Updated: PM regrets embarrasment to Malta
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi vehemently refused to pass any comments on Commissioner John Dalli’s resignation but said he is not sorry he took the decision to appoint him Commissioner instead of Joe Borg in 2010.
He later clarified that he regretted the developments of the past days but Mr Dalli's nomination was the correct thing to do at the time.
Asked to give his reaction on the negative impact on Malta’s image due to Mr Dalli’s resignation, the Prime Minister only said that he did not want to pass judgement.
Instead he focused his comments on the appointment of a future Commissioner reiterating that this will be done swiftly.
When pressed to state whether the appointment of a new Commissioner will be announced following the next cabinet meeting on Monday he insisted that this will be announced 'at the opportune moment'.
Asked whether, with hindsight, it was a mistake to appoint John Dalli Commissioner, Dr Gonzi defended his decision and said he was not sorry for his decision.
However, he later clarified that of course he regretted the developments of these last days and the embarrassment to Malta.
"However, at the time of Mr Dalli's nomination, it appeared the correct thing to do."
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James Portelli
Oct 22nd 2012, 10:29
Time will prove John Dalli's innocence much to the embarrassment of Europe and our collective loss with regard to the Tobacco Directive.
It will also perhaps indicate that he would have been a better PN leader. His recent close EU encounters prepare him as a successor for Lawrence Gonzi. Would have been better had the PN executive elected him earlier but I suppose it is better late than never.
A M Bonello
Oct 20th 2012, 13:39
We will forgive you Dr Gonzi,by not voting for you
David Pace
Oct 20th 2012, 09:13
How will Mr Dalli be dealt with now that more is known?
mark borg
Oct 20th 2012, 08:06
l-aqwa li warrbu min saqajh ! u min jaf x jorok idejh issa li zgur mhux se jicalengjalu postu ...ghax li hafna mhux qed jirejalizaw hija anke li jhekk gonzipn jitlef l-elezzjoni......il klikka xorta trid izzomm posta fl-oppozizjoni
Lawrence Fenech
Oct 20th 2012, 05:51
Did Gonzi have any regrets when he kicked John Dalli out of his ministry on false accusations?
Renald Borg
Oct 20th 2012, 01:23
Come on this whole saga is a clear distraction form one of the biggest corrupt anti democratic scandals going on in Malta at the moment....St Philips hospital.it is a serious issue and should be investigated.But an embarrassment to Malta? It is being blown out of proportion just so it could take the headlines for a few days.Our PM has completely thrown Dalli under the bus and he might be innocent.
Mr Peter Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 09:19
Your are wrong in every statement you made. The St Philips Hospital "scandal" is being openly debated and subject to parliamentary scrutiny. Dr Portelli has also publicly announced that he would grant the right to any new government to rescind the contract. Where is the scandal?
The tragedy is that Malta's name had been very badly tainted with the Dalli story. How was Gonzi involved in this?
Alfred J. McEwen
Oct 20th 2012, 09:27
Alfred J. McEwen
@ Renald Borg
Excuse me..How can you call an Alleged corruption case involving a high profile Maltese EU representative a clear distraction, and comparing the issue with the St. Philips takeover? Qed thallat il hass mal bass fil opinjoni tieghi.
gil falzon
Oct 19th 2012, 21:46
When the Economist likes a Commissioner (in this case Joe Borg) why in heaven's name would you replace him? One of the greatest commissioners ever to work in Brussels in my opinion.
http://www.economist.com/node/14505501
Then along came Dalli...
Joe Fenech
Oct 20th 2012, 15:45
His appointment was a poisoned chalice and was intended to humiliate. They knew what Dalli's Achilles' heal was!
Elvin Muscat
Oct 19th 2012, 21:42
Here we go, I was right, they finally showed their true colors. Instead of backing him up, they send him to the crocodiles, what dirty politicians we have.
Sorry for Malta to have such people controlling our country.
Joe Xuereb
Oct 19th 2012, 21:37
@Philip Bonello (Today, 19:12). Defend someone who's a compatriot come what may?! Is this yet another example of extreme nepotism la Maltija? Childish reasoning at least I'm afraid.
It's pathetic, if interesting, when people make assertions having forgotten their track-record as recently as the previous day. Some will never admit a bad decision even if it stares them squarely in the face.
Joe Xuereb
Oct 19th 2012, 21:19
Is this the John Dalli with heavy investments in Libya? Did he not say he preferred the status quo before the Arab Spring in that country? Please someone, tell me Dalli is not that man.
V Mercieca
Oct 19th 2012, 21:13
"However, at the time of Mr Dalli's nomination, it appeared the correct thing to do." said Gonzi
Even when I voted in the last election, it appeared the correct thing to do. Now I too regret it.
Mark Cassar
Oct 20th 2012, 04:19
Mr/Ms Mercieca, are you sure? Do not forget that not Dr Muscat would have been PM, but Dr Sant. Have you forgotten what has passed over the last 4 years? In hindsight Malta, with all the problems, at that time and since, made the right decision overall. It is foresight which we require now. Who is the most capable and able to take us into the next 5 years? That's the question now.
Louis Craus
Oct 19th 2012, 21:07
Eu 60 million were mentioned in this saga. Mhix cajta eh.
mark borg
Oct 20th 2012, 10:29
yes anyway its a very well known fact that the PN and gonzipn people (throughout history) that make it to the top, are nothing but a bunch of wheeler -dealers
Evarist Saliba
Oct 19th 2012, 21:05
If the first sentence of this report reflects accurately what Dr Gonzi has said, I am very disappointed. The sentence reflects badly on an honest politician who did honour to Malta, Dr Joe Borg. It implies a preference to Dalli over Borg, who learned of his replacement through the press. If the report is not correct, Dr Gonzi should point this out and provide another update.
Lucienne Dimech
Oct 19th 2012, 20:38
The pm should take a stand its due to us
E. Azzopardi
Oct 19th 2012, 20:20
If I were the PM I would tell Mr Barroso, that until I hear Mr Dalli's version and let Mr Dalli defend himself, I would not even comment.
Why are we so eager to replace Mr Dalli? What happens if Mr. Dalli has not been involved at all? We do not know yet. It has happened before but it seems we have not learnt anything from it!
The government has the duty to defend Mr Dalli tooth and nail.
Ethelbert Schembri
Oct 19th 2012, 20:10
We are sorry to have you as PM and that you still go represent Malta even knowing that you don't have the majority to keep on governing!!
Philip Bonello
Oct 19th 2012, 19:12
Why is the PM not defending John Dalli, a Maltese commissioner, in Europe? This is the moment when the Maltese government should be showing solidarity with a compatriot.
Anthony Scicluna
Oct 19th 2012, 19:40
Not really no. The PM should only provide support to make sure that the true picture emerges. If the person would be guilty, then solidarity would have been misplaced
David Pace
Oct 19th 2012, 19:59
in my book i would only defend if i am entierly sure the person is innocent.
marcus bonello
Oct 19th 2012, 20:31
it is not the time to defend any one, but it is time to make sure that Malta's image restores itself as best possible considering the circumstances. And if all this was not true, then it would all be better for Malta as a whole.
Malcolm Seychell
Oct 19th 2012, 20:32
This one is John Dalli not Austin, CMB., Dolores, Cassar. Actually the embarrasment for Malta has been Gonzi for the last years....
Joseph E Briffa
Oct 19th 2012, 19:06
The PM's updated statement makes sense. He has to defend his decision to appoint JD, and obviously he can't be very pleased at the recent events. The updated version sums it all up
Anthony Paul Naudi
Oct 19th 2012, 19:05
Our Prime Minister had to face lots of difficult moments. He always faced them in an honorable manner and the fact that our little Island is progressing is thanks to his work. The Dalli matter has in a way gave a bad posture to our country but as always is said,'' no one is guilty until proven so '' . Anyone who submits our country to shame must pay for his doings.
A.P. Naudi
William Caligari
Oct 19th 2012, 18:39
Is EU going to accept another Commissioner for Malta so soon?
ALBERT FENECH
Oct 19th 2012, 18:01
I must express deep sympathy for the PM Dr Lawtence Gonzi. The only thing one can say at this stage is that he has been constantly let down by the people around him. Success depends on choice - the right choice brings triumph, the wrong one brings dismal failure and one is sad to say that historically this term of Government will be looked upon as a resounding failure.
ALBERT FENECH
John Lusignan
Oct 19th 2012, 18:12
resounding failure! If we had huge unemployment lines that would be a resounding failure. All my international colleagues are baffled how Malta sailed through this economic storm and how company after company keep setting up shop here! Switch on the news (international news not Super One) and get real! Some people are so politically blind its unbelievable.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Oct 19th 2012, 18:29
John, which 'company after company' have set up shop here in the past four years? Name three.
ALBERT FENECH
Oct 19th 2012, 18:41
Mr Lusignan, we will await the judgement of the people when they are finally ALLOWED to vote. Yes, I do watch the international news - I watched the Boris Johnson/David Cameron debacle and now this EU uproar. My international friends tell me they have never known Malta to be held in such LOW esteem. As for the queue of companies ... a figment of your imagination.
ALBERT FENECH
Peter Bonnici
Oct 19th 2012, 18:49
@ Albert Fenech. Someone at Super One has chosen to make Dalli a quasi permanent fixture. Whats your advice to him, or them?
A Camilleri
Oct 19th 2012, 18:51
Andrew, which company after company closed down, which company after company dismissed its employees, which company after company reduced its wages. Success is measured by the wealth you generate, the right economic climate you create and yes, true inspite the many letdowns by those around you.
J Busuttil
Oct 19th 2012, 18:53
Well said John Lusigana. Even my international colleagues comment the same as yours just yesterday one of them said its a pity what has happened to your commissioner but this does not discredit the fact that Malta is one of the strongest ( economically ) in Europe . Well these comments are a credit to Malta, and not the local Red eyed boys/girls who moan from when the sun rises till late night.
ALBERT FENECH
Oct 19th 2012, 19:10
My advice to Mr Peter Bonnici - One (not Super One - that was dropped long ago) should continue to give John Dalli lots of exposure. He was after all appointed by the PM and Gonzi-PN and the ultimate responsibility is theirs - so give him plenty of exposure. Still awaiting the list of queuing companies eager to set up shop in Malta - SmartCity perhaps?
ALBERT FENECH
ALBERT FENECH
Oct 19th 2012, 19:14
Mr A. Camilleri - to mention just one company - ST Malta reduced its workforce by 1,000 people over two years and the employees had to agree to reductions in their annual pay packet. Many other manufacturing companies went down to a 4-day week for a period of time. Current contracts for many are on a 3 or 6 months basis to make reductions speedy when necessary.
ALBERT FENECH
Peter Bonnici
Oct 19th 2012, 19:27
@ Albert Fenech. That nameless blogger must be right about labour voters and their warped thinking. So Dalli has lost all credibility in your eyes, yet he's the right man for One to use for the purpose of PM bashing. Of course you see no contradiction in your statement, and I don't expect you to.
L Zammit
Oct 19th 2012, 19:34
@Albert Fenech: Of course you have to express deep sympathy for our dear prime minister. Dr Gonzi will go down in history as the most battered leader of the Maltese people, having found obstacles from the international field (oil, Libya etc), from within his own party and from the opposition (the latter understandable) and despite all this he is diligently sailing his ship into port.
Jimmy Ventura
Oct 19th 2012, 20:56
John Dalli hu Nazzjonalist imwegga' bhali u bhal hafna ohrajn. John ma kienx iffrejmjat mill-PL imma mill-klikka PN. Li kien ghal PN John ma kien ikollu mkien fejn isemma il-wegghat tieghu. Il-PL ta ll John cans li jsemma lehnu. Jekk il-klikka PN ma hadux gost affari taghhom. X'arroganza rabbiet il-klikka PN. Tippretendi li ghandha tikkontrolla ix-xandir kollu Malti. Komplu attakkaw lil John
A Attard
Oct 20th 2012, 05:56
Albert Fenech, at least ST Malta is still operating.
Mr J Xerri
Oct 19th 2012, 17:41
'the Prime Minister only said that he did not want to pass judgement.' Well done. But not the same could be said of many of the pro-nationalists commentator and even some of the TV presenters well known for their sympathy with the Government.
R. Balzan
Oct 19th 2012, 15:29
It would be stupid and premature to appoint a new commissioner before Dalli's case is heard and he is proclaimed either guilty or innocent. As the situation stands today we have only heard one side of the story and it seems there is only circumstantial evidence linking Dalli with any malpractice.
GL Calleja
Oct 19th 2012, 16:06
But what happens if there is an early election and the PL wins the election? I think that is why the urgency arises.
R. Balzan
Oct 19th 2012, 17:23
@ G.L. Calleja - That fact in itself should postpone the decision to make a new appointment immediately. A new government may not have full confidence in the person selected just a few weeks before the election and may prefer to nominate another person.
George Calleja
Oct 19th 2012, 15:18
Ghalfejn qed jippruvaw izeffnu lil Gonzi f'din il-bawxata? X'ghandu x'jaqsam? Lil Gonzi hadd u hadd ma jista jimplikah f'xi korruzzjoni. Dejjem rett kien u hekk jibqa!!
russell fenech
Oct 19th 2012, 15:07
buffu..
Aaron Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 10:05
As things have developed, Malta tidher li hija l-buffa. Thanks to your hero, John Dalli.
carmel callus
Oct 19th 2012, 14:57
If I were Prime Minister, I would nominate Louis Galea as new Commissioner and economist Gordon Cordina as Malta's representative in the Court of Auditors. I have not doubt they will both deliver.
M Calleja
Oct 19th 2012, 14:20
"...he is not sorry he took the decision to appoint him Commissioner instead of Joe Borg in 2010." John Dalli was not appointed instead of anyone, but because there was a vacancy due to the expiry of the term of the Commissioners. Therefore the place was vacant. There is no automatic right for re-appointment.
GL Calleja
Oct 19th 2012, 14:01
" he was not sorry for his decision." I don't think Dr Gonzi was ever sorry for any decision he made and that is including the one to go ahead with the Gonzi/Piano plan, because even though most people objected to the Topless Opera House project he went ahead with the proposed plan anyway.
j brincat
Oct 19th 2012, 13:53
Is this a case of David and Goliath with Malta being obviously a minute country in EU!
(jb)
M Degiorgio
Oct 19th 2012, 13:52
of course not sorry . . . . . . you would have had another rebel mp in your cabinet if not !
Please choose the reason of your report below: