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Sunday, November 11, 2012, 12:09

Choose wisely, PM warns

The Nationalist Party has to continue spreading its message that the forthcoming election is all about making a wise choice for the future, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning.

Speaking on Radio 101, he said that surveys currently showed the PN at a 12 per cent disadvantage to Labour.

This showed that the PN had to work more and continue spreading its message. People had to make a wise choice and they should not opt for something new but should understand that they will be trusting their future with a government and the consequences were major.

One should take a look at what was happening in neighbouring states and compare the situation to Malta.

The Prime Minister referred to a European Commission report on all its members, including Malta, which analysed how the governments of each country operated and then made its forecasts for next year.

Malta was given one of the best reports by the Commission and this was proof that Labour leader Joseph Muscat was painting everything black when this was not the case.

"We have a tough task to convince people but we have positive news to share... We have achieved results when times were tough, just imagine what we can do in calmer waters," he said.

Earlier, Dr Gonzi said that neighbouring countries were having to face major problems because their governments had not taken the necessary decisions in time and they were now having to take all the tough decisions at one go. Malta had so far avoided such a situation because it followed a certain strategy.

But Dr Muscat was opting to play hide and seek with the people and in spite of being asked repeatedly about how he intended to reduce energy rates, he would not say.

He insisted rates would go down even if the price of oil went up. Such statements, Dr Gonzi said, were irresponsible and did not encourage one to invest in alterative sources of energy.

Such games would only lead to failure, the prime minister warned.

The government's strategy was to ensure the country produced enough electricity, rates were reasonable and money was found to help families have systems which would help them mitigate the costs.

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Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 16:02

@Matthew Grima.
t's your funeral and the funeral of any sons, daughters and other people close to you who will suffer by your opting out of your civic responsibility to vote - for the lesser of two evils if that is unavoidable. It is not a question of "enjoying" making that hard choice. It is a duty. Neglect it and face the consequences, you and yours!

Matthew Grima

Nov 12th 2012, 18:43

By not voting, I am submitting my opinion that neither of both parties are good enough. Don't you think that drop in turnout would set off some alarms?

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 19:35

@Matthew Grima.

It should be setting YOUR alarm that you will share the blame for any wrong doing by the lesser devil who gets elected for the next five years. The alarms are already jangling like mad. Any lessons that need learning have already been learnt. There is no need to suffer hell for five years if not more if the concept of proportional representation is thrown to the dogs.

M Fava

Nov 12th 2012, 20:06

I get your point Mr Grima. However, both parties have tackled recent issues in debates, talks, mass meetings etc. It is only occasional that a remark about the 70s and 80s is made which is why I think it's no excuse to not exercise your right to vote. By refraining from exercising this right (I repeat, your RIGHT), you are allowing other people to choose for you. Sometimes I feel baffled(cont)

M Fava

Nov 12th 2012, 20:08

(cont) Citizens constantly fight for their rights. And yet, you will refrain from exercising one of your most important rights? It makes no logical sense to me.

Joe Sammut

Nov 12th 2012, 20:56

You actually have no choice but to choose the lesser of two evils , Matthew.

Don’t let others choose for you.

What would you do if someone tries to take your right to vote?

I think I would choose the walker, at least he does something.

Talkers, there are by the dozen , just have a glance to this comments board.

Mark Cassar

Nov 13th 2012, 03:10

Mr Grima, people around the world have died, and continue to die, fighting for the right to vote in free elections. That is why I intend to vote, for whom I think is the best to lead Malta into the future and the one who best deserves to govern.

Matthew Grima

Nov 13th 2012, 11:51

I get what everyone says here, and I also thank you for well formed comments rather than attacks.

I believe that making a choice is my right, rather than the vote itself. I will probably change my mind when we start hearing about concrete plans from both sides. But at this point, no one's convincing.

May I ask if there are any statistics on the current percentage of floating voters?

Steve Pace

Nov 13th 2012, 17:55

Beware - The word "duty" will be used in many comments by those who have no other justification for the scandalous modus operandi of this government !

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 08:20

Real Nationalists who may be considering abstaining at the next election should keep in mind the threat from the LP leadership that "They do not know what is going to hit them if the Labour Party wins the next election.

Eugene Camilleri

Nov 12th 2012, 08:43

Here's an idea! instead of abstaining, vote Alternattiva. They're the only party actually interested in changing something. Score them a seat, and something may actually happen :)

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 12th 2012, 08:58

Wrong conclusion Claudio..abstention is a vote for Labour. Anything to grumble about? What did you expect to get from PN and did not get? Was it your right or just a favour? What do you expect from Labour? Will you get it? Think before you leap.It would be too late to see your mistake after the elections.

Brian Gatt

Nov 12th 2012, 12:51

@ Francis Saliba MD & Eugene Camilleri and Joseph E Briffa - the PN Lackeys

Running after lost sheep arent we !!!!

Allow me to give you a pointer... Drop Gonzi, change all the current cabinet, fire RCC and Austin Gatt from the party and then and only then you just might have a chance to face the Maltese population with a clear conscience and some credibility.

M Fava

Nov 12th 2012, 20:10

@Eugene Camilleri

AD carry the same disease as PL. They only blab about drug legalisation, equal rights for the gay community etc. Why? To lure voters in. AD have no sense of management. Strong ideals, but a weak party. Such a shame

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 07:48

It is a bitter pill for the LP hopefuls to accept that with a such a proportion of "don't knows" and "abstentions" that may not remain abstentions on polling day, the margin of error in these statistics is so high that the result is unpredicatble. That is why Muscat himself is warning that after the next election the NP intends to raise the utility rates.

John L Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 08:16

@Francis Saliba: Muscat is not warning that GOnziPN will raise the utility tariffs, he is just reiterating what the EC has reported about GonziPN's administration and failure in the energy sector.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 09:47

@JohnLGalea

No, sir! The EC report does not mention GonziPN. It refers to whoever will be governing Malta next year and after an election which the LP is being strongly touted to win. Joseph Muscat's spin, that this report indicates the intention of the NP to raise utility rates next year, is a dead give-away that, according to him, the NP could/would win the election.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 12th 2012, 09:08

Would you care to be more specific. And don't mention stupidities like the Theatre or Parliament buiding or the revision of MPs salaries or the kontijiet tad-dawl or arrogance,please. Do you have a job, a car, a well furnished home, are you and your famiy enjoying good health, can you criticise the government in public with impunity? If yes, what else are you after?

Kathy Elliot

Nov 15th 2012, 16:33

@ Mr Briffa,

Dear Mr Briffa, Please note that if you consider the complete desecration of a national and world heritage as a 'stupidity' then you frankly do not even know what you are talking about. Moreover the amenities you mention in the rest of your comment have become increasingly pricey for the majority of Maltese families and will soon become an extra commodity few can afford again.

R. Azzopardi

Nov 12th 2012, 08:32

Let's break your statement down a little bit, shall we?

"On one side we have a positive, honest, a tested pair safe of hands, no nonsense...." I agree with you apart from the "honest" bit. No politician is honest. Honest-ish maybe. the rest of your statement is spot on!

Brian Gatt

Nov 12th 2012, 14:38

'honest, a tested safe pair of hands for the country, no nonsense Leader: Dr Lawrence Gonzi"Are you sure you are living in Malta? Honest Where, When? He was honest on the Brazilian company? or when he took the Eur500 wage increase? Safe pair of hands my foot for the clique around him maybe, some examples, Power Station, St Philips, Utility Bills, New parliament, if those are safe hands Go Help us

Joe Sammut

Nov 12th 2012, 20:06

Ok Franco , we got your point.

John Azzopoardi

Nov 11th 2012, 20:55

don't celebrate yet. celebrations for politicians tend to be short lived.

Lawrence Fenech

Nov 12th 2012, 06:47

@John.

"Jekk il-poplu jghatina il-fiducja" this phrase will go down in history as a winner.

P Caruana

Nov 11th 2012, 20:40

Dream on and dont bet on it ;-)

R. Azzopardi

Nov 12th 2012, 08:36

Have you? What have you chosen? Someone who is led by the nose by a bunch of peole who should bury their face in shame?

Alfred J. McEwen

Nov 12th 2012, 11:53

Alfred J, McEwen

Oh yes the etceteras also include the non action of the illegal immigration issue

Steve Pace

Nov 13th 2012, 17:51

@ R . Azzopardi - "Someone who is led by the nose by a bunch of peole who should bury their face in shame"

are you referring to those individuals who in the face of public money waste on consultancy which produced a non working model of public transport , remained in power and could not be held accountable ?

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 06:30

The democratic will of the electorate is that an elected government serves the full term of its mandate unless revised by a vote of no confidence or premature elections called by the serving prime minister. Your lapse into Caps Lock does not alter that fact.
You should be able to "get that straight" without straining your brain.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 11th 2012, 19:39

Skuzi, Ton. Kullhadd jaf illi Il-gvern Laburista kien twaqqa u ma thalliex jiggverna minn certu Duminku Mintoff li safejn naf jien kien kapurjun Laburista u kemm hu kif ukoll uliedu bniet huma l-ghozza tal-LP il-gdid fjamant - almenu hekk jghidu.

Vince Piscopo

Nov 11th 2012, 23:37

x fiha hazin li ulied Mintoff huma l ghozza tal PL? U x fiha hazin billi Mintoff kien "kapurjun" Laburista? Wara kollox meta tqis dak li kien jemmen u ghamel Mintoff huwa aktar POZITTIV milli negattiv u dan mhux qed nghidu jien imma persuna importanti u rispetatta hafna mil kamp oppost!!

R Axisa

Nov 12th 2012, 06:10

Francis Saliba MD -nfakkrek li wara l-elezzjoni tal-1998, Joe Saliba ex segretarju tal-PN hareg jiftahar li kienu kapaci jwaqqghu l-gvern! Fiha x'tifhem din!

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 08:05

@VincePiscopo & RAxisa.

M’hemm xejn hazin li wlied Mintoff ikunu l-ghozza tal-PL u anqas li Dumink kien kapurjun tal-MLP. In-nuqqas jirrizulta meta xi iblah jispekula dwar xi kumplott biex jitwaqqa’ xi gvern futur Laburista meta kien Laburist ippatentjat bhal Dumink li garraf il-gvern laburista ta’ Sant.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 08:45

@RAxisa.
Every political party in opposition tries to become a governing party by winning an election, in the fullness of time or at some time previously (as Alfred Sant did when he decid, stupidly in my opinion, to call for an unnecessary vote of confidence. The remarkable thing is that before and after that occasion Mintoff was a staunch Labourite not a Nationalist.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 11th 2012, 20:37

The choice is between the present concrete and staisfactory living conditions that undoubtedly compare most favourably with the conditions in neighbouring countries inspite of tremendous extraneous difficulties imposed from outside and the nebulous promises of a better future by the untested or those who have already been proven to be undesirable by their performance during the Mintoff-KMB era.

R Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 03:10

Dear Dr Saliba... It's better if you continue focusing on health and medical issues! I see that Politics and country comparisons are certainly not your forte! I'm a statistician and can absolutely deny your totally UNFOUNDED comment.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 08:13

@RGalea.
I would be a fool to take advice from someone who prides himself that he is some statistician and who pontificates irrelevantly that my comment is unfounded when it mentioned no statistics whatsoever.

R Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 13:35

You're comparing the Maltese situation to "the conditions in neighboring countries....." and depicting everything as a Maltese Disney World. To do such a comparison you need proofs, numbers (in general), statistics and reports! Ah so you agree that you're not basing on any concrete reports, criterias etc? Haha. Then I hereby confirm again that your comment is totally UNFOUNDED.

R Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 13:37

You're comparing the Maltese situation to "the conditions in neighboring countries....." and depicting everything as a Maltese Disney World. To do such a comparison you need proofs, numbers (in general), statistics and reports! Ah so you agree that you're not basing on any concrete reports, criterias etc? Haha. Then I hereby confirm again that your comment is totally UNFOUNDED.

R Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 13:52

You're comparing the Maltese situation to "the conditions in neighboring countries....." and depicting everything as a Maltese Disney World. To do such a comparison you need proofs, numbers (in general), statistics and reports! Ah so you agree that you're not basing on any concrete reports, criterias etc? Haha. Then I hereby confirm again that your comment is totally UNFOUNDED.

R Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 14:02

You're comparing the Maltese situation to "the conditions in neighboring countries....." and depicting everything as a Maltese Disney World. To do such a comparison you need proofs, numbers (in general), statistics and reports! Ah so you agree that you're not basing on any concrete reports, criterias etc? Haha. Then I hereby confirm again that your comment is totally UNFOUNDED.

R Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 14:11

You're comparing the Maltese situation to "the conditions in neighboring countries..." and depicting everything as a Maltese Disney World. To do such a comparison you need proofs, numbers (in general), statistics, criterias and reports! Ah so you mean, yours is just a personal intuition, you haven't consulted any reports? Haha. Then I hereby confirm again that your comment is totally UNFOUNDED.

R Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 14:22

You're comparing the Maltese situation to "the conditions in neighboring countries..." and depicting everything as a Maltese Disney World. To do such a comparison you need proofs, numbers (in general), statistics, criterias and reports! Ah so you mean, yours is just a personal intuition, you haven't consulted any stats? Haha. Then I hereby confirm again that your comment is totally UNFOUNDED.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 15:53

@ R Galea

Please STOP IT! The count has now gone up to six and rising.

S Farrugia

Nov 11th 2012, 21:17

thank you for your advice, but I'll take the PM's advice and will choose wisely ... PL.

Joseph Mifsud

Nov 12th 2012, 02:02

Success fl ekonomija jekk ir rata tad dejn qatt ma gholiet daqs kemm gholiet fl ahhar 4 snin?

G Schembri

Nov 11th 2012, 19:48

Lejburisti is he wrong word, it like calling PN supporters naxxjonalisti. You either use Laburisti or Socialists. Using the wrong word reflects badly on you and not on the PL supporters.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 19:40

Kevin..didn't you know that some people are born spongers and live like parasites?Didn't you know that the idea of 'saving' a few euros on ELECTRICITY bills (not water), and not paying VAT (hence Labour 1996 victory)is more appealing to such characters?35 000 families get rebates of c 40%, will this be retained if Labour wins?.If not,tariffs have to be reduced by 40% otherwise where's the gain?

Joseph Bugeja

Nov 11th 2012, 18:53

Of course he thinks so! You have to think people are stupid to believe that they believe a Brazilian company was employing a lot of people.

Joe Grech

Nov 11th 2012, 18:54

You obviously believe all this? you've been brainwashed!

Joseph Bugeja

Nov 11th 2012, 19:01

Lowest national debt? Do we live on the same island or not? We have a finance minister who can't even keep within his predictions year in year out!
This is the kind of spin the PN wants to sell us. No wonder people are so angry. They presents us lies and pretends us to accept them.
I don't know about your standard of living but I known about mine.

L Zammit

Nov 11th 2012, 19:10

Yes, these are the records of the PN which the PL and their blind faithfuls cannot bear.It is indeed shameful to try and belittle the PN achievements during this legislature traded in such turbulent waters. If the Maltese people try to oust the PN government they would be committing suicide.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 11th 2012, 20:51

Please explain how advising the electorate to vote wisely is "pathetic" and so "low". What would you recommend instead of choosing wisely? Would you prefer that the plebians "gooooooooooo" and choose the LP foolishly?

Gordon Farrugia

Nov 12th 2012, 01:27

Because Francis Saliba M.D. if one believes in democracy then one doesn't need to try influencing the people. The people will judge Mr Gonzi with his actions not his words [this is what he said himself!!!!!!]

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 08:32

@GordonFarrugia
" ... trying to influence people ... " has nothing to do with democracy. Every democratic pressure group does it all the time. And that includes J Muscat's Labour Party.

Schembri Ray

Nov 11th 2012, 19:44

You want to know what the labour has to offer for those over 40? Nothing! The PL never mentioned this. All I know is that the electricity bill is going to be lower, but how I'm still blank.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 12:32

You are choosing to vote for Gonzi to go. Only time will tell if that would be a wise choice or not. By then, it would be much too late to undo the harm of your not-so-wise decision.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Nov 12th 2012, 16:13

Do you fancy enrolment in some Labour Party Pioneer Corps if they will accept over forties? Those were the only jobs on offer the last time they had the responsibility to provide jobs.

pat muscat

Nov 11th 2012, 18:17

@Roberto Fenech.
The countries you mentioned and which have failed did so because of their massive debt. Does this remind you of a mountain of debt 6 billion euros high? Who is responsible for this burden? How is it going to pay it up?

ANTHONY PAVIA

Nov 11th 2012, 18:28

Roberto, thank those Maltese from the generations before this one, for their sense of thrift and savings for a rainy day. These were able to bail out this Government and provide the funds needed for the "Money no problem" mentality, via their absorption of debt instruments so loosely issued by Governments in the last 25 years wanting to accommodate today's wasteful and credit obsessed generation.

John Scerri

Nov 11th 2012, 18:49

Pat Muscat remember what J.Muscat said about the public debt.
It is internal not with other countries .

Roberto Fenech

Nov 11th 2012, 18:50

@Pat muscat - It is the debt to GDP ratio that you have to see which is one of the indicators of the health of an economy. In all the failing countries had a very bad ratio unlike Malta - which currently stands at 75%. Malta did quite well compared to others in this crisis, let alone when the economic environment will be better. Malta needs clear vision and policies to continue in the right path.

carlos ellul

Nov 11th 2012, 18:08

What leader? He can't control Malta's border or his own party and he twists the truth over the media regarding a big Brazilian investment which does not materialize. We need a change and none of the religious fundamentalists or Euphiles can bring that to us.

Mariella Galea

Nov 11th 2012, 18:12


According to Prime Minister Gonzi, even though most of Europe is in dire straits, we were the only country that managed to stay out of recession.. living in Prosperity, have 5 jobs person and money coming out of our ears. A fine example to other EU countries!

So your statement about Joseph muscat, that he is the only that fails to see that Malta is not in a bubble, doesn't make sense!!

Mario Scicluna

Nov 11th 2012, 18:35

@Henry Micallef
Today, 17:48

If elected, Joseph Muscat will not be the youngest PM in history, check your facts first! GonziPN ipacpac biss!

Henry Micallef

Nov 11th 2012, 21:15

@ C. Ellul - the type of leader to see to handle the crisis in Libya, to recover from a recession, to create 20000 new jobs, put Malta best in eGovernment, established day care centres and night shelters for the elderly, managed recycable waste, closed the Maghtab rubbish dump, filled Malta with open spaces for us to enjoy, best beaches in Europe, record tourism, cancer strategy....

Henry Micallef

Nov 11th 2012, 21:27

@ Mariella Galea - I dont presume your salary was cut by 30% like it happened in Greece or maybe you lost your job like the thousands in Spain, or have been in the streets to protest against austerity measures or queuing at the banks to get your money with the fear they will fail. Why don't you say we have having it good in Malta; and all this thanks to Gonzi.

Alfred J. McEwen

Nov 12th 2012, 09:52

Alfred J. McEwen

With a drip like that who needs water ?

Joseph Bugeja

Nov 11th 2012, 19:11

Depends what lines you choose to pick. Written like a true Nationalist. At least you're not a hypocrite. One of them all right and proud I'm sure!

Joseph Bugeja

Nov 11th 2012, 19:12

You're wrong about the has-been...make that a wannabe.

Frans Aguis

Nov 11th 2012, 17:50

With that reasoning why do we have elections in the first place? Your thinking is as undemocratic as middle eastern government.

K Mifsud

Nov 11th 2012, 18:00

Taht gvern nazzjonalista qattajna sajf bi qtugh ta dawl kontinwu. Azzjoni li minhabba fiha bosta hwienet u residenzi sofrew telf ta flus u hsarat kif ukoll inkonvenjent kbir. Ilma jigi u imur filwaqt li inhallsu kontijiet bl-oghla rata.

R Axisa

Nov 11th 2012, 19:09

Bl-istess ragunament tieghek, kien dan il-gvern stess li gabna fid-dlam bhalma konna qabel ghax bil-qtugh tad-dawl li kellna dan is-sajf f'hekk ftakart. Barra minn hekk, it-tahwid li kien hemm fil-kuntratt tal-BWSC ma niftakarx li kien hemm bhalu fil-passat.

Mary Ann Borg

Nov 11th 2012, 17:20

You are so right Mario Scicluna. Now tell us how Joseph will lower the deficit while lowering the W&E bills.

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 17:20

and to countries outside eu where they run by joseph muscat ?

Mario Scicluna

Nov 11th 2012, 18:26

@Mary Ann Borg

It's not just me saying, it's all the Economic, Monetary & Financial experts say after the EU crisis and the subsequent collapse of 2008! How to lower deficit? teqred l-isparpaljar ta' flus fil-hela(konsulenzi fazulli), tnaqqas l-infieq fuq progetti inutli (Parlament gdid, BWSC, bridge to nowhere, Arriva)u mhux tiehu Eu500 minn wara dahar il-poplu u taghmel pjan fit-tul serju!

Mario Scicluna

Nov 11th 2012, 18:29

@anthony dimech
Today, 17:20

Kumment banali! Jekk trid taghti kontribut, allinqas ghamel hekk b'mod serju mhux tpacpic biss!

Mary Ann Borg

Nov 11th 2012, 17:22

Just wait a moment m.borg (slm). PM is writing his reply to you which will arrive 1 minute after Joseph tells us how he plans to lower the W&E bills.

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 17:27

i think you are a lejburist cos you already swallowed it that its going up while your leader is promising that he will put prices down but there goes the laburisti ,but anyway otherwise how can he might become prime minister if he doesnt find some like you that swollow evrything that passes in front of their nose.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 17:13

This goes to show the level of intelligence of some of the electorate. If the majority were discerning voters, PN would win hands down.

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 17:31

no mr falzon do a wise choice vote labour cos by buy the way you are reflecting you are a wise guy.

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 17:35

labour didnt even use to give you a telephone line imagine paneli.and buy the way you are saying W & E BILLS YOUR LEADER ONLY MENTION ELETRIC so dont be surprised if wter will cost you more then whisky.

m. borg (slm)

Nov 11th 2012, 16:44

Yesterday Mr Borg you were whinning against the EU's grilling of Tonio Borg and his "christian" values, today you are all for the EU.

Can you guys make up your mind

We did not want full memebership but not having a choice at least we have accepted the reality and are working in the EU to get what is best for Malta. It is useless saying otherwise the people are no fools.

S Farrugia

Nov 11th 2012, 21:20

Are you talking about the same EU that's grilling Tonio Borg! Let's hope that our country won't be shamed next Tuesday ... if we will be shamed in front of the whole of Europe, it will be your dear PM"s fault for his decisions.

Neil Dent

Nov 11th 2012, 18:17

No? Then vote for a leader who, in the same debate, planted a known PL activist in the audience, to act as a 'disgruntled PN supporter' in order to put Gonzi on the spot (or try too, badly). You're welcome to him!

Salvu Sciberras

Nov 11th 2012, 18:09

it looks like this foreigner is going to succeed in turning Air Malta into a profitable airline. All should be thanful and co-operate so that Air Malta will not become another dockyard.
This government is courageous enough to take bold if painful decisions. Government is not about populism but taking the right decisions.That's why Malta hasweathered the storm better than other countries.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 17:32

Joseph Micallef....Malta zghira u n-nies maghrufa.....bhal ta' Brimmer din. L-ewwel darba ser tivvota Labour? Hekk qalulek biex tghid jew brainwave tieghek?

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 17:40

its ok mr micalef vote labour and then we see what your comments be if labour is elected , hope they will be praising joseph muscat, and even if gonzi finishesfrom leader still vote lobour the election after.

Joseph Micallef

Nov 11th 2012, 20:21

Mr. Joseph Briffa. Xi problema ghandek bil-fatti tieghi? Nifem li ghadek ma tistax taccetta l-verita pero meta nara nies bhalek, iktar inhoss li zmien il-bidla wasal, ghal gid ta' pajjizna. Issa naraw hux Sur Anthony Dimech. Mhux we've had enough of GonziPN? I feel that Dr. Muscat should be given a chance, ulinke GonziPN who ruined the country. L-elezzjoni ta' wara, naraw

R Axisa

Nov 11th 2012, 17:03

And considering the fact that the PN won the last election with the promise of reducing income tax, Dr Gonzi had the courage to tell us that the reason for not maintaining this promise is that he is honest!

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 17:43

no mr peppi if i was you i vote for joseph he is going to change everything for better ,he know what he is doing in his dreams.

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 17:46

no dont foget the last 8 years but remember the 70s & 80s and then vote labour.

J.C. Borg

Nov 11th 2012, 15:47

Sur Cassar - jiena bhala PN xi ftit disgustat nippreferi lil min naf milli lil min ma jrid jghid xejn x'se jaghmel, jew kif se jaghmel dak li qed iwieghed.

Nirraguna bhall-Inglizi "Better the devil you know".

Dwar it-tkaxkira nibza' li se ddum tistenna. F'ghomri tkaxkira wahda niftakar, meta l-PN kellhom hames deputati aktar mill-MLP.

Giov DeMartino

Nov 11th 2012, 16:01

X'ridt u ma hadtx, Jason?

Joseph Micallef

Nov 11th 2012, 16:04

@ JC Borg,

Ta' l-1996 ma kenitx taxkira ħabib? Nifhem li forsi insejt għaliex Eddie Fenech Adami, b'mod irresponsabbli għal-aħħar qal li r-riżultat kien se jkun 'photo-finish' peró nahseb ma kien 'photo-finish' xejn.

Iġifieri naqblu li GonziPN hu 'devil' bħall ma għidt inti stess? Jien bħala ex-PN super diżgustat se nivvota PL għall-ewwel darba u nħajrek tagħmel bħali.

jason cassar

Nov 11th 2012, 16:31

matantx ghandek memorja tajba sur borg ! ax fl 1996 Alfred Sant kien taha tkaxkira kbira lill PN ....
Issa vvota lid 'devil you know' ha jiehu 500 ohra zieda !

Eddy Privitera

Nov 11th 2012, 16:32

j.C. Borg: Mela int tppreferi min iwieghdek mod u jaghmel il-kontra, hux ? Kif qed tghid int mela , kieku QATT ma jinbidel gvern fid-dinja ! B'argumenti bhal dawn aktar tikkonvincu nies biex jivvutaw PL.

J.C. Borg

Nov 11th 2012, 16:48

Hadd ma semmielkom tal-1996. Jiena ghal tal-1998 kont qed nirreferi. Dik kienet tkaxkira jew le?????

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 17:53

wish you luck if lejburisti wins ,it looks like that you and the other 7 are going to be a better middle class ,

Giov DeMartino

Nov 11th 2012, 18:00

X'naqaskom taht Gone-zi Sur Zammit\?

Salvu Sciberras

Nov 11th 2012, 17:57

Wrong. National debt is measured against the GDP. Malta's is 76% among the lowest in the EU. Even the UK's is higher than ours. That of the US is close to 100% and that of Japan over 200%.

Giov DeMartino

Nov 11th 2012, 18:16

Mur ara INT, Sinjura Muscat, kemm tifhem fil-heavy fuel oil!

R. Azzopardi

Nov 11th 2012, 14:37

Yes. that's because the majority are fools. The famous Maltese GAHAN!

Leonard Brincat

Nov 11th 2012, 15:11

@ R Azzopardi.Trid tkun arroganti u injorant biex tghajjar lil min ma jaqbikx mieghek gahan.

Marie Roberts

Nov 11th 2012, 15:40

Fools because they want a better Government, or fools because they stayed quiet for too long?

Joe Busuttil

Nov 11th 2012, 19:54

@R.Azzopardi-----did you learn this from Tonio?

Gordon Farrugia

Nov 11th 2012, 14:20

constructive dialogue - lol is that what Gonzi is trying to achieve haha

R. Azzopardi

Nov 11th 2012, 14:55

I agree.

Joe Grech

Nov 11th 2012, 15:05

Excuse me - but can you honestly explain WHY it is that you still are P.N. oriented? Are you perhaps one of the many ''Consultants'' on which this inefficient and irresponsible money is wasting so MUCH of taxpayer money? Are you perhaps a University of Malta Rector / lecturer or an ex-Trade Union man doing ''consultancy work'' at Castille and so earning a second salary plus?

PHILIP RIZZO

Nov 11th 2012, 13:58

Naqbel mieghek, Sur Vella.

PHILIP RIZZO

Nov 11th 2012, 14:01

I too come from a Nationalist family am 61 years of age and will be voting PL Number 1 for the first time !

Tony Zammit

Nov 11th 2012, 14:37

I don"t recall Dr Muscat being in gov before, But do know lots of thing Dr Sant said came true

Joe Grech

Nov 11th 2012, 15:19

@Joseph M. Grech - I voted to join the EU and am myself quite disappointed. I see countries whose economies have been blown apart and I see many different groups all lobbying at Brussels for their own particular agenda. There is no political union: policies (illegal immigration especially) favour outsiders and not EU citizens. The EU is just one ineffective hotchpotch!

PHILIP RIZZO

Nov 11th 2012, 14:04

I agree with Mr. Sammut and urge others to vote PL Number 1 (at least) thereby proving that we are no fools

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 14:39

Your comments sound very strange Philip Rizzo.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 14:42

Eddy..if according to you PN made a big mess, you don't have high expectations from Labour.

Chris Gatt

Nov 11th 2012, 13:25

Perhaps Mr Bonello should first tell us what this problema kbira is. Facts and figures please and how it impacts the country. Also it would be interesting to hear his solution

mark borg

Nov 11th 2012, 13:27

li hu zgur min hallijadin il problema takkumula fdan is snin kollha u ghandna eluf kbar fostna minnhom...zgur ma haqqu l-ebda vot

N. Agius

Nov 11th 2012, 13:28

Hekk hu hawn hafna bhalek... kieku jsir survey apparti l- gholi tal hajja u l- kontijiet tad- dawl u ilma, nemmen li l- problema tal- immigrazzjoni tigi bhala t- tielet l- ikbar problema li ghadna. Li thallini mhasseb hu kif l- ebda partit mhu jghix x' ser jaghmel biex insolvuha...

Mauro debattista

Nov 11th 2012, 13:29

Naqbel mieghek

joseph gellel

Nov 11th 2012, 13:34

issa tolate shiebi wara li saru parti minnha. tmur fejn tmur issibhom kullimkien. nahseb ahjar naraw kif se nghixu maghhom qabel ma kun to late. il problema mill bidu trid tiggildiha mux warra hafna zmien shiebi. ara min kin imexxi dawn l ahhar 25 sena u tigi wahida ir risposta.

P. Vincenti

Nov 11th 2012, 13:08

Hilarious Consiglio. Wow, very intuitive of you. Bravo, bravo.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 18:10

@Jamie.... What a confused mind. So when MPs' were withdrawing their revised pay (35% of which went back to the Exchequer) pensioners went without spacing heating, or food, or their medication(tho' medicines were free): it would follow that now that MPs pay has reverted to its original state, pensioners will manage all three. They will thus survive & give PN another term. QED

Jamie Cutajar

Nov 12th 2012, 00:27

@Joseph E Briffa, yes, perhaps I am confused - maybe Gonzi and his clique didn't make a greedy decision behind the public's back. The only ones benefitting from this farce of a government are the highest echelons of PN society. Meanwhile, because the rest of us are allowed to "survive" (your words not mine) we should re-elect GonziPN? Sorry but I reject your proof.

Justin Tabone

Nov 11th 2012, 13:16

Mario. First of all start from comparing our wages with our neighbouring countries before your final assessment. We are still alive and kicking thanks to our strong and healthy banking system. Without our banks our gonziPNgovernment will be begging for a bailout.

mark borg

Nov 11th 2012, 13:24

mario you must be brainwashed beyond belief ...we are a micro econmy and cannot compare our economy to the ones you are refering to....most people here are trying to make ends meet with an income below 750 euro a month....plus what sound economy are you refering to the 6 billion accumulatedin debts, under anyway if you think its the best for you good luck ...but i assure you over 55 % do not agree

john grech

Nov 11th 2012, 13:30

about austerity measures............. just wait for that after the next elections
it happened last time
before the election reducing the water and electricity bills
after the elections increased then first 17% couple of weeks later surchagre 190% and the couple of months later another 100%
donnok ma titghallem qatt inti

J. Scicluna

Nov 11th 2012, 13:04

Scare-mongering at its best!

The main reason why the GonzPN spin machine is doing this (yet again) is because they are terrified that finally the truth will out once there is a change in government and the real figures and situation of the country are made known.

Moreover, there are quite a few people (perhaps yourself included?) that have been having it too good these past few years!

Mr. M. Camilleri

Nov 11th 2012, 13:20

So why in your opinion didn't the PM call an election, pass on the budget etc . . . because he desn't "want power fullstp""????? Give us a break!!! Im sure that the PM wants to stay in power a smuch as JM wants it! Its obvious and accepted by all those who have common sense!

Mario Farrugia

Nov 11th 2012, 13:03

Ga bdejna neqirdu li sibna l-hofra sur Borg?

Tony Zammit

Nov 11th 2012, 15:05

Mario Farrugia
sibna l-hofra ?????

Tony Zammit

Nov 11th 2012, 15:07

Agree 100%, Doing same thing,

John Farrugia

Nov 11th 2012, 17:40

Agree I shall be voting PL for the 1st time also, give PL a chance , it cant get any worse..

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 14:30

Jeffrey...I would suggest you take some spelling lessons first before you vote Labour once more.

J Camilleri

Nov 11th 2012, 15:59

@joseph

...and before trying to be funny learn the difference between spelling and grammar :p

Neil Dent

Nov 11th 2012, 13:25

Qed taqla bizejjed biex tigi fit-tax band ta'35% siehbi? Mela ghax ma'tammettix li hawn il-gid, bis-sahha tal-PN, Gustuz!

Darren Muscat

Nov 11th 2012, 15:47

@Neil Dent

Jien ukoll naqa fit-35% u nassigurak li ninsab fl-istess ilma ta' min jaqa bit-25%. Ghax naqla' ftit iktar, jaqtali hafna aktar + bolla ghola + mitt elf svantag ihor.

Neil Dent

Nov 11th 2012, 19:49

Darren - like for like, even although you would pay more tax (obviously - because you EARN more), there is no way you can be be financially worse off that a chap who earns enough to be in the 25% band, should you be in the 35% band.

Issa jew qed tivvinta, jew sempliciment ma tafx kif tahdem is-systema tal FSS. It's not the old PAYE system, with one blanket tax rate on every single penny earned.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 14:32

Defintely not V Mercieca...because we will all suffer for your wrong decision.

Joe Grech

Nov 11th 2012, 15:27

@Joseph E. Briffa - I suggest you address your remark to the Prime Minister. We Maltese have been suffering so much as a result of his numerous mistakes - not to mention his arrogance, for example in building a roofless theatre and two parliamentary blocks on Freedom Square just to please his ego and Renzo Piano.

anthony dimech

Nov 11th 2012, 18:07

at least i found a lejburist that admites he is making a wrong decision cos he is voting pl,hope the decision will only effect you.

J Busuttil

Nov 11th 2012, 12:48

@ Joe Grech

Did it ever occur to you that it has rebounded on the PL.

Lawrence Fenech

Nov 11th 2012, 13:18

@Busuttil.

Rebounded and stuck to a poster.

Joe Busuttil

Nov 11th 2012, 14:10

@j busuttil Why do you think so? Do you still believe the 20,000 job spin? The way Gonzi and Tonio arrived at that figure is far from scientific ,to say the least. By the way,did you believe Gonzipn when he announced that a big Brazilian company was going to set shop in Malta? Do you still believe what he says now? Have you become wiser?

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 14:33

As if it's going to be the first time Leo

Francis Sammut

Nov 11th 2012, 12:48

You wish to live with your mind at rest, you said? With 5 billion in debt? That is some rest of mind, I might add!

mark borg

Nov 11th 2012, 13:31

stop hiding behind the bogus name and surname and we will all see your hidden agenda...meanwhile enjoy riding yourfew last months the gonzipn gravy train

john grech

Nov 11th 2012, 13:34

about the eu referendum
i voted against it and i am proud of that
70 million each year to the eu
120 million to greece
50 million to portugal
16 to ireland
4 million every year to uk

and from 1st jan 2013 the mizata to the eu is going to explode to over 120 million

Hossam Helwani

Nov 11th 2012, 19:38

@ john grech
since you are so convinced that voting against the eu was a good thing , then why is dear joseph muscat so convinced he made a blundering mistake? is he lying to lure disgruntled nationalists? because if he is trying to lure stray pn supporters then he should be scaring you away according to your arguments. Yet again the EU is there to stay and if you dont like it lump it.

Hossam Helwani

Nov 11th 2012, 19:39

@ mark borg, how long have you been hiding behind the dream of new lejber? how many flag colours shall we change from red to white? it seems that we sound a bit frustrated considering that lejber is so much ahead in polls!!! or is it by chance that this is your real bogus?

Lawrence Fenech

Nov 11th 2012, 12:46

@Edward.

Withholding information, like the latest Brazilian fiasco, the Smart City or Ghost City as you wish, and the withleld information about the 500 euros per week behind your back and mine for two years and the amount still in his pocket. Gonzi gave you a very good advice "Choose Wisely" take it.

mark borg

Nov 11th 2012, 13:34

what do you expect that he gives you a breakdown for every penny?.....why not expect that from gonzipn as well ? ez ...where did he find the extra 90 million for the valletta white elephant project ? have you ever asked ? or the 150 million forked out to the govt employees? so stop repeating this banal statement once and for all as you are convincing nobody but a couple of diehards gonzipn .

Joe Busuttil

Nov 11th 2012, 13:56

To continue with Mark Borg's statement.....And the millions paid to blue eyed consultants who not only did not deliver but on the contrary gave the wrong advice many a time. And then you find some poor fellow ,who has to thank Mintoff for his pension, trying desperately to make ends meet because Gonzipn has whittled away his pension with the high energy bills,clapping at the Capo's words.

John B. Borg

Nov 11th 2012, 14:58

Be patient Sir. Joseph Muscat publicly declared that Labour's plans shall be revealed the minute the Nationalist Party publishes its election manifesto. Why the rush and all the anxiety?

Mr Edward Caruana Galizia

Nov 11th 2012, 15:10

I won't say the PN are perfect. But for all their short comings they have lead this country to success. All your blue eyed boy complaining is fake. We know the outrage industry is lucrative but let s not act like we don't know how superficial it is.

The PL will get elected, come face to face with the global economic climate, and not produce the goods. But they know this already.

George Debono

Nov 11th 2012, 12:31

Yes...Its wise. Le Naghzel ix-xejn ta Joseph Muscat halli jfalli pajjiz f' sentejn. Gace it. Mhux KAPACI.

David John

Nov 11th 2012, 12:43

@ George Debono.

Ahjar naghzel ix-xejn ta' Joseph milli naghzel il-minus ta' Gonzi. Ghax kemm ilu hemm Gonzi il-but dejjem minus spicca.

George Debono

Nov 11th 2012, 12:50

Qed narak mejjet bil-guh ! U Hallina !

B Attard

Nov 11th 2012, 12:51

@ George debono
It seems you're one of those on the comfortable seat. Ma ntikx tort taghzel PN habib.

j camilleri

Nov 11th 2012, 15:40

Qiesu qed itijulek shun il-pn x'tippoppa ghalihom,

John L Galea

Nov 12th 2012, 08:18

@George Debono: Ix-xejn li qed issemmi int ta' JM hu diga hafna ahjar mill-minuses li GOnziPN jiskorja kuljum f'kull qasam.

George Debono

Nov 11th 2012, 12:32

I see. And prau, Mr Cassar, can you tell us why? Change what? To the hollowness that is Joseph Muscat?

David John

Nov 11th 2012, 12:45

@ George Debono.

Gonzi Pn have left us in a black hole. Kollox fid-dlam u korruzzjoni min taht. Hbieb tal-hbieb u klikek igawdu.

Carmel Serracino-inglott

Nov 11th 2012, 15:01

To David,
The big boy spoke some time ago and said klikek, korruzzjoni, hbieb tal hbieb and the goats follow their master if if did not prove what he said. This is called 'throwing of mud' ; some say that some sticks for ever but is it honest? .

N. Agius

Nov 11th 2012, 12:38

Me too... darba kienet!

J Busuttil

Nov 11th 2012, 12:50

@ Joanna Mifsud
@ N.Agius

Yes Yes I believe you both, just like the youth who spoke on Xarabank during the debate than we got to know that he was always a MLP/PL activist.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 11th 2012, 14:37

Tghid mhux dejjem ivvotajt Labour Joanna. Very cute.

N. Agius

Nov 11th 2012, 15:43

Ibqghu ahsbu hekk.... mela kulhadd hardcore bhalkom? Jien nivvota b' mohhi skont il- performance tal- gvern. Jekk haqqu jiehdu jekk le joqghod. Nies bhalna jispiccaw jiddeciedu min ikun fil gvern. Kieku kulhadd dejjem jivvota l- istess, dejjem nibqghu bl istess gvern.

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