Updated - Fenech Adami denies voting against the party line in 1974
Dr Fenech Adami seen with Richard Cachia Caruana.
Updated - Adds explanation by PN General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier
President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami has contradicted Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando's claim that he voted against the party line in 1974.
Speaking in a long One TV interview this morning, Dr Pullicino Orlando said that during the vote in Parliament on the Republic Constitution in 1974, Dr Fenech Adami voted with Dom Mintoff and against the party line and that of his leader Dr George Borg Olivier. He did so, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, against the directives of his party.
That, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, was far more serious than his own vote in parliament on the motion for the resignation of Mr Cachia Caruana.
But in a reaction, Dr Fenech Adami said the PN parliamentary group had actually decided to vote in favour of the constitutional amendments in 1974.
"Then there were six dissidents... Among them was (then PN leader) George Borg Olivier, who said everyone should have a free vote since there was no unanimous agreement."
"But the party's decision – and I played a primary role in ensuring this – was that we should vote in favour of the amendments."
Dr Fenech Adami said Dr Borg Olivier wanted to vote 'no' because he wanted to keep the British monarchy as the head of State. However, he was only joined by five other MPs.
He accused Dr Pullicino Orlando of not knowing the facts and making wrong comparisons between his recent actions in Parliament and a "completely different" situation which had developed in 1974.
PN GENERAL SECRETARY EXPLAINS
PN General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier in a similar denial, explained that on November 29, 1974 a majority of the PN Executive and the Parliamentary Group voted in favour of the Constitutional amendments but the party leader requested 'a reserve in the sense that the vote of the Executive does not bind the MPs.'
The majority of the Nationalist MPs in Parliament voted according to the vote of the Executive while respecting the reserve requested by Dr George Borg Olivier.
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Nicholas Ellul
Jul 17th 2012, 23:44
Nicholas Ellul.
The MLP is always afraid of the truth because it hurts them,that why they are insisting that Eddie Fenech Adami stays out of it because from him you get nothing but the TRUTH.JPO tried, but will never succeed to compare himself to EFA.If only JPO was as straight as EFA all this nonsense would have never come about.Its about time he starts crying again to fool a few more people,don't forget my dear JPO that you cannot fool the people all the time.Its enough you canvassed for divorce just for your personal reason like your friend Deborah and went against the PN You are both failures and by joining the MLP you will never be at peace.From the PN side one can say we got rid of double crossers.
Anthony Agius
Jul 17th 2012, 22:11
EFA did what he had to do to oust Borg Olivier back then. Whatever he says it was mutiny.
Toni Borg
Jul 17th 2012, 19:09
Is ONE tv ready to allocate 100 minutes, the same amount allotted to JPO, to Dr Gonzi to explain the party's position on the issue????
No one need answer that question as the answer is obvious!
m. borg (slm)
Jul 17th 2012, 18:27
How can we verify what EFA said since Dr George Borg Olivier is in no position to give his version of events?
Oliver Grech
Jul 17th 2012, 18:07
Another lie by JPO. Shame on you. You must resign from the party and parliament. You colluded with labour on the RCC case in parliament...it was evident that they knew before...labour posts on facebook during your speech showed this. Moreover you lied to the PM in 2008. Resign.
John Borg
Jul 17th 2012, 17:45
Go shed some tears somewhere JPO maybe we believe you. I don't know how you can keep a straight face!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jul 17th 2012, 17:34
@ Eddy Privitera, Today, 16:11
Your obsessive compulsive use of serial exclamation marks and Caps Lock only focuses attention on your lack of logical argument.
Mentioning the office where senior members of the Nationalist Party met to discuss the party leadership is no proof of any "kongura" unless you were a conspirator yourself or unless you were hiding under the table eavesdropping. Any "revelation" by a treacherous turncoat would be just as valueless as the unsupported allegations of another NP dissident identified by a past prime minister and leader of the MLP as morally and politically corrupt and whose proposed witnesss against Richard Cachia Caruana are absconding en bloc.
An undoubted "kongura" took place when the MLP Leader Dr Paul Boffa and his daughter were slandered from inside his own party by the despicable lie of an incestuous relation between them, so as pave the way for Mintoff to displace Boffa as MLP leader.
The recent exhibition of Boffa memorabilia in a Labour Party club was cynical opportunism at the expense of a faithful and honest MLP leader who was vilely refused membership of the party during the last years of his life.
m. borg (slm)
Jul 17th 2012, 18:29
This a new one can you substantiate your calim about Boffa Mr Saliba?
His relatives do not seem to hold any grudges like some have in gonzipn/pn.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jul 17th 2012, 19:37
@ m borg (slm)
It is new one to you. Since you are so convinced about what Dr Paul Boffa's relatives seem to do why don't you ask them to inform you if what I wrote is absolutely true or not.
A Cuschieri
Jul 17th 2012, 16:46
Mela l-ewwel il-PL ressaq mozzjoni kontra persuna (RCC) li ma tistax tiddefendi ruha ghax m'ghandiex dritt titkellem fil-Parlament.
Issa, JPO semma lil Eddie Fenech Adami f'diskors publiku fuq it-TV, u l-apologisti tal-PL qed jghidulu jghalaq halqu u ma jiddefendix ruhu kontra l-inkorrettezzi li qal dwaru JPO.
Typical Labour - mill-oppozizzjoni ga qed jippruvaw jghalqu halq in-nies u ma jhallukx tiddefendi ruhek meta attakkat.
Alfred Sant qal sew, meta titfa t-tajn, xi ftit minhu jehel. Ghadna l-istess PL!
Doreen Attard
Jul 17th 2012, 17:24
Veru tad-dahk certi kittieba. Veru l-proverbju Malti li l-ispizjar milli jkollu jtik. Tista' Sur Cuschieri tqabbel ftit dak li ktibt hawn fuq ma episodji, li minnhom ghandek hafna, li graw min-naha Nazzjonalista. Ma nafx kif ma tisthix tikteb per ezempju "Typical Labour - mill-oppozizzjoni ga qed jippruvaw jghalqu halq in-nies u ma jhallukx tiddefendi ruhek meta attakkat" meta bhalissa ghaddejjin min episodju wara l-iehor ta' nuqqas ta' demokrazija fil-PN.
Dan minn meta qed tikkwotaw lil Dr Sant u by the way dik il-kwotazzjoni mhix originarjament tieghu.
Finalment tistghu please tieqfu tirredikolaw lilkom infuskom u anki l-medium fejn tiktbu u ma tibqghux tghidu li l-PL ghadu l-istess. Jekk tahsbu li b'Dr Muscat il-PL ghadu l-istess jiena certa li m'ghandkomx ideja x'qed jigri madwarkom. Lanqas b'Dr Sant ma kien ghadu l-istess il-PL ahseb u ara issa. Per ezempju Dr Sant kien nehha dawk li bhalhom deheru quddiem il-HQ taghkom minn quddiem il-Macina. Remember ?
Henry S Pace
Jul 17th 2012, 16:29
@ ' John Caruana
' Dear Dr Fenech Adami please tindahalx f'dawn il-kwistjonijiet poilitici. Ibqa gentleman ta' kullhadd bhal presidenti ta' qablek.'
Do you expect that when an Mp is twisting true Political facts being a past president (Emeritus) let these
people to continue twisting events for their own ends?
Facts are Facts and whoever tries to twist our Political History is not credible at all.
Johnny Xerri
Jul 17th 2012, 17:04
& EFA is credible...he has a childs word...ask the hunters whose vote he stole with;
lies, damn lies...& EFA's guarantees.
Maria Vassallo
Jul 17th 2012, 16:20
Thank you for your objective, just and honest clarifications!
Whatever others say, do keep on helping Malta!
This fact can frighten many bad-intentioned citizens!
Henry S Pace
Jul 17th 2012, 16:17
@ ' M Grima
EFA as a past president should back off in getting involved in this soap opera
wHAT'S WRONG THAT PEOPLE INVOLVED IN OUR POLITICAL HISTORY SPEAK OF THE TRUE FACTS.
AT LEAST WE STILL HAVE DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE TO SPEAK UP.
John Caruana
Jul 17th 2012, 16:06
Dear Dr Fenech Adami please tindahalx f'dawn il-kwistjonijiet poilitici. Ibqa gentleman ta' kullhadd bhal presidenti ta' qablek.
A Spiteri
Jul 17th 2012, 16:28
La semmiegh JPO kellu jiccara l-istorja ta pajjizna Dr Fenecgh Adami. Bil-fors iridu nemmnu lil JPO. Darba emmintu f' tal-Mistra u mhux se nergaw nemmnuh. Daqsekk biki.
Saviour Fenech
Jul 17th 2012, 16:35
Ghandu kull dritt, illum hu cittadin bhalna. Jew ma tridux tisimghu il-verita
M Grima
Jul 17th 2012, 16:02
EFA as a past president should back off in getting involved in this soap opera. The way I see it, even if he is directly mentioned by anyone, he should show more ethical and common sense and let the PN party do the arguing and the talking.
Henry S Pace
Jul 17th 2012, 15:59
' Dr Pullicino Orlando said that during the vote in Parliament on the Republic Constitution in 1974, Dr Fenech Adami voted with Dom Mintoff and against the party line and that of his leader Dr George Borg Olivier. He did so, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, against the directives of his party. '
HOW FAR JPO CAN BE POLITICALLY DISHONEST. GO TO A POLITICAL SCHOOL OR PAY A VISIT AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY TO READ THE FACTS.
I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT YOU ARE A TALKATIVE POLITICIAN. YOU REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.
YOUR ARE NOT CREDIBLE AND CANNOT BE TRUSTED ANY FURTHER IN WHAT YOU SAY
.
Mr anton izzo
Jul 17th 2012, 15:53
Il-giddieb dejjem giddieb jibqa..... u kif jghid il Malti l giddieb ghomru qasir
Henry S Pace
Jul 17th 2012, 15:53
' Dr Pullicino Orlando said that during the vote in Parliament on the Republic Constitution in 1974, Dr Fenech Adami voted with Dom Mintoff and against the party line and that of his leader Dr George Borg Olivier. He did so, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, against the directives of his party. '
JPO IS REALLY A CONFUSED PERSON. HE IS NOW SINKING IN A QUICKSAND.
HLIEF CUCATI MHUX JGHID.
HE DEOS NOT EVEN KNOW OUR POLITICAL HISTORY. BEING AN MP THE PEOPLE DO EXPECT
SOME DIGNITY FROM THESE MPS. YOU BETTER GO AND HIDE BECAUSE YOU ARE MISLEADING
THE PEOPLE AND TWISTING HISTORICAL FACTS.
Henry S Pace
Jul 17th 2012, 15:42
; Dr Pullicino Orlando said that during the vote in Parliament on the Republic Constitution in 1974, Dr Fenech Adami voted with Dom Mintoff and against the party line and that of his leader Dr George Borg Olivier. He did so, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, against the directives of his party.'
JPO IS COMPLETELY WRONG.
In 1974 at the Parliamentary Sitting on the Republic Constitution the PARTIT NAZZJONALISTA then in opposition gave a 'FREE Vote to all MPs. The majority of the MP in Opposition voted in favour of the Constitution. Dr Gorg Borg Olivier, Dr Paul Borg Olivier Dr Alexander Cachia Zammit Dr Guze' Galea and Dr Borg Olivier De Puget voted against.
In his comment in the House Dr Gorg Borg Oliver said that though he agreed that Malta would be a Republic he said that the people should decide the fete by a National Referendum.
That was the reason that the Vote was 49 in Favour and 6 against.
To say it all , Dr Josie Muscat MP (Nat) also voted against on a Free Vote when in 1987 changeswere made in the constitution before the May 1987 Elections.
George Cutajar
Jul 17th 2012, 15:39
Dr. EFA has given a clear and unequivocal explanation of what happened during the internal discussions to have the constitution amended for Malta to become a Republic. It was a decision taken by the PN Executive as representing the Party and although Dr. Borg Olivier was not in agreement he proposed a free vote.
It was clearly a case where the Party showed it was larger than anyone else - even larger than the Leader himself. After the amendments went through the change in leadership was inevitable and all took place in the most civil and democratic manner with the party electing Dr. EFA and Prof. de Marco who went on to lead Malta out of the disaster left after sixteen years of Labour rule.
Dr. EFA and Prof. de Marco worked as a fantastic tandem and had a fantastic team on the wings - Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Louis Galea, Asutin Gatt, RCC and others who gave us the Malta we have today. The team was lucky not to have had mavericks and all ministers, parliamentary secretaries and MP's on the Nationalist side forgot their personal interests and worked towards one goal.
Unfortunately for Dr. Gonzi , he has had to contend with rebels and mavericks from the moment he became PN leader. He not only had these to contend with but also international financial problems and other problems and that notwithstanding he has succeeded in stirring Malta away from the economic disasters we see in Europe on a daily basis.
Henry S Pace
Jul 17th 2012, 15:30
' Dr Pullicino Orlando said that during the vote in Parliament on the Republic Constitution in 1974, Dr Fenech Adami voted with Dom Mintoff and against the party line and that of his leader Dr George Borg Olivier. He did so, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, against the directives of his party. '
Henry S Pace
Jul 17th 2012, 15:29
' Dr Fenech Adami voted with Dom Mintoff and against the party line and that of his leader Dr George Borg Olivier. He did so, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, against the directives of his party.'
JPO
franco debono
Jul 17th 2012, 15:16
is it true?
is eddie fenech adami labelling his then leader dr borg olivier as dissenter?
during his tenure as party leader would he have allowed this situation to arise? or did he use to suffocate dissent and nip it in the bud?
how did eddie fenech adami become PN leader?
is the same thing going on in regardsto lawrence gonzi to replace him?
does eddie think the lease he gave lawrence gonzi is soon expiring and he wants the party back?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jul 17th 2012, 15:39
This couldn't be the same Franco Debono who up to now was Sir Oracle personified, ponitificating about his excellent knowledge about everything under the sun, and now reduced to asking silly rhetorical questions.
Anthony Mercieca
Jul 17th 2012, 15:39
Franco I thought you would chide JPO for giving us the wrong facts....but oh your objectivity helps you to see what suits you too..... move out of our party quickly. We gave all our youth, strength and energy out of conviction and you and your like have played havoc with all that was attained. Yes, internal discussions, some dissent and flare ups were not missing those days, but above such there was loyality....and remember that under threats and ultimatum no one gives in!!!!
Anthony Mercieca
Andy Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 15:45
If i were a member of the Administrative or Executive committee of the PN, I would copy all these frequent forays you make on these threads and use them as evidence of your crass disloyalty. But I am simply a common citizen.
Eddy Privitera
Jul 17th 2012, 16:00
Well said Franco !!!!!!!!11111
Ed Camilleri
Jul 17th 2012, 16:16
This tirade seems to be Dr Debono's swan-song... Ovvjament (bhalma jghid hu stess), m'ghandi xejn personali kontrih (did-darba, min-naha tieghi,VERU)
Saviour Fenech
Jul 17th 2012, 16:38
Nahseb ahjar tara l-kotba ta' l-istorja sewwa
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jul 17th 2012, 17:39
@ Eddy Privitera today at 16:00 (and his multiple exclamation marks and 1s - why not zeros?)
Dr Franco Debono did not say anything - he only asked questions.
Doreen Attard
Jul 17th 2012, 18:31
Wow ! Is this Dr Franco Debono Nationalist MP ? A Cuschieri please note what this gentleman is saying. Or perhaps he is in collusion with PL ? Have you noticed, dear TOM readers, that the word collusion is being used very frequently nowadays. In fact each time there is a serious accusation against the PN from one of theirs, they immediately say that it is in collusion with someone in the PL.
MUST ADMIT THAT THE PN IS REACHING THE END OF THE STICK RAPIDLY. There will soon be hardly any PN or maybe we'll get two small ones !!!!!!!!! Or maybe three !!! Who knows, just wait a bit more until after the general elections.
Joseph Micallef
Jul 17th 2012, 15:08
Well done GonziPN for keeping us entertained till the last day of your vanishining. Come on, let's face it, moving into politics, particularly into GonziPN is not something to be sad of! it's quite entertaining!
Leo Said
Jul 17th 2012, 14:51
Can anyone kindly forecast the next episode of this Machiavellian comedy?
Mr Kevin Zammit
Jul 17th 2012, 14:49
Interesting this update from PN General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier. That means that the wily GBO seeing the majority was against him gave himself one last chance to win the vote by enforcing that the PN executive decision does not bind the MPs ... but ... thats not like saying that the MPs had a free vote in parliament!!!
Therefore if things actually did go in this way then JPO is actually correct since that means EFA & Co would have voted against the wishes of the leader of the parliamentary group siding with the opposition!
E Zammit
Jul 17th 2012, 14:59
Id-demokrazija ma tahdimx kif qed tghid int siehbi. Id-demokrazija tadem billi filwaqt li ssehh ir-rieda tal-maggoranza, tigi rrispettata ir-rieda tal-minoranza. Qed tifhem?
Richard Caruana
Jul 17th 2012, 15:08
It was a free vote, and not playing around with words will change anything. The decision had been taken by the majority of the Parliamentary group; GBO and the other five were gentlemen enough to abstain and not vote against. The PN leader got what he wanted, and nobody voted against him.
George Cutajar
Jul 17th 2012, 15:16
Kevin Zammit - please do not try to change history. The PN is on record that on the Republican constitution the Nationalist MP's were give a FREE VOTE. Dr. Borg Olivier was against the Republican Constitution but he was not willing to impose his will and the decision was that all had a free vote. It was not voting against the party leader or the executive as JPOS did on the RCC motion and Debono on the CMB motion.
The vote than was like the vote given to MP's on the divorce issue. Was anybody censured on that? The answer is NO simply because it was a free vote.
Mr Kevin Zammit
Jul 17th 2012, 15:27
Wow! 3 replies to my comment in less than 30 minutes!
Thats a record :)
Why do the PN apologists jump up and down so furiously at the slight hint of oppression being permeated by their leaders? Do you think that PN leaders are not as human and Maltese as the Labour leaders?
@E Zammit Siehbek ma nahsibx li jiena imma nsomma ... pajzan iva. Mela jiena ghidt li ma kienx demokratiku EFA je GBO!! Ifhem li ghidt jiena l ewwel u mbaghad tkellem.
@Richard Caruana. Not according to Paul Borg Olivier. HE did not mention that GBO gave parliamentarians a free vote. There is a major difference bettween giving the parliamentarians a free vote and not binding an executive decision on MPs ... and now hear that is actually democracy!! Currently the reverse is happening because the executive (a non nationally elected body) is punishing the MPs ( nationally elected members of parliament)
@George Cutajar I'm not trying to change history in any way. I'm only deriving conclusions from what is being said by EFA and PBO. Please read my comments to the above
Eddy Privitera
Jul 17th 2012, 16:03
Was there no Executive and Administration of the PN at that time ? If there were, what was the decision of the Administration and the Executive - not the parliamentary group ?
Richard Galea
Jul 17th 2012, 14:13
The satirical theatrical bla condixin this year has a vast political satire to script. I think JPO is going to end from hero to zero.
Alfred Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 14:09
There were 6 dissidents who were in favour of a Dominion status for Malta – they were not called rebels then – who disagreed with the majority of the PN parliamentary group. The point is that the 6 dissidents were not “banned” from contesting the next election for disagreeing on such an important issue for the country. Back then the Party was more democratic than it is today, independently of whether there were free votes or not!
George Cutajar
Jul 17th 2012, 14:36
Alfred you simply fail to understand that it was a FREE VOTE which by it's own meaning means an MP can vote as he pleases and not incur censure.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jul 17th 2012, 14:56
They were not dissidents in the absence of a whip and when members of parliament were allowed a free vote. That is why nobody was banned.
That is true democracy in action - but not constitutional democracy a la Mintoff.
Joe Tabone
Jul 17th 2012, 15:03
Alfred, i'm sure the PN does not need your confirmation of their democratic acheivments!
The problem with LABOUR is that it fails to understand the significance of a FREE VOTE, even recently Dr Adrian Vassallo (PL) fell victim to Dear Joseph's retaliation...........................the reason, because Dr Adrian Vassallo, a fervet Catholic, voted according to his consience and beliefs, when Dear Joseph gave him a FREE VOTE!
Jo Meli
Jul 17th 2012, 13:59
It would have been MORE appropriate for Eddie Fenech Adami to EXPLAIN to the People HIS involvement in the KONGURA against the CAPO Giorgio Borg Olivier in Strada Federico, La Valletta.
THAT was TREASON ... ploting AGAINST the Leader of your OWN Party !!!
SHAME on you Eddie Fenech Adami.
Jo Meli - Valletta
George Cutajar
Jul 17th 2012, 14:38
Jo Meli - very hard words coming from you. Never heard you speak in this way but then the wind of change seems to be blowing and some people are getting carried away.
Paul Mangion
Jul 17th 2012, 14:47
POOR GUY int sur Jo Meli. Your words have no weight, kieku taf in-nies x jahsbu fuqhekk.
Joe Tabone
Jul 17th 2012, 14:57
Jo,
Kongura?? why don't you check what happened to Lino Spiteri and George Abela in the last 2 leadership battles within PL (MLP).
Eddie Fenech Adami has nothing to be ashamed of, he won Dom Mintoff, KMB and Alfred Sant, hands down, this with the people's support (unlike Mintoff)!!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jul 17th 2012, 15:07
The replacement of an ageing Nationalist Party leader by a younger statesman was done civilly and democratically in full accordance with internal party rules. There was no "Kongura" and no "treason". The same cannot be said for the rejection of such a worthy MLP leader as Dr Paul Boffa slandered by the false, foul insinuation that he had committed incest with his daughter when he was pushing Malta's case for independence in London.
That was truly a shameful treason that cannot be concealed by opportunistic exhibitions about Sir Paul Boffa held now by a political party that denied him membership during the last years of his life.
M Grima
Jul 17th 2012, 15:55
@Francis Saliba M.D.
The way things are shaping up I wouldn't be surprised if the learned doctor does not take us back to the times when the knights ruled the Island. Bringing up Sir Paul Boffa into the fray just to make a point is a bit too much. This is 2012 and not the 50's dear doctor, but then why should I be surprised; he just cannot stand the Dom. And if you think that the appointment of EFA as party leader was as smooth as silk, then you had better check the history books.
Eddy Privitera
Jul 17th 2012, 16:06
That episode will probably be repeating itself, if not already, to oust Lawrence Gonzi from the leadership, if GonziPN loses the election ! Even Franco Debono has hinted about this !
Eddy Privitera
Jul 17th 2012, 16:11
Francis Saliba M.D. You have confirmed that YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW EFA TOOK OVER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE PN. THAT " KONGURA" DID TAKE PLACE AT DR. G.M. CAMILLERI'S OFFICE IN FREDERIC STREET, VALLETTA !!!!! THIS WAS REVEALED, IF i REMEMBER CORRECTLY, BY FORMER PN DEPUTY ALFRED BALDACCHINO, WHO HAD CROSSED THE FLOOR TO LABOUR !!!!!!!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jul 17th 2012, 20:31
@ M Grima today at 15:55.
No I won't go back to the time of the Knights only back to the days of Mintoff and Boffa whose history either you do not know, or if you know it you are in denial about it and hate to be reminded of it - and with good reasons.
Geoffrey Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 13:57
I really don't expect everyone to know these details on our political history but anyone who follows politics in some detail knows that EFA is perfectly right on this one. JPO just got it all wrong and i do expect that a serious MP should know these facts or at least document himself in a proper way before blabbering about.
Besides the 1974 issues have absolutely nothing to do with the recent ones and JPO should know better..but of course he has learnt an important lesson in politics from past experience - mud flinging does stick at some point...and its what he is doing right now. Little does he know that it will all fall back on him eventually.
All the recent news on MP's in general casts serious doubts on who our represenatives in parliament really are and what exactly is their role there. Are they really representing the national interest or are they there just for personal glorification. Are political parties choosing the candidates to represent the Maltese and Gozitan population in parliament carefully enough? or has it just become a vote catching exercise?
Joseph N. Attard
Jul 17th 2012, 13:53
The more JPO clutches at straws, the deeper he sinks in the mire, from where he will never emerge.
Joe Fenech
Jul 17th 2012, 13:51
Take it on the chin Dward!
O Kassar
Jul 17th 2012, 13:42
Veru JPO qed jeghreq issa. Lanqas biss jaf l-istorja vera tal-Partit Nazzjonalista li suppost jirrapprezenta. Dan juri bic-car li mohhu fih inniffsu u mhux fil-Partit. Keccuh minn hemm x'izzikk tambuh aktar mas-saqajn!
Tony Agius
Jul 17th 2012, 13:36
Zelqa ohra ta JPO.
G Schembri
Jul 17th 2012, 13:36
" Dr Fenech Adami said Dr Borg Olivier wanted to vote 'no' because he wanted to keep the British monarchy as the head of State." So now we have it from the horse's mouth, that the Independence of Malta was no independence at all, since the British monarchy was still our head of state. Thank you Dr Fenech Adami, you have just showed us why Republic Day is more fitting to be the National Day of Malta than Independence day. Since it was Republic day which made a Maltese President the head of the Maltese Nation.
Carmel Borg
Jul 17th 2012, 15:37
Decalring Republic day in parliament would not have been possible without first obtaining Indipendence.
jimi Xerri
Jul 17th 2012, 13:36
JPOS, don't even try to make a crusade against EFA.
You are not even worth staying in his presence, let alone attack his credibility in any way!!!
It would be best for you and your two other friends to take a long journey to Tibet and meditate there so as to acquire back your interior selves, as you seem to have lost it completely.
Willie Grech
Jul 17th 2012, 13:27
"But the party's decision – and I played a primary role in ensuring this – was that we should vote in favour of the amendments."
There, we have it from the horse's own mouth, if we truly needed it. EFA said that he "played a primary role in ensuring" that the amendments in the Constitution, including also those changes to the electoral system, were all approved by the government and almost all the PN in opposition, including himself. Why is it then, that he, and all PN supporters are still saying that the 1981 general election was won by them and not the MLP, if this was won with the highest number of seats as also stated in the approved Constittuion?
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Jul 17th 2012, 13:47
@ Willie Grech,
In the 1981 general election, there was the GERRYMANDERING of the districts!
Check what gerrymandering means and then comment!
JC.
Joe Vella
Jul 17th 2012, 13:50
Willie Grech, still to this day you still don't know what was at heart with the 1981 Election results. The problem with the 1981 was the gerrymandering that took place in drawing up the Electoral Districts that circumvented the Elections results of 1981. Those Electoral Boundaries where never accepted because it was obvious what the end result was going to be ent against the spirit of the Constitution.
Jessica Smith
Jul 17th 2012, 13:54
Willie Grech ever head of the word HYPOCRISY?
W Azzopardi
Jul 17th 2012, 13:57
No one ever said the in 1981 the LP did not win the elections. The fact is the LP won the election because of the constitution and not by the majority of the electorate. How can a party representing the minority of voters govern the country and for five years do nothing to amend a faulty constitution1
Willie Grech
Jul 17th 2012, 15:13
@ Jessica Smith.
Maybe you care to explain what do you mean?
@W Azzopardi.
If you ever read what PN apologists say about that election, you would immediately realise that these PN try to say that the MLP didn't have the right to govern. Now we have it from EFA himself that he did his utmost to see that these Constitutional changes be made. This same Constitutional changes also meant that a party would be elected in government with the highest number of SEATS, not VOTES. In those days, it was like that, whether EFA or any PN supporter liked it or not. AND THIS WAS ALL VOTED FOR BY EFA HIMSELF. How can you now say that MLP didn't have the right to govern?
"How can a party representing the minority of voters govern the country and for five years do nothing to amend a faulty constitution."
W Azzopardi please check out the facts before you write something. Mintoff went into parliament and invited EFA to discussions to amend the Constitution. It was EFA and co. that preferred to stay for 18 months out of parliament and preferred to stay out and organise illegal demostrations like DIZUBBIDJENZA CIVILI. Remember? It was only after the late Dr. Guido Demarco intervened that EFA bowed his head and the Constitutional changes started happening in parliament.
Mr Duncan Scerri
Jul 17th 2012, 15:16
@W Azzopardi
This is all down to the drawing of electoral boundaries and the gerrymandering that goes on around these. The sad fact of the matter is that because of the above a modification to the constitution was passed that instead of fixing a problem simply created a duopoly that serves two parties.
It's difficult to imagine when we will get back a truly representative parliament, as we last saw in '66.
Jessica Smith
Jul 17th 2012, 15:42
W Azzopardi the Constitution gave the right to the party with the highest number of MP's to govern not the party with the highest number of votes.
The PN tried to do the same in 1971 and would have governed had not PL won the fifth district notwithstanding thousands of votes it had less than the PL.
This also explains HYPOCRISY to our friend Willie Grech because while the PN was ready to govern when they did NOT have a majority of votes, they raised HELL when the same situation happened in 1981.
Jessica Smith
Jul 17th 2012, 15:44
Joe Vella what about the gerrymandering done by PN in 1971 when they not only changed the electoral districts but also changed the number of MP's that could be elected from each district in the hope of winning the election?
ISN'T THAT GERRYMANDERING?
KEMM GHANDKOM MEMORJA QASIRA FEJN TRIDU JOE VELLA.
Willie Grech
Jul 17th 2012, 16:31
@ Jessica Smith.
Thank you for the explanation!!!!
@ all the others.
Thank you for reminding me of the word, 'gerrymandering.' I thought you conveniently forgot all about it.
Joe Vella
Jul 17th 2012, 16:57
@ Jessica Smith, the 1971 Electoral Boundaries were changed by the Electoral commission with all members agreement, both those appointed by the PN and the PL. That is the difference. And the system worked out well at the end because the desired result was achieved at the end.
John Mifsud
Jul 17th 2012, 13:24
JPOS go and hide yourself somewhere no one can find you.
Make a great favour to yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Jul 17th 2012, 13:24
What President Emeritius Eddie Fenech Adami left out was that at the beginning all of the PN was absolutely against that Malta becomes a Republic. At first articles in the PN's newspapers where published against Malta becoming a Republic. Even Nationalists MPs who later voted in favour ot the Republic at first their speeches where also against that Malta becomes a Republic
Chris Mifsud
Jul 17th 2012, 14:40
That is besides the point.
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Jul 17th 2012, 18:06
@ Chris Mifsud
Thank you so much for confirming that what I wrote is the truth and nothing but the whole truth. For such truth clearly shows that in the 1970's the PN was 'il-Partit tal-Le' and also the Negative Party.
David Bezzina
Jul 17th 2012, 13:16
EFA MUST REALIZE THAT HE WAS ONCE A PRESIDENT OF MALTA....GETTING INVOLVED IN PARTISAN POLITICS AGAIN LEAVES A REALLY SOUR TASTE.
M Borg
Jul 17th 2012, 13:51
He is not getting involved , he is being made to " get involved "
Does it mean that if one is or was a president anyone can say anything against you and you cannot put things right ?
He has to correct things said about him if they are false.
Geoffrey Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 13:58
agreed but this time he was involved in this by JPO and EFA has every right to issue a statement disagreeing with him once he was mentioned in vain.
Mr David Ganado
Jul 17th 2012, 14:01
So if someone says that you did something and in fact you did not do it, you would just shut up? Get a life!
A Sultana
Jul 17th 2012, 14:13
true. He should just SHUT UP and let others lie about him and/or twist history to their liking
Joseph E Briffa
Jul 17th 2012, 14:19
Eddie Fenech Adami was mentioned by JPO on the media. Therefore it's only natural and obvious that Eddie would come out in public to contradict JPO's unfounded claims and put matters straight. The fact that Eddie is an ex-President does not deprive him as a Maltese citizen from defending himself against lies and defamation. It is indeed difficult for one to believe that JPO is so ignorant about events in his own party, and that his utterances were not meant to mislead the viewers; after all he was on Super One. The sour taste must be in David's mouth, probably due to an hyperacidic stomach.
Andy Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 14:29
This is NOT partisan politics....partisan politics involves more than one political party. Or are you admitting, unwittingly that some other party is involved in these shenanigans?
Chris Mifsud
Jul 17th 2012, 14:37
Do you expect EFA or anybody else not to reply when somebody publicly lies about him ?
V Mercieca
Jul 17th 2012, 13:06
I don’t remember the names of PN members who voted with the MLP to approve the Republic Constitution. If I remember well there was a good number of PN members voting with the MLP as the vote required 2/3 majority and the vote passed. I remember that Dr George Borg Olivier and a few others voted against. However I believe that records must exist to establish the names of the PN members who voted with the MLP on that day in 1974.
We had denials in the past and then records proved these denials wrong.
John Zammit
Jul 17th 2012, 13:39
From my memory they were Dr,G.Borg Oliver Dr P.Borg Oliver Dr. Borg Oliver De Puge, Dr A. Cachia Zammit Dr J. Cassar and there was some one else not so sure who he was
Carmel camilleri
Jul 17th 2012, 14:14
There were five members who voted with DR.G. BOrg OLivier. I remember the following. Dr. A.Cachia Zammit. Dr. Bonnici ,DR. A. Borg Olivier and two others. The rest voted according to directions of the executive committe of the NP. In actual fact Dr. Borg Olivier asked for a free.and his demand was acceded to.
There is similarity with the case of Gonzi's vote in the divorce referendum.
E. Mifsud
Jul 17th 2012, 13:04
JPO can you give us a break please!
S.M. Cuschieri
Jul 17th 2012, 13:36
Hear Hear!!!!
Emanuel. Vella.
Jul 17th 2012, 13:59
jien nahseb,ahjar taghti break 'il-klikka gonzipn'
lil poplu malti u ghawdxi kollu,billi il-priministru prezenti
imur ghand il-president,u jghidlu biex ixolji il-parlament,
Robert Henry Bugeja
Jul 17th 2012, 14:41
Break twil hafna ser jaghtikhom dalwaqt!!!
Lawrence Bonello
Jul 17th 2012, 13:04
I told you to read De Marco's biography, Jeff!!! Its ALL there!!
Pierre Borg
Jul 17th 2012, 13:01
Mr. JPO you are drowning!!!!!!!!!!!
Vincent Tabone
Jul 17th 2012, 12:52
I cannot but write to rebut what Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando stated on One TV this morning regarding Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami’s voting with Mintoff against the Party directives.
The facts are as follows:
There were discussions going on to change the status of Malta to that of a Republic. Dr. George Borg Olivier who was the leader of the Nationalist party was against Malta becoming a Republic , but the majority of the Executive Committee and the N.P. parliamentary Group voted in favour of Malta becoming a Republic. When Dr. Borg Olivier realised that he was in the minority he gave a free vote. The parliamentary group on this issue was led by my late Father – Censu Tabone – who was also the Deputy leader of the party-
When the vote was taken all Nationalist M.P.’s except for 6 ( Dr. George Borg Olivier, Dr. Paul Borg Olivier, Dr. Albert Borg Olivier de Puget, Dr. Sandy Cachia Zammit, Dr. Alfred Bonnici and Dr. Joe Cassar Galea) voted in favour of the Republican Constitution
Therefore it is NOT correct to state that Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami voted with Mintoff against the wish of the Party
JPO GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT
George Cutajar
Jul 17th 2012, 13:03
@ Vincent Tabone - the above are the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Nobody, least of all JPOS has the right to distort facts and history. His was not a mistake this morning but a blatant untruth to try and justify his stand.
Joseph Grech Attard
Jul 17th 2012, 15:32
You are very right. Procedures are not the same. What happened after this? How was the late Dr. GBO removed from office?
P Azzopardi
Jul 17th 2012, 12:52
Prosit JPO.....ghaxxaqta !!
ALBERT FENECH
Jul 17th 2012, 12:49
Once a President takes up his role as a President of a country, he represents ALL the country and is supposed to be ABOVE party politics. As a President Emeritus he then fades gracefully into the background and continues to dignify his role as a former President of ALL the country. Not so our Excellency Dr Fenech Adami. He makes political pronouncements, attends the Executive Council of his former political party and continues to take an active role in politics. I can think of no equivalent precedent in any democratic country. It is tantamount to Queen Elizabeth II abdicating her throne and then turning up at the next British Conservative Party annual conference or America's George Bush Snr and Jnr criticising current President Obama and the Democrat Party. This is a disgraceful and undignified precedent in a country with so-called democratic credentials.
ALBERT FENECH
Andy Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 13:05
You got it all wrong....President Clinton took part and assisted in President Obama's election campaign. Get your facts right, inform yourself.
Joseph G. Galea
Jul 17th 2012, 13:24
President Cossiga of Italy was well known for his involvment in politcs after he resigned as president of italy.
Joseph Fenech
Jul 17th 2012, 13:29
And because he is the President Emeritus one can lie about him left right and center, and according to you he has no right to reply.
Miriam Portelli
Jul 17th 2012, 13:32
Pero nahseb li bhala bniedem ghandu d-dritt illi jekk inqtal xi haga u mhix vera, ighid il-verzjoni tieghu!
Michael Magri
Jul 17th 2012, 13:39
Andy Farrugia... You got it all wrong too you know.. An American President`s role, is NOT the same as that of a Maltese `President`. In our case, an American `President` can only be compared to our `Prime Minister`, and not our `President`, as both of them acts in a purely Political Parlament. Our President does not, and so should NOT get himself in partisan politics EVER..
So.. Get your facts right, and inform yourself too Andy...!!
G Schembri
Jul 17th 2012, 13:43
@ Miriam Portelli Jekk ghandu dritt jitkellem dwar dan, ghandu dritt ukoll jghidilna jekk l-attentat fuq il-hajja ta' RCC kienitx fuq haga privata jew le, ghax JPO hekk qal dalghodu fuq ONE. JPO dalghodu qal li ilna nhalsu puluzija biex ihares il-hajja minn dak iz-zmien meta mhux suppost u jien nghid bara dak konna ukoll tajna somma flus lil RCC, u l-uniku wiehed li jaf il-verita barra RCC u Zeppi l-hafi huwa EFA. Din is-somma u l-Pesidential pardon ghalfejn verament inataw?
Joseph E Briffa
Jul 17th 2012, 14:25
Wrong reasoning Albert...so according to you anyone may say whatever they like about ex-Presidents as the latter are not entitled to defend themselves against lies, slander, defamations or whatever. In other words once a president, always an outlaw.This is rich.
Andy Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 14:26
President Emeritus Dr Fenech Adami is NOT involving himself in partisan politics...he is merely seeking to protect the legacy of what he and others helped to build from the surreptitious demolition jobs of assorted mischief makers within the innards of the organisation.
Andy Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 14:42
@ Micahel Magri
Thank you for reminding me that I need to inform myself....as a matter of fact THIS is NOT partisan politics: this involves protecting one's legacy within the "house" that he and others helped build. Or are you, unwittingly, admitting that some other party is involved in these shenanigans. Possibly due to your political myopia.
Andy Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 14:50
@ Michael Magri
More evidence about the fact that this is NOT partisan politics comes from Karmenu Vella MP and Joe Mizzi MP who, in an identical statement, expressed their wish NOT to be involved in an INTERNAL dispute.
Raphael Dingli
Jul 20th 2012, 04:32
Given Malta's history,where Prime Ministers have appointed ex party members as Presidents ( except the last one - although they still appointed an ex politician ) - the dynamic is totally different to the rest of the democratic world that utilises aspects of the Westminster system. If this were not the case, there would be no need for a President or ex President to be impacted by historical or current political issues. Suggesting that an ex politician who also served as President has no right to respond to issues effecting them is denying them the basic right to respond and set the records straight. If, however appointed Presidents, had no political affiliation ( a very difficult thing in Malta although still possible) the issue would never arise. Anybody, including ex Presidents have a right to respond. Their taking on that right does in any way diminish the office they represent or represented.
joe vella
Jul 17th 2012, 12:42
Do our politicians realise that all this hogwash and backstabbing is detracting them from their PRIME DUTY to run the country in a fair manner
the way things are going they are just indulging into tripping one another and throwing mud left, right and centre
Our democratic and parliamentary are going down the drain by the hour and we just look on, listen, laugh or cry according to which side we appartain
cannot the president intervene and put an end to this tragedy (or travesty! )
G Schembri
Jul 17th 2012, 13:47
What exactly is sending our parliament/government/democracy down the drain, is it what JPO is saying, or the way RCC was leading the country instead of Parliament/government. If what JPO is saying is true, the country has been kidnapped for a very long time, and everyone was keeping quite either because they were afraid or because it suited them.
John Cole Smith
Jul 17th 2012, 12:40
What on Earth Jeff?, you should:
Firstly, well read the dew publications there are on this matter and see if they were biased , by who ever wrote them,
Secondly, what on Earth do you wish for?, that Malta would still have the Queen as Head of State?
Many were not EFA fans, but under the circumstances, EFA and the MLP, in the absence of an absolute majority vote, being taken in Parliament, EFA did the right thing.
The will always be a debate . as it stood then within, primarily, the publications, of JJ Cremona and Edgar Mizzi, regarding the alteration of Article 6 of the Constitution of Malta, and the workings on that same day, as it was put, then , having God and the Devil, on the same document.
I don't think touching up, on such a complicated matter, that happened in 1974, shall in any way, tarnish the bravery and shrewdness , of both Dom Mintoff, George Borg Olivier, and subsequently EFA.
I honestly think , your comments are becoming very irritating to the General Public, and are giving, many a series or cramps.
joe vella
Jul 17th 2012, 12:38
do our politicians realise that all this back stabbing is detracting them from their absolute DUTY to run the country in a proper manner
this is what they swore to do on being appointed to parliamentary or ministerial posts
regretfully what we are witnessing is an absolute shambles of our democratic and parliamentary proceedures
I wonder why the president does not intervene and put a stop to this tragedy (or travesty!)
Timothy Cachia
Jul 17th 2012, 12:34
My God!!! JPO should just shut up now or he's going to spend the next couple of months in court.
Michael borg
Jul 17th 2012, 12:33
I think Dr Fenech Adami is afraid of something and thus has this insecurity,one must remember what he passed through, even though I am a labourite i respect him. Maybe he is denying such allegations from someone or something who or which is frightening him. God knows why?
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jul 17th 2012, 12:26
This is sounding more like a "Carry on, PN".
Robert pullicino
Jul 17th 2012, 12:25
JPO should be a gentleman and resign from Parliament and the party .......how long do we have to keep hearing these false accusations. The truth will always prevail ...shame on him.
C Muscat
Jul 17th 2012, 12:24
Hallihom....veru tad-dahk u tal-biki...kemm insew malajr kemm dahaq (u beka) bi fredu fuq tal-mistra!!!! u tawh xi 100 minuta ta airtime!!!!!
Mike Gatt
Jul 17th 2012, 12:22
JPO seems to be clutching at straws and resorting to all sorts of tricks to try and prove his accusations. However he must stick to the truth and use only evidence which are factually based and not assumed opinions.
F. Scicluna
Jul 17th 2012, 12:19
A President or Ex President should never get involved in politics.
Carmel Serracino-inglott
Jul 17th 2012, 19:20
Who said that ex-presidents should pack up? Are'nt they Maltese? They have all rights to express their opinion.
Tonio Farrugia
Jul 17th 2012, 12:17
Dear JPO,
the only idea that you think you can compare yourself to EFA is sick!
This will come to you as a surprise by there is no comparison, believe me!
EFA will be remembered for his achievements and his victories, whilst JPO will be remembered for his tears!
J Cachia
Jul 17th 2012, 12:14
I cannot ever envisage Dr Eddie Fenech Adami voting against the party line. Shame on JPO for putting Dr Fenech Adami at his own deplored level!
George Cutajar
Jul 17th 2012, 12:13
Every statement uttered by JPOS and his Labour friends end up being denied by the person directly concerned and not only denied for the sake of it but with irrefutable proof.
JPOS has long lost his credibility but his silly and stupid comment this morning stating that Dr. EFA went against party lines back in 1974 just goes to show of what stuff he is made of. It could be that back then he was still in Form 2 and did not read his history books well.
Please choose the reason of your report below: