How to reunite the Nationalist Party

Eddy Privitera

Jul 10th 2012, 16:57

TAFU KEMM ZDIED ID-DEJN NAZZJONALI F'SENA WAHDA ? €432 MILJUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MIN KIEN QAL : " MONEY NO PROBLEM " ?????

Sandra Camilleri

Jul 9th 2012, 20:25

What has a PL Government have to offer! Nothing! PN has done alot for Malta and we are living in peace.
Malta has flourish under this government, just look around and see the improvements.- New cars -although opposition complaint about high cost of fuel, high cost of w & e but people still purchase and install ACC.
Perhaps Joseph Muscat can tell us what he has to offer to the people.

James Camilleri

Jul 9th 2012, 19:25

I am not a political pundit neither do I aim to be one. However as a normal citizen I believe I might have some ideas as to the present political turmoil and party tension within the PN. I think what the PN is passing through is a period of change and change does bring along some upheaval. To lay the blame at the feet at the 3 MPs who have time and again caused some tension is being simplistic. There is general disgruntlement among the rank and file as well as with the ordinary PN supporters. The PN was a strong party during the 70s and 80s united under a strong leader against a common foe – the labour party with his particular brand of socialism. It was in opposition and could criticize the government over a number of issues. As a party it even garnered the support of labourites who were either unhappy with Mintoff’s way of doing things or those who once their social status had improved and had moved up the social scale wanted to dissociate themselves from such a party. Once the PN achieved the leadership of the country, the country changed drastically – a cultural, social change which had already started under the MLP, but which gained impetus and a new and better direction under the PN – the change from a tottering young independent country to a more mature one. Once this was achieved a general lassitude and complacency starting creeping in. And with this disgruntlement set in as well. The indicators were already there in ‘96 when the MLP under its new leader Alfred Sant won the elections. However the PN still had a strong leadership and it still had new policies/directions for the country – mainly EU membership. Once this was achieved the PN seemed not to have anything else to offer except the daily running of the country. Besides all this, like the MLP in the late 80s, it is now the PN that is undergoing a metamorphosis and a conscience crisis. The PN traditionally conservative and riding the Catholic Church’s bandwagon had opened its arms to liberals. Now it seems that its central organization cannot handle this situation. On the one hand the PN took liberal stands where economic policies were concerned, while it remained conservative in other social issues. The Divorce issue was a glaring example of this. The PN’s core is still made up of dynastic conservative families, who still hold the power strings. This I think is what Franco Debono referred to as the “cliques”. Franco Debono is representative of the liberal wing and the new blood within the PN. It is over simplistic saying that Dr Debono is driven by ambition – which politician is not after all? The PN is now at a crossroads and needs to do some very deep soul searching. It cannot scare the electorate with the socialist “babaw” of the 80s. Some of the electorate are too young to remember or to care of what happened in the past. Those who are not that young are wise enough to realize that, that sort of socialism was the result of Dom Mintoff – the way he did politics and have nothing to do with new labour. PN apologists, pundits and bloggers are continuously harping back to those times. Some of them are nauseating to most nationalists and they are alienating them more from the party rather than rallying them for greater support. Character assassinations, making fun of people, delving in people’s personal lives are doing great harm. In the circles I am part of, most of the nationalists are disgusted at the level of some of these so called journalists. They are harming the party irreparably and would do well to use their very good pens at helping the party achieve consensus over several issues and criticize it to make it once again a strong party with a vision.

William Caligari

Jul 9th 2012, 19:02

It was reported that Prime Minister said on Sunday that more action must be
taken against three of his own MPs.
Well , dan id-diskors sar nhar il-Hadd, 8 ta' Lulju
il-laqgha ta' l-ezukuttiv sa' ssir il-Hamis 12 ta' Lulju
Hemm wisq tul ta' granet biex dak li jkun jinsa' xi jkun intghqal,
u ma jsir xejn min dan id-diskors li sar nhar il-Hadd.
Wait and see.

Andre Grech

Jul 9th 2012, 17:00

The best way how to re-unite the party is to face the electorate under a new leader. I believe Gonzi should stay on as Prime Minister till the end of the legislature and someone else will take helm of the party. This new person who will be elected democratically by the party members will work hard to re-unite the party. A day is long in politics let alone 8 to 10 months. If the party will win the new leader will be elected prime minister and if the party loses he will be leader of the opposition working hard to regain the government in five years time. I can't see Gonzi doing this.

Louis Craus

Jul 9th 2012, 16:20

Il-pjaga kibret hafna. Il- qasma dehret fil-berah. Harget tiggerra mat - toroq. Fuq il- media kollha. Klikka . Oligarkija. Gholi tal-prezzijiet bla kontroll. Nuqqas ta' trasparenza, Hela bla razan. Sparpaljar ta' flus il- poplu, u eluf ta' familji fil-linja tal- poverta. Dberqieq ta' flus il- poplu, bhal bini ta' Parlament gdid meta nghaddu minghajru. Tejatru li ma hemmx ghaggla ghalih. Poplu miskin. Glied fil-berah. Glied intern. Qasma totali. Kulhadd issummat, jistenna w jittama, mhux xi appuntament f' Mater Dei, ghax dak trid is-snin tistenna. Arroganza f'certi dipartimenti tal- Gvern. Incertezza. Qtuh il- qalb. Kif ser tmexxi dal- Pajjiz? Il- Poplu mhux iblah. Ga ddecieda. Iz-zejjed kollu zejjed.

Anthony Borg

Jul 9th 2012, 16:14

In my honest opinion there is only one problem that has to be solved if the PN does not want to have a heavy defeat in the next election. Sorry to say but I think that Dr L.Gonzi has to make way for a new fresh Leader.. while doing so the three rebels have to resign from the Nationalist Party. As I said this is my opinion, which I think it's obvious very remote to happen but must be done for the greater good of the Nationalist Party..

Alfred J. McEwen

Jul 9th 2012, 16:11

Alfred J. McEwen

.....And what has GonziPN done about the repatriation of about 9000 illegal immigrants?? ..Absolutely NOTHING

George Calleja

Jul 9th 2012, 15:33

Whilst acknowledging the opinion of the lady lawyer and the philosopher, I cannot accept Dr. Portelli's opinion as he is trying to please the three rebels whenever he' s giving his views. Repeatedly he's always criticising the PN whenever he's interviewed on ONE. He enjoys himself showing his cynical wisdom as if he has the magic wand to solve everything. But in real time he was always proved wrong!!

silvio loporto

Jul 9th 2012, 15:18

I don't see any of the above Experts telling the party that they are reaping the fruit of the Arrogance and the past mistakes of ignoring us little people.It is here that I think they could learn a lesson or two from Robert Arrigo who has kept in contact with us Sliema people all the past years.

Mr Andrew Camilleri

Jul 9th 2012, 15:14

Its too late to 'reunite' the NP. There are too many factions and Dr Lawrence Gonzi is to blame. You could see the oligarchy forming around him the moment he won the leadership - they treated John Dalli as if he were an enemy, unlike EFA who made his competitor Dr DeMarco as his second in command. That is the difference between EFA and Gonzi. The oligarchy then started antagonising various members of the NP, culminating in the (in)famous formation of GonziPN - jew ma' Gonzi jew barra. This is how I see it.

pat muscat

Jul 9th 2012, 14:35

To the man-in-the-street, GonziPN smacks of a system that has failed with many people thinking that the local economy has been rigged in favor of the same closely knit group of people. Having guard dogs that bite indiscriminately, are making matters worse: its time for GonziPN and its entourage, to seriously consider stepping down to give the PN a spout of fresh air ;resign now ; you have failed, the PN and future generations miserably.

K. Vella II

Jul 9th 2012, 14:26

"The PN must fight off the temptation of doing like Labour and promise everything to everyone, explaining the reasons and arguments behind hard decisions, even at the cost of being unpopular. Though that might lead to short-term loss, it would gain more on the long-term."

The only short-term loss is in the PN's collective memory, because this 'promising everything to everyone' business was exactly what won them the last election by a hairline majority. Jitfgħu il-ġebla u jaħbu idhom.

Mr Albert Dimech

Jul 9th 2012, 14:08

This is nothing but desperate wishful thinking. People who have enjoyed the flavours of being in power for so long are scared dead to think of the possibility of losing it all. The writing is on the wall, they know very well that the PN is in for a massive defeat, a historical one. The iceberg is in site, the vessel is fast moving towards it and no level of steering with avoid the impact. Perhaps they could consider hiring Harry Potter to work our some magical solution, not of the sorts of Prime Minister for a Day gimmick though!!

Anthony Arpa

Jul 9th 2012, 14:00

I see no need to Reunite the Party. But the Party only way is to must be clear away those who are not feeling comfortable in the party.

Eddy Privitera

Jul 9th 2012, 13:59

The best formula to unite the PN is for GonziPN to suffer a big defeat in the general election !

VINCENT WILLIAMS

Jul 9th 2012, 13:26

With out any doubt it is time for the PN to go to the Opposition benches for the good of the country and of the party.

John L Galea

Jul 9th 2012, 13:21

"The PN must also “weed out” those elements for whom their own interests come before those of the country and who lack a basic sense of ethics and decency, to avoid a repetition of the tragic-comedy recently witnessed in Parliament, he said."

Then the PN should be dismantled as it is party of "Jiena l-ewwel u qabel kollox".

Joseph Gatt

Jul 9th 2012, 13:17

This whole thing with the PN has become a pathetic embarrassing farce.In a First World Country an election would have been called months ago. But than Malta only pretends to be First World

O Kassar

Jul 9th 2012, 13:13

Personal interests are at stake and this is obvious. The three musketeers could well be playing the front line game. The first one because he wants to show us how good he is in using his sword. The second has blood ties with political rivals and is now ready to do his best to bring the king to a check mate. The third is perhaps annoyed that the King has left him out of his Court and didn't sent the usual entourage to inform him. There may also be D'Artagnan who is smiling and rubbing his hands in some hidden corner and ready to act when the moment is ripe. But they are all missing the point that this is not France during the revolution but a democratic party which is based on the rule of law and the rule of the majority. Might is not right and if they do not feel at home any longer, then they should leave and not expect that a minority should impose on the majority their own personal agendas through the use of their swords.

Mario Spiteri

Jul 9th 2012, 12:52

Out of all these comments, these are the most spot on:
Alfred Cassar: “ as we seen all these years, its always the very few elite that eat all the time”

Paul@Micallef: “The action taken by the 3 dissenters in the last few weeks means that they reached a point of no return. It means that they ultimately wants to bring down not only the government but more important they want their party to seize from functioning the way it did in the last 4 years. They want a complete change in the fundamentals of the party and bring it in line with today's world. They want to break the ties some big businessmen hold on the party. They want to break the ties the church holds on the party leadership. They want to break the control of some individuals have to protect their own interest. FaceLook will not solve anything now.”

It is too late for Frank Portelli’s suggestion to speak to the people. The people believed Gonzi five years ago, and they were betrayed.

As regards V Mercieca, Rocco Camilleri and Johnny Xerri – it is not just hunters, Drydocks, Air Malta and Go employees who were let down. It is all those who were given empty promises like the Sliema residents who were called to meet the PM on the eve of the election. It is ALL MALTA who were promised:
- meters on boreholes, instead big business continues to steal our water.
- Promised transparency in public appointments which continued to be the monopoly of the yes-men,
- Promised reform of MEPA which continues to be the servant of the rich and powerful,
- Promised financial transparency until hidden 500 euro ministerial honoraria were revealed,
- Promised a rebuilt theatre and given a tennis-court,
- Promised a state of the art hospital and given patients on stretchers in corridors and a collapsing hospital in Gozo(I should know, I work in that field - the public would be shocked if they knew the full picture)
- Promised environmental controls and given a polluting power station,
- Promised 5,000 jobs at Smart City and given a denial from the Dubai investors!!
- Promised support for those struggling to make ends meet, when instead millions were pumped into useless projects (Bridge to no-where?) while those at risk of poverty increased.
- Promised a state of the art transport system and given Arriva which is still causing so many problems after a full year in operation – yet another Austin Gatt fiasco.

The rebel MPs have sacrificed their political futures to show the party where it’s going wrong - even though their approach is not the best. Those who are calling for their expulsion are simply showing that they are afraid of losing their privileges.

Those who condemn the PN for putting party before the public interest are wrong. Had they put party first, the PN would be in better shape. They put themselves, and the financial interests of their families and friends first, and that is what has disgusted a whole nation. You can knock on doors until your hand falls off Dr. Portelli, it’s too late.

william cauchi

Jul 9th 2012, 12:50

Come on all of you in the photo...........we have been pulling your legs..............smile, you are on candid camera.

Silvan Said

Jul 9th 2012, 12:47

Perhaps there is a new way of doing politics in Malta at this day and age. The reality is that the era of alternating of unquestioned power between the two major parties between elections is over and we are seeing a move towards coalitions of smaller groupings or parties where MP's can fit more comfortably and feel that they do not need to be in a cabinet to be heard.

The fact is that we are witnessing the disintegration of the traditional large parties into smaller entities under some form of coalition reflecting a much broader spectrum of values and ideas where MP's have more freedom to vote according to conscience.

Is this such a bad thing? Many soothsayers will say that coalition governments in Malta would be disastrous but this is the big party line. Frankly we should be more comfortable with a proper and serious coalition than with a one member majority party that is subject to the whims of one MP whether personal or not. I am sure that, when the time comes we will find a way forward.

It is this that the PN has to address and not "reconciliation" or healing divisions.

S. Bonello

Jul 9th 2012, 12:44

The learned philosopher forgot to suggest to Dr. Gonzi to buy the dissenters a box of chocolates!!!
Thank God (or whoever you want) that we Maltese are a quiet, hard-working population!!
Come on, sort it out or leave now. Stop wasting our time.

j brincat

Jul 9th 2012, 12:40

"How to reunite the Nationalist Party"

Very, very easy IMO - call an election (not so early now) and matters will take their natural course - purging and purifying the party (PN)!



(jb)

j brincat

Jul 9th 2012, 12:38

"Meanwhile, philosopher Joe Friggieri says that if “the dissenters” feel they can no longer support the party and its policies they should consider resigning"

Really? AND which Minister has resigned, so far?

Shouldn't they lead by example?

So, how can Dr Friggieri expect anyone to resign?


(jb)

jesmond zammit

Jul 9th 2012, 12:27

x'biza ta partit!

Normal Maltese

Jul 9th 2012, 12:08

When one is sick, he needs to be cured. If curing means amputation, then amputation it must be. The most important is to remain alive - and be able to work for the better of all.

A Spiteri

Jul 9th 2012, 12:05

forget what the contenders Simon Busuttil, Mario de Marco and Tonio Fenech have to say...they believe nothing different from what Dr Gonzi already believes in.

If the new PN want change, then people like Mark anthony Sammut and his libertarian/right should be the new philosophy for that the party should adopt.

for political success, EFA moved the party to the left but the days of the left are over. The PN need to re-direct itself to the right, but not the conservative right of 50 years ago. They should go for the libertarian right that highlights the free market, individual freedom and limited government.

Mark. Galea

Jul 9th 2012, 12:04

Seems inevitable that we are going to get JM and the dinasours for the next 5 years ... ma hemmx x'taghmel wisq

vincent a galea

Jul 9th 2012, 11:59

"Meanwhile, philosopher Joe Friggieri says that if “the dissenters” feel they can no longer support the party and its policies they should consider resigning."

Exactly what I had suggested to the Hon J Pullicino Orlando a couple of months ago. He does not stop screaming for an early election! So I suggested that he should resign and leave the Party alone and in peace if thats how he feels! And that is the honourable way.... Why do we call these people 'Honourable' ?!

The Nationalist Party has enough brains, capacity, and stamina to sort this present impasse out.

Unless there are hidden agendas and personal piques (which would be pathetic under the circumstances!) all can come to a sensible conclusion even with the dissendents still in the fold!

The three members of parliament mentioned have been elected under the Nationalist Party emblem. They should have enough decency, respect, and courage to consider this before going on their ego trip, which is causing enough damage even to themselves!

Anthony Scicluna

Jul 9th 2012, 11:59

For those pining for an early election, think again. People vote a party into power - the parliamentary seat is of the governing party and NOT of the individual. This is why JM is careful to say, parliamentary majority rather than electoral majority. This is written in our constitution. In the 80s, in fact, the MLP had a parliamentary majority rather than electoral majority. And, magically, labour governed without democracy for 5 years.

What this means, and this is what the labour leadership fears, is that Dr Gonzi will kick the three dissenting MPs and replace them through by-elections. It is constitutional and well within Dr Gonzi's right. It is the law and may be rightfully exercised. This would mean that MLP would lose its power to rock the parliamentary boat. This would mean we would go back to tackling the real issues of economic recession et cetera rather than personal vendettas. For example, why is RCC ousted at 143k and Mr Cuschieri kept at a potential 400k Euros? See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111109/local/Cuschieri-to-get-his-MEP-seat-in-Brussels-at-last.392930

It is amazing that the MLP raise hell and then do not even discuss this issue. Where is the transparency we are being promised?

Lest we not forget those who DID NOT rule democratically are still among the Labour fold. How can we trust Labour? A blue tie does not make one progressive or liberal or transparent.

I have floated for too long. Labour is not my choice for two reasons. First, the old stalwarts are still there. This means a definite return to old ways. Second, this "ejjew nirbhu u mbaghad naraw attitude" shows that there is no coherent strategy; rather Labour is a fine and shining example of Yale Professor Charles Lindblom's "Muddling Through".

Mr Zeppi Borg

Jul 9th 2012, 11:46

If you look closely to the faces in the picture, one can notice the sadness and lack of motivation....

Ray Buhagiar

Jul 9th 2012, 11:44

According to comments and articles in the Times, we the electorate do not have any good alternatives. Let's wait till election day. By that time we would have enough time to examine each party manifesto. Personally I am not concerned by internal party politics, I prefer to assess the work carried out by each ministry and what the opposition is offering as an alternative.

So far I am reading ministerial reports but heard nothing much from PL. But I am ready to wait.

Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina

Jul 9th 2012, 11:43

Għandna bżonn, irġulija, rispett lejn il-kap tal-partit il-Prim Ministru Dr L Gonzi, rispett mill-kanditati, mill membri parlamentari lejn l-inteliġenza ta' dawk kollha li vvutaw lill-kull kandiat tal-partit Nazzjonalista!

Steve Pace

Jul 9th 2012, 11:29

"Three PN heavyweights have asked their party to stem its haemorrhaging before it bleeds to electoral death"

Eliminating the symptoms rather then the ROOT of the problems will not do any good. Suggestions by Joe Friggieri only provide such short term solutions !

Alfred Cassar

Jul 9th 2012, 11:19

Its too late, the people know from experience, under Labour, the people was like the beaten slaves of the Pyramids, under the PN they had the carrot. In the meantime as we seen all these years, its always the very few elite that all the time , 'Eat the Cake', these are not my words , but quoting an ex PN finance Minister. ts no longer about Gonzi or Joseph or Tom , Dick and Harry. Its about justice, ... maybe a 'Just Society', that is like the promised land, you only reach it when you are dead.

Raymond Cutajar

Jul 9th 2012, 11:15

++++++ ;ie, Plus, The country (PN) must give the dignity to those citezens who are being unjustly prosecuted through and found guilty for procedural reasons and NOT actual crime in any way whatsoever . Shame on Parliament for not ammending what is so stark unjust to justify an injustice hopefully unfoseen at the time
yes the PN legislated for the past 25 years no ?
and doese any body in his right of mind think that no matter how much pn blood one has in his/her veins ; he /she finds themselves in extremely bad fiancial difficulties due to incometence / corruption / innaction by the lack / non proper use of the law / manipulation of the system THANKs to PN consecutive administration as head inthe sand where it feels that the common citezen is only there when election looms no more no less
-no those veins start looking for different blood -naturally of course after futile attempt one -two-three times as each time the PN Never really cares about the Empy Stomachs of those no matter how much tilling and caring / watering because the arrogance shown won't allow them (pn)to really reflect what the public is saying -any body who starts beleiving the pn now would be a FOOL / CUC as per yours

william cauchi

Jul 9th 2012, 11:13

Every party has pros and cons.

The problem with the PN is that for years on end the cons have been advancing fast whilst the pros are completely stagnant in the water.

With the current situation of 8 cons to 2 pros, there is little chance of winning the match in a few months time whatever the PN does, not unless there are 7 autogoals by the PL. In fact the opposite seems more likely.

Mr B Busuttil

Jul 9th 2012, 11:07

with an election, and then they will start again from scratch (opposition)

Emanuel Farrugia

Jul 9th 2012, 11:06

A good Labour Party Government should have a good Nationalist Party Opposition. That is of national importance. The biggest problem facing the PN is how to change it's conservative character into somethibng new when being conservative means resisting any change.

M Saliba

Jul 9th 2012, 11:06

Quote: " On the other hand, if they are only unhappy with the leader rather than the policies they should ensure they do not contest the forthcoming election if Lawrence Gonzi is still at the helm"

Comment: The problem does not simply involve Dr Gonzi but the GonziPN system.

joyce aquilina

Jul 9th 2012, 11:01

how to reunite.
put all those extra wages that were given secretly back where they belong including RCC`s huge wage

Paul@ Micallef

Jul 9th 2012, 10:48

The suggestions/recommendations by the above 3 commentators did not provide any way out of the impasse the PN is in for the last 4 years. The comments are all superficial. To solve a problem one needs to go for the roots of the problem. This has been building up as from the moment the Prime Minister took the oath. The action taken by the 3 dissenters in the last few weeks means that they reached a point of no return. It means that they ultimately wants to bring down not only the government but more important they want their party to seize from functioning the way it did in the last 4 years. They want a complete change in the fundamentals of the party and bring it in line with today's world. They want to break the ties some big businessmen hold on the party. They want to break the ties the church holds on the party leadership. They want to break the control of some individuals have to protect their own interest.
FaceLook will not solve anything now. It did 4 years ago but even then the problem was getting hold of the roots already as Dr Frank Portelli can confirm.
The only way that the PN can save itself from the cancerous condition it is in now is to go for an election asap with the possible outcome of loosing the mandate of governing the country.
Then, and then only, can the PN start the healing process it badly needs.

A. Mizzi

Jul 9th 2012, 10:47

How to reunite the Nationalist Party?

With THE POWER OF INCUMBENCY and kitchen visits, at our, the tax-payer's cost from what is left of the country's finances !

Just who cares if the deficit spirals.... and the country is in recession - IL-PARTIT L'EWWEL U QABEL KOLLOX!

Charles Zammit

Jul 9th 2012, 10:42

What a shame our Little Island has to suffer . A party in Govt that is all but askew and an opposition that is riddled by OAPs that proved their worth in the 70 /80 s . Where does the normal citizen turn so as a vote can be cast for the good of Malta . What a shabmbles on such a tiny rock . SHAME !!

Ronnie Callus

Jul 9th 2012, 10:36

If Dr.Gonzi is not going to remove his hands from over his ears and also remove the blurred spectacles, the Party is going to crash. How come that proffessional people in the inner circle are drawing his attention and the Party as a whole, they are not being heard. Are they talking in the air. Dr.Gonzi has built a division in the party by threating some members more preferable than others. This was seen when there was the vote on Dr.Austin Gatt where he shouldered all the responsability as a Party but when coming for Dr.Karm Mifsud Bonnici he acted differently. Hoping that on Thursday we have outcomes to re-unite than DIVIDE although it does not look so gleaming. We wait and see because the matters were left to deteriorate too much where now their is a high risk of having the patient to leave this world.

d. attard

Jul 9th 2012, 10:34

It is clearly time for change. After so many years in power, it is not just the Labour inteigenzia that has been sidelined but the PN inteligenzia too. Principles have been limited to those of a small section that do not represent, by far, the full spectrum of the population. This is also reflected in the small number of key ministers and the small number of business supporters who benefit from this dilution. It is in the PN interest, but especially in the interest of Malta, that the NP should go for time out to renew itself so that they can really serve a modern Malta. Failure to do so will just intensify our mediocre culture and the interests of a handfull.

Joseph Grech Attard

Jul 9th 2012, 10:29

Bla! Bla! Bla! I suggest GonziPN puts the love and good of country before love and good of Party. PN should be once more instituted and not GonziPN. Retribution bears no fruit, turning the other cheek does. Even if in opposition, the PN/GonziPN should be united so as to serve the country better. It is time for reconciliation and not for resignations, etc. When one speaks of dialogue one should bear in mind that one should sit at table with a predispostion to change one's ideas. If not, it is imposition and not dialogue. Good will can move mountains. Name-calling can only show lack of proper education and should be condemned by one and all emphatically. We have had enough of that. It is time we change our divisive tactics and opt for general unity if we want to save the country. The politics of the past years, both abroad and, more so, in Malta have failed miserably. Change is a must, even if it comes from the same parties governing.

Peter Pace O'Shea

Jul 9th 2012, 10:28

Excellent customer care is the answer to a party that has done a lot of good for our country but is presently not in a position to face an election. It is never too late. I agree with Dr. Frank Portelli that house visits are an important part of restoring faith in the party. It must be a genuine exercise. Mistakes made in the past need to be admitted as honesty is the best policy and people go by what they hear and see and imagine.
Over a period of 25 years in government (less 22 months) it is bound to bring about some form of discord between the politicians but it would be a pity to see a political party that has sound leadership, has taken us through tough economic times and has gained so much experience that is priceless. My other suggestion is that the PN should dedicate many programs on its TV and radio channel. The underpinning objective is not to justify all they have done wrong but to explain to the people what they have done good and bad and not attempt the game of trying to put the PL in a bad light by going back to the past as it will only be counter productive. There is still time left if the correct leadership is put into practice to explain to the people and not try to find excuses for past mistakes.

Pule' Carmel

Jul 9th 2012, 10:23

Whenever I write an Appraisal for my students seeking an employment or a scholarship I normally devote one sentence as follows.

" The candidate is very intelligent and while he needs very little supervision to work, he can understand that one seldom achieves anything big on one's own and when working in a team, he forgets his individuality and cooperates for the success of the whole team and its wider aims."

or" he is a brilliant student, he is an individual and cannot work in any team, disrupting it, through being too dominant. He can only work on his own as an individual tackling small but complex projects!"

On occassions I even wrote the following, " If you are looking for a good engineer, forget this candidate as he is a hopeless engineer, but if you are lookiing for a bullshitter who can trebble your sales with his bullshit and extrovert manners then, this candidate, he is the man for you"

And, most of the candidates for whom I write a reference do get employed or a scholarship. There is room for everybody but when you need to build a successful team you need people who dribble all the way along the football pitch but he is willing to pass the ball to another player when a few yards before the opposition goalkeeper so that a player in a better position can score. That is team work, sometimes you do allthe work and then let someone else get the glory. THAT IS A TEAM where the aim is not the glory of the brilliant individuals but the winning of the whole team.

In Malta we tend to produce individual people and they are only suitable to be, Poets, Philosophers, Medical Consultants, Lawyers, Singers, To present Xarabank and related programmes on TV,

Incidentally I like Lionel Messi as a player, he dribbles and does all the work on the football pitch and he can finish it off himself but he can pass the final kick to anlther player like Ronaldo to fisish it off.

We saw that type of playing in the last Eurocup where Spain beat Italy. It was team work and the final passing that pissed off the opposition! Political Parties and Politics is equivalent to a football game. Italy were thrashed with Spain's teamwork. I personally like Messi who can drible and does most of the work as he is brilliant but he passes the ball even he loses the final glory.

We have no politician in Malta who can do that. So come on, each political party has a much more complex game to play it is to better our economy and not for each Member to better what his " trade" suggests as bettering the "courts" or " Divorce" , As a team they must solve bigger problems that are going to hit us and it is harder than solving the imperfections of marriages or the imperfections at the local courts. So come on you all, get together for it is not only your individualities that count, there is our own interests which collectively is Malta's Interest as a Nation that should be on top of the Priority list.

That should be enough reason for unity to take place, otherwise you lose the game as Italy did.

Carmel Garcia

Jul 9th 2012, 10:23

One of the many solutions is, 'You have to give to take'. And that's what Dr Gonzi must understand first. Be democratic not other. You have to decide things as a group not by yourself. And the Nationalist Party must have a Leader not a Kap and is ready to listen.

PAUL BUSUTTIL

Jul 9th 2012, 10:21

Dr. Frank Portelli is quite right, Dr. l. Gonzi should make a full stop and listen to what the people are desperately trying to tell say!

Joseph Brincat

Jul 9th 2012, 10:15

PN to take 'important' decisions on Thursday - Gonzi
Let us see if it is going to be ANOTHER comedy show,
for if it is so they should use the TOPLESS THEATER !!!!
it will be full booked !!!

Reginald Borg

Jul 9th 2012, 10:12

Meanwhile, philosopher Joe Friggieri says that if “the dissenters” feel they can no longer support the party and its policies they should consider resigning.

“This may not be enough to unite the party, but it would certainly remove one major obstacle, and the leader would find himself in a much stronger position to face the polls.”

On the other hand, if they are only unhappy with the leader rather than the policies they should ensure they do not contest the forthcoming election if Lawrence Gonzi is still at the helm.

“Dr Gonzi might still want to make a last-ditch attempt at softening the dissent as he buys time before calling an election. In doing so, he would need the support of the doves rather than the hawks within the party executive, and possibly hire a mediator to patch up differences, or have a truce,” he says, adding, however, that this might already be too late.

HOW RIGHT YOU ARE, DR. FRIGGIERI.

To save a fruit tree, one has to prune it from its dead or dying branches.
To heal the human body from certain sicknesses, surgeons have to operate or even worsu even amputate.
The problem is if the three dissenters are in good faith: the majority of present PN voters are saying no, they are traitors, they are seeking their own personal interests, many are saying they have lost their reasoning and moral conscience for many reasons!!!

Richard Price

Jul 9th 2012, 10:09

Dr Gonzi has been an inspiring Prime Minister who has brought prosperity and respect to the people of Malta and gained the admiration of neighbouring countries in Europe. Sadly a small number of renegade Nationalist MPs have vindictively inflicted wounds on the party's reputation for cohesion and stability which is reflected in the current poor opinion poll ratings. With a general election looming the PN must urgently demonstrate that it will face the electorate united, confident and refreshed. To achieve this goal it is essential that the three delinquent Natoinalist MPs are expelled from the PN without delay in order that they may no longer sully the party's image. But, additionally, the PN must appear reinvigorated to a jaded and disenchanted electorate, and to this end perhaps the time is right for Dr Gonzi to stand aside and allow a new personality to lead the party into the forthcoming election. The highly capable and popular Mario de Marco has all the right qualities to fulfil the role with vigour and panache. Dr Gonzi's premiership has brought great progress to Malta and his legacy will only be fully recognized in the years to come. With the dismal prospect of the Labour Party gaining imminent power, perhaps Dr Gonzi should now be prepared to make his greatest sacrifice for the PN and the people of Malta by relinquishing his leadership at this crucial time with his head held high and his reputation for selfless duty to the Maltese people enhanced for all to see. History will grant him the gratitude and appreciation he assuredly deserves.

Mr Mike Farrugia

Jul 9th 2012, 10:09

The fact that the PN still defends CMB on his lack of action on various issues, makes me wonder. I have nothing against him personally but I do agree with Franco that things were not being pushed fast enough. The MLP had blood on its' hand with the murder of Nardu Debono. The PN has nothing to boast about in that department, 3 mysterious deaths are no joke.

George Cutajar

Jul 9th 2012, 10:00

Yes it is very true that this is not one of the best moments for the PN but when one considers that the PM has had to cope, over the past four years, with Debono's tantrums, JPOS chardes and other internal squabbles he surely did a great job in leading the country.

Once the election is called and the dissenters, mavericks and traitors are flushed out the party will go into the election united as never before. We may loose the coming election but at least we will remain a party united under common principles. The easy way out to unite a party would be to take a leaf out of Labour's methods - accept everyone, call yourself a movement of liberals, progressives and moderates, promise everything under the sun to one and all and , hey presto, you have what you think is a winning formula.

This is not the PN's way of doing things. Appeasement does not function because at the end of the day you will have to pay a very high price. In politics you have to take a stand and decide. You might hurt some of your own but then it is the general good which must prevail and this is what the PN did in these last four years.

Decisions were taken and hard ones at that. Can one say that the closure of the Dockyard did not hurt PN supporters? Can one say that the reform in public transport did not have a negative effect on PN supporters? The same applies to Air Malta and the many other reforms that took place but can one deny that the general public gained from all these reforms?

Kevin Formosa

Jul 9th 2012, 09:58

What a boring picture...no one seems smiling...the current state of affairs in the PN tells it all...

V Mercieca

Jul 9th 2012, 09:50

“But while Simon Busuttil, Mario de Marco and Tonio Fenech all agree that unity must be restored, none is making concrete suggestions to pave the way forward.”

May I humbly suggest that Dr Gonzi will resign as leader according to the party statute and re-run for re-election to give others the chance to put their names as contestants for leadership; always according to the party statute.

In his last race for leadership which he ran alone, many commented that no one could contest the post of leader as it was not vacant according to the statute as Gonzi did not resign.

PN you have all summer to sort your mess, or rather the mess created by Gonzi’s leadership style.

Ronnie Callus

Jul 9th 2012, 09:49

How can our Party Leader re-unite the party when he raced alone. Did he not realised that he is going to register first having been alone. The Party went more worse than it was before and as Dr.Demarco told us it is bleeding and if we are not going to act fast the heart of the party is going to stall. The matters are going worse and now we wait whats going to imerge on Thursday the 12 th. Hoping for the Best but it does not look shiny.

Adriano Spiteri

Jul 9th 2012, 09:49

The so-called 'Nationalist' party should get rid of Dr Gonzi & Co. and follow Nationalist principles.
A Nationalist party would definitely oppose illegal immigration and promise a mass-scale repatriation programme.
His replacement should not be a religious fanatic. Politics should come first.
If the 'Nationalist' party follows this advice it will definitely be re-elected - the illegal immigration issue alone would do it.

If not - let them rot.

A Dimech

Jul 9th 2012, 09:47

The Whole Country is so Fed up with this never-ending saga.....

fighting, more porlogation, confusion, more fighting, more confusion - it has been going for months now!!

Don't they realise that this ruining both the country and PN itself?!! Why are they so obsessed with power?!!

The problems are within PN - so stop blaming PL, and take the necessary action which a mature leader will take.

V Mercieca

Jul 9th 2012, 09:40

How can a party be united under a leader who discriminates between his own people. Not only does he discriminate between his own people, but even between those of the inner circle.
If I were a member of the PN, how can I trust a leader who fooled many employees by written guarantees of their jobs before the election and when he got their votes, he just abandoned them to the wind.
The list goes on.
I stopped trusting Gonzi and no matter what the PN does, promise and says will change my mind on the 11th hour before the election.

M Grima

Jul 9th 2012, 09:36

"The PN must also “weed out” those elements for whom their own interests come before those of the country and who lack a basic sense of ethics and decency, to avoid a repetition of the tragic-comedy recently witnessed in Parliament"

So according to the PN this means that the three rebels need to chucked out of the party. OK, so what happens to the unknown 10 other PN parliamentary members who wanted to support the motion against RCC but were afraid to air their real views. What a party. What a farce!!!!

Paul Cassar

Jul 9th 2012, 09:32

For me and many of us the problem is clearly with the leadership..........................and in fact problems, SERIOUS PROBLEMS, started from the VERY BEGINNING.


REMEMBER.......John Dalli still unfinished saga................the humiliation of the SMS dismissals.................BWSC CONTRACT and the 4 millions commission.....................lately the 600e weekly increase...........etc.etc.etc

HOW CAN A LEADER COMMAND FOLLOWING WITH SUCH CONTINUOUS GHASTLY MISTAKES not to mention the U Turns.

I never remember the PN in such a state.....................THE PN REALLY NEEDS A NEW LEADER.

M Grima

Jul 9th 2012, 09:30

It's not bad to have the occasional dream, but doing it regularly is worrying .Bur what is even worse is having a political party leader like Dr. Gonzi living in a continuous dream. He dreams of leading his party to another PN victory when, not only the odds are against such a happening, but the man cannot even control his own parliamentary members. Dream on Dr. Gonzi!!!

Mr Zeppi Borg

Jul 9th 2012, 09:30

Clean the old and let the new grow..... Old trees are difficult to remove so don't let them grow beyond that point.... Gonzi you should side and put another strong leader to win the next elections.... Your time is out so step down to step up the party again

Johnny Xerri

Jul 9th 2012, 09:23

The PN is such a farce...accussing Pl of promising everything to everyone...

Lol...was it not PN that fooled hunters...when they sent (1) letter signed by EFA in his capacity of Prime Minister (2) Another letter by EFA in his capacity of party leader, (3) Aggornat news letter, (4) PN news letter...in all indicating that spring hunting would not be banned...and that hunting and trapping could only improve.

Lol...was it not PN that claimed to reduce taxation on incomes (then did not due to the financial situation...which still warranted the MPs €500 wage increase)

lol...was it not PN that 1st built a prototype power station costing around €300 million...and then claimed that importing power from sicilly would cost around half as much.

Its always PL's fault, or the global crisis, or JPO or FD or Jesmond M, or this and that...but never ever their fault...reminds me of playground children...this time round I will vote for adults.