Xarabank stunt has ‘backfired’ on Labour
Analysts say decision to send Debono on TV programme did more harm
Franco Debono protested loudly when he realised he would not go on air and debate against Simon Busuttil (right). Photos: Matthew Mirabelli
It might have sounded like a good idea on paper, but most analysts contacted by The Sunday Times yesterday said Labour’s Xarabank stunt was out of place.
A debate between the Labour and Nationalist parties’ deputy leaders was cancelled at the last minute when the PL announced that Anġlu Farrugia was giving up his debating seat in favour of rebel Nationalist MP Franco Debono, who caused the Government to collapse last week after voting against the Budget.
Dr Debono paced the corridors of Xarabank producers Where’s Everybody’s recording studios and demanded that PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil face him.
That never happened, with national broadcaster PBS cancelling the programme. Dr Busuttil and Dr Farrugia were due to debate one another yesterday evening instead.
The PL believes PBS and Where’s Everybody are both biased against the party and that Friday’s move set out to prove that point.
When contacted, columnist and economist Lino Spiteri said: “The incident was completely unnecessary and out of court.”
“The PL has its own popular TV station and could have given Franco Debono as much time as it wanted for him to make his voice heard there.”
Mr Spiteri, a former PL finance minister, said that while the party’s concerns about unbalanced reporting on PBS might be justified, Friday’s Xarabank stunt was not.
“I do believe that PBS is showing bias in its reporting – but this incident has nothing to do with that,” he said.
Media analyst and popular blogger Alison Bezzina felt that while the original idea might have been good, it was poorly executed.
The PL would have done better to let the debate go on as planned and then introduced Dr Debono midway through the programme, she suggested.
“That would have put Simon Busuttil and PBS on the spot. If he had walked out, he would have looked bad. But as things panned out, the PL just ended up linking itself to Franco Debono and giving the PN the option of backing out.”
“I’m not saying Dr Busuttil looked good by not accepting the challenge, but the PL didn’t think things through,” Ms Bezzina said.
University lecturer and former PBS chairwoman Clare Vassallo felt the station had done the right thing in cancelling the broadcast.
“You can’t invite two people to debate one another and then have one of them substituted. It’s just not done. It’s basically bad manners,” Dr Vassallo argued.
The financial cost borne by PBS and Where’s Everybody in cancelling the programme made the matter all the less amusing, she added. “PBS must run along business lines. Prime time on Friday night is not the time or place for that sort of political stunt.”
But historian and one-time PL secretary general Dominic Fenech argued that the hullabaloo surrounding the incident was proof that politicians took themselves a bit too seriously.
“I saw it all as a prank which showed up PBS and the Xarabank producers. Why not go along with the programme? We’re hardly talking about a US Presidential debate here.”
He drew analogies with 19th century Maltese politics. “Back then, politicians would protest British rule by nominating the village idiot to the council of government, to discredit it. Yesterday, the PL protested it being dictated to by PBS,” Prof. Fenech said.
“We’ve long lost our sense of humour when it comes to politics. Yesterday made for good television. Besides, who wouldn’t want to watch a debate between Franco Debono and Simon Busuttil?”
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Eddy Privitera
Dec 17th 2012, 23:00
This evening we saw a debate between Dr. Franco Debono and Norman Vella who was supposed to be the presenter of the programm on TVM, but ended debating and interrupting Franco Debono instead of asking questions and waiting to hear the answer ! Confirmation that WE and PBS are GonziPN's gate-keepers !
Alfred Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 16:16
Prof Dom Fenech's assessment may not necessarily conform with his logic way back in d '70s when he personally distributed a booklet about Archbishop Gonzi on d Granaries during an MLP rally.
Dr Debono's stand is akin to d late Dom Mintoff's when he dismissed in his own right Dr Sant's failures!
Same applies to d late Mr Paul Carachi, Labour MP, when he stood his ground!
Alf A Falzon
Joe Fenech
Dec 17th 2012, 15:01
A cheap blow under the belt. NEVER LABOUR!
pat muscat
Dec 17th 2012, 14:54
What secrets does Dr Franco Debono hold on GonziPN? is.'nt this in the public interest? If PBS is even denying Dr Debono - a Nationalist MP- the right to have its say; is it a wonder that PBS shows disdain and bias towards the PL? Who has not noticed this? PBS should be the guardian of the public interest not the guardian of GonziPN's interest!
M Sciberras
Dec 17th 2012, 13:43
Sure Mr Dominic Fenech. Nothing wrong in usurping a serious debate between the two deputy leaders of the main political parties with a prank - executed by one of the main political parties taking part in the debate. Difficult to have a sense of humour in Malta when the Nationalists have imploded and have delivered a mess or nothing in so many areas - & instead of serious talk the PL play a prank
Alfred Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 13:20
Many r those who yearn to see an encounter between Dr Franco Debono & d newly appointed PN Deputy Leader Dr Simon Busuttil.
Peppi , d brain behind "Xarabank", would strike a real balance because Franco is no ordinary citizen!
He is d one who has STOOD UP & introduced a breath of fresh air in our Parliament, after Mintoff!
D Maltese in their majority abhor YESMEN!
Alf A Falzon
Mark Anthony Fenech
Dec 17th 2012, 12:11
The thing is that this reminded me of the JPO farce when he posed as a journalist when Alfred Sant was leader. The PL got worked up and rightly so, sending a politician masquerading as a journalist was a very cheap thing to do. However I would have expected the PL not to use the same strategy if it irked them so much in the first place which shows that both parties are two sides of the same coin.
Emanuel Curmi
Dec 17th 2012, 11:29
The PL was aggrieved when JPO turned up as a journalist when Mr Sant was due to go on air during the last election and yet they pull the same stunt themselves this time round. This goes on to show you that there really isn't much to choose between the 2 parties and yet the electorate is being held hostage by a biased and manipulated electoral system.
fred fellon
Dec 17th 2012, 10:36
Gonzi dont want the public to know the real truth behind the Nationalist party, the LIES , CORRUPTION and the cockiness , that is why they don't want Marco Debono to spill his guts on national TV, Peppi next time you host a debate between the two parties, you must learn how to be a good moderator first without interrupting the debaters.
Joe Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 09:01
What actually had happened on Friday was unprecedented while the decision can only be taken by the board of PBS and not even by Xarabank directors. That is, following the code of ethics, one cannot confirm his attendance for the highly awaited debate and all of a sudden, one decides to send some one else, replacing his role as the number 2. simply idiostic!
pat muscat
Dec 17th 2012, 08:27
Who gave it the right to the PBS to censor and undermine the Opposition with its bias? Are there any checks and balances over PBS who has now added TVM2 as cannon fodder against the Party in Opposition? How can a modern state function with a PBS that is still stuck in a precolonial mentality?PBS should be an accountable guardian of objectivity and balance not an election tool for GonziPN.
paul camilleri
Dec 17th 2012, 08:02
As i suspected Dr Debono is the LPs village idiot according to Profs Fenech
Alfred Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 13:02
These base terms in reference to DR FRANCO DEBONO will strengthen his determination and ability to hit back at his detractors!
Be assured that the majority of Maltese are backing him.
And this is not a sweeping statement!
Alfred A Falzon
John Scerri
Dec 17th 2012, 07:37
As a direct result of this episode one draws the conclusion that for the MLPPL , Dr.Franco Debono and Dr.Anglu Farrugia are on the same level as that of MLP deputy leader.
As a direct result of the debate between Dr.Simon B and Dr.Anglu F one concludes that things equal to the same things are equal to one another .
i.e:Dr.Anglu F and Dr.F Debono are politically IRRELEVENT.
Vince Piscopo
Dec 17th 2012, 06:42
I do wish to know on which political side do these "most" analysts lean on however this is another inflatated episode of the materminds behind communication intended to save PN's face. I wonder if these most analysts had commented so when EFA had decided to give his time in a parl sitting in 1998? Debate between Anglu vs Simon is past now but we are still however waiting the Simon vs Franco debate
Mario Tabone
Dec 17th 2012, 08:37
gibberish all the way Mr Piscopo !!!!
Rocco Camilleri
Dec 17th 2012, 08:54
Well said Vince. One hopes as you said that PBS now give chance to Franco Debono meets Simon Busuttil to show us citizens that they are managing the PBS well and fair. All citizens pay taxes for this so called 'Public Broadcasting Authority'.
John Scerri
Dec 17th 2012, 11:42
A debate between Franco Debono PN and Adrian Vassallo MLP would be nice for XMAS.
We'll get to know the dirty washing from both sides.
Vince Piscopo
Dec 17th 2012, 17:02
Mr Tabone.....my comment may be meaningless or unintelligible to you but I assure it is not to those who are not PN leaning apologists!
Mr Scerri.....there is no news value in a debate between Franco and Adrian. As far as I know Adrian voted with his party. Franco did not and we are indeed interested to hear his reasons as to us no one is irrelevant!
Paul Gauci
Dec 17th 2012, 01:47
The only thing that came out was that PBS is totally controlled by the Nationalist Party.
Norman E Grech
Dec 16th 2012, 23:46
Simple Simon is nothing but more of the same!!
Three qualities stand out, and no acquarium can hide them from the public:
1. Arrogance
2. Hatred in his eyes
3. No substance whatsoever
Joanne Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 23:20
The PN keeps expecting all the replies from the PL when the latter is not really in a position to give any answers while the PN themselves don’t even dare to reply a simple question as to whether Simon is ready to accept Dr Debono’s challenge to publicly debate him
A pace
Dec 16th 2012, 22:12
Prof Dom Fenech considers himself the epitome of humour where politics is concerned?
ronald mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 21:46
Joseph Muscat qal li jrid ikun possitiv. Tafu kif? Billi jati spazju lil Franco Debono (ghax ghandu lanzita ghal PN ghax qatt ma tawh ebda kariga) meta dan sar irrelevanti. Lanqas biss jista johrog ghall-elezjoni jekk mhux indipendenti! U mbaghad ma jghid xejn x'se jaghmel jew x'inhu l-programm tieghu.Bhal dak li qallu se tmexxi pajjiz billi twaqqal-Gonzi ghac-cajt!
L Zammit
Dec 16th 2012, 23:05
Franco D mill-ewwel beda bl-inkwiet u l-Prim Gonzi gabu f'postu billi ma tah ebda kariga.
Mr Stephen Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 23:15
There is no need to ridicule Gonzi any more he has done a good job at that himself.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 09:36
@ L Zammit
Tabilhaqq!
Tattici ta' "bully" ghax fis-sakra tal-poter!
Wasal iz-zmien li titghallmu x'inhi l-vera DEMOKRAZIJA!
Alfred A Falzon
L Zammit
Dec 17th 2012, 20:21
Mr Alf Falzon;
Iva, il-PL irid ikun hemm ha jghallimna d-demokrazija. Mela nsejtu dak il-passat moghqziez?
ronald mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 21:46
Joseph Muscat qal li jrid ikun possitiv. Tafu kif? Billi jati spazju lil Franco Debono (ghax ghandu lanzita ghal PN ghax qatt ma tawh ebda kariga) meta dan sar irrelevanti. Lanqas biss jista johrog ghall-elezjoni jekk mhux indipendenti! U mbaghad ma jghid xejn x'se jaghmel jew x'inhu l-programm tieghu.Bhal dak li qallu se tmexxi pajjiz billi twaqqal-Gonzi ghac-cajt!
David Magro
Dec 17th 2012, 06:33
Ronald, haga cara harget minn din il-farsa, kemm joe azzopardi ghandu ghal qalbu lil PN. Jghid x jghid l-agenda tieghu hi li jghin lil Gonzipn u xejn izjed...he has three characteristics, a coach, a negotiator and a bias journalist...all with one aim...help the pn and hijacking pbs.
Tony Brincat
Dec 16th 2012, 21:41
Is Dominic Fenech for real? His political bias is so obvious. It is also shameful considering his University postion . Much as we may find a debate between Franco Debono and Simon Busuttil entertaining, it was not what was scheduled on friday. That was no prank. It has real consequences in business terms. Not to mention the total lack of respect to the viewers both at home and in the studi
Anthony Dalli
Dec 17th 2012, 08:40
@T. Brincat,
Are you insinuating that it is best for Dr. Fenech not to express his views - for he holds a university cathedra?
Mr Stephen Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 21:20
It may have backfired on Labour but it has surely shown the true colours OF PBS.
Alexander Brincat
Dec 16th 2012, 21:42
What true colours of PBS? There is only Blue?
But very good comment.
C Muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 21:15
One thing came out so clear; that the media in malta is totally biased. A member of parliament has voted and his side had to resign and no one gave us readers any coverage of this member's ideas.
Shame on pbs and especially xarabank (which i rarely view) to leave franco in the darkness of publicituy.
Calvin Mizzi
Dec 16th 2012, 20:45
PL People obviously don't get it that a programme like Xarabank needs preparation and its not "spirtu pront". They also don't understand that Simon would have prepared himself and last minute changes are simply unprofessional. It's no surprise though as PL representatives are never really prepared before any debate. Kulħadd fejn laqat, laqat u fejn ħabat ħabat !
C Muscat
Dec 17th 2012, 01:34
agree 100%.
pn proffessional to brainwashing; pl simple and true...no need to study....
Joe Bonanno
Dec 17th 2012, 01:37
Perhaps time to let Peppi rehearse the questions with certain guests?
Come on, can you see Jeremy Paxman being so biased and one sided. The whole idea is to put politicians, of all stripes, on the hot seat. Watching unrehearsed politicians squirm is what counts.
I just hope that one day Malta will be mature enough to let its public broadcaster be objective not a trained seal.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Dec 16th 2012, 20:43
The PN want to write off FD once and for all and consider him as an irrelevancy in their now past history. However he is their own creation who refuses to give up and is determined to continue casting his long shadow over their party. In one way or another he continues to resurrect himself to trouble them as a thorn in their side. Reminds me of the vampire in the Johnny Depp film Dark shadows.
Marc Caruana
Dec 16th 2012, 20:26
mr e.mifsud jien mux nimmagina imma nfakkrek meta is sur edward fenech adami ceda il hin tiaw fil parlament lil mintoff biex jitkellem . tiftakar sur mifsud ? u dan fil parlament mux fuq il karettun tal pn xarabank sur mifsud. tislijiet mil mqabba
Charles Massa
Dec 16th 2012, 19:57
Wara kollox Farrugia iltaqa ma Busuttil. Issa se jkolna dibattitu ejun Busuttil u Debono.
E. Mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 19:42
Tajba din! Jeqirdu u jibku li mhux qed jinghataw l-istess trattament mill-PBS u fl-istess hin jibghatu lil Franco flok Anglu. Franco issa ghamlu l-punt tieghu u spicca jirrepeti l-istess kliem. Jien konvint li b'ghemilu aktar heggeg lin-Nazzjonalisti milli mewwithom. Lil tal-Labour nirringrazzjhom ghall-autogoal li ghamlu.
E. Mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 19:20
Immaginaw ftit fl-1998, dibattitu bejn Dr Gonzi u Dr Sant. Gonzi ma jmurx biex jaghti spazju lil Mintoff jiddibatti ma' Sant ezatt qabel l-elezzjoni. X'tahsbu kien jigri kieku dan gara tassew?
C Cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 19:08
U Franco ma jiflahx ghalih il-fatt li ma tatiehx widen. Mhux ta' b'xejn kien jidher mahruq il-Gimgha. Izda l-PN b'ghaqal qed jiprattika l-idjoma 'Is-skiet l-ahjar risposta.' Id-diskussjonijiet u d-dibattiti ghandhom ikunu fuq il-futur mal-PL u mhux fuq il-passat. Franco huwa passat fil-politika sakemm ma johrogx indipendenti jew mal-PL...
robert pace
Dec 16th 2012, 19:20
Franco qal il verita u twegga wisq ghan Nazzjonlisti ghax hallew herba habi!!! Il verita offende!!!
Kellu bzonn jkollna aktar bhal Franco ghax bniedem bi principju u ma jibzax jew jilaq ghal butu hal hafna siehbi!!!l
Rocco Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 19:59
@ robert pace:
Kollu minnu dak li ghitilna siehbi.Il-verita tathom gewwa u l-kbir ghadu gej. Mela dan il-pajjiz xi darba kellu din l-kurruzzjoni kollha.Kif jistaw in-nies onesti jergu jhallu t-tmexxija f'idejn l-istess nies.
joseph borg st john
Dec 16th 2012, 20:18
@ robert pace Kellu bzonn il partitn lejburista ghandu xi hadd bhal Franco ghax mandkom il hadd li ghandu principju kiku jahasra tamluh ministru tal gustizja tah kemm tamluh ferhan addilu kelma .
C Cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 19:04
Il-PL jixtiequ li jgelldu u jkomplu jinqdew bi Franco biex jattakkaw lil PN. Izda l-PN qed juru maturita kbira meta ma jatux kaz tal-MP Franco Debono wara li ma mexiex mal-linja tal partit. Ghalfejn taqla' l-glied u ghalfejn tiddiskuti mieghu jekk m'hi se taghmel l-ebda differenza ghall-futur? Li sar sar u ghall-maghmul m'hemmx kunsill.
Peppi Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 19:02
The PL didn't send Franco. All he did was like the PN did in 1998 when EFA gave his time to Mintoff to explain his decisions. I can't believe that Simon the superhero is afraid of an "irrelevant" like Franco.
Peppi Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 19:00
I was expecting that with his so called leadership skills, Simon would get out, calm Franco and send him back home and all live happily ever after instead of hiding in the backroom!
Peppi Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 18:58
One thing remains sure. When and where is Simon going to cnfront Franco? If he doesn't he will confirm my guess that he was appointed there by the oligarchy so that the latter remains in power.
joseph borg st john
Dec 16th 2012, 20:52
Peppi donnu hadd mu qed jati kassek LOL
m farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 18:45
din il mossa kienet prova cara li labour m'hu xejn hlief gang socjalista, imbasta jirrabbjaw meta gonzi u busuttil jirreferu ghalihom hekk, addio il moviment, progressive, middle class u cliches ohra.trid tkun pastazz biex tibghat lil xi hadd iehor minn partit iehor u tippretendi li taghzel lil godfrey grima bhala prezentatur indipendenti meta xeba jihdar kontra il pn fuq one tv, ta l-ghageb
Marc Caruana
Dec 16th 2012, 20:28
tkunx vojt siehbi . kun progessiv u moderat fi kliemek u turiex x mentalita tal ghanqbut nazzjonalisya thaddan
B. Farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 18:42
This did not backfire, it proved a number of important points for all to see.
re PBS, Peppi, and Simon, and Franco.
Rita Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 18:55
It proves why PL were reluctant to send Dr Farrugia and instead sent Mr Irrelevant!!
Rita Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 18:57
It proves why PL were reluctant to send Dr Farrugia and instead sent Mr Irrelevant!!
John Zammit
Dec 16th 2012, 18:31
What the repeat have shown is Dr. Busuttil is as arrogant as much Austin Gatt
Joseph Fenech
Dec 16th 2012, 18:28
After yesterday's bland & blundering performance by Anglu Farrugia , there is only one way for level headed floating voters and that is to trust the PN again. Unfortunately, there is still no alternative as labour have remained stuck in partisan , gimmicky and personal attacks on people like Dr. Busuttil. Farrugia says that the PL will not lower the water rates & his Leader says the contrary.
Angelo Vassallo
Dec 16th 2012, 18:19
@ j brincat
mr. /miss /ms j brincat (whoever you may be), you are absolutely very wrong. The debate was between SIMON BUSUTTIL and anglu farrugia. fd was never in the equation. Hence it was anglu farrugia deputy leader of the LEJBURIST party that CHICKENED OUT when he did not appear for the debate.
carmel cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 18:18
FRANCO DEBONO----------Do not tell me who he is, because malta was glued for hours infront of the TV for any further updates about him. He has received coverage more then any other politician at one time, present and past and best of it all, it was free, while other parties spend thousands for propoganda.
Alfred Attard
Dec 16th 2012, 18:12
Ah, Franco really was angry. A wise quote by Jane Austen says; "Angry People are not Always Wise".
jm busuttil
Dec 16th 2012, 18:09
@ Stephen Borg
What did you expect Peppi to do when he started seeing Anglu not wanting to answer his questions and all he just wanted to do is fool around.
Alfred Attard
Dec 16th 2012, 18:06
Back to the Future!!!!!!!!!!!
GL Calleja
Dec 16th 2012, 18:01
I would still like to dare Peppi or Bondi to invite Franco Debono and Austin Gatt for a public TV debate. On the other hand Franco Debono had no business crashing on Mr Busuttil's and Mr Farrugia's debate. I agree with Lino that was out of line and very unethical for the PL to substitute Franco Debono for Anglu Farrugia. Very, very poor thinking on the PL's part and leaders should take note.
Reuben D. Spiteri
Dec 17th 2012, 00:13
What thinking?
From what I gather the PL reads and listens the people's usual complaints about this and that, goes to sleep, dreams about a fantastical way to resolve them, then come forward promising an unsustainable solution to one and all!
Joe Fenech
Dec 17th 2012, 15:02
Peppi and Bondin are a joke !
Noel Abela
Dec 16th 2012, 17:58
Why did it backfire on the PL after all it exposed Simon for what he really is, arrogant and full of himself but most importantly it exposed him as be affraid of debating with Dr Franco Debono. At least, at least and I repeate, AT LEAST he would have been able to defend his party from all allegations that Dr Debono has been making for the past months.
cesco di luigi
Dec 16th 2012, 17:50
If a PL government will see to it that Peppi and his attaparsi neutral gang are driven once and for all from our TV sets, then I will be voting Labour this time for sure. It's bad enough having a political party dominating TV (as in the eighties MLP) but to have the national TV in the hands of one man, this is too much.
Stephen Mangion
Dec 16th 2012, 17:38
Peppi is an endorsed PN activist who conducted a dirty programme!
A Mercieca
Dec 16th 2012, 21:19
Why would pl hire him to compile a code of ethics? What was dirty was Anglu farrugia's sarcastic smiles and giggles, as instructed by some consultant. He however came across load and clear. What is sure in this saga is that there was a clear loser, the PL.
B.C. Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 17:37
It could have been poorly executed, but the outcome was the most interesting part.
m. borg (slm)
Dec 16th 2012, 17:32
Like Mr S Borg said if anything Peppi's Azzopardi true colours have been made public showing that since Xarabank's inception his true alliance was and how Labour has suffered from his bigotted bias.
Well new times are coming and hope that like the other xarabanks Peppi's will also end up on the scrap heap as it will not pass the VRT test of true unbiased TV programms
Louis Craus
Dec 16th 2012, 17:32
Qatt fl- istorja tal' Partit f' Malta ma kien hawn nies daqshekk indannati u jghidu kontra l- partit taghhom stess, daqs kemm hawn bhal-issa fil- Partit Nazzjonalista. Kull min imur ghand tal- Grocer' jisma l- vuci tal- poplu tmaqdar il- Gvern ghall gholi tal- hajja,jekk tmur il- Parlament tisma lil deputati Nazzjonalisti jghidu kontra Gonzi, u jekk tmur il- Pieta, tisma lil kunsillieri jeqirdu.
m. borg (slm)
Dec 16th 2012, 17:28
The article heading carries the word "backfired" which means that the incident lost votes then nowhere in the article has this been said by the so called "analists" but is only in the mind of the journalist who dreamt up this fairy tail.
Can Bertrand Borg who wrote this piece point out who said that the stunt "baclfired"?
No he can't and most probably wouldn't even have this post published
Michael Portelli
Dec 16th 2012, 17:28
Tonio Borg was deputy leader before Simon Busuttil. We rarely saw Tonio on any TV programm, why all this fuss now. Are PN saying that they had no leader and now have discovered Simon, that's the way they are putting him forward. Nothing changed on the PN side except for Simon Busuttil replacing Tonio Borg. So was it Tonio the PN's problem. We have every right to hear what Franco has to say.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 16th 2012, 17:27
For the PN diehards Dr Franco Debono is a thorn in the flesh!
They have only to blame themselves for attempting to gag a zealous MP, calling him names to discredit him, assassinate his character and now screeching like parrots "irrelevanti! irrelevanti!"
Their outdated "fatwa" to outlaw him will only backfire!
Remember the 1960s and the fire and brimstone threats?!
Alfred A Falzon
Carlo D'Amico
Dec 16th 2012, 17:26
If it was planned that Dr. Simon Busuttil and Dr. Angelo Farruigia were going to debate on live television, why didn't Dr. Angelo Farrugia turn up? Should he have just turned up along with Dr. Franco Debono? If Dr. Angelo Farrugia was supposed to come on live TV he should have come.
Joseph Barbara
Dec 16th 2012, 17:25
Labour's arguments are so weak that they feel the need to engage a pit bull to argue for them. Someone commented "who would not want to see a debate between Franco Debono and Simon Busuttil?" I for one! I don't want to see Franco's face EVER, let alone hear him bark like an enraged dog.
Marc Caruana
Dec 16th 2012, 20:31
you l see how week is pl in a few weaks time my friend . you l see what the maltese want. p l the only alternative for malta
m. borg (slm)
Dec 16th 2012, 17:21
Expected to have such an article from TOM.
We know from now on TOM will turn the tables on Labour even will be citing surveys were gonzipn will be closing the gap .
Anybody can be an analyist ans as one myself I would say it worked well and showed what a WHIMP Simoin Busutill is. He chickened out in facing Franco.
Alfred Vassallo
Dec 16th 2012, 17:18
So the 'Coach' also had a go with Dr. Debono behind the 'qwinti'. There seems to be no end to where the 'Coach' offers his services. Le mhux biased ta!! Ma tarax!
Mr Stephen Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 17:12
If anything it helped to show the true colours of Peppi Azzopardi which immediatelly went on the offensives against Labour. How can you justify that. An IMPARTIAL TV presenter talking in a monologe against Labour which represents half if not more of the Maltese people on a national TV station owned and financed by the Maltese people.
Joe M Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 17:05
The best fact that came out of this blunder, was the fact that Franco mirrored the PL image, and that's why they sent him, rather than their hero. Yes, frenzy, shouts, gestures, threats....that's PL copycat. Great. Memories of PL's past brought to life by Franco. Keep it up.
Joseph Mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 18:48
In Vino Veritas... We can olso say that an angry man says the truth because he is hurt. I am afraid of nice people (puliti), because they are ingenious at hiding the truth.
C Muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 21:09
Have you called mintoff's saga in 1998 a blunder to pn?
Edwin Delia
Dec 16th 2012, 16:52
Proset Franco we believe in all u have said being the right track and thanks for all u have so far - keep in politics and u will have a big number of honest citizens behind and Mr Labour we suggest when u take over in the next couple of months and Dr Franco is know as irrelevant we propone as Speaker of the House for the next term so the party that ousted him can still enjoy him every time
Tonio Bone
Dec 16th 2012, 17:14
Actually Edwin, that is not a bad idea, AT ALL!
S.M. Cuschieri
Dec 16th 2012, 17:57
Speaker of the house??? LOLOL!!! Now that is farsical.........
Anthony Agius
Dec 16th 2012, 17:57
Hear hear, Franco for speaker!
Paul Portelli
Dec 16th 2012, 16:30
pbs should the people it has no control on where's everybody.the pbs is hijacked.
Tonio Bone
Dec 16th 2012, 16:37
I think you should have written that in maltese Paul!
Lawrence Fenech
Dec 16th 2012, 17:11
@Bone
PBS has shown the people it has no control on Where's Everybody. The PBs has been hijacked.
One should appreciate all efforts on comments.
Tonio Bone
Dec 16th 2012, 17:23
@Fenech. I hope you do realise that whatever control PBS has or does not have of WE they still produce the best followed programs BY FAR! The national broadcaster has been hijacked by every government that has been in power, so this is and will remain old news.
Gaetano Mallia
Dec 16th 2012, 16:12
Using Prof. Fenech's analogy, the PL used the "village idiot" to discredit the government. That's interesting food for thought coming from one of the illuminati.
Eric Soames
Dec 16th 2012, 16:07
To adjust a well known phrase: There are lies, damn lies and analysts.
C Muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 15:56
U jekk xi hadd jahseb li backfired messu ra lil simon kif beda indannat bli ghamel is-super one. Nghidilkom li ma iddejjaqt xejn nara l-filmati.
Nappella lil ONE biex jerga' jurihom il-filmati u dak ta bejn anglu u simon. qatt ma rajtu lil simon daqsekk skomdu.
Joe M Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 17:08
Your hate towards Simon is the result of his popularity and success. Your jealousy will not help your campaign. You hate seeing him in high places. You WISH that any one of your MEP's got the same results as him. Keep it up Simon, your success makes them simmer.
C Muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 21:07
I do not hate anyone. There is nothing personal but this has been a political debate and politics result in votes. I do not agree with franco's and mintoff's votes against the party. I do not agree with franco or jpo going to the others public activity. But to try to immune democracy in such a way is not pn's expression.
C Muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 15:53
I can assure everybody that I was not going to vote. Now I vote labour. If the pn sent away franco what will be the result of any of us.
Joe M Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 17:10
If MLP sent away Mintoff, calling him traitor, WHAT will be the result of any of us? It was Franco's decision to distance himself from PN, finding fault with one and all. Pity he had no time to look in the mirror.
Joseph Mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 15:49
Media analysts say what they wish the common people beleive, but in reality the Maltese what ever their political opinion, are eager to know what Dr. Franco Debono have to say. He can say it on One TV but it will have much more effect if he says it on the National station and in confrontation with some PN big boy.
F. Mercieca
Dec 16th 2012, 15:42
I do not agree with your correspondent. It was a good move as it shown clearly that PBS is completely biased. It showed S. busuttil in a miserable state not knowing what to do. Ffurthermore, as a result of this incident, PBS gave Franco Debono what he demanded; time to explain his position.
Carmel Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 15:34
Yesterday's debate clearly shows the reason why the LP were reluctant to put forward Anglu Fenech for the debate with Simon. He was outmatched by Simon all way through.
P Micallef
Dec 16th 2012, 15:34
Stund backfired on labour - that's what you think. Your paper is trying to minimize the damage that was caused to Simon Busuttil when he refused to face Franco Debono. Simon left the WE studios looking pale with shame and embarassment. How come you did not mention the stunt played by the PN and JPO during the press conference with Alfred Sant before the 2008 elections? Double standards.
Joe M Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 17:13
'Looking pale' That was the make up they apply for the cameras. Did you see Anglu's face when pressed to explain the water/electricity blunder? You are right, he was not pale, but red.
Rita Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 18:45
P MIcallef.Let me spell it out to you. JPO was NOT ,repeat NOT a member of the other party !!!
James Vella
Dec 16th 2012, 15:31
A shameful stunt - done by the old shameful Labour. The viewers wanted to see a debate b etween the two deputy leaders
Noel Damato
Dec 16th 2012, 15:22
Franco Debono dikjara mill l-ewwel li hu ma kienx qed jiraprezenta lil PL, imma l-PL kull ma kien ghamel kien li cedha l-hin allokat lilu ad-dibattitu. Hadd ma ghandu jistaghgeb b'dan il koncediment ghax fin-1998 Eddie kien ghamel l-istess haga lill Dom Mintoff.
Anna Cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 18:15
fil parlament imma mhux fuq TV
Noel Damato
Dec 16th 2012, 15:22
Franco Debono dikjara mill l-ewwel li hu ma kienx qed jiraprezenta lil PL, imma l-PL kull ma kien ghamel kien li cedha l-hin allokat lilu ad-dibattitu. Hadd ma ghandu jistaghgeb b'dan il koncediment ghax fin-1998 Eddie kien ghamel l-istess haga lill Dom Mintoff.
Charles Vassallo
Dec 16th 2012, 15:10
After last Friday's incidents, Simon Busuttil will be remembered that as a politician he shied away from a debate with Franco Debono.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Dec 16th 2012, 15:05
I disagree the stunt was counterproductive. The incident gernerated the highest number of comments and the aftermath programs attracted prime time audiences well into the night. It highlighted an inherent bias against the PL in Xarabank programs. FD's intervention deflated the build up of SB which the PN is trying to project. Finally a good leitmotif to a voting campaign we take too seriously
Mario Tabone
Dec 16th 2012, 15:05
So according to Domenic Fenech the PL opted to send the village idiot to this programme !!
I find myself agreeing with him totally on that one !!!!
Alfred Vassallo
Dec 16th 2012, 17:32
Actually what Domenic Fenech said was ''nominating the village idiot to the council of government'' But the thing is there is no Government NOW, Franco saw to it, remember? So me thinks that the ''village idiot'' is more apt to somebody else. I leave it to you to accredit to whomsoever in your party seems to be eligible for the honor!
zammit o
Dec 16th 2012, 14:58
Why is Simon so afraid to face franco?
SB is a lot of hot air but no substance.
S.M. Cuschieri
Dec 16th 2012, 17:59
actually he is a very soft spoken and intelligent man and a joy to listen to.........
Carmel Zammit
Dec 16th 2012, 14:57
Dr. Busuttil's shying away from the debate speaks volumes. As a new comer to the PN adminsitration Simon should have had no fear to face Dr. debono - yet!! Was Dr. Debono promised smothing before Dr. Busuttil.s election to the post? Something that maybe Dr. Busutill cannot deliver now. Where is the largely expected change that Dr. Busuttil was expected to bring about? Much of the same it seems.
Austin Grech
Dec 16th 2012, 14:55
I totally don't agree. I think freedom of speech has been seriously absent from pbs. If an MP is not given time to debate with a leader or his deputy. It only shows that they are hiding the truth. We need to here what comes out of this confrontation.
joseph francalanza
Dec 16th 2012, 14:55
can someone tell us when is Franco confronting one of pn leaders cause we want to knbow the other side of the coin ?
issa ifhem id dibattitu ma anglu sar m hemmx skuzi
Claudia Spiteri
Dec 16th 2012, 14:52
Simon couldn't have handled it better.
Saviour Cachia
Dec 16th 2012, 14:47
Prof. Fenech i agree with 100%. Now i expect the Labour Party to find a way to protest about being dictated by Gonzi PN when to go to the polls, when LP knows constitutionally the P M had every ways and means to call the general elections in February. A Government who is outvoted in Parliament should have called immediate general elections.Showed respect to the electorate not own party.
JG. Briffa
Dec 16th 2012, 14:45
ahjar jikkumentaw fuq il-kontenut li qal Franco biex inkunu nafu fejn wasluh il-PBS jew inkella araw l-ahbarijiet tat-TVM illum u taraw kif irrapurtaw id-dibattitu
F A Mercieca
Dec 16th 2012, 14:42
U Hallina Profs Dominic Xghandu xjaqsam li qed tghid
M Farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 14:40
Tafu x'ghamlu l-Labour party mta cedew li jmur Simon bi ftehim maghhom. isu kin hemm lobgha football bejn il-belt u r-rabat jigifieri l-ewwl team ma tal-ahharu r-rabat iddecidew li monflok imorru humaghl lobgha jibghatu team iehor sabiex jikkonfronta lil Belt imma l-punti wara ir-rebha, ghx jekk kienu qed ibassru li se jsir jiehduhom huma. Mentalita ta zmien il-brodu.
Valhmor A. Zammit
Dec 16th 2012, 14:35
The only reason, I think, that SB will not face FD, is that SB is used to air his thoughts and ideals in a calm
and tranquil atmosphere as is the European Parliament, fully confident that he will not be shouted down
by some raving lunatic. Had he to confront FD in Malta I'm positive that the debate would end up being a slanging match with FD coming out tops due to his rash and arrogant approach.
GL Calleja
Dec 16th 2012, 14:32
Ooooooooops somebody made a bad decision, sending Franco Debono to debate Simon Busuttil on Xarabank. PBS was right to cancel the show. So far we have no idea who came up with the gig but whoever came up with the idea should be reprimanded and removed from their position. Franco was out of place and out of line and he should not have been even close to the PBS Studios. Pathetic!
Malcolm Farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 14:30
In my opinion all that matters is that Simon lacked the courage to face Franco.
I wonder if Simon would accept to debate with Franco should he know beforhand of such a debate, date, time and venue?
Saviour Cachia
Dec 16th 2012, 14:27
My friend Lino, you are being too puritan. You know what politics mean and how the PN operates. Sorry Alison Bezzina was more balanced in her comment. After all, all is fair in love and war. Gonzi PN oligarchary strategy for March general elections, should teach a lot Lino. Why in the nation's interest no have the general elections before?
Maria Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 14:26
What really surprised me was F.D's comment to Peppi Azzopardi claiming the latter had been to his house several times in a bid to convince him to reconcile with Dr. Gonzi. And what was even worse was that Peppi Azzopardi DID NOT DENY IT!
Saviour Cachia
Dec 16th 2012, 14:24
It all sums to one thing: Simon Busuttil avoided Franco Debono. This conclusion is parallel to when Dr. Alfred Sant, even if he was right, did not accept Hon. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, as a credited journalist back in 2008. Now we wait for Dr. Simon Busuttil to invite Dr. Franco Debono on Net TV, and will see who chickens out. So far Dr. Busuttil is the loser.
Joseph Micallef
Dec 16th 2012, 14:24
And who are these analysts? Can they reveal their political inclinations these so called analysts?
Elvin Muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 14:20
I think this stunt didn't do good to any party. Are we all in the hands of these people, please god spare us.
S.M. Cuschieri
Dec 16th 2012, 18:01
Yes Elvin. It is very worrying...What I am worried about more is being under the madmad of a Labour Govt. I still remember the eighties...scary......I do not wish to go back in time. Bit-tajjeb u il hazin I am used to the present Govt.
Joe Bonanno
Dec 17th 2012, 01:47
@S Cuschieri
Yes, the bad old days when the PBS was biased (not objective as it's today.) And other nasty things like improved social benefits, SURPLUS Budgets, no public debt to speak of. But of course we didn't have Mars, such a tragedy that. That the government was trying to create employment by practicing import substitution did not please the mercantile class that always back the PN.
Joseph Grech Attard
Dec 16th 2012, 14:19
Where he a good politician, Dr. Simon Busuttil should ask Xarabank to convene a debate with Dr. Franco Debono, thus proving he is not afraid to face him! That would put everybody's mind at rest. But after the 7th January please! The elecorate is not impressed by all this storm in a teacup. There are much more serious matters that have practically ruined the ethics and morality of Malta!
Chris Debono
Dec 16th 2012, 14:07
If labour wanted to play this game all thay had to do is to send Dr Farrugia and Dr Franco to xarabank and Dr farrugia give Dr Debono some of his time if peppi wanted .But what happend on Friday for sure it did more bad than good for labour.You don't just send some one else on PBS to talk insted of your person.This just gave Dr busuttil a boost of ego more than he already have.
elvin borg
Dec 16th 2012, 14:02
Flop ohra min naha tal PL dak li gara nhar lgimgha tal MISTHIJJA
Mark. Galea
Dec 16th 2012, 14:01
Quoting - "He drew analogies with 19th century Maltese politics. “Back then, politicians would protest British rule by nominating the village idiot to the council of government, to discredit it. Yesterday, the PL protested it being dictated to by PBS,” Prof. Fenech said."
hmmm ... and who is the village idiot? :)
mario salnitro
Dec 16th 2012, 13:55
In time Franco will return to the PN with a bang.
Franco is 100% correct in many things.
mario salnitro
Dec 16th 2012, 13:53
Time will tell!!!
Time will tell!!!
Christian Sciberras
Dec 16th 2012, 13:48
Unnecessary childish shenanigans. That's Maltese politics for you.
Still, the country is stupid enough to side with one of the big two.
George Azzopardi
Dec 16th 2012, 13:48
The fact remains that Dr.Franco Debono blew Peppi Azzopardi out. Franco asked Peppi why he is not coming to his house anymore to try and fix things up with the Party and with Gonzi.
Yes, this is the same Peppe who was coaching JPO 5 years ago coming out with the strategy of surprising A.Sant without being invited!! Hyprocryte, now he is complaining!
Joe Tabone
Dec 16th 2012, 13:48
I am still waiting for some one to inform us how many times Dom Mintoff (ex-PL Leader) was invited by PBS on national TV, in the weeks after he toppled the LABOUR government in 1998.
John Azzopoardi
Dec 16th 2012, 13:48
why would labour hide behind Debono.........that is political suicide and shows that the PL is not serious about winning the election. Debono as the prime minister said is irrelevant. Could someone please give this man a pill to calm him down. Only someone who is so pumped up on something goes on ranting., In this manner, you can never have a serious dialogue, conversation or debate.
Malcolm Farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 13:44
Thanks to Pl granting it's own time to Franco Debono who's till date a Pn mp, now Franco is going to be given air time on the national broadcaster!
I Mercieca
Dec 16th 2012, 13:42
Mela c-cirklu kellu show extra-stradordinarju nhar il-gimgha flok Xarabank?
Irrelevanti IVA Franco, issa int Passat.
BYE BYE u kompli halli min jinqeda bik ghax hekk spiccajt issa
LOOOOL
carmel cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 13:39
One starts calling names when he has run out of constuctive arguements.
Charles Micallef
Dec 16th 2012, 13:34
Love him or loath him, Franco is going to be the thorn in the side of gonzipn throughout the Election Campaign, so lets get use to it!
Charles Micallef
Dec 16th 2012, 13:31
PL mischief at its' best if one supports PL or at its worse if one support gonzipn!
Carmel Grima
Dec 16th 2012, 13:28
Dear Franco, please bow out. You are beginning to be a bit of a pest and you have made an ass out of the PL at the same time.
Ing Carmel Grima
Tonio Bone
Dec 16th 2012, 13:27
The election is for Labour to lose, as was the case in the previous two occasions. PL and PN need to work to persuade the floaters, as it is this category that will decide who will be in power. This was definitely an ill-advised move in the wrong direction for Labour. Floaters do not want theatrics, they want alternatives. Labour need to thread lightly and keep it simple. Give floaters facts!
M Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 13:18
We do not want to hear any more what FD has to say. It is now IRRELEVANT. What we want to know now is the vision both parties have for the future of Malta and its people. It is from there that we decide what is best for our country and not with the teatrini of FD.
James Portelli
Dec 16th 2012, 13:16
Is Prof Fenech insinuating that FD village idiot?
Classic LOL .... A very interesting parallel with history.
George Joseph Cauchi
Dec 16th 2012, 13:43
No he is saying FD is the only Politician around with political balls.
Joseph Fenech
Dec 16th 2012, 13:57
I took that way too .
T Mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 14:25
Exactly!
J. Debono
Dec 16th 2012, 14:38
Actually yes, he made himself THE village idiot, or as Lou Bondi correctly labelled him 'a usefeul idiot' for PL, as Franco himself confirmed last Friday.
Joe Mallia
Dec 16th 2012, 15:25
Spot on Profs, the village idiot. Unfortunately this is not the 19th century although by your comments you seem to be stuck there. You can always advise your socialist party to embrace FD as one of its own to continue a tradition unrivalled by anyone. Honestly speaking, the PN has been in power for so long through the Socialist's lack of foresight and poor choice of candidates. Keep it up !
Tonio Bone
Dec 16th 2012, 13:12
If a person of professionality, especially being Deputy Leader of the Opposition party does not turn up for a nationally televised debate which the majority of the country interested in politics were eager to witness, he is ill advised. Whoever came up with the thought of granting prime time exposure to a dissident opposition MP to sweep floating voters off their feet shot himself in the foot!
Anthony Mizzi
Dec 16th 2012, 13:07
It did get Dr. Franco Debono on Peppi's Nationalist station so some good did come out!
Now the BIG WAIT is for the DEBATE between Franco and????????????????
Any volonteers from the PN camp?????
*Joseph Brincat
Dec 16th 2012, 13:19
Anthony MizziAny volonteers from the PN camp?????
http://c257.r57.cf3.rackcdn.com/local_02_1_temp-1330416297-4f4c8aa9-360x251.jpg
Tonio Bone
Dec 16th 2012, 13:45
Dr Franco Debono should call a well organised press conference and speak out, if that is what he wants to do. It will be important for him to be sure of the facts as they might come back to bite his butt. He may be right, but the method is completely wrong! PN will not take up the challenge, so don't keep your hopes up much Mr Mizzi! Alternatively he can go on Super One and have a field day!
Charles Vella
Dec 16th 2012, 13:49
Are you serious?? Does any one in his SANE mind care of what Franco has to say?! I'm interested to hear more of what LABOUR has to say, and yet, being a PN voter all my life, i'm still not 100% confident on voting PN! ...however, last Friday's act by Labour really put me off!
Franco has NOTHING to offer me, so why should I care about what Franco has to say?!
Neil Dent
Dec 16th 2012, 13:54
Well I'm not waiting, for one. What for? Debono has said his piece over and over again, and is now history. Why would the PN bother with him now? There are much more RELEVANT things on the agenda now.
G Portelli
Dec 16th 2012, 14:13
Yes I do volunteer. Maybe someone starts telling what fd told us when he came to get our votes in 2008. Anyone likes to join?
GEORGE S DARMANIN
Dec 16th 2012, 15:07
Why this debate? Is FD contesting the election to run our country?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 16th 2012, 16:01
Franco Debono should not be given the importance that he desperately seeks but that he does not deserve.
Mario Farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 16:56
Nominate Franco on the PL ticket then he could go debate on behalf of the party aspiring to be in power in 3 months time, otherwise he's irrelevant "chapter closed"
David Farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 13:00
Franco is irrelevant, my foot. Simon turned out like a wet chicken.
Ivan Falzon
Dec 16th 2012, 13:00
Where's Everybody and the PBS claim they do their best to keep us up to date on current affairs. If Franco Debono bringing down the government isn't current then i don't know what is.
Ivan Falzon
Dec 16th 2012, 12:57
At first i thought it was a bad decision to send Franco Debono but i am in doubt now after seeing yesterday's debate. Why was Simon Busuttil so uncomfortable? Anyone could see that he was very nervous and constantly looking at the time display. Surely he knew both were getting equal time in the end
Charles Vella
Dec 16th 2012, 13:53
I've never in my life seen Anglu Farrugia, smile and act so cool all my life... His advisors are really working on acting! All he needed was a jolly joker hat! He is such a fake! Simon gave us a vision of what's going to happen in the next 5 years if PN are elected... Now if you're more interested in unrealistic graphs presented by Anglu, then you have a serious problem.
M Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 15:11
If you saw the programme Anglu was talking and asking questions to Simon instead of answering the questions put ot him by Peppi.
Simon never looked uncomfortable, but he went prepared for a debate and he knew that he was not going to get one. We learnt nothing new from the LP. The new BIG news was that water rates were not going down and the other that Anglu had no clue about the living wage.
Wilfred Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 15:28
Are you serious? Simon looked professional and completely at ease while Anglu looked like the village clown. Simon run circles around Anglu. If this is the best the PL has to offer, Malta is in for a lot of trouble if the PL gets elected.
Joe Bonanno
Dec 17th 2012, 01:53
You're right, Simon was so good. He looked like he knew all the questions beforehand.
That's preparation for you.
Eve Axiaq
Dec 16th 2012, 12:53
Id-dibattitu bejniethom sar il-bierah.
Issa Super simon meta se jintaqa ma Franco? Jew isejjahlu rrelevanti ghax jibza!
Ms Maria Vella
Dec 16th 2012, 14:26
Donnok tifhem
Richard Caruana
Dec 16th 2012, 15:25
Jiltaqa' mieghu meta il-lejber jaghmel lil Franco Deputy Leader, mhux hekk?
Ha naraw meta il-lejber ser ikunu wzawh bizzejjed u mbaghad jarmuh lil Franco. Mhux boghod. Saret bizzejjed hsara lil-partit (jekk ghadu partit).
twanny borg
Dec 16th 2012, 15:39
meta l-pl jahtru deputat kap tal-partit. mhux ovvja!!
G Pace
Dec 16th 2012, 15:49
Good 1.waiting for the debate coach pep.
Robert Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 12:53
jien naqbel li simon m'accettax id-dibattitu ma franco fost ragunijiet ohrajn ghax: simon mhux ha jpaxxi bniedem arroganti bhal f.d. x'jigifieri dan jaqbad jidhol l-istudios qisu kullimkien tieghu, jghajjat f'wicc in-nies qisu qed ibiegh il-qarnit frisk fuq il-monti u ma jhalli lil hadd iwegbu inkluz lil peppi?? ilu tant jghajjat b'demokrazija...dan l-ezempju tad-demokrazija li johlom biha f.d??
john muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 14:34
Bir-ragun taqbel ma Simon li m'accettax id-dibattitu ma Franco ghax bil-figura li qatgha Simon ff'Xarabank tas-Sibt li ghadda ma nafx x'kien isir minnu.
Jo Meli
Dec 16th 2012, 12:39
I beg to DIFFER !
The incident has REVEALED the REAL Simon Busuttil ... that of "Gremlin" - do not feed after Midnight, in this case, before Xarabank !!!
Tonio Bone
Dec 16th 2012, 13:38
Well lets put it this way. For Dr Farrugia to enjoy 1% of the respect and credibility that Dr Busuttil enjoys where it counts in the EU, he will need at least a couple of legislatures. Being offensive and pointless like you just shows your frustration and possibly envy! People much prefer the composed nature of Dr Busuttil to the stand-up comedian attitude of Dr Farrugia.
Ms Maria Vella
Dec 16th 2012, 14:27
What an enlightening statement
jesmond zammit
Dec 16th 2012, 12:36
hasra the times ma qalitx li meta jpo , b tag FALZA f programm premeditat mill pn li uzaw l istazzjon nazzjonali ma kienx backfire fuq il pn fl 2008 ....simon is a coward no more no less.
Charles Vella
Dec 16th 2012, 13:55
No it wasn't... It could have been me, or you on that panel of journalists! On the other hand, Friday's case is simply of who you invited! Immagine... you invited a Friend and hid girl friend for supper at your home, however, you friend and his girl friend don't turn up... and he send's you his mother and father instead... !!! Does that make sense?! Hence the BIG FAIL by Labour last Friday!
Karl Consiglio
Dec 16th 2012, 12:33
And what do the psycho-analists say?
Alfred Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 13:05
What they say about your statements!
Alfred A Falzon
jm busuttil
Dec 16th 2012, 12:27
", the PL just ended up linking itself to Franco Debono and giving the PN the option of backing out.”
I hope the PN will now do just that Franco Debono is irrelevant. It has not only back fired on PL but it has wiped out Franco.
*Joseph Brincat
Dec 16th 2012, 12:22
DO THE Analysts say IF Franco Debono is IRRELEVANT. ??
Joseph Agius
Dec 16th 2012, 12:49
yes that is what analysts say. He is irrelevant. Just a private citizen now and hopefully for many years to come. And anyway who is this frankie de bono you are talking about?
James Buhagiar
Dec 16th 2012, 13:11
...and why isn't he? He's now as irrelevant as you and me in politics. Do we search/demand for airtime on TV? Why should FD be any different? Heck, if he gets airtime, I might demand airtime too!
Joseph Bugeja
Dec 16th 2012, 13:26
@ Joseph Agius
Your are right Mr Agius, a private citizen is irrelevant. Only the oligarchy and their minions count for anything.
At least you can admit as much.
Joseph Bugeja
Dec 16th 2012, 13:31
@ James Buhagiar
Yes you should be given airtime. Everyone can on Jerry Springer show...in Malta's case 'Xarabank' where everyone claps and hoots just like a Roman arena in the time of the Caeser's.
A. Xuereb
Dec 16th 2012, 16:23
@ Agiius and Buhagiar: have you too ever brought down any government? No? Then you cannot compare Franco to just any man. This stunt was to expose PBS, Peppi and Simon for what they are and it worked.the former two are biased and the last one is a wussy for hiding in a room and not taking FD on. Another par idejn sodi
Henry S Pace
Dec 16th 2012, 12:14
Joey and the PL miscalculated the political rish.
Franco Debono is politically IRRELEVANT.
carmel cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 13:33
if Franco Debono is irrelevant than who is this person that the three main channels spent hour commenting on him?
L Zammit
Dec 16th 2012, 23:20
@Carmel Cassar: Which are the three main channels you say?
Charles DeMicoli
Dec 16th 2012, 12:12
What do the analysts say about the look on Simon's face?
In my opinion, he looked scared, surprised and befuddled. No wonder he had to be protected by his posse.
C Sant
Dec 16th 2012, 12:10
"nominating the village idiot" Prof Fenech shall be the next one on Franco's hit list!
Liam Gauci
Dec 16th 2012, 12:27
What Prof. Fenech said is not an insult, but a fact. For a period Maltese political parties, especially PN, elected simpletons to highlight how irrelevant the input of local representatives in the Council of Government had become.
Colin Formosa
Dec 16th 2012, 12:36
Tajba
Ivan Mizzi
Dec 16th 2012, 12:08
Did I see correctly that the Super One journalist was sniggering when Franco was speaking?
Anthony Mizzi
Dec 16th 2012, 13:10
She was sniggering watching the clown fish in the aquarium!
Joseph Bugeja
Dec 16th 2012, 13:38
You could have because your 'darling' closed himself up in an aquarium. Some person to bring about unity! The way he snaps at people to shut up and then he himself interrupts others says a lot. He did it to a ONE journalist who asked him an embarrassing question and repeatedly yesterday to Dr Anglu Farrugia.
The mask has fallen before it took hold.
Karl Consiglio
Dec 16th 2012, 12:07
No kidding!
Charles Cremona
Dec 16th 2012, 12:05
If Labour ever got the chance of running this country they would turn us into a laughing stock overnight with their incompetence.
Anthony Mizzi
Dec 16th 2012, 13:10
That won't be a great improvement with the circus we have on now!
Diffucult to beat!
Jeffrey Mallia
Dec 16th 2012, 12:01
The cardinal question....Would Simon busuttil take up the challenge to face Franco Debono on a TV debate ?? I dont think so.....
Joseph N. Attard
Dec 16th 2012, 12:20
@ Jeffrey Mallia: Why should he waste his time? Debono is now irrelevant to the forthcoming election. What we want to hear is what the two main parties are proposing for our future. And not just any vague old promises, from both of them. They should back their promised dancing waters by hard facts and figures. They should realize that there are not many gullible voters left.
Chris Gatt
Dec 16th 2012, 12:27
The cardinal question really is why should he? FD has explained his reasons countess times. What I don't understand is that FD has made the cudgel, why are Labour not taking it up. Why are Labour not talking about party financing, problems with the judiciary, Arriva, BWSC, etc? FD gave them all the ammunition needed, Why not used it? Are they afraid it might blow up in their face?
James Grima
Dec 16th 2012, 12:36
@Joseph Attard : You say Franco is irrelevant to the election? I say you're right, however Franco is acting as a whistle-blower to what happened under the last PN Government and he is being totally censored from our supposed "PUBLIC NATIONAL" TV station? Sounds like some people do have stuff to hide and are doing what they can to make sure Franco is not heard by the Maltese population!
Joseph Bugeja
Dec 16th 2012, 13:43
@ Chris Gatt
If you just keep reading and watching GonziPN leaning news you will never see or hear PL speak about Arriva, BWSC etc...
As for me I heard about them as to know the things by heart.
George Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 15:21
@ Joseph N. Attard
"Debono is now irrelevant"
The spirit of democracy simply oozes out of you, doesn't it Mr Attard?
Some paladins of democracy this country is blessed with...
G Pace
Dec 16th 2012, 15:53
He's afraid....all nationalists are afraid of him.....he's the best striker around.
B. Theuma
Dec 16th 2012, 12:00
Jiena haga stajt nara ... li Simon kien imwerwer!
Karl Consiglio
Dec 16th 2012, 12:31
You're being sarcastic right?
James Buhagiar
Dec 16th 2012, 13:08
If Simon looked afraid, Anglu was nowhere to be seen! .. and whilst the former is YOUR opinion, the former is a FACT witnessed by the entire nation.
Anthony Mizzi
Dec 16th 2012, 13:13
U ma kontx wahdek1
Kull min kien hemm, gewwa u barra l'AQUARIUM kien imwerwer.... bil - Kowc b'kollox li spicca bla players!
Alfred Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 13:06
What's keeping Dr Simon Busuttil from a debate with Dr Franco Debono?
There's something fishy or is he scared stiff?!
Alfred A Falzon
Deo Catania
Dec 16th 2012, 11:58
The situation out there in the real world is the opposite of what your title says. Franco was on ONE TV already but it's not the point. He wanted to express himself on our national TV station (at least I thought we had one) but was denied this right. Till now no one gave an explanation why S. Busuttil chickend out big time except the repeated answer that he went there to debate Anglu not Franco.
Lino Parascandalo
Dec 16th 2012, 11:49
now its visibly clear .. that this man is trying to leave a mark on our political history ........
Karl Consiglio
Dec 16th 2012, 12:32
Ejja enough about Franco Debono already
M Cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 11:21
Historian and one-time PL secretary general Dominic Fenech: “Back then, politicians would protest British rule by nominating the village idiot to the council of government, to discredit it.
Is Dr Fenech saying that Franco Debono is the equivalent of the village idiot?
G. Ellul
Dec 16th 2012, 12:38
It was Lou Bondi who came up with the village idiot concept when describing Franco Debono
M Cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 13:22
@ G. Ellul
Did you read article? Obviously not.
George Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 11:17
Tell the analysts that sentiments of the unbiased differs from their observations; from the street and homes, it looked like an attempted muzzling of harsh facts about this status quo. His honesty remains unchallenged.
Franco must be heard, the unbiased WANT to hear his side of things. No person is irrelevant, whatever his political beliefs or social status. Perhaps he should speak more calmly
Neil Dent
Dec 16th 2012, 13:44
We've heard him, ad nauseam! Why repeat himself yet again?
A Cachia
Dec 16th 2012, 11:10
Says who? They did not break the law... there is no law about it.
Edward Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 10:58
Why should the PL bother to send their representative on a program hosted and organised by a biased host and organisation?
j brincat
Dec 16th 2012, 10:34
"The PL would have done better to let the debate go on as planned and then introduced Dr Debono midway through the programme, she suggested"
Agree - that would have strategically been better and would have shown more finesse!
But the fact still remains that Dr Simon did not come out to face Dr Franco who was ALL alone!
(jb)
Gilbert Busuttil
Dec 16th 2012, 13:27
Typical LAbour comment. As Dr. Vassallo said, when someone in the position of a deputy leader is invited to face his match from the other party, you do not send a political nobody. Yes Franco needs time to speak...bla bla bla. Give him airtime on One and he speak all he wants. The debate was between Simon and Anglu and Anglu failed to turn up, which we now know why as he was clearly outclassed
Andrew Vassallo
Dec 16th 2012, 14:19
The fact also remains Dr.Farrugia stayed home scared to face Dr.Busuttil, until of course the PL realised how wrong they were and tried to remedy the situation by sending Dr.Farrugia as soon as possible.
Hallina (jb)
(av)
effie stafrace
Dec 16th 2012, 09:59
perhaps the analysts has their own opinion but to us the man in the streets it showed that simon was afraid to face franco and that is the truth.if labour was wrong then the pn was wrong too on the sant /jpo farce.did it backfire too on the sant jpo debate?lets not forget that on the dgc blog sant was called a chicken.who is the chicken in the franco /simon case.
James Abela
Dec 16th 2012, 13:02
It showed that the MLP breaks its promises as they had agreed to send their deputy leader.
Neil Dent
Dec 16th 2012, 13:41
Not to THIS man in the street it didn't, by any stretch of the imagination. Speak for yourself Effie Stafrace.
Joseph Bugeja
Dec 16th 2012, 13:53
@ James Abela
Promises? Ask Air Malta employees, Dockyard workers etc...
Now that is bread and butter and not what your 'Johnny come lately' is trying to sell us. And despite all this he claims that 97% (or thereabouts) of the GonziPN electoral promises were kept.
0% would have benefited all.
Please choose the reason of your report below: