm or deny Dr Debono’s statement, a spokesman for the PN gave an uncharacteristically unequivocal rebuttal.

“The Prime Minister denies making any such statement.

“On the contrary, the Prime Minister makes reference to the PN executive decision, which was clear and unanimous: those who were responsible for Monday’s vote and the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici must shoulder their responsibility,” the spokesman said.

“There is absolutely nothing that can justify an MP of a party voting for the other party without there being consequences,” he added, implying that not being able to contest the next election was such a consequence.

Dr Debono was last week condemned by the PN executive for voting in favour of an opposition motion calling for the resignation of Dr Mifsud Bonnici.

Nationalist MPs Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Jesmond Mugliett were also condemned, in the same statement, for failing to support the government in a parliamentary vote yesterday week on a Labour motion, which forced the resignation of EU Ambassador Richard Cachia Caruana.

Dr Debono insisted he had done nothing wrong and accused the PN executive of acting “in breach of the basic democratic principles and the rules of natural justice”. He insists that the decision was taken behind his back when he was in Parliament doing his duty and proposing measures for justice and home affairs.

The Prime Minister’s latest declaration, together with the PN executive’s condemnation, signal a departure from the government’s attitude in previous weeks and months regarding Dr Debono.

Only two weeks ago, Dr Gonzi hailed the “contributions” made by Dr Debono as he justified the fact that he was still paid as the Prime Minister’s parliamentary assistant despite his damaging behaviour in the House of Representatives.

“Dr Debono contributed in certain aspects. He also did some things which I absolutely disagree with but in life you have to look forward,” Dr Gonzi had said.

Dr Debono insisted that he had done nothing wrong

The government has sped up work on two of Dr Debono’s initiatives: his draft Bill on party financing (which has seen a consultation period launched) and his motion on justice and home affairs, currently being debated in Parliament.

But the stand on his candidature is likely to rile Dr Debono and risks causing more problems for the government during an already difficult period.

FRANCO DEBONO STANDS BY HIS COMMENTS

Meanwhile, Franco Debono said he stood by his comments and said he was surprised by the PN's claims.

He said that when he asked the prime minister what his position would be if he were to stand for re-election, Dr Gonzi replied that he was in favour of his candidature and he should go on home visits.

“The only condition he made was that I should attack Labour.”   He also told him that the ultimate decision on whether he could contest the election on the PN ticket rested with the party Executive.

Dr Debono said that when he told Dr Gonzi that last Saturday he criticised the Labour motion against Mr Cachia Caruana, Dr Gonzi replied that that was not enough and he should attack Labour every day.

Dr Debono said he could not understand what was happening as he had had a positive meeting with the prime minister. It was possible, he said that the problem lay in Dr Gonzi's advisers, who were taking him from one problem to another as they sought to protect their own positions.

Regarding the condemnation by the Executive over the way he voted in parliament on the motion against Carm Mifsud Bonnici, Dr Debono said that even a band club or a sports organisation had  to observe the rules of natural justice, let alone a political party. He, therefore, should have been heard before the decision was taken.    

 
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fred sammut

Jun 27th 2012, 10:10

Agree 100 %

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 18:17

Angelo, ruhi, jekk jien m'hiniex qaddis miexi fl-art, int lanqas ma int xi ANGLU, minkejja li jismek hekk !!!

Huwa INT li minghalik tirredikola lill-laburisti, billi ssejhilna " lejburisti", qisna ahna xi razza inferjuri ghalik u ghal shabek ta' GonziPN. Naccertak li fil-PL ghandna nies AQWA milli ghandkhom f'GonziPN. Tant hu hekk, li Gonzi qieghed jibza li la RCC iwarrab minn postu, m'ghandu lil hadd sura ta' nies biex johodlu postu !

Jekk ghandu, mela li qaghad ibezza li m'hawn hadd bhalu, kien kollu gideb !!!

Joseph Brincat

Jun 26th 2012, 17:03

Din ta' l-ahhar ghax mhux behsiebni nahli aktar zmien mieghek !!!
Jew ghax xbajt tiprova tahbi il-verita ok siehbi caio caio

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 18:19

Sur Ang, tahseb li kieku jaghmel li ssuggerejtlu, ma jkollux bizzejjed - eluf - ta' xhieda, bhal dawk kollha li rcevew ittri minn ghand Gonzi qabel l-elezzjoni li ghaddiet ?????????????????????

Mr Alexander Azzopardi

Jun 26th 2012, 19:37

Then i sum that you will be voting labour for the next 6 elections +

Mr Alexander Azzopardi

Jun 26th 2012, 19:47

Then i sum that you will be voting labour for the next 6 elections +

Pippo De Marco

Jun 26th 2012, 17:59

You are so right, Ramon.

I can no longer vote PN while Gonzi is party leader, nor can I vote for Labour, especially not while Joseph Muscat is leader ( If George Abela was leader then I would have had no hesitation switching ).

The people that Gonzi disapproves of are the ones that PN needs in order to re-connect with ordinary people and regain the trust the Gonzi and his clique have repeatedly thrown back in our faces.

Its a tough call, but Gonzi is doing his best to alienate many people like me.

Martha Zerafa

Jun 26th 2012, 20:11

Ramon and Pippo are spot on.The best comments so far.We don't trust any of the MP's and I positive that 1/3 of the Maltese population don't either.

Pierre Fenech

Jun 26th 2012, 20:33

Ramon in Malta small parties never really kicked in and a vote for them would be a lost vote in my opinion and Pippo Gonzi PN will never reconnect with people as the few people who the PM left around him are the ones who are causing the exodus being experienced at the moment. Gonzi cannot get rid of these people as they know a lot of things and he cannot discipline them as he will be the end loser. This is the result of a government that has been in power far too long and hence it is time for the people to decide if they want to stop this farce or not. I am ready to switch vote as this is really in the best interest of the country. The more I read and hear the more convinced I am getting and beleive me there are many like me out here. If Gonzi PN think that they can narrow the gap the more they stay there, I think that they are making the situation worse. Time will tell...

Fleur Mifsud

Jun 27th 2012, 11:50


May I say that I share most of the opinions expressed here.

I wish that politics would have a different new meaning for the good of Malta. Am I wishing for the impossible, considering our culture? The impossible could be made possible by a few good willed people, backed by other reasonable people.

I dream and I hope.

Fleur Mifsud

Jun 27th 2012, 12:52

.

" Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth. Mahatma Gandhi



Alex Buds

Jun 26th 2012, 16:05

You are confused. Democracy is for the country, which gets to choose the governing party. In each party the leader rules. Same as going to work for any private company or organization. Those aren't democracies either.

victor bonello

Jun 26th 2012, 18:21

@ Alex Buds; when you work for a private company you are responsible for what you do, unlike our Ministers who are almost only there for the salary and perks..

Joe Tabone

Jun 26th 2012, 15:54

In politics you usually support the Party on who's ticket you get elected, if not you face the consequences!!

John L Galea

Jun 26th 2012, 15:25

Very good comment indeed..I like :)

J Busuttil

Jun 26th 2012, 15:43

@ Lep Attard

The biggest surprise will definitely be if we get Labour.

R. Stivala

Jun 26th 2012, 15:04

You are very welcome to our family... Everybody is welcome to join our movement !!!

You will not be disappointed with Joseph Muscat !!!

victor bonello

Jun 26th 2012, 18:27

a really intelligent thought.. i tend to agree.. Malta is in full recession, the coffers depleted, all permits to friends and friends of friends in the pipe line.. now our beloved Ministers can go and enjoy the fruit of their toil on their estates in Tuscany , Sicily etc.. and let Joseph Muscat gnaw at the dry bone...

Francis Bonello

Jun 26th 2012, 15:30

I fully agree with you

Alfred Falzon

Jun 26th 2012, 15:44

@ M Grima

Dr Sant was haughty, arrogant, inflexible and failed miserably in his attempt to use Dom Mintoff in the implementatioin of his highly controversial schemes, including his promise to eliminate VAT!

He wanted to lease Maltese historical landmarks to foreigners (an American firm and the Order of St John), squandered thousands of Maltese lire on peacock-like Napoleonic reenactments to curry favour with the French and insulted Mintoff by calling him a "traitor"!

The last six months were spent in internal Party squabbling, during which former Minister Lino Spiteri resigned and the present President of the Republic, Dr George Abela, gave up his Deputy leadership!

The Maltese electorate rejected him for what he was, a year and a half later, and WE HAVE NO REGRETS!!

Alfred A. Falzon

John L Galea

Jun 26th 2012, 15:24

Let me make you rethink your first sentence:
Before last elections -
1) Gonzi told Air Malta employees that everything was fine for them and gave them guarantees. What happened?
2) MDD employees, he gave them guarantees...and what happened?
3) Hunters...he gave them guarantees that they will ahve their rights upheld...what happened?
4) Lower income tax ceilings?....not yet happened
5) Smart/Ghost City and the 5000 jobs?...mmm where are they?
....and the list never ends.

Do you still believe Gonzi?

Dunstan Crockford

Jun 26th 2012, 16:47

Mr Galea...YES I DO!

Mr Andrew Camilleri

Jun 26th 2012, 12:56

It would not be Gonzi who is lying -its the PN spokesmen who, as FD said, are protecting their positions And this is the malady that has struck GonziPN - they see nothing but their own personal power at the cost of government and Malta.

m. borg (slm)

Jun 26th 2012, 14:35

A denial through a spokeman giving leeway just in case of a U-turn.

Truely meditate.

Martin Cole

Jun 26th 2012, 12:23

Democracy does not mean you can do what you like, there are consequences for everything! FD chose to vote with the opposition, that was his right and part of democracy, the consequences are the democratic right of the PN executive to deal with it's members. Voters who democratically voted for the PN at the last election and voted in favour of Franco Debono may not be impressed with his actions so there will be consequences, do they not have a right to NOT vote for him. There are people who value honour and loyalty in members of a party, his actions speak volumes! There were other ways which FD could have enacted to achive the same results.

Miguel Attard

Jun 26th 2012, 12:29

"There is absolutely nothing that can justify an MP of a PARTY voting for the other PARTY without there being consequences"

Dr. Debono huwa MP ta' partit, u ghalhekk ghandu jirrispetta d-decizjonijiet tal-Partit. Jekk huwa ma jaqbilx ma' dawn id-decizjonijiet ghandu jiddiskuti internament fil-partit, imma qatt ma jista' jmur kontra l-partit tieghu stess.

F'dan il-kaz id-decizjoni hija semplici.. Jekk ma jaqbilx mad-decizjoni tal-partit id-demokrazija taghtih ic-cans li jew jifforma partit gdid ghalih jew johrog indipendenti..

I hope you understand this difference, and not just talk about how democracy is justifiable with no considerations!

P. Zammit

Jun 26th 2012, 13:02

Democracy ?? .... when you vote a Minister out of office just out of spite ?

J. Debono

Jun 26th 2012, 13:56

Democracy has nothing to do with it!!

Democracy is the people choosing which person/party should represent them for the next (in Malta's case) 5 years.

However the party should be able to choose which persons should be part of it.

In this case the PN are choosing not to let Franco Debono be part of their party for next elections, (fair enough seeing that he backstabbed his colleague).

Because we are a Democratic state however, Dr. Franco Debono is free to contest with the PL (if they accept him within their party), AD, or even as an independent person.

Fleur Mifsud

Jun 27th 2012, 10:07


Your arguments boil down to this statement: Voting in Parliament is only a formality.......

The dignity of Parliament is threatened because of this and nothing else.

M Borg

Jun 26th 2012, 14:09

Should anyone challenge the leader and expect to get away with it ?

A leader is there to be obeyed not chanllenged. If one does not like it , easy just leave and form your own party.

As Dr Debono said even band clubs have rules, try to break them and you are out !

Henry Mifsud

Jun 26th 2012, 21:14

A leader? What leader? To my book a leader is a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group. Does Dr. Gonzi fit this description?
Lest we forget we had not just a certain Dr. Debono challenging the "leader".
Dr. Gonzi is just a figure head and recent events proved that by the PN losing RCC in an official capacity they have not only lost someone in Brussels. A proper leader would have immediately replaced him to be in line with Parliament. But then, as he rightly admitted to the former US ambassador, he hasn't the luxury of a pool of brilliant minds around him. Or is he so blinkered that he cannot see beyond his very inner circle?

I repeat, GonziPN is fast becoming RIPPN. The problem with Dr. Debono is that he has softened his attacks recently and in some way was gullible to Gonzi's promises. Should he maintained his stand against Gonzi, we would have experienced a split in the PN by now. But those made of the qualities of Dom Mintoff are certainly a very rare breed. History repeats itself, they say, but only if the right people come around!

Martin Cole

Jun 26th 2012, 12:26

Sorry, he did not say 'right or wrong', your point is nullified, your politics is the same as your judgement.

Miguel Attard

Jun 26th 2012, 12:32

oh come on.. all parliamentary members attack the other party - this is politics!

The difference between PN and PL is that PL are trying their best (in my opinion with no result) to attack and reticulate the Prime Minister, for example: use of billboards etc

The PN is trying to attack PL's ideas, but the PN's problem is that the PL have no ideas to attack

Joseph Brincat

Jun 26th 2012, 12:28

@ Angelo Vassallo
COWARD is the one that doesn't apologies at least
for his wrong doings !!!!!!

joseph saliba

Jun 26th 2012, 13:02

the answer depends on what benefits the PL most?

J Pisani

Jun 26th 2012, 13:09

Ha ddumu tghidu bijha din Ta air Malta ! It seems you do not know what it means for one to lose his job ie he/she is either sacked or redundant . In Airmalta case none of the sort. All stayed who wanted to stay and all who preferred taking up early retirement package VOLANTERALY took it. No one was forced. They could have said no way !

Fenech MD

Jun 26th 2012, 14:07

It was not only the Air Malta employees who received a letter from the PM.

There were the bus drivers, the MDD employees, hundreds who worked in factories which shut down after the election in spite of the guarantee given by the PM....

The list never ends.

Michael Seychell

Jun 26th 2012, 15:04

@ Joseph Brincat - Prior to the 1996 general election Dr. Sant assured the Docyard workers that there will be no change to the Drdocks Council and this will remain being elected by thje Yard workers.

On becoming Prime Minister the first Law proposed and enacted by the Labour government on the feast of St. Paul was a change of the Dockyard Council where the Chairman and 50% of the members were nominated by the government.

Therefore according to what you stated in your argument even the MLP Leader lied since like Dr. Gonzi he broke an electoral promise.

Having stated this numereous promises are made before general elections by all political parties, but many of these are broken or changed by whichever Party is elected, since when they take up responsibility to govern the country, their way of thinking will be prone to do what is best for the country and not for the Party.

Therefore your concluding question on who is lying whether it is Dr. Gonzi or Dr. Debono is based on a wrong argument or assumption.

Michael Seychell Tal-Pieta

Mario Scicluna

Jun 26th 2012, 16:05

@Michael Seychell

What abioout the Smart City Fiasco? Where are the 5,000 jobs for youths? What about the Income Tax reduction promised by PN during last election? What about the White Rocks Fairy Tale? What about AirMalta that in 2 years it will start generating profit????? Reality check Seychell? Total collapse of entities such as SeaMalta, DryDocks, AirMalta, Selmun Palace and so many I do not have to mention. Oh yes, the National Debt, now that is nice and jolly to be really merry about.

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 13:00

Mario De Marco or Simon Busuttil ( who wants Malta to become just a tiny village in a European Super-State ) will ensure the PL under Dr. Muscat, a generation, at least, in government !

Anthony Pace

Jun 26th 2012, 13:49

@ Andre Grech

The PN needs a totally new leadership and not one inherited from a father or an advisor based in Brussels with a lucrative salary. One who can stand up to scrutiny with an unbellished bill of health. The PN needs new blood totally with a revamp of it's executive and idealogy that sometimes lives in the past.

FD has the stamina, energy and ability to lead the people behind him as well as JPO but the latter to a lesser degree. The latter got divorce through, the former managed to overthrow a home affairs department and got some rationale into it's organisation. We are basically Semetics in Europe, so our atitude needs changing fast to be integrated with the rest of the EU. The PL will contest the next election successfully and make their time in power a success as they have revamped and adopted to the EU easily.

Martin Cole

Jun 26th 2012, 12:31

By DR F Debono dis-loyalty and actions, he chose to challenge the leadership and executive of the PN, he placed himself in whatever predicament is decided from the PN Executive, it's not a discard, is a likely choice!!.

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 13:02

I do not believe that Franco Debono, if he is refused as a candidate, will remain quiet during the election campaign !

George Azzopardi

Jun 26th 2012, 15:11

@Martin Cole ..Dr.Debono is now being discarded by PN .. until a few weeks ago many GonziPN loyalist were kissing his arse (including the PM himself)

Mr Andrew Camilleri

Jun 26th 2012, 13:03

Well, it has become very evident that Gonzi is weak. I would not be surprised if he said one thing to the person who is sitting in front of him and then reported something completely different to his colleagues - weak people do this kind of thing.

Martin Cole

Jun 26th 2012, 12:42

Sounds like wishful thinking!, still waiting to see what the PL plans are for Enemalta etc, so far, all that appears positive from the PL is land reclamation.

All things considered, Prime Minister Gonzi has put Malta ahead of party issues by his longsuffering in dealing with Dr F Debono. Putting Malta to an Election with the possible election of an unknown like Dr Muscat may seriously be detrimental (in his eyes) to Malta, hence holding on to the reign of power, your rhetoric is totally biased and therefore holds less weighting in a considered view of the truth of what is happening.

Victor Vella

Jun 26th 2012, 11:15

Agree 100%. Politics is the art of how much you fish people with your beautiful talking and wild smiles and then do the contrary behind their backs.

P. Zammit

Jun 26th 2012, 13:03

You need a new keyboard !!!!!!

Paul Cassar

Jun 26th 2012, 17:43

p...............you sorely need a new leader.

B Attard

Jun 26th 2012, 11:24

I do agree, but do you think that certain top leading Mps (after inheriting their position from a dad an uncle or a gramdpa) dare quit easily one day. Forget it. These people want to reign and dictate cause that's how they feel safe.

Tony Borg

Jun 26th 2012, 11:40

100 % right !!

Mr Andrew Camilleri

Jun 26th 2012, 13:05

"This is the real stuff election talk should hinge on from now" - agreed, but Dr Gonzi just wants to talk about Labour's past. Incredible!

G. Abela

Jun 26th 2012, 11:41

Mr. Vassallo

Are you one of those 'Bravi' who believe that all PL supporters are stupid and with no education at all. You tried to make fun of Mr. Privitera's alliegance with Labour. This shows your disrespect to a fellow Maltese. Prosit this is how the PN has thought you, to hate and redicule the 'lejburisti' especially the Fenech Adamis, Gatts, Cachia Caruanas and Galizias of this world.

Wake up brother a start smelling the coffee beans because in the next few months (if not before) your world is going to turn upside down and right to LEFT!!

Anthony Agius

Jun 26th 2012, 10:48

Call an election and give Malta a chance

Carmel Zammit

Jun 26th 2012, 11:05

Give us names if you expect anyone to give attention to your fantasies.

Alfred Vassallo

Jun 26th 2012, 11:52


Let me tell you what Hypocrisy in its true essence mean;

Remember how much the pn vilified the pl especially Dr. Sant nearly on the eve of 2008 Election in regard to the Mistra affair WHILE knowing who was saying the truth at all times! And now we have RCC saying.....

''I regret to say Alfred Sant probably summed him up correctly."

It is the first official declaration by a PN official to shed doubt on the claims by the pn made during the 2008 election and which were OPENLY defended by the PN.

That is what is termed as Hypocrisy in its pure essence.

Victor Laiviera

Jun 26th 2012, 10:35

How about an €600 per week question? :)

Joseph E Briffa

Jun 26th 2012, 11:12

Anthony Paris....I would have thought that it is logical and obvious. Unless MPs are given a free vote, like on the divorce issue, it stands to reason that all party MPs are expected to back the government the more so when the government has only a single seat majority. What's so frightening, may I ask?

Anthony Paris

Jun 26th 2012, 11:26

Mr. Briffa, if you are not frightened by this statement, then it will be a waste of time explaining anything to you. Clearly you believe that the people's supposed representatives in parliament should be a rubber stamp for their party. I suggest you try this statement on a British MP and see what their reaction will be.

Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Jun 26th 2012, 10:26

With respect, I doubt it!

Joseph Gatt

Jun 26th 2012, 14:05

Dollars to donuts that the PL will not take him

Joseph Brincat

Jun 26th 2012, 10:33

Angelo Vassallo
LIED TO AIR MALTA EMPLOYEE !!!!
AND WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED !!!!!!!

A Trapani

Jun 26th 2012, 10:36

... the only difference is that the divorce vote was a free vote based on moral and principles whilst FD's vote was on a LP motion causing an unfair resignation of a minister. Besides FD voted with and not abstained. Completely different scenarios Victor

Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Jun 26th 2012, 10:28

What do you expect from the PN and its supporters?!

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 10:28

m.Farrugia: On the contrary, on this I believe Franco more because Gonzi was not in a position to tell Franco " No, I will be against you contesting the election ", when Dr. Gonzi knew that Franco Debono could then pay him back by voting in favour of the PL's motion !

But Dr. Gonzi is caught in between the Executive and Franco Debono. To the Executive Dr. Gonzi couldn't admit that he had said 'yes' to Franco's candidature, when thousands of supporters have been calling for Dr. debono's dismissal from the party !!!!!!!!!!!

M Farrugia

Jun 26th 2012, 12:15

ghandi dritt li temmen lil min trid bhal ma ghandi dritt naghmel jiena. Jiena nkellem u nahseb bil-logika u mhux bis-sentimenti politici. JPO, Franco u l-bella kumpanil-ohra jaghmlu dan kollu ghax l-P>N ma jaghmlx multi fuqhom jekk jivvutaw konra u huwa partit demokratiku li jhalli lil dd jghid li jrid.

Joseph Brincat

Jun 26th 2012, 09:55

Angelo Vassaiio
but Gonzi pn is not the first time that he LIED !!!!!!

Mario Scicluna

Jun 26th 2012, 10:11

Angelo, issoltu ma tantx naqbel mieghek, imma jkollhi nghid li ghandek ragun! Din id-darba biss eh...

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 10:30

Angelo, dear, why didn't Dr Gonzi make the announcement himself PUBLICLY, instead of leaving an unnamed official do it for him ???

Mr G Naudi

Jun 26th 2012, 13:47

@ Eddy Privitera

Could it be that the PM might have some more important things to do then to call the press for some kid's game? Talking about speaking out, when is Joseph Muscat going to condone the irresponsible disgracesful action of one of its B'kara council members after attacking an elderly women. Has he rewritten the speak a hundred times and could not find the appropriate words. Months have passed without a condemnation or removal of the said councillor. No condemnation of such an act means he approves of it.

M Farrugia

Jun 26th 2012, 09:54

I believe that Debono is not telling the truth.

Joseph Camilleri

Jun 26th 2012, 09:55

the mystery, intrigue and suspense is killing me!

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 10:35

M. Farrugia; You know why I think on this subject Franco Debono is more credible than lawrence Gonzi ? because it is true that Dr. Debono critizied the PL for its motion on RCC, when Franco Debono had been a very harsh critic of RCC, more than JPO !

this, to me , confirms that it is true what Franco said, that Gonzi made one condition- that franco starts attacking the PL , as Franco did on RCC's motion, when everybody had thought that he would also be voting for it, or at least, abstaining !! THIS IS WHY I DO NOT BELIEVE GONZI ON THIS POINT !!!

Franco Farrugia

Jun 26th 2012, 09:53

Dear M. Degabriele, you ain't seen nothin' yet! This ain't even the tip of the iceberg and hark you me!

Ivan M. Dingli

Jun 26th 2012, 09:54

Sounds more like dictatorship

James McIntosh

Jun 26th 2012, 10:09

Sheep follow blindly after the leader, humans have the power of independant thought, although apparently not if you are a PN follower.

M Farrugia

Jun 26th 2012, 09:55

Ghandi d-dritt li temmen lil min trid, imma jekk kien hemm min mhux konsistenti f'dan il-pajjiz huwa l-Kap tal-Labour party u diversi membri minn tieghu.

Joseph Camilleri

Jun 26th 2012, 09:56

and Franco Debono is credible?

H. Meilak

Jun 26th 2012, 10:13

You believe Franco Debono because you support Labour. Same as 1998 when PN supporters agreed with Mintoff not with Sant because they wanted an early election like you want.

J Grima

Jun 26th 2012, 11:32

bla bla bla Mr Meilak.

So because I don't believe Gonzi after all these lies in the last year and I'm starting to trust Mr. Debono's words, that makes me a Labour supporter ?

You're really confident with your guesses. You should stop working and start playing Super 5 every week.

May God be with you and the poor souls around you...

M Farrugia

Jun 26th 2012, 12:22

@Joseph Debono Le fl-opinjoni tieghi Deno mhux kredibli Jekk d tkun taf kemm huwa kredibli staqsi lil Alfred Sant ghax dak kiteb hafna dwaru qabel l-elezzjoni tal-1998

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 10:41

Kevin Zammit: Jekk dan il-gvern dejjqek, vot ghal-AD ikun vot mohli. L-unika alternattiva hu VOT GHAL PL U DR. MSUCAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Cuschieri

Jun 26th 2012, 09:49

Do you even have to ask that question?

You're comparing a statement made by FD about the PM ... to a statement made by the PM himself. Doesn't that answer your question?

The ones that are lying are those that want to make the public believe things that are not true ... switch on ONE News!

Mario Scicluna

Jun 26th 2012, 10:07

@A Cuschieri

No, that doesn't answer my question, is Aramaic good enough for you or shall I ask you in simpler terms? Are you pretending or you have honestly put your head in the sand and woke up shouting typical 'All of the others are lying, not us, not us!!! Hmmm...somehow reminds me of that Tonio Fenech fellow. Switch off Net (News) and take a break, it will do you good!

A Cuschieri

Jun 26th 2012, 10:30

Actually, I invited you to switch to ONE News because I do follow it. And from what I gathered, so do you. Now if you want to continue living on whatever the PL says and is ready to make you believe, go for it.

As for me, I'm not going to put a comparison between Debono or Gonzi, for the simple fact that someone that took Debono's actions shouldn't even be compared to the current Prime Minister who has steered the country away from the terrible situation that other European countries are in. Go to any other country and see if you find people dining out and enjoying themselves like you find here in Malta - and that's just one thing I'm mentioning.

Makes no sense that you're asking who's lying between the two - you answered yourself when comparing an allegation (by Debono about Gonzi) to a statement made by Gonzi himself.

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 10:44

A. Cuschieri: The statement was not made by the PM himself, as you wrote, but by an unnamed official !!!

Is lawrence Gonzi AFRAID to deny Franco Debono's statement HIMSELF AND IN PUBLIC ???

Mario Scicluna

Jun 26th 2012, 11:25

@A Cuschieri

Let me begin to answer you 'minn wara'. Kindly note that the statement , if you are kind enough to read the article properly, it says quote 'However, asked by The Times yesterday to confirm or deny Dr Debono’s statement, a spokesman for the PN gave an uncharacteristically unequivocal rebuttal.' It came out from a SPOKESMAN FOR THE PN ! Thefore, my brain cells argue that it did not come from the horse's mouth( no pun intended) God knows how this happened and who he is anyway. Let us not forget JPO strong allegations and Mugliett's statements and accusations as well ..

' the current Prime Minister who has steered the country away from the terrible situation that other European countries are in. '
Which situation is that? The one that Malta has gone officially in recession?, and the Financial situation where our National Dept has rocketed sky high and job creation has gone alltime low with remote possibilities of employment, let alone 'ix xoghol jigri wara l-haddiem'? How about the state of affairs in Health Sector with Mater Dei? And Transport Sector with froga Arriva? Education you say? Where suspension by EU has been the norm of the day due to mismanagement? Do you call that good steering ?
Energy sector marred by the BWSC scandals involving heavy fuel oil and the highest tarriffs for utility bills in all of the EU member states?

'Go to any other country and see if you find people dining out and enjoying themselves like you find here in Malta - and that's just one thing I'm mentioning.'
If this is the yardstick that you measure the quality of living in Malta, well mate, you have definately lost the plot and sorry to say do not know one iota what consumerism is all about. Take a good look what Caritas and other NGO's are saying on poverty in Malta and read about the realities that the families are facing. I travel occasionally, and believe it or not, I have seen Spainish and Italian restaurants full, travelled to Greece and Cyprus and still their restaurants were full buzzing with cars gadjets etc.! And yet, the EU bailouts hang on their heads. Think about that.

Finally, I have to ask again if there exists a remote chance of WE Bondi+ or Xarabank putting FD and Gonzi face to face about this subject? Team spirit? Chapter closed? Quo Vadis Malta?

A Cuschieri

Jun 26th 2012, 12:05

Eddy, you're smarter than that come on. A PM's spokesman speaks on behalf of the Prime Minister, Franco Debono doesn't. Unless you think or know otherwise obviously.

You have every right to think what you want, or what you're told at the end of the day.

Mario Scicluna

Jun 26th 2012, 12:17

@A Cuschieri

Let me begin to answer you from the last part of your anwer to mine. Kindly note that the statement , if you are kind enough to read the article properly, it says quote 'However, asked by The Times yesterday to confirm or deny Dr Debono’s statement, a spokesman for the PN gave an uncharacteristically unequivocal rebuttal.' It came out from a SPOKESMAN FOR THE PN ! Thefore, my brain cells argue that it did not come from the horse's mouth( no pun intended) God knows how this happened and who he is anyway. Let us not forget JPO strong allegations and Mugliett's statements and accusations as well ..

' the current Prime Minister who has steered the country away from the terrible situation that other European countries are in. '
Which situation is that? The one that Malta has gone officially in recession?, and the Financial situation where our National Dept has rocketed sky high and job creation has gone alltime low with remote possibilities of employment, let alone 'ix xoghol jigri wara l-haddiem'? How about the state of affairs in Health Sector with Mater Dei? And Transport Sector with froga Arriva? Education you say? Where suspension by EU has been the norm of the day due to mismanagement? Do you call that good steering ?
Energy sector marred by the BWSC scandals involving heavy fuel oil and the highest tarriffs for utility bills in all of the EU member states?

'Go to any other country and see if you find people dining out and enjoying themselves like you find here in Malta - and that's just one thing I'm mentioning.'
If this is the yardstick that you measure the quality of living in Malta, well mate, you have definately lost the plot and sorry to say do not know one iota what consumerism is all about. Take a good look what Caritas and other NGO's are saying on poverty in Malta and read about the realities that the families are facing. I travel occasionally, and believe it or not, I have seen Spainish and Italian restaurants full, travelled to Greece and Cyprus and still their restaurants were full buzzing with cars gadjets etc.! And yet, the EU bailouts hang on their heads. Think about that.

Finally, I have to ask again if there exists a remote chance of WE Bondi+ or Xarabank putting FD and Gonzi face to face about this subject? Team spirit? Chapter closed? Quo Vadis Malta?

A Cuschieri

Jun 26th 2012, 12:29

Mario, apologise for asking you to switch on ONE News - you seem to be well set on that frequency considering what you're stating is exactly what ONE has been preaching all though these last 4 years.

I'm not saying that problems do not exist - altro che - there is A LOT that can be done, or that could have been done better. But tell me, how would JM do it better? If you're asking for change ... change to what? so far we haven't heard anything from Muscat (or very little).

I do agree with you however, a face-to-face TV interview is long overdue and I believe that if that happens 'iz-zejt jitla f'wicc l-ilma'. I believe that the PM would come out stronger in this, and I HOPE that if FD makes any claims, he'll be able to substantiate them - something that he wasn't always able to do.

Eddy Privitera

Jun 26th 2012, 13:11

A. Cuschieri, when Lawrence Gonzi wants to deny something- sometimes even when it is true - he knows how to find the ways to do this himself, without needing the help of any "spokesman" !

Everything points to the fact that Dr. Gonzi wants to find a way how to extricate himself from an embarrassing situation, when he told Franco Debono that he doesn't object to his candidature !!!!

Mario Scicluna

Jun 26th 2012, 16:17

@A Cuschieri

You may not need rocket science to understand that reality is what it is, and if families have been in dire straights and living it hard, then if you missed what had been happening these last years. Come down from that planet and return from cuckoo land. Not meant with any disrespect of course.

Yes, things could have been done A LOT better and differently, but once you plan your strategy and insist to go on with incompetent individuals depending on their political colours, well that's a sure recipe for disaster. One thing I cannot stand though. The PN do not have a divine right to govern. PL has, always has, valid and relevant credentials to steer these islands to a brighter future. My opinion of course.

At least we agree on something, Bondi+ should tackle this, but I feel somehow that someone will ultimately ditch away from the challenge.

Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Jun 26th 2012, 09:48

No, he hasn't got the message. He is still dreaming.

A Cuschieri

Jun 26th 2012, 09:32

Correction ... what you hear about the PM is like a YoYo. The PM's stand has always been solid.

H. Meilak

Jun 26th 2012, 10:08

Agreed A. Cuschieri. Many people's opinions are what they hear or read from their favourite sources.

Fleur Mifsud

Jun 26th 2012, 11:57


A Cuschieri and H Meilak

Now I can understand why you answer so. Your favourite source is evident.

A Cuschieri

Jun 26th 2012, 12:11

My favourite source is myself Fleur - in the sense that I make my own opinions.

I listen, reflect and speak what I think, instead of listening and just repeating as some people tend to do.

Fleur Mifsud

Jun 27th 2012, 09:42


A Cuschieri :

Then we both agree on that.

I am hoping for a change in the way we do politics,rather then discussing patrician politics,it would be ideal to discuss the issues.

I am a floating voter who evaluates. My current opinion is that the PM is not to be trusted. Why isn't an election called,considering the situation? Who's interest is being safeguarded?

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