Updated: PBS says it is considering the BA's 'recommendation'
Public Broadcasting Services said this evening it is considering a 'recommendation' by the Broadcasting Authority to postpone this evening's Dissett to January 5 and include in the programme PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil.
This evening's programme was planned to feature PL deputy leader Louis Grech.
But the PN yesterday accused PBS of adhering to the whims of the Labour Party by not inviting Dr Busuttil to the debate with Dr Grech and requested an urgent BA decision.
In its reply, PBS said Dr Busuttil would be invited for a programme on his own at a later stage.
In a statement this afternoon, the BA said it met this morning to consider the PN’s request.
It said it reached its decision after listening to the PN’s and PBS’ arguments and after it took into consideration communication it received from the Labour Party.
It said that in the circumstances it had to recommend the inclusion of Dr Busuttil in the programme which should be postponed to January 5.
In a statement later today, PBS said it noted that the BA had issued a recommendation and not a directive. This showed that the BA acknowledged that programme subjects and dates were the responsibility of PBS and should not be drawn up simply because of an agreement between the political parties.
PBS said that its editorial board would be discussing and deciding upon the BA's recommendation. It noted that from before it was known who the new PL deputy leader would be, it had already scheduled a debate between the two deputy leaders for January 11 on Xarabank and the two parties had been informed of this decision.This programme, it said, would be held as planned and there was also the possibility that, in future, both Dr Busuttil and Mr Grech would be invited to other programmes together or on their own.
In a statement issued after the BA published its decision, the PN accused the PL of avoiding today’s debate between the two deputy leaders by arguing with the authority that it did not want the debate with Dr Busuttil today, it being the festive season.
The PN said that the PL had not objected to the programme as long as Mr Grech was being interviewed on his own but it objected following the PN's request for the inclusion of Dr Busuttil.
This, the PN said, showed how unprepared Labour was to debate topics of national importance.
On the other hand, the PL welcomed the BA’s decision which, it said, reflected its request.
It said that it had wanted Dr Busuttil to be included in the programme from as soon as it received the invitation from PBS.
The PL published its letter to the Broadcasting Authority, which can be read in the pdf link below.
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Steve Mallia
Jan 2nd, 16:11
@Eddie Privitera
Are u living in zimbabwie or what?
Didn't u see that PN argued cause simon wanted to be presented to debate with Louis? Can't u see that while Louis was invited alone PL accepted for dissett, after he knew that Simon BUSUTTIL WAS GOING TO BE THERE TO DEBATE with him he just cancelled everything and saying the worst excuse ever cause of X'mas holidays?
Eddy Privitera
Dec 31st 2012, 09:25
It is so obvious that GonziPN do not want Simon to debate with Louis Grech on Dissett. And are hiding behind PBS who want the debate to be held on Xarabank, where they know Peppi Azzopardi ( admitted to coaching JPO on the Mistra case ) would be giving a helping hand to Simon ! WHO IS CHICKENING OUT this time ?
Tommy Vella
Dec 31st 2012, 11:14
WHO IS CHICKENING OUT this time?
I do not agree that this is a chickening out but with your statement you are admitting that the PL chickened out the three times before !!!
John Baldacchino
Dec 30th 2012, 21:10
HUMBUG!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 30th 2012, 12:09
PBS should stop "considering" and should either comply or else give credible reason for its non-compliance. The public should not be treated as if consisted of idiots who cannot deduce reasonable conclusions.
Tommy Vella
Dec 30th 2012, 11:56
Would you rather have no debt and lots of money in the kitty (as some say we were left with in 1987) coupled with a crumbling infrastructure ... crossed telephone lines, the old Marsa Power station, no water in the tap,
a few hundred students at university, the old St Luke's hospital, an airport that can't cater for the hundreds of thousands of tourists, no new factories, no science centre, etc?
Eddy Privitera
Dec 30th 2012, 14:22
Tommy Vella: "the old Marsa Power Station" is still functioning after 25 years of PN government ! " "Old St. Luke's Hospital" - No waiting lists then. Today with state-of-the art Mater Dei over 21,000 on waiting list. Pateinets in corridors, medicines out-of-stock ! new airport plans prtepared by labour with new runway as first step done by PL. "No new factories" What about SGS etc.?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 30th 2012, 18:06
@Eddy Privitera
There were no waiting lists at St Luke Hospital during Mintoff's administration because very few chose to receive treatment there (such as it was) if it could possibly be avoided and obtained anywhere else, even at a cost.
Waiting lists for "cold" operations are a sure indication of appreciated excellent service especially when there are other hospitals in competition
Tommy Vella
Dec 30th 2012, 18:45
@ Eddy Privitera
You mentioned the just one feather in MLP's cap - SGS. But this was finely balanced by the no-profit making, to the contrary money-draining, Kalaxlokk, Shipbuilding, Drydocks ... not to mention the various labour corps and the thousands burdened on to the new Government as public employees
George Cassar
Dec 30th 2012, 09:56
So, If PN really works, why do we have over 5,000,000,000 Euro debt? Are these the Pair of Strong hands we were promised 5 years ago?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 30th 2012, 12:13
@George Cassar
The answer is that almost all world economies, even the strongest, are being run on deficits as great or greater than Malta's.
George Cassar
Dec 30th 2012, 09:50
So, If PN really works, why do we have over 5,000,000,000 Euro debt? Are these the Pair of Strong hands we were promised 5 years ago?
Michael Portelli
Dec 30th 2012, 08:53
In my opinion only the Broadcasting Authority should be in charge of political debates from now onward and neither Xarabank nor Dissett. Otherwise we shall only be viewing political debates on our stations.
And why all this fuss on the deputy leaders. We do not want to know who is the best of both of them, but what both parties have to offfer.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 30th 2012, 08:45
It is much wiser to wait prudently until after the Busuttil-Grech encounter and only draw conclusions then, rather than making the empty prophecies and prognostications that are stupidly flooding these blogs.
Noel Damato
Dec 30th 2012, 08:35
Il-falliment fi hdan GonziPN jidher car kemm falla billi qed jipproponi u jisugerixxi li Simon jippopa sidru quddiem meri Gonzi jipprova jistahba. Mela l-leader jew kap huwa ghal xejn ghal mutetti u z-zigarelli biss. Ahna rridu l-kapijiet taz-zewgt partiti quddiem halli kulhadd ikun jista jiezenb'maturita u mhux bil gimicks. Fl-ahhar minn l-ahhar prim ministru issir il-kap jew leader ta partit .
Peter Midler
Dec 30th 2012, 08:12
'...........it had already scheduled a debate between the two deputy leaders for January 11 on Xarabank .......'
It is obvious to my mind that this will give Simon the much needed Xarabank forcina. But Louis will not be detered as he can take anyone alone on any playing field, biased or not.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 30th 2012, 08:58
It should be evident (but certainly isn't to you) that following the disastrous Simon Busuttil - Anglu Farrugia televised encounter it is not Simon Busuttil who badly needs a forcina but the Labour Party.
Peter Midler
Dec 30th 2012, 11:48
Francis, as seen by your blue glass any fool can agree with you, but anyone without any tinted glasses can see the bias and the forcina in all that!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 30th 2012, 14:05
@ Peter Milder
My glasses are not tinted in any colour more intensely than yours are. I do not pontificate, I argue a point. You only state your categorical opinion as if that were the uncontested truth. I beg to differ and so do all others who watched the televised rout of Anglu Farrugia at the hands of Simon.
Peter Midler
Dec 30th 2012, 15:33
Go on be realistic Francis and continue the sentence without using any fancy words. "....'at the hands of Simon'....with a forcina at hand and 'home' ". People are not stupid, even those without letters after their name. I for one, I prefer to use mine more modestly and only when the need arises.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 30th 2012, 17:15
@PeterMidler.
Some people are stupid enough not to realize that they had introduced the "fancy word" forcina and there is nothing "immodest" about identifying oneself clearly from among the scores of people with the same name.
Peter Midler
Dec 30th 2012, 19:51
Happy New Year to Francis Saliba as well.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 30th 2012, 20:53
@Peter Midler.
And the same to you.
Paul Saliba
Dec 30th 2012, 07:46
What is all the fuzz about Simon?????
I really wish to know why the party is pushing him so hard. I have faith in him but we are perceiving that he is the only spokeman for us.
Come on. Lets gather on our feet again. We can make it.
Anthony Mizzi
Dec 30th 2012, 07:43
It's just another Punch & Judy show!
Both the B.A. Board and the P.B.S. Board members and Management are P.N. nominated.... and no prizes for guessting who pulls the strings or wears the glove puppets!
R Axisa
Dec 30th 2012, 07:26
Ghaliex dibattitu jrid jitmexxa bilfors minn Peppi?? Qisu Peppi biss jaf imexxi dibattitu - meta fil-fatt hawn hafna ahjar minnu. Jien niftakar meta kien isir dibattitu kien jitmexxa minn persuna imparzjali.
Maria Xuereb
Dec 30th 2012, 06:18
U ghaliex ital-PBS mhumiex jistidnu lil Joseph Muscat u lil Dr. Goniz ghal programmi, din hi l-istrategija tal-PN li jumbuttaw kemm jifilhu lil Dr. Busuttil ghax l-isfiducjat Dr. Gonzi m'ghadux kredibli u kull darba li jidher ma Muscat qed jigi dahru mal-hajt. PL mohkom hemm ghax dawn tal-PN fini wisq f'istrategija propogandiska u hemm il-clubs taghhom (il-PBS u kwazi il-gazzetti kollha) palata.
H Zammit
Dec 30th 2012, 05:30
Where is Joseph Muscat?
Xmun Busuttil
Dec 30th 2012, 03:55
Jien il-vera ninsab iddizappuntat b'dan li qed jigri f'dan il-pajjiz. Jien bhala floater dawn l-affarijiet ibikkuni qeghdin mhux idahquni. Dan Simon Busuttil qisu sar xi haga tal-biza. Dan il-kap jew le???. Jekk il-PN qieghed ajhseb li se jirbah xi voti ghaliex qed jilghab din il-loghba sejjer zball. Jien se nivvota fuq li gara f'dawn l-ahahr 4 snin u nofs u hadd mhu se jipprova jnessini xejn!!!
Carmen Borg
Dec 30th 2012, 03:20
Is the PBS an independent authority or is it the mouthpiece of whatever politcal party screams the most? If it is truely independent, then no political party has the right to dictate who and when is interviewed on what show. Only if there is blatant discriminatory bias against any one entity should the BA interfere. If the other party is to get the same air time later, then there is no problem.
Antoine Zammit
Dec 30th 2012, 02:39
So much for a break from politics for the festive season!! Both political parties.. And PBS.. YOU SUCK!
Maria Borg
Dec 30th 2012, 00:44
A usual spin by the PN. Grech has nothing to fear. There is no comparison between him and Busuttil.
d. attard
Dec 30th 2012, 00:19
NP strategists hide disgraced Gonzi behind Busuttil who after all remains a chip of the old block. I never remember such importance being given to deputy leaders From Borg Olivier to Mintoff to Mifsud Bonnici to Fenech Adami etc.....so the tacticts being emplyed by the NP aided by their'Kazini are manifestly obvious. Muscat's move to bring in Grech is proof that he has the guile to be a worthy PM
Joe Grech
Dec 30th 2012, 00:00
Hopefully somebody will ask Dr. Simon Busuttil to explain what happened to his famous ''Solidarity and Burden Sharing'' stance at the European Union!
He did try hard but ended up a fool when our EU friends rejected his rather amusing antics telling him to his face that NO THEY JUST ARE NOT INTERESTED IN HIS SILLY AND IMPRACTICAL ''policies''.
Malta was - and still is - hard hit as a result.
Joseph Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 23:07
There can only be a decent debate once both political parties announce their electoral programme!
Until then, we will not get any answers from Labour!
I cannot understand why the majority of the Maltese are saying that they will vote PL when they do not know what the Socialist Party is offering!
You must be very stupid to say that you prefer party B to Party A no matter what!
P Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 22:25
@shirley tamti:
I hope the "foreign pals" are not from one of the various countries that are being bailed out or on the verge of this, because then they don't have much to laugh about! Yes, we are dead serious about the upcoming election, because we either continue to achieve results or we follow the humiliating bailout path, considering MLP's model & promises (would they make fun of us then?).
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 22:38
hi mr borg! well there are 2 danish students, an italian, scotish and three from austria.
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 22:51
btw mr borg! happy new year xbin! it is not my style to offend someone so i apologize
jm busuttil
Dec 29th 2012, 23:39
@ shirley tamti
I really believe that you are a floater as you have been floating all over the place. Just get a life LOL
M Borg
Dec 30th 2012, 00:02
@ shirley tanti
And your Italian friend has the guts to laugh at us ?? With all that is going on back home ??
What about all the political mess that is going on in Scotland ? Your friend would do better to study the political situation in his/her own country and let us get on with ours.
P Borg
Dec 30th 2012, 00:04
Ah, EU pals. I think they wouldn't laugh that much if they had to dish out millions for bailing us and others out too, like we had to do. Perhaps some of them may not even be fully aware of the situation in their own country, let alone understand what is at stake here ...
shirley tamti
Dec 30th 2012, 08:55
@mr busuttil: when i critisized the pl for the franco flop as a floater you didn't take this attitude! when i critisized the pn for the dissett flop you chose to take this rather arrogant attitude. well this shows your democratic credentials! lol
j brincat
Dec 29th 2012, 22:13
@George Cutajar
"All this hullabaloo about a debate. The defining moment will be the 7th January, 2013 when JM delivers the beef"
As regards the debate between the deputies I fully agree that this is just hot air.
As regards the beef I have no doubt that Toppled GonziPN will once again promise manna on earth but this will again be given to the few, I mean to the very few!
jb
George Cutajar
Dec 29th 2012, 23:38
All you need to do is look at what tomyour Joseph's friend in France and to his major pre-election promise. The Highest French Court declared Hollande's ( you know the guy JM got to get photo with in some corridor somewhere) illegal. That what happens when you make promises you can't keep.
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Dec 29th 2012, 22:07
Where is the BEEF?
“The BEEF will be served on January 7th.” says JM!
Countdown in progress: …Minus 9 days and counting …
JC.
Charles Massa
Dec 29th 2012, 22:04
Jidher li Gonzi u shabu sparrixew mix xena. Kollox Simon. . Il PL ma jsib ebda oggezzjoni li ikun hem dibattitu bejn Grech u Busuttil. Imma is sahha tal partit tohrog mid dibattitu bejn il kapijiet. Ghal fejn il PN mhux qieghed jimbotta lil Gonzi. Mela Gonzpn spicca? Jew issa tal PN qieghdin jammettu li Gonzi gab dizastrui u jekk jibqa jidher Gonzi il PN ghandu telfa fl elezzjoni.
George Cutajar
Dec 29th 2012, 20:45
All this hullabaloo about a debate. The defining moment will be the 7th January, 2013 when JM delivers the beef. Reduction of utility rates, refund of vat on car registration, incentives for business and other promises. One also hopes that Labour candidates are not making silly promises concerning persons who have been condemned on vat offences just to win the vote.
zammit o
Dec 29th 2012, 20:39
Simon here, Simon there, Simon everywhere.
By the way, Gonzi has become irrelevant?
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 20:36
the cherry on the cake! pbs will probably not ALLOW the scheduled debate between the deputies on DISSET set of jan 5, since it already scheduled on XARABANK. OH my sweet GOD. what a mess of country are we living in. Can anyone tell me ( i sincerely don't know) whether reno bugeja is employed directly to the PBS or to a private company like WE or another??
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 20:15
(part 3) from now onwards i will double and triple check everything that is said by each party. the one that i will catch in another misleading exercise will loose my vote. I will not sell it for nothing! they have to earn it. tonight i will sleep as an indesicive voter with a slight inclination to one direction.
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 20:12
(part2): only god knows what will happen after the 7th of january. do the political parties think that they are scoring point amongst us moderates. they can't even admit what is written black on white! i hate living in this country. sincerely dejjaqtuni. you are making fun of our intelligence. at least the times was politically correct today or else we would have been misguided. (part3 to follow)
carmel callus
Dec 29th 2012, 22:01
If you hate living in this country you onlyu have one option: just leave and go to somewhere else.
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 22:40
@mr callus: thanks ta i will consider your advice
Joseph Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 22:57
That is why according to the last poll published, 47% have decided not to vote at all or are still undecided!
C Sant
Dec 29th 2012, 23:19
Some options: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, UK - take your pick and liberate us from your pontifications!
shirley tamti
Dec 30th 2012, 09:21
@ mr sant! when i am not agreeing with 10% of your argument you want to get me out of malta. figure it out if i don't agree with you 100%. i guess you would send me to anglu's butan. my god!
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 20:08
my god! all these missiles during the truce period! you cant read a newspaper on the net where you don't see political arguments, you can't watch tv coz you have either super1 which depicts malta as hell, net on the other hand where malta is above heaven. Then you have pbs which is an insult to us maltese. My foreign pals are right now making fun of us maltese regarding this blog. (part2 to follow
Gorg Sciberras
Dec 30th 2012, 07:36
I look at it in a slightly different way. Why can't we have political discussion during the Christmas period? Are we as a country so obsessed with politics that we cannot find time to enjoy Christmas and to discuss politics during this time? I think this shows how politically immature we still are as a country.
shirley tamti
Dec 30th 2012, 14:09
@mr sciberras: that is the problem! there are many politically fanatics that discussions are rendered insults! yesterday i critisized the pn flop regarding the dissett! in the past i critisized franco's pl flop! as you can see in this blog there were some you are inviting me to leave the country! isn't this fanatism at it's worse. anyway happy new year mr sciberras
G Schembri
Dec 29th 2012, 19:56
Happy New Year
M Grima
Dec 29th 2012, 19:55
The Nationalists have now hit rock bottom where it concerns deceit and dishonesty. The PL out of its own accord told the PN to send someone from their party to debate with Louis Grech. And Gonzi is telling us to play a fair game. Incredible.
Does anyone wants these hypocrites to rule our country for another 5 years?
Vincent Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 19:49
What if Dr Anglu turns up for the recording instead of Dr Simon, claiming that he was sent to represent the PN ?.......wow
M Grima
Dec 29th 2012, 19:48
Simon has claimed on Facebook that Louis Grech is afraid to face him when the facts show that even though PBS had invited Louis Grech on his own on the programme 'Dissett' the PL had suggested that the PN sends someone from their party to debate
GonziPN will not work.
Tommy Vella
Dec 30th 2012, 08:20
GonziPN is working.
Look at all the satisfied shop owners over the Christmas period, the sell-out of the new I-Pad, the shoppers who with their custom put the shop owners in such a contented mood etc ....
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 19:45
Lil Peppi iridu l PBS u mhux impjegat taghhom Reno Bugeja. Tghid ghaliex ?
Noel Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 19:42
Never in Malta'a poitical and broadcasting history did we have so many debates between the deputy leaders. It seems to me that GonziPn no longer has faith in Gonzi himself and are pushing Simon Busuttil instead. Simon may project himself as invinsible but then even the battlle ship Bismark went to the bottom of the ocean when it faced the real battle and the real battle for Simon has not started
Eve Axiaq
Dec 29th 2012, 20:23
Well said. They dont have faith in Gonzi himself!
vincent Lia
Dec 29th 2012, 21:02
Well Joseph Muscat is not all that willing to meet L Gonzi. as his last performance was not that much better than that of the man he sacked. Look at it this way Noel, how can PL put on a decent debate if they have not yet made their minds up of what they intend to do. PN have a list of successes summed up that Malta has low unemployment, GDP in the black while other EU countries need a bail out.
Vincent Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 21:15
...u le...dak warming up qed jaghmlulhom. Taf int, peress li tnejn huma godda ghall-politika lokali qeghdin ituhom trial. Come 7th January, nahseb kemm LG kif ukoll SB jisparixxu u jfeggu fix-xena iz-zewg protagonisti ewlenin...JM u LG :) umbaghad jibda il-veru show. Dan kulma qeghdin naraw huma pre-sequel. Make sure u buy enough popcorn for the world event - Maltese elections!!! Pajjiz redikolu!
Norbert Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 19:34
Why all this fuss on the deputy leaders debate? Is it possible that NP are hiding GonziPBS for the wrong decisions taken such as the 500eur increase per week, BRAZIL com, the heavy fuel oil PS which is still not working, the fiascos of fairmont, arms, public transport, car park project, desert smart city etc... Even the Mayor of London made fun of us for buying the bendy buses. TOTAL MISMANAGEMENT
M Micallef
Dec 29th 2012, 21:04
Because the previous deputy leader was a mess, we want to know the new one? Anything wrong with that?
Norbert Abela
Dec 30th 2012, 10:05
Reply to M Micallef; A total mess are Austin Gatt, Carm Mifsud Bonnici , George Pullucino, Joe Cassar, all fiascos one after the other with our money...
Two things are for sure, Louis Grech is not afraid of simon since thanks to the pl that the next on dissett is going to be between the deputy leaders. The other is that simon is super terrified to debate with franco...
Peppi Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 19:34
Childish arguments by Gonzipn to hide the real problems from the people. The more Simon Busuttil is put at the frontline, the more one can see the poverty of ideas by gonzipn. Since when deputy leaders became more important than the leaders?
Peppi Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 19:31
Simon Busuttil will only convince me if he accept a debate with Franco Debono! Is it my impression that gonzipn is hiding Gonzi and push forward Simon? Qou Vadis Gonzi?
H. Psaila
Dec 29th 2012, 19:51
Why dont you ask Joseph Muscat to accept a debate with Anglu Farrugia and then see what happens? Or perhaps Joseph is now afraid of Anglu.
Norbert Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 20:03
Good point... Gonzipn and simon are too afraid to debate with Franco...
Norbert Abela
Dec 30th 2012, 10:11
Reply to H. Psaila;
Anglu Farrugia is still relevant to Joseph... Not like franco according to simon and GonziPBS... BTW it wasn't anglu that brought down the government... it was franco a nationalist member and he wasn't given a chance to explain himself on the most popular program xarabank...
Silvan Said
Dec 29th 2012, 19:29
I was under the impression that PBS was owned by the people and served the people not the political parties. Silly me!
Vincent Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 21:18
No, you're correct Silvan..but you see in this silly country, it is the political parties who own the people...so your premise makes perfect logic.
B. Theuma
Dec 29th 2012, 19:17
Dan kif f'daqqa wahda qishom id-deputy leaders tal-partiti saru l-leaders u kulhadd irid jara dibattitu bejnithom ?!
stephen debono
Dec 29th 2012, 19:16
Ghalfejn din il fuss kollha min naha ta gonzipn biex ilaqqghu id deputy leaders ghall debate u mhux il leaders? Min ser imexxi il pajjiz wara l elezzjoni li imiss, id deputies jew il leaders? Ghalfejn il pn qed jghamlu minn kollox biex jahbu lill gonzi?
Tony Barbaro Sant
Dec 29th 2012, 19:15
I would much prefer to watch Louis Grech and Simon Busuttil in a civilised debate on Dissett, without the usual interruptions and antics associated with certain other presenters and programmes. And without a studio audience, of course.
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 20:06
Agree 100%
Pierre Fenech
Dec 29th 2012, 19:14
Simon Busuttil, Simon Busuttil, Simon Busuttil ........... we want to know were Gonzi is and what he has to say for all the accusations he had from internal sources within the party. Why he is chickening out, is what I would really like to know.
David Farrugia
Dec 29th 2012, 19:07
wasn't there a gentlemen's agreement not to discuss partisan politics over the festive period? or maybe simon and his ilk prefer people to take up heated discussions at home or at parties, at the time when grocers are closed. btw..where's the boss hiding?
Vince Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 19:01
Nisperaw issa li no ipads allowed this time
Richard Caruana
Dec 29th 2012, 19:25
Why not?
Joseph uses a telepromter even during the mass meetings....!
Steve Mallia
Dec 29th 2012, 18:40
@joseph Fenech
Simon Busuttil deher Wahdu ghax anglu ma tfaccax.
NIGGARANTILEK JIEN LI Simon lest li jiddibatti ma kull Deputy Leader Li jkollu Il-pl.
George Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 19:22
@Steve Mallia
Biex ovvjament jispjega kif il-Kabinett irregala lilu nnifsu Eur500, kif il-BWSC kellha agent minn gewwa, kif saret il-froga tal-Arriva ecc. Nasheb li Simon ghandu informazzjoni fuq dan kollu u lest li jiddibatti u jispjega dawn il-fjaski.
A Mercieca
Dec 29th 2012, 19:24
Actually Simon can comfortably handle a debate with Joseph 'made in Brussels' Muscat. Pn deputy is still by far more credible than PL leader. This is a fact not an opinion.
George Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 19:57
@ A Mercieca
How is it proven that Simon can handle a debate with Joseph? Scientifically? Wasn't Simon "made" by the MIC supported by our own tax money to the tune of around Eur6.5 million (LM3 million) to make us all vote in favour of the EU? Why is Joseph made in Brussels then?
Joseph Fenech
Dec 29th 2012, 18:36
I don't think that either Simon Busuttil or Louis Grech will effect the outcome of the General Election. What matters for us people is the achievements of the Administration in Health, Education, Employment Opportunites, Tourism and Standard of Living when compared with our European Partners.
George Joseph Cauchi
Dec 29th 2012, 19:42
Keep going please , the future of Air Malta and remaining employees, the future of Enemalta employees, the future of our health service as we know it, the future of pensioners and their pensions, the future of other social services and the list goes on.
Robert Lewis
Dec 29th 2012, 18:31
Fortunately we havent heard anyone talking politics during the festive season, and I hope everyone will keep his promise at least till 7th Jan. Prosit lill kulhadd. I cannot imagine whats going to happen after the 7th when its free for all. No politics my foot.
Louis Fenech
Dec 29th 2012, 18:23
Simon Busuttil mhux diġa deher waħdu. So why the fuss. PBS please note and do not give way to Gonzipn pressure
Joseph Fenech
Dec 29th 2012, 18:33
Simon Busuttil deher wahdu ghax Is- Socjalisti me dehrux ghall - programm --- Punto e basta. Qeghdin jibzghu jidhru quddiem il - poplu ha jisimghu kif Malta taht l - Amministarzzjoni tal - PN ma hiex CIPRU
jm busuttil
Dec 29th 2012, 18:35
He could not do otherwise as the PL had chickened out. Result: PL lost their slot.
G Schembri
Dec 29th 2012, 19:31
U ejja let us enjoy the festive season, time enough to hear and discuss politcs after the new Year.
Joseph Attard
Dec 29th 2012, 18:12
Tal-Pn qishom il-hin kollu jridu l-Simon biex jiddabbatti ma' tal-labour. Mela mhux Gonzi il-Kap? Jew jaraw lil simon aktar kapaci jigbed voti minnu?
Id-dibattittu bejn Simon u Louis Grech se jsir u mhux wiehed imma anki aktar u zgur li tal-PN se jisghobbihom ghax Louis Grech kalamita ghall-floaters
Natalie Mallett
Dec 29th 2012, 22:34
Xhin tridu naraw lil Lawrence Gonzi ma Joseph Muscat minghajr it-teleprompter, imma, ha naraw kemm hu kapaci.
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 18:12
also the labour media said that it published all the correspondence regarding this episode. Another misguiding episode like this and i will look elsewhere
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 18:10
i am a floating voter! thanks to the times one can read the pdf which states clearly that the pl wanted busutil to be present tonight. it was the pbs that wanted grech on his own and to give simon a program later on. To tell you the truth i thought it fishy for the pbs to invite only grech. i thought maybe that did so to give simon the last word later. But it is obvious what was the agenda.
G Schembri
Dec 29th 2012, 19:33
Whar is so obvious about the agenda?
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 20:23
u ejja come on! isn't it obvious. pbs invited only grech (and this is black on white) so that the pn will present a protest to the BA and then they try to feed it to the public that grech chickened to meet simon. again please read the pdf published by the times and other documents relating to this story.pl gaffed regarding franco, pn regarding this one. still undecided
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Dec 29th 2012, 18:04
You mean to tell me that Malta is a democracy and a television program cannot invite a Deputy Leader of a party without inviting the other one. Great democracy that PN brought to Malta. I have been in Malta for nearly 5 weeks and I am disgusted by the partisanship of TVM.I understand most employees are Nationalist supporters.
j brincat
Dec 29th 2012, 18:03
Why do I have a hunch that PBS would somehow give in?
Should I blame it on this Xmas spirit????
Boooq
jb
Angelo Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 18:01
@ A Abela
On the contrary, it is US the NAZZJONALISTI who are setting political agenda. Since SIMON BUSUTTIL has entered the national political field, an EARTHQUAKE (not the one joseph promised us) and a TSUNAMI has hit the centru nazzjonali LEJBURISTA.
The partit LEJBURISTA is in a PANIC STATION MODE.
Capito?
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 18:16
dr angelo! up till today i admired both simon and louis! but your comments are insulting the intelligence of us the floaters. kindly read the pdf attached to this article by the times.
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 18:29
sorry about the dr. I meant mr. a spelling mistake
Pierre Fenech
Dec 29th 2012, 19:28
Angelo you know well enough were the panic is. Now with Louis Grech there is no joker card anymore for GonziPN to play. Gonzi will have to come out and face the music he composed over the past 5 years. We told prominent members of the party that the direction was wrong and that a lot of nationalists were getting hurt but noone bothered. I'm afraid that by now is too late since the clique is doomed
Angelo Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 17:53
@ A Abela
On the contrary, it is US the NAZZJONALISTI who are setting political agenda. Since SIMON BUSUTTIL has entered the national political field, an EARTHQUAKE (not the one joseph promised us) and a TSUNAMI has hit the centru nazzjonali LEJBURISTA.
The partit LEJBURISTA is in a PANIC STATION MODE.
Capito?
paul falzon
Dec 29th 2012, 17:38
All this controversy about who is invited, when and with who simply shows the lack of maturity in our political scenario. However if one is to join this feeble conversation and go further, one should ask :
1) Why is that AD not invited as well ?
2) Why has Anglu Farrugia not been invited as well as Franco Debono was ? I am sure people loyal to AF are keen to hear what this gentleman has to say.
m. borg (slm)
Dec 29th 2012, 18:08
gonzipn can always give their airtime to Angelo as Franco was.
paul falzon
Dec 29th 2012, 18:37
@ m.borg : I am no die hard nationalist but rather a floating voter, however i fail to see such dumbness in the PN strategists.
G Schembri
Dec 29th 2012, 19:37
Had you been following TVAM the day after Dr Farrugia's resignation you would know that he repeatedly refused to talk about it.
Paul Zammit
Dec 29th 2012, 17:35
(continues) .. had the edge cause JM benefits of the doubt. Now that the focus is on the deputy leaders, both SM and LG benefit from the doubt cause both are 'new'! Once again, PL shot themselves in the foot ... and hit both of them.
Eddy Privitera
Dec 29th 2012, 18:14
Paul Zammit: Do you really believe what you wrote ?Just wait till the official campaign starts and Gonzi has to face Dr. Muscat. Do you really think Simon can make people forget the many SCANDALS and the SQUANDERING OF THEIR HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF THEIR MONEY ? Some chance !
Paul Zammit
Dec 29th 2012, 18:57
@eddy
the PM can always counter JM's arguing by bragging about the achievements of his gov; which, despite hardcore PL folk can't see, they are not lacking! What counts is the breaking news ... and ONLY that ... It is now declared war amongst the deputies and that's the new battle ground. u wait and see ... this greatly benefits the PN.
Paul Zammit
Dec 29th 2012, 17:33
I am simply delighted at PN's luck or superb strategy and likewise, appalled by PL's lack of that. JM thought he'd figure a hero by getting rid of AF after his utter humiliation at the hand of SB; yet! the PN grabbed this opportunity to shift the focus from the leaders (where it is by default) to the deputy leaders. If the focus was on the leaders of the parties, PL would have had .. (continues)
G Schembri
Dec 29th 2012, 19:41
You fail to realize that Simon Busuttil was part of GonziPN. He never spoke against their wrong doing so he is as guilty as Gonzi.
David Magro
Dec 29th 2012, 17:05
Simon thinks that he is going to give a hard time to Louis? Come on...simon should remember that Louis is the head of the Maltese reps in the EU parliament....with pleasure we await the debate between the two...one already instigated people to argue, the other offered a helping hand. Louis, all the best in your adventure in local politics.
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 17:16
Stop speaking as if Louis and Simon are going to each other's neck. As far as I know both the men, they are true gentlemen, respect each other, and respected by many. They have worked shoulder to shoulder, and drank and ate, as well, in Brussels, for many years. I believe that it's going to be a civilized debate between two friend. Surely, there's no repeating Anglu's stabbing in the back.
jane galea
Dec 29th 2012, 17:19
I agree 100%
David Buttigieg
Dec 29th 2012, 17:38
"mon should remember that Louis is the head of the Maltese reps in the EU parliament."
Actually, David Magro, Louis Grech is the head of the Labour Maltese reps - big deal!
*Joseph Brincat
Dec 29th 2012, 17:41
Joe M Borg
They have worked shoulder to shoulder,
Except when Simon Voted behind his (our) back n " ACTA
I hope he will apologies IF he is true gentlemen !!
Alfred Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 17:54
@Joe M Borg
I totally agree with what you have said...all the way....and come next Saturday people will come to realize that...
however I do not agree with your last sentence.....that of 'Anglu's stabbing in the back'. It was a HEAVY responsibility taken by JM.....but in politics, sometimes as you very well know, One has to take decisions which are not popular at all AND with a very heavy heart..
Eddy Privitera
Dec 29th 2012, 18:16
David Buttigieg. Louis Grech was voted THE BEST MEP of the whole Maltese group of MEPs !
G Schembri
Dec 29th 2012, 19:50
Joe M Borg Simon might have been a gentleman in Brussels, he is not acting the gentleman now, he even went as far as to instigate PN supporters to answer back anyone who says anything against the government that's Simon's Christmas Spirit for you.
Lou Camilleri
Dec 29th 2012, 16:44
And where does Alternattiva Demokratika fit in all of this mess?Why shouldn't they be invited?Parliament has been disbanded.Now, its all about the new election...and AD are in this election! I think both Dr.Busuttil & Mr.Grech are chickening out...cause Michael Brigulio, Arnold Cassola and Carmel Cacopardo would eat them up!!!! They should insist to have AD there! For the good of democracy!!
Ruben Mifsud
Dec 29th 2012, 16:52
Parlament is not disbanded yet, It would be on the 7th Jan.
Lou Camilleri
Dec 29th 2012, 17:02
@Ruben Mifsud...
You got me there :) Indeed it shall be.
HOWEVER.....
AD should be there!!!
Maybe I am unaware of the legalities of the matter,but could someone explain to me why AD is not there,or not present in any other debate of the sort?
Recently I saw Carmel Cacopardo on the sofa of Xarabank! Comfortable true...but i do not think thats where he wants to be during a debate of d sort?!?
Ruben Mifsud
Dec 29th 2012, 17:08
Re AD you're right.
But thinking of it, having all leaders on the podio for a discussion in a program It would more look like a "Weakest Link" Quiz show! hehe!! :)
Natalie Mallett
Dec 29th 2012, 22:43
AD are as ireelevant as Franco Debono. They probably got fewer votes than him altogether!!
shirley tamti
Dec 29th 2012, 16:44
btw in a past blog i wrote that i did not agree with the franco episode and about the disasterious performance of dr farrugia. but please as a floater and a new voter i demand respect for my intelligence. my vote depends on those two deputies and more on the leaders. so don't try to mislead us floaters. thanks for the times for publishing the pdf
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 16:55
Well said, Shirley.
Joseph Gauci
Dec 29th 2012, 16:39
This latest development is unbelievable. As far as I know prime minister Gonzi asked PL leader Joseph Muscat to put such events aside for the festive season, which in turn Dr. Muscat agreed to comply. Now the labour party elected a new Deputy Leader which the presenter of Dissett decided to interview on his programme. What's all the fuss from the PN about this, why all the panic???!
Richard Caruana
Dec 29th 2012, 16:56
It's lejber who has broken the truce.
Without this farce of a Deputy Leader race with one horse we would all have had a quiet time up to 7 Jan. Do you really expect the PN to sit on the fence and watch?
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 16:58
J G, BECAUSE to date PL have had MORE time in their favour than PN. PBS gave the 'new PL spokesman', Franco, a whole TVhemm programme. It's about time that they play fair, and invite Anglu on the same programme. Possibly accompanied by his mother.
And speaking about panic: Ask Tony Abela why he has not yet answered PN about who were the officials who resigned following Anglu's stabbing!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 29th 2012, 17:28
It is not NP panic. The PN asked that there will be a balance in broadcasts during the run-up to the general election. The NP won't accuse the PBS of political bias and it will not pretend falsely that PBS is being investigated by any higher authority just because its ruling has been overruled by a superior Broadcasting Authority. Panic is the reaction typical of the LP not the NP.
Michael Campbell
Dec 29th 2012, 16:39
U le!!
The BA is a piece of string. When asked by the political parties to jump it should ask back "why"and not "how high".
The Authority seems to be a lost ship in a storm. It is unbelievable that it allows the two main political parties so much power and control
So then, would AD be afforded the same treatment? And what about other independents, when they declare their running?
George Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 16:29
@many bloggers
If you stop and think about this: Where is the Prime Minister in all this? Is he hiding behind Simon Busuttil's new face? Is the PN trying to make us forget what the real issues of this country are by making mountains out of mole hills?
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 17:00
No George. Joseph is hiding behind the still bloody dagger. The real issue in PL is Anglu's stabbing, and Catherine's facebook. Please ask someone to show you how to get on facebook, because it seems that you are unable to check for yerself.
George Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 17:34
@Joe M Borg
I never thought people could believe everything they see. What would you believe next, the news that you won the lottery without buying a ticket? Grow up, Mr. Borg. On the web, not everything that shines is gold! And what about PN's stabbing of his backbenchers? Or is your memory short?
Fran Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 16:25
Very interesting times ahead indeed for all of us. Happy New Year to all of you.
Malcolm Farrugia
Dec 29th 2012, 16:05
Simon Busuttil wants to debate Louis Grech, very well, now I just hope that when the questions regarrding BWSC, 500 euro weekly raise in honoraria, 64 million euro increae in the national deficit and much more arise during such debates Simon won't reply that he had nothing to do with such measures, in his typical fashion to try to avoid qusetions that are the crux of the legislature's many fiascos
Marco Bonello
Dec 29th 2012, 16:31
J.Muscat telling L.Gonzi to follow Cyprus policies, that would have been a real fiasco. By now we would be asking for a bailout together with Cyprus. Instead we have university students celebrating their graduations, civil servants signing collective agreements granting them pay rises etc etc
Malcolm Farrugia
Dec 29th 2012, 16:55
@ Marco Bonello,
This debate is about Louis Grech and Simon Busuttil, nowhere is written Lawrence Gonzi/Joseph Muscat,
I've heard Simon say that GonziPn was wrong in the honoraria issue and many more fiascos, but failed to say how he would see these mistakes rectified!
Eddy Privitera
Dec 29th 2012, 16:59
Marco Bonello: What does "Cyprus" have to do with this subject ? would you then include " Ireland " too ?
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 17:03
Malcolm. True, this debate is about Simon and Louis. So WHY did you mention BWSC and 500 Bla bla bla? I really HOPE Simon asks about Cyprus, Iceland, 'made in Brussels', Anglu Farrugia, Mrs Farrugia...... makes interesting topics.
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 17:06
Eddie. Cyprus HAS TO DO A LOT now. Because Joseph could become our PM, and if he suggests following Cyprus, Iceland, 'made in Brussels', and repeats what he did to Anglu (this time to Malta), YOU and ME will be in big trouble! Check out on facebook, Catherine Farrugia, if you know how to get on facebook,. It seems that you haven't done so yet! Stop moaning. If you know how!
Eddy Privitera
Dec 29th 2012, 18:07
Joe M.Borg: Dr.MUscat irid li Malta TKUN L-AQWA FL-EWROPA u mela ssemmi l-Cipru ! Nerga nfakkrek, insejt min kien jghidilna li Malta tista tkun bhal l-Irlanda ? DIN DEJJEM TAQBIZA !
Marco Bonello
Dec 29th 2012, 19:27
Eddie: Facts show that PM Lawrence Gonzi MADE MALTA ONE OF THE BEST IN EUROPE and these are hard facts backed up by rating agencies and World Bank reports, not your mexxej promising everything to everyone from the opposition.
G Schembri
Dec 29th 2012, 19:54
Marco Bonello whatever rating agencies say, we are still one of the lowest paid workers in the EU.
M Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 16:04
So it seems Louis Grech needs extra coaching and perhaps a Labour friendly journalist before accepting an invitation on national tv. Well done Kurt Farrugia! With a little help from the BA you have managed to get the outcome you wanted and gained a few days. Just don't run off with the idea we are all 'tubi".
John B. Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 16:24
Isn't Dissett on National television? There is no point of having another debate on a programme produced by a private company a week later on the same station and please note that the impartiality of Mr Reno Bugeja is beyond reproach.
M Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 16:43
@ John B Borg
Read again what I wrote. Different programmes different approach. And no, Mr Bugeja is not totally impartial just like any other journalist.
Victor Calleja
Dec 29th 2012, 16:01
Dan kollu biex naljenaw lin nies. Id dejn rega zdid u id defecit ukoll. Din skont listatistika tal gvern stess.
Happy New year to all including you Mr. editor.
vincent a galea
Dec 29th 2012, 15:59
What a wise decision!
I have also learnt since my last comment on this subject, that the previous decision had nothing to do with the Presenter, Mr Reno Bugeja..... a formidable journalist!
Marco Bonello
Dec 29th 2012, 15:49
@ A Abela
Facts presented by PL! WOW THAT`S CREDIBLE! GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR MY FREIND. I guess you are one of those who blindly accept PL claims of lowering electricity bills without adding the tax burden or reducing some of the current benefits.
PL chickened out again because LG is still not prepared. It is very difficult to explain the policy of a party, ah sorry, a moviment without policies
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 16:05
Marco. These are not the ONLY facts that PL is hiding. Just yesterday, PN sent a letter asking Tony Abela, deputy of Malta's 'TRANSPARENT' party, to know who were the PL officials from Mosta, Balzan...who resigned. Transparent PL have not answered yet, at least till my last check! Why? Too transparent? Or is Tony STILL counting those who resigned? I wonder!
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 16:33
Yes i will be one of the thousands that will be voting labour to get our electricity lowered. Do you know who is not credible mr bonello. It that person that awarded himself and those around him 600 euro per week increase while we mortals were awarded 2.5 euro. Now how is that for credibility. Pn credible? Good sense of humor my friend
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 17:11
A Abela. That's true, your electricity COULD (!) be lowered, but your water 'lifted'. If Joseph could betray Anglu, one of his most loyal followers, what couldn't he do to Malta. Remember that in 1996, Sant had promised to remove VAT. He KEPT his promise, but 'had to' introduce CET and 33 other taxes. PL credible? Ask Anglu, Catherine, and all the PL officials who resigned. Nice jokle man.
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 17:25
@ joe m borg
Pn credible. Ask fanco debono, ask jpo, ask j mugliete, ask john dalli, ask the hunters and trappers, ask EX employees of air malta, drydocks, sea malta, pbs,ship building and many others who were promised job security. Gonzi promises muscat delivers
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Dec 29th 2012, 15:43
Does this mean that PBS's plan to have Busuttil on his own just before the elections, has now finished? Does this decision also mean that from now on, no one party rep can be interviewed alone but must always have present a rep from the other party? How childish and immature!
Angelo Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 15:40
@ Jesmond Abela
You missed one other occasion where the partit LEJBURISTA chickened out.
It was a few days ago when louis grech was invited in TVAM alone, but he did not go. Instead the partit LEJBURISTA sent jason micallef, so the presenters had to change the nature of the discussion and invited Marthese Portelli of the PARTIT NAZZJONALISTA. No reason was given by the partit LEJBURISTA.
Norbert Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 15:59
Dear Angelo do you know how childish you are? grow up please... on the 5th we will know who is afraid from who... Is there a chance that Gonzi is afraid from Muscat??? The whole truth is that the PN is hiding Gonzi and showing only Simon but at the end the leaders have to debate in front of Malta and Gozo...
jm busuttil
Dec 29th 2012, 16:08
Norbert Abela,
You call other childish when you are the one acting that way. Both leaders have already been in a debate on Xarabank, who is afraid of who facts talk.
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 16:19
Angelo it us LEJBURISTI who sets the agenda and no tvam or tvhemm or pn or simon or angelo tell us who to send or not to send to take part in tv programmes. Capito?
Emmanuel Ebejer
Dec 29th 2012, 15:39
What's all this fuss about deputy leaders' debate!? Can't the leaders of the parties speak for themselves nowadays!? My guess is, either way our country is to lose! Chosing the better of two evils isn't exactly promising for Malta!
Lou Camilleri
Dec 29th 2012, 16:02
@ Emmanuel Ebejer
...sad....but true !!!!!
D Axisa
Dec 29th 2012, 15:39
Another spin by the PN when everyone knows that POLITICS had to be left out of our thinking during the festive season.
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 15:54
Incredible but true, D Axisa. You see the 'spin' in PN, but NOT the 'SPINNING' in PL. So, Pn's spin is that they are going to show Simon during the festive season. Have you ALREADY forgotten that JUST TONIGHT, lOUIS WAS GOING TO BE alone ON DISSETT? Isn't Louis a PL member. So, PN had to keep OUT of politics during Xmas, BUT NOT PL! Clear, cheap propaganda.
M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 16:15
@ D Axisa
So the LP left out politics during the festive season......................
Can you let us know what the election of Louis Grech formed part of ? Since when has the LP stopped being a political paty ?
Joseph Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 15:29
It is very clear that PL are still afraid of Simon!
If Louis Grech is prepared, he should debate Simon anytime, anywhere!
Mentioning Simon debating Franco is out of order! Franco is easy to debate for anyone.
PL know this! When they tried to argue otherwise, they had to take it back!
A. Xuereb
Dec 29th 2012, 15:41
Shooting from the hip as usual.Did you even bother reading the letter the PL sent to the BA? On another note why would Louis Grech be afraid to debate with Simon?Dr Busuttil is no messiah, he is just more of the same
B. Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 15:48
Have you read the letter published by the PL, and included in this article, before uploading your comment?
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 15:48
Afraid of simon when it insisted that dr busuttil takes part in tonight's debate. It was pbs that said no. And why should pn set the agenda? Now next week we will see. Mr grech afraid of dr Busuttil. You must be joking!
Joseph Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 15:50
A. Xuereb, PL wants debate to take place next week and not today! Why?
Simon is always available!
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 16:14
@ joseph vassallo
Because it s not simon or pn that dictates the pl agenda. As simple as that.
Joseph Vassallo
Dec 29th 2012, 18:25
PL accepted that Louis Grech goes on Dissett to discuss politics during the festive season!
PN objects and asks BA to allow debate between Simon and Louis instead!
PL replies and asks to hold debate next week so as not to discuss politics during the festive season!
A. Xuereb
Dec 29th 2012, 22:40
Public Broadcasting Services said this evening it is considering a 'recommendation' by the Broadcasting Authority to postpone this evening's Dissett to January 5 and include in the programme PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil......it is the BA that is requesting the postponement not PL! Why do you insist on twisting the facts
Alfred Falzon
Dec 29th 2012, 15:27
D Broadcasting Authority's decision to have both main Party Deputy Leaders included in d debate is just & as expected by all Maltese who have Democracy at heart.
DISSETT should have done so, prior to being subject to correction!
The PL's last-minute cancellation or postponement does not do justice to d electorate eager to compare & contrast before casting its vote.
What's d real problem?
aaf
Eddy Privitera
Dec 29th 2012, 16:06
Alfred Falzon: Had you read the PL's letter you would have known that the PL wanted to have Simon together with Louis. It was PBS who wanted Louis Grech on his own, so that later on Simon Busuttil would be invited on his own too. Can't you see what PBS had in mind ? To give GonziPN an advantage NOT a disadvantage ! So now we will be seeing them both next Saturday. What's the problem Alfred ?
Alfred Falzon
Dec 29th 2012, 22:38
@ Eddy Privitera
D problem is that both main Parties seem 2 have a finger in d pie for d electorate has been let down seeing them at each other's throat, haunting & hunting their own MPs like petty gods threatening them with fire & brimstone.
This mentality must change for most of d electorate is today no longer a dupe since NO PARTY IS SUPREME!
The sooner u realise this d better!
Alf A Falzon
Jesmond Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 15:24
Incredible but true. Labour chickens out again.
Toni Abela, then Anglu Farrugia and now Louis Grech. Tonight's Dissett postponed by a week.
Vincent Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 15:30
....stop plagiarizing what Dr Busuttil has just said on facebook...
D Axisa
Dec 29th 2012, 15:35
Did you really read the article. The PL wanted and agreed that Simon Busuttil should attend the debate, that's why it has been postponed.
Try to read the articles before you comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 15:59
Vincent. Yes, we should just start 'plagiarizing' what Anglu and Catherine are saying on facebook, because it seems that many PL supporters don't have the time for it.
Eddy Privitera
Dec 29th 2012, 16:10
Jesmond Abela: Can't you read ? Why didn't you read the PL?s letter FIRST, before commenting ? Not only has Louis Grech not "chickened out", as you wrote, but he wants Simon to be present with him on Dissett, which will now be on next week. So where is the "chickening out " ????
J Martinelli
Dec 29th 2012, 15:14
Would PBS have ruled the way it did, had the PL insisted that since the invitation was solely for Mr Grech, then the programme had to proceed on that basis?
Is it a convenient way for PBS to squirm out of it due to the contents of the PL letter?
And how did the Dissett's presenter factor into the original decision, knowing very well that the NP would react accordingly?
Marco Bonello
Dec 29th 2012, 15:00
The attached PDL file is the letter which the PL sent to the BA. So it is the PL version of what happened and not what actually happened which are two different things.
No surprise that PL is unprepared to debate topics of national importance given that PL has no policies, apart from promising to lower electricity bills without explaining how to fork out 100 million euro yearly to do so!!!
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 15:13
Can u please enlighten us of what actually happened. Up to now we only have the pl version. They specifically asked for Dr Busuttil to debate with Mr Grech. These are the facts up to now.
jm busuttil
Dec 29th 2012, 14:51
To all the PL commentators , Yes the PL agreed agreed but not today Why ? Answer: Louis Grech is not prepared.
Using the festive season is an excuse by the PL as Louis Grech alone was still going to be political,
Labour decided not to hold the debate today 10 minutes into the meeting.
Labour have done it again.
Joe Pavia
Dec 29th 2012, 15:04
What would one expect. The PL are not prepared. And Louis Grech is no match for Dr. Simon Busuttil. And also as you have said Mr Grech is NOT prepared. Happy New Year
Vincent Cassar
Dec 29th 2012, 15:21
Dear Jim, all commentators, PL and PN, (including you) speak from your personal agendas, political blinkers and self-interests; certainly not out of passion for the nation's interests! However, I can assure you that Mr Grech is neither afraid nor unprepared to debate with Simon Busutil ...and believe me, I know very well what I am talking about. Happy new year :)
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 15:24
@Joe Pavia
And what makes you think that Mr Grech is no match for Dr Busuttil?
jm busuttil
Dec 29th 2012, 14:48
@ Anthony Lee Baldacchino
Can you explain yourself, your first post that cannot be understood.
Mr Alexander Azzopardi
Dec 29th 2012, 14:44
Imsiken tal PN hasew id disadvantage, mela kemm mishim ihossu id disadvantage tal PL il TVM sar issu in Net!
Joe Pavia
Dec 29th 2012, 15:06
Mr Azzopardi insejt id dibattiti li kienu issiru fi zmien il gvern ta mintoff. Insejjtu fidejn minn kien il PBS?
Insejt kief ma kienx hemm rispett ghall opposizzjoni. Lest we forget.
Giov DeMartino
Dec 29th 2012, 15:42
Afli dawn in-nies m'ghandhomx zejt f'wicchom! Jitkazaw bix-xandir meta fi zmienhom konna naraw il-bandiera tal-partit laburista tperper fuq l-iskrin u nisimghu id-diska Run, rabbit, Run. Meta fi zmienhom, ghal snin shah, ix-xandir kien kompletament f'idejhom u anqas biss kien jissemma l-isem tal-mexxej tal-maggoranza assoluta. Il-mass meetings tal-PN ma kinux jezistu. Dawn jafu jisthu?
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 16:01
Alex. Il-PBS ikun ta' vantagg ghal PN meta jghati l-istess hin li ta' lil Franco fuq TVhemm lil Anglu wkoll. U jekk ikun hemm ommu mieghu, ikun iktar interessanti ghall-pubbliku. X'tahseb.
aldo Attard
Dec 29th 2012, 14:36
Excuse my humbleness and ignorance, but couldn't Dissett buy another suitable air time to transmit this very good, balanced and well credited program?
I do not want to see Dissett on Saturday after the 8 o'clock news.
At this time I want to entertain myself.
How about same time on Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur or Fri ??
No no not Friday sorry.
*Joseph Brincat
Dec 29th 2012, 14:36
The PN accused PBS for not letting Dr Busuttil for debate what Dr Grech
well I guess he wonted to apologies to Dr Grech for he Voted behind his (our) back
in " ACTA "
Norbert Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 16:12
Good one :-)
Anthony Lee Baldacchino
Dec 29th 2012, 14:31
Tal-PN QAZZIZTUNA U DARDARTUNA.... Jien qatt ma nikteb, imma illum ma flahtx ma niktibx. L-ittra bhala qed tarawha attached? Allura ala tal-PN se jibqghu jigdbu sfaccatament u jippruvaw jidhqu bin-nies??? B`hekk tridu tirbhu elezzjoni? X`income ghandkom diehel biex lesti tidhqu u tigdbu daqshekk lin-nies biex tibqghu fil-Gvern? Ghandkom x`tahbu?
L Zammit
Dec 29th 2012, 15:10
Tal PN irridu nibqghu fil-Gvern ghax kapaci u m'hawn hadd li jista jidhol fiz-zarbun taghna ghalissa. Il-PN ghandu lista ta' progetti li wettaq u dawn idejjquhom lill tal-PL. L-elettorat Malti irid ikun bahnan jekk ifettillu jibdel dan il-Gvern. Mal PN taf fejn sejjer. Mal PL quo vadis?
J Martinelli
Dec 29th 2012, 15:24
Sur Baldacchino, int qrajt l-ittra tal-PL? Il-PL baghat kopja lill PN? Allura kif ghandek wicc takkuza lill-PN b'gideb?
Il-PN jaccetta l-verdett tal-poplu u jekk jirbah jghid li rebah u jekk jitlef jghid li tilef u ma jibghatx is-segwaci tieghu ma Malta kollha jiccelebraw meta fil-fatt ikunu tilfu bhal ma ghamel il-PL fir-referendum tal UE w fl-elezzjoni ta 2008.
Tiktibx banalitajiet.
M Cutajar
Dec 29th 2012, 15:54
I agree with you totally Mr Baldacchino. It is also written in the above article that " Both the PN and the PL seemed to agree on this, but because of the change in format and participants the programme had to be postponed." And not because Louis Grech is afraid of Simon Busuttil. What does simon busuttil have that Louis Grech should fear, may I ask?
Norbert Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 16:18
Reply to J Martinelli - Nahseb insejt ta imma fin 96 hargu jdoqqu tal pn ukoll u ma kinitx daqshekk difficli daqs tat 2008 biex tinduna min rebah ghax il gap kienet hames darbiet iktar min tat 2008, 7,600 bl ezatt...
A. Xuereb
Dec 29th 2012, 22:46
L.Zammit:Tal PN irridu nibqghu fil-Gvern ghax kapaci u m'hawn hadd li jista jidhol fiz-zarbun taghna ghalissa. Il-PN ghandu lista ta' progetti li wettaq: il-fjask tal-Arriva, l-BWSC,il-Fairmount,Smart (Ghost) City, White Rocks,600 Euro fil-gimgha zieda,kontijiet m gholia s-sema....nistaw nibqghu sejrin s ghada nsemmu.
Nazzareno Cortis
Dec 29th 2012, 14:31
Quote from Dr.Franco Debono:
PBS kazin Nazzjonalista!!!
This statement says it all!!!
Labour kontra tutti!!!
Tonio Bone
Dec 29th 2012, 14:28
My take on this is that Pn should not have complained about anything. Simon got his shot (if I believe correctly) when he was appointed Deputy Leader and so should Mr Grech. Eventually, there could have been another occasion on Bondi+, Xarabank or a second bout on Dissett to churn up a debate.
This was a bad move by PN which up to now seemed quite C.C.C. given the clear disadvantage at the polls!
Richard Caruana
Dec 29th 2012, 15:11
The PL could also have had its shot at Simon by sending Anglu or Tony Abela on Dissett but they both chickened out.
Now the 'new' guy needs another week to prepare himself, maybe he won't show such a miserable knowledge as poor Anglu did.
While you're at it, Mr Grech, don't forget to check which countries are in South American and which are in Africa. May come in handy.
J Martinelli
Dec 29th 2012, 15:33
Tonio, a 'debate' is a face to face encounter on the same programme & the same date.
One cannot debate by holding an interview one day and a week later counter with an opponent's view.
The NP's move is a shrewd move, a bold decision and an easy one for them to make. On the contrary the Anglu-Simon affair showed how ill prepared Labour's policies are & are still playing hide-and-seek with voters.
Mr Albert Dimech
Dec 29th 2012, 14:26
Just read the attached letter and it is very clear that the PL agreed to have Dr Busuttil in the program, so I just can't see the PN's point here.
carlos ellul
Dec 29th 2012, 14:18
Whose the PN leader these days? Why aren't we seeing the political parties leaders anymore? Is Gonzipn irrelevant too?
*Joseph Brincat
Dec 29th 2012, 14:15
Being interviewed on his own is one thing !!
But debate between the two is another thing especially when the PN and the PL
have agreed that their campaign starts after NEW YEAR
THE PL HOLD HIS PROMISES !!!
A Calleja
Dec 29th 2012, 14:13
Why do PBS not think before they announce their guest - to then postpone. I really do not think that in this case it's a matter of PN beginning given preferenial treatmen t!
Eve Axiaq
Dec 29th 2012, 14:05
Gonzipn tant m'ghandhomx ma xiex jaqbdu u jinsabu darhom mal-hajt li qed jippruvaw iqajjmu fuss fuq ix-xejn. Fil-verita kullhadd jaf li gimgha l'hawn jew l'hemm ma taghmel l-ebda differenza fuq dibattitu.
Wara kollox il PBS ghazel hekk biex Simon ikollu l-opportunita jitkellem aktar tard qrib l-elezzjoni.
Carl Carabott
Dec 29th 2012, 14:00
Simon will start the program in a different form, he well thank Mr.Grech for the preperation of the new E.U Com Tonio Borg than his well wishes regarding the new role of deputy. ......... than he will attach......or maybe defence.......
M Cutajar
Dec 29th 2012, 13:59
Why do the PN always seem to find fault with the Labour Party's reasoning at all times? The debate is going to be held between the two deputy leaders as PN wished. Louis Grech never said that he doesn't want a debate with s. Busuttil - it was PBS that wanted to interview him on his own. In fact after this coming debate, there is another one scheduled on Xarabank just after a week.
John L Galea
Dec 29th 2012, 13:59
Where is Lawrence Gonzi? Will he ever be invited to confront Joseph Muscat?
Will Simon use his iPad again to answer the questions by being fed answers from the Dar Centrali?
M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 14:23
It seems that yopu do not follow any TVM programes .
Lawrence Gonzi and Joseph Muscat " confronted " each other on Xarabank.
Richard Caruana
Dec 29th 2012, 15:12
L Gonzi has already confronted Muscat and not on one occasion on Xarabank.
Please check before writing.
George Azzopardi
Dec 29th 2012, 13:56
As usual PN trying to twist the facts and thinking that their saviour Simon Busuttil is the one and only! In the meantime the rest of GonziPN continue hidden and certainly not in their public agenda!
Joe Busuttil
Dec 29th 2012, 19:52
What did Agostino Pio have to say about Simon? I heard him say that he won't perform miracles. And what do the people say? Well,like we say in Maltese,"Ma jtajjarx xrar." The Nats may dub him as earthquake -maker ,savior of the party, kitchen haunter,grocery skirmisher, and a host of other titles. All he has is ,again in Maltese ,"Pozi." Happy new year to all.
David Bezzina
Dec 29th 2012, 13:55
The PN complains of having an unfair advantage on PBS.Now that is rich coming from the party who have hijacked PBS.
A Abela
Dec 29th 2012, 13:44
Now we know(see attached file) that the PL asked specifically for Dr Busuttil to debate with Mr Louis Grech in tonight's posponed Dissett. It was PBS that insisted the Mr Grech is interviewed alone. Can't wait for next Saturday
j brincat
Dec 29th 2012, 13:38
AND since when has a debate between the deputies gained the status of paramount national importance?
This should be a non event!
Could it be that the PN strategists prefer to pit Simon as they think that he is worthier than Lawrence?
Just food for thought!
jb
Lou Camilleri
Dec 29th 2012, 14:31
Interesting point JBrincat. PN have always been great strategists.Their ‘marketing’ and propaganda is always well planned.However, your question is legitimate! What flaws of PN is Dr. Busuttil trying to conceal? And who is the worthier politician?The PM or his deputy? I guess it takes a wise man to realize who that person is...and that wise man seems to have realized already.
Reuben D. Spiteri
Dec 29th 2012, 15:01
So you are fine with lack of balance as long as it favors the MLP, but whine and moan if you think there's even the slightest unfairness towards them?
Also how do you expect the leader to go in a deputy leaders' debate? Are you doing this on purpose or what?
Joe Pavia
Dec 29th 2012, 15:09
Mr Brincat food for thought would be the fact that Dr. Anglu Farrugia failed twice to face Dr Busuttil and when he did he ended up a victim of your beloved leader who played him up to put Mr Grech in his stead. As usual another big foul by Dr Muscat. If this was of national importance we would have crashed into the wall. That's what will happen if the Pl are in power.
Lou Camilleri
Dec 29th 2012, 15:29
@ Rueben Spiteri
Not at all. I am not fine with a lack of equality and balance. Impartiality should the PBS and PBA’s priority ALWAYS.
Tuesday 4th December 2012 Simon Busuttil was alone on BONDI+ on TVM2 to talk about his new role as a deputy.
Guess that time it was ok for him to be on his own then...balance was not an issue there?
More food for thought!
Please choose the reason of your report below: