PM asks Muscat to withdraw energy plan

Edward Mallia

Jan 20th, 19:00

May we have a few FACTS instead of an avalanche of non-fact.
@ Alex Ellul Neither MPS nor old DPS had ANY abatement equipment for gaseous pollutants. MPS had precipitators for fly ash; DPS nothing. Even so MPS much more dangerous than DPS. The BWSC plant has NOx, SOx dust abatement. LPG (propane +butane) in cars has LOW particulate emissions; needs spark ignition. petrol engines easy to adapt.

Raymond Micallef

Jan 20th, 13:36

@Joseph Aquilina
1. Iz-zieda li hadu l Ministri, hadd minnhom ma rritorna l ebda Euro.
2. L-Arriva ghaliex mhux tajba mill ewwel, dan hu transport Pubbliku, essenzjali kuljum, din il-problema taghkom li taccettaw kollox.
3.Il-haddiema tad-drydocks min imexxihom ahjar kellhom bzonn.
4.Insejt meta Gonzi u Gatt qalu li ma hawnx bizzejjed studenti ghall IT u ser ikollna ingibu minn barra!
6.x'ma sarx?

Mary Bisazza

Jan 20th, 10:03

Dr Gonzi must be living on a different planet. "Despite being the most hazardous, coal is still being used by some of the newly-built power stations and, last year, it was used to generate 8.7 per cent of all the new power in Europe." http://bit.ly/W8fXTt
Why has the EU warned Malta about the harm to our health? http://bit.ly/10Jb3Rk

effie stafrace

Jan 20th, 09:43

This is not the PN I knew – John Bencini | 20 January 2013

pat muscat

Jan 20th, 09:03

GonziPN is not even capable of an environmental business scan? It cannot comprehend that there are hundreds of gas powered power stations being built and that natural gas is going to be abundant-some say for some 200 years? Why dig yourself in a deeper hole?

Michael Magri

Jan 20th, 08:56

"PM asks Muscat to withdraw energy plan" Haa.. Haa..

Dr Gonzi you must be joking right.! I think that it would be more polititicaly correct if YOU, would `withdraw` your Shameful ARROGANCE. Your Shameful tactics of Scaremongering.. Your Shameful Spinning and Twisting of the Truth.. Your Shameful `Adjectives` / `Phrases`, personaly addressed to Dr Muscat. ETC.. ETC.. ETC..

SHAME ON YOU SIR.

Mr C Galea

Jan 20th, 00:36

"Dr Gonzi accused Dr Muscat of taking advantage of people's emotions"
Are you for real Mr Gonzi? When ever did you not stop playing with these so called emotions? The Divorce issue was one big emotional ride for all voters and you played a good part in that? So did the Church,have you asked the church leaders involved to apologies?

stephen mifsud

Jan 20th, 00:25

this is what Gonzi did ....took a pay raise of €500 for him and his cronies , he took our city gate project and totally screwed it up with the help of Piano and then Arriva what a mess that is (still miss the old classic buses ) Smart City ???? not so Smart afterall , ....need i go on ?

Alex Ellul

Jan 19th, 23:19

...while if properly maintained chimney flue is scrubbed clean from all particulates and NOx and SOx's gases and what remains is water vapour and CO2.

Remove all diesel engines from the road and lets go for LPG engines.
That's were we should be burning LPG or LNG or CNG, in our vehicles. This will eliminate carcinogenic diesel fumes from our lungs.

Michael Camileri

Jan 19th, 23:17

Cigarettes are a very easy scapegoat.

I am more worried about the petrol and diesel vehicles... surely that is worse?

Electric cars are the way forward in Malta.. we are a tiny island

Alex Ellul

Jan 19th, 23:16

Dr. Muscat should propose that we remove all diesel engined cars from the roads since it has been scientifically proven that diesel exhaust from vehicle diesel engines is a carcinogen. We are breathing diesel exhaust all the time. When driving we are a few meters away from the tail pipe of a car. The Delimara chimney is kilometers away, the prevailng winds blow out towards the ocean while ,,,,,,

Alex Ellul

Jan 19th, 23:14

Conclusions
Dr Christopher Portier, Chairman of the IARC working Group, stated that “The scientific evidence was
compelling and the Working Group’s conclusion was unanimous: diesel engine exhaust causes lung
cancer in humans.” Dr Portier continued: “Given the additional health impacts from diesel particulates,
exposure to this mixture of chemicals should be reduced worldwide.“

Alex Ellul

Jan 19th, 23:12

Lyon, France, June 12, 2012 ‐‐ After a week-long meeting of international experts, the International
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), today
classified diesel engine exhaust as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), based on sufficient evidence
that exposure is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer.

Charles Massa

Jan 19th, 21:38

U xiinhuma l alternattivi tieghek sur prim ministru? Inhallu heavy fuel oit, biex tniggez l arja. Jew power station li tibqa tahdem biz zejt u izzid il kontijiet ta dawl/ilma bhal ma qalulek tal Europa. Il PN ilu 25 sena fil gvern u ma ghamel xejn fil qasam tal energija. Issa ghax il PL hareg bi proposti serji, il prim ministru qabdu paniku

Joe Fenech

Jan 19th, 21:26

"Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning demanded an apology from Labour Leader Joseph Muscat for his "incorrect and unethical" statement linking the Delimara power station to a high incidence of cancer and asthma. "

Who are the experts? Are any of the experts foreign and independent? How can deny the obvious?

Mr Adrian Zahra

Jan 19th, 21:12

Meaning that no one can say that HFO has eitehr a bad nor a neutral effect on publi health in Malta. For sure the smell of HFO fumes is enough to trigger an asthma attack at least to me. Happens to me quite everytime I drive past the materials storage tanks if I do not hold my breath.

Mr Adrian Zahra

Jan 19th, 21:08

Its too early in the day to scientifically infere any health effects of burning HFO. What is tough sure is that LNG is a much cleaner and thus healthier option to HFO. Especially in view of the fact that results for HFO emmissios (actual measured) have never been divulged.

M Gatt

Jan 19th, 21:04

http://www.mag.com.jo/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23&Itemid=33
This is a portfolio of some of the work of one of these electricity plant installation companies. Plants of 400MW as one can see have been completed in less than 2 years!

Mario Camilleri

Jan 19th, 20:10

"Dr Gonzi accused Dr Muscat of taking advantage of people's emotions and said using cancer patients in this way was "not on".
Taf tistħi Sur Gonzi, mela nsejt meta siħbek Simon xebbaħ in-nuqqas ta' mediċini mal-'grocer' li ma jkollux fuq l-ixkaffa? Tal-mistħija!!

twanny borg

Jan 19th, 20:05

kieku veru familja kollha timrad bl-azma kieku hemm familji u hafna nies ohra fl-inhawi morda wkoll. ghaldaqstant wiehed ghandu jara jekk hux kaz ta' azma genetika tintired. il-pn nehha x-xarabanks il-qodma naqqas hafna mit-tniggis. veru ghall-ewwel l-arriva holqot problemi imma is-servizz qed jitjieb. il-fatt li naqas it-tniggiz l-arriva kienet success.

twanny borg

Jan 19th, 19:57

........."About inheritance and genetics:Inheritance of Asthma refers to whether the condition is inherited from your parents or "runs" in families. The level of inheritance of a condition depends on how important genetics are to the disease. Strongly genetic diseases are usually inherited, partially genetic diseases are sometimes inherited, and non-genetic diseases are not inherited".......

michael scicluna

Jan 19th, 19:53

http://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/sector/energy

Anthony Borg

Jan 19th, 19:49

Dr Gonzi ghax ma taghmilx survey dwar is-sahha . U taraw mill liema parti ta malta ibaghtu l-aktar bil kancer u l'azma... Dwar dan ma hemmx blue ,ahmar jeww ahdar..

Andrew Cumbo

Jan 19th, 19:46

Hope that after 9th March it will be you that will be withdrawn and all those arrogant around you. You brought this country in ruin state with a debt of 5 billion Euros. You continued bringing Airmalta and Enemalta in a critical financial situation. Without shame and with undemocratic way you granted yourself and the others €500 a week increase. Your time is up now we have had enough.

J Cutajar

Jan 19th, 19:46

Sur Prim ministru isthi jekk taf. Veru qed nghixu f'anarkija

Grace Delicata

Jan 19th, 19:39

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120503/local/Asthma-on-the-rise-from-indoor-lifestyle.418052
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120511/local/asthma-plague-growing.419257

These two articles, carried in the Times i the last year, seem to indicate that the statement 'Malta has one of the least rates of cancer and asthma incidence' is incorrect.

Joseph Aquilina

Jan 19th, 19:36

I wonder why lejber still keeps secrets from the Maltese ... why they do not want to show all the details about their plans ... What is the nationality of the countries/companies intrested in this project!?

P Mangion

Jan 19th, 19:23

is it true that YOU believe that a Power Station can be build in two years?

A Vella

Jan 19th, 19:16

What about the trab iswed? In numru ta nies li jbatu bl-asthma??

Joseph Portelli

Jan 19th, 19:15

kemm aw min sar jifhem aktar mill-esperti! kemm aw min mhux qed jirrealizza li l-kabinett tal-ministri tal-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat se jkun ta' aktar minn 20 ministru (hafna minnhom ta' zmien l-80's) u l-ispiza ta' dawn il-ministeri kollha ser tkun ferm oghla mill-500Euro fil-gimgha!

Aaron Mallia

Jan 19th, 19:15

Dr.Gonzi is in a state of panic !! Loser !!

Kevin Agius

Jan 19th, 19:06

Prosit Mr Ray Micallef..... ezatt veru ma jafx jisthi.....

Raymond Micallef

Jan 19th, 18:33

Inti skuzajt ruhek:
1. 500 Euro zieda bil mohbi.
2. Disaztru tal - Arriva.
3. Mal-haddiema tad drydocks, li telqu u issa s-Sid il gdid qed jaghmel il-qliegh.
4.Ma l-istudenti li dahlu ghall korsijiet fl-IT biex jahdmu Smart City u lanqas dahal hadd.
5.Ma l-anzjani li jidhlu fl-isptar u jkollhom jqattghu hin twil fuq strecther!!!
6.Mal-poplu Malti kollu talli ma wasaltx bil - wedghiet tieghek. leee

V Mercieca

Jan 19th, 18:30

Dr Gonzi int veru ma tafx xini misthija.

*Joseph Brincat

Jan 19th, 18:25

FINANZI FIS - SOD ??
Gonz pn knows that Poverty in Malta increased by 89,000 people
And didn't do nothing about it He reminds me of >>>-------->
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TXIeHtSTx4/UKo3X0hcqUI/AAAAAAAAA48/JewZbjF3t0g/s1600/scrooge039-web.jpg

Tyrion Lannister

Jan 19th, 18:18

Pt 2 of comment.

Having this alternative source will surely be a positive move and we will reap the benefits from it, whether 1 year or 5 years down the line..

Malcolm Farrugia

Jan 19th, 18:14

GonziPn more panicked than usual!

Joe Busuttil

Jan 19th, 18:02

It's you who should apologize to the people for giving them the most polluting power station. You really have a cheek ,Dr Gonzi. Malta is so small that the power station affects all of us (not my opinion but that of an expert in cancer.)

Eddy Privitera

Jan 19th, 18:01

This is truly funny ! Dr. Gonzi asking Dr. Muscat to withdraw the much-studied (over 3 years) plan when Dr. Gonzi has not yet announced his own party's plan, which is just being hurriedly prepared NOW ( in 2 weeks) after having been caught with his pants down by the PL?s plan !

Tyrion Lannister

Jan 19th, 17:58

I don't understand why the PN is so hell bent on shooting down a viable plan. Even if the plan goes slightly over the timescales or the prices don't instantly go down, is it not a good thing that Malta will be implementing a cleaner energy source? That we will be preparing our country for more energy use down the line? That we will have an 'energy mix' and not be so dependent on one source???

Pav Elliot

Jan 19th, 17:55

National debt as @ Dec 2007 was EUR 3,380,000,000 or 62.1% of GDP
National debt as @ Dec 2012 was EUR 5,008,000,000 or 75% of GDP

Finance Minister Fenech, missed each and every target he set.

Yes, there was good coming from GPN but we paid too high a price for the good achieved as can be seen.

The PM should have managed his team better. Voters will now decide. That is democracy.

*Joseph Brincat

Jan 19th, 17:44

Dear Gonzi care taker pm is telling Dr Muscat to withdraw the energy plan
way because it is embarrassing him HA HA HI as they say >> from a KING to a JOKER
http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/dedmazay/dedmazay1111/dedmazay111100046/11271996-joker-on-a-white-background-vector-illustration.jpg

mario genovese

Jan 19th, 17:42

I live in Tigne 4 levels up and yet my apartment is always full of unwanted and unwarranted particals. Can Gonzi's expert enlighten me?

m. borg (slm)

Jan 19th, 17:32

Mr gonzi if any withdrawing needs be done it should be you together with Toni Fenech withdrawing from the race and give the party a chance to get a mild beating instead of the thrashing that awaits you.

ARROGANCE gains nobody anything.

George Cutajar

Jan 19th, 17:29

Such negativity from the Labour side. This is Malta and not Spain, Italy, Greece or Cyprus thanks to LG and the PN . You kept your jibs, still receive pensions in full, still get free healthcare and education and generally live well because the PN is not a populist movement like the PL. if the PN looses the coming election it will go out with head held high .

Louis Craus

Jan 19th, 17:26

Isa ara x'qallek Joseph dak li kisser pajjiz,u partit,........tant li gejna downgraded ghas- second .
Pajjiz mimli b'miljuni ta'miljuni ta' Euro dejn.

Robert Lewis

Jan 19th, 17:24

Cannot understand what the issue about Vat/Cet mentioned yesterday is all about. What about the 12 million euro fraud in the Vat Dept under Tonio's Ministry. How much money was paid back and what happened to who ever was involved. Even last night we didnt hear anything about the 4 million euro commission paid for the BWSC power station. U zgur li "Finanzi fis-sod" misshom m'ghumhiex ukoll.

Joseph Portelli

Jan 19th, 17:21

kemm aw min sar jifhem aktar mill-esperti! kemm aw min mhux qed jirrealizza li l-kabinett tal-ministri tal-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat se jkun ta' aktar minn 20 ministru (hafna minnhom ta' zmien l-80's) u l-ispiza ta' dawn il-ministeri kollha ser tkun ferm oghla mill-500Euro fil-gimgha!

Paul Borg

Jan 19th, 17:18

GONZI is officially in....Panico e Paura....Panico e Paura !!!!!!!!!! u Austin Gatt iwahhal f-Kullhadd.....

Ivan Cocker

Jan 19th, 17:16

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=514&tid=91

In addition, IARC considers that there is not enough information (Group 3 classification) available to determine if distillate (light) fuel oils or distillate (light) diesel fuels cause cancer. They have also determined that occupational exposures to fuel oils during petroleum refining are probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A classifi.)

Ivan Cocker

Jan 19th, 17:15

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=514&tid=91
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that residual (heavy) fuel oils and marine diesel fuel are possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B classification).

Edward Mallia

Jan 19th, 17:11

@ Karl Bugeja
I was on the Local C. group that contested the IPPC permit for use of HFO in DExt.
But I still say that Dr. Muscat's statement had more politics than sense. MXlokk's Rosario Incorvaja in The Times today "No one is talking except the politticians. The three local councils surrounding the power station have not even ventured to say a word". If they have data why not show it to us?

Pippo de Marco

Jan 19th, 17:11

'Joseph, your energy plan appears to be very popular and it is causing me a lot of embarrassment, so will you please withdraw it ?'

The desperate plea of a desperate man.

E Bonnici

Jan 19th, 17:10

What does it cause a power station as such, diabetes then? How can one deny such a fact that a power station is nothing but unhealthy. Am not saying that cars emissions do not cause respiratory problems, but a power station doesn't?

DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA,MA,MAG.JUR.[EU Law],LL.D.,

Jan 19th, 17:00

I am glad that DR LAWRENCE GONZI is already contemplating being IN OPPOSITION...........I totally am not in conformity that this citizen keeps being referred to as PRIME MINISTER...............a CARE TAKER PM is not a PRIME MINISTER.......this country has been without a constitutional Prime Minister since Monday evening, December 10th, 2012...in accordance with what our supreme law dictates.

m. borg (slm)

Jan 19th, 17:00

It is gonzi who should apologise for asking us to make sacrifices, increased our energy bills lowered our standard of living and driving almost 80,00 over the poverty line while giving HIMSELF and his cabinet of incompetents a weekly €500 raise and a double honoraria.

What a cheek in maltese we say "Ghandu il-gilda ta' wiccu ehxen minn ta' kukkudrill" jew "Wiccu infurat"

Edward Mallia

Jan 19th, 16:57

1.@ James Grech: I said cancer and DPS not cancer and PS in general+ no hint that M'Xlokk & Marsa are paradise or that one should not try to remedy.
2. @ A. Leone Ganado
IPPC permit condition: MEPA monitoring equipment in M'Xlokk & B'Bugia C. bldgs. A troika including a Loc.C. rep. had charge. No results ever published. Why? The "political" statement just issued by MXlokk C. is no substitute.

m. borg (slm)

Jan 19th, 16:56

IF anybody needs to amke any apologies its the PM himself who forthe last 8 years has been joy riding together with his family and friends and friends of friends with the people's tax money.

Apologise for throwing away a free gas line for the benefit of the fuel oil barons.

Apologise for scrapping emission laws to make way for BWSC HFO plant and their €4 million commissions.

pat muscat

Jan 19th, 16:53

I think if GonziPN' apologist are believing Dr Gonzi; they should sign a paper to opt out of cheaper bills Dr Muscat would be giving us a year or so. This would be a win win situation for everybody!

VINCENT WILLIAMS

Jan 19th, 16:52

According to S&P and other agencies it is the debt that PN Governments produced that are endangering the country's finances and economy. Like such debt did to other countries in the Euro Zone.

Many are still waiting for an apology from the PN.

For the 60 years that the PN fought against the Maltese language.

For wanting to join Malta with Fascist Italy.

For using religion to grap power

Eric Bonello

Jan 19th, 16:50

PT4. at you own cost. I have no doubt that if elected JM would want to be a successful PM like every other PM we had in this country but he took it to another extreme by implying that if the E&W proposal fails he would resign, which means that right or wrong we have to shoulder the consequences as JM would do whatever it takes to fulfil his pre-election promise and save his face

Eric Bonello

Jan 19th, 16:50

PT3. This is the same person who most of the commenters here are glorifying. This is the same person, who for partisan reasons voted against your budged …I mean how shallow minded can you be, can you not read between the lines there is not energy plans, there are no studies to show up for it, there is nothing accept a political pledge that at all cost JM would satisfy his pre-election promises

Eric Bonello

Jan 19th, 16:49

PT2.What more proof do you need that the E&W proposal is a gimmick, Konrad Mizzi failed you, he promised you that he will publish a copy of the Fixed price agreements in front of the camera no sooner that camera was off he vanished went into hiding. Same yesterday your dear leader JM was repeatedly asked about this & on each occasions with a smirk on his face he ducked the questions

Eric Bonello

Jan 19th, 16:49

PT1.I am amazed at these comments from MLP voters, we are weeks away from going to the polls, you people will without any doubt be paying more taxes to finance the shortcomings from the MLP E&W proposal and rather than seeking the truth and demanding for more transparency from the MLP your all here criticizing a PM who against all odds safeguarded your jobs

Chris Xuereb

Jan 19th, 16:46

Tghidu x tghidu il gimmick station ta Muscat brodu imma jien favur ghax bis sahha tal projett ikollu jirrezenja.
Igri jibnija ha nehilsu.

Kevin Barun

Jan 19th, 16:32

Why withdraw the energy plan? The only one that withdraws what he say is the PrimeMinister himself.
He wihdrawn the Gimmick that he is going to remove the Fuel Depot from the centre of Birzebbuga and also whitdrawn the gas powerstation Suggestion just to supply us with a good dose of Heavy Fuel Oil Emissions. I talk to lot and lot of Birzebbuga residents. Dont dare say to oppose this proposal

Anton Agius

Jan 19th, 16:31

in addition I have to a point out, that the fuel used per se does not determine "how c;ean" or otherwise the power station is..... A power station can run coal (dirtier than HFO) and be relatively clean, it all depends on the waste gas treatment plant.....

Anton Agius

Jan 19th, 16:27

people seem to be confusing issues.... the problem with Labour's energy "plan" is not the fuel. Nobody doubts the fact that gas is much cleaner option than gasoil, HFO or coal... As we say, however, "the devil, is in the detail" and for some odd reason Labour is shying away from publishing its costings. I think that if we are to believe Labour than we have to see how it reached the conclusions

Alex Dalli

Jan 19th, 16:25

Rome is burning! The collapse is round the corner!

B Vella

Jan 19th, 16:23

And imagine if he will be giving another term...............!!!

M. Bezzina

Jan 19th, 16:20

Kif nista nafdak meta l kontijiet ser jergaw jolew!!

Mr B Busuttil

Jan 19th, 16:17

issa jaqbez xmun .. jirepeti l istess affarijiet... u li jaf kollox

M. Bezzina

Jan 19th, 16:16

PM ghax ma rajtx il kuntratt li ghamilt int tal BWSC li qallek bih Franco debono.....jew dak il kuntratt li kien ser ikollna bxejn min and l ENI!!!B XEJN eh mhux bil flus hallina tridx!!!Ara hadd ma jara taht Ghabtu!!

Joe M Borg

Jan 19th, 16:11

Joseph Muscat disagreed with 3 professionals about the connection between the power station and cancer. If Profs Joseph Muscat is right about his assumption, and the South IS suffering more from cancer because of the proximity of the power station, then Gozo should be cancer free!

anton portelli

Jan 19th, 16:09

Nesa il prim ministru taghna meta fgana bit trab iswed mil marsa power station.meta ghamilna xi sitt xhur minghajr filters!!!!

Carmel Vella

Jan 19th, 16:04

Dr Gonzi is like a fish: the more he opens his mouth the more he comes into trouble!

Carmel Vella

*Joseph Brincat

Jan 19th, 16:03

Gonzi pn tell Dr Muscat to apology ???
Dear Gonzi pn you have stopped taking the 600 Euro increase
but you still own the nation the backdated which you haven't given

Adrian Buckle

Jan 19th, 15:59

Can someone take the PM aside and tell him how ridiculous he sounds when he talks like this?

Michael Gatt

Jan 19th, 15:55

I agree with the labour stand

Noel Mifsud

Jan 19th, 15:55

Apology itloba int lil poplu li sallabtu b dal kontijiet u int hadt zball li hadt 500 euros u mma tajtomx lura

Clinton Magro

Jan 19th, 15:55

Hehe a simple search and you have your answer. These are all Material Safety Datasheets which contain safety information about Heavy Fuel Oil. Most of the information is only relevant if you ever get in contact with it but .... BUT read what happens when you burn it... read what happens when you inhale.... now that's something for all of us!

http://goo.gl/CdtxC

C Busuttil

Jan 19th, 15:53

X' tistenna minn ivvota bil-qalb biex ikollna kontijiet bhal dawn li hawn
X'tistenna minghand min ha 500 zieda minn wara dar kulhadd
X'tistenna minghand min jiehu gost jara l-piz jingarr mill-poplu
Dr. Gonzi ergajt ghamilt il-PN, il-Partit tas-Sinjur, dak kollu li ghamel Eddie kissirtu mhux biss il-pajjiz anke il-partit, li qatt ma kien daqshekk maqsum. Herba shiha huwa wirt tat-tmexxija tieghek

Joe Micallef

Jan 19th, 15:50

Mr. Gonzi knows that there are no flaws to the new energy system plan. It has been under scrutiny for the last week and a half and if there was a flaw the nationalist would obviously inflate the cause so that it would be banned for life. Its useless Mr. Gonzi to ask Joseph Muscat to withdraw the plan. Your time is up.

A Farrugia

Jan 19th, 15:49

Prt 2 Dr Gonzi taf kemm ghandek apologiji x''taghmel lejn il poplu Malti, u hallejtna nistennew ...anzi ghax kellek wiehed minn shabek stinat u ma rridx jametti il fjask li gab fil pajjiz minhabba l- arriva int qbizt ghalih u mhux tlabtu jkun responsabli ta ghemilu. Your chance is over now, we have to move forward to a progressive direction under LP . Give us a break will you !!

zammit o

Jan 19th, 15:45

Gonzi needs to listen more to the people who live in the harbour area.

A Farrugia

Jan 19th, 15:43

Issa izzejjed Dr Gonzi, sahha ivvvutajt bil- qalb ghal gholi tal tariffi tal energija, allura tajjeb mela issa jigi il kap tal opp, u jghid li se jrahhas it-tariffi u tridu jarmi il pjan kollu, tajba ukoll din..... PM taf x'imisek armejt il pjan ta meta hadt iz-zieda int, u parti min shabek ta 600 ewro fil gimgha u lilna tajtna ewro u nofs!! Min irrid ha jaqra u jifhem u JIZEN !!

R. De Giorgo

Jan 19th, 15:38

GAME OVER GONZIPN........Bye Bye !!!

Ray Bonello

Jan 19th, 15:38

Tghid Xmun li stilla qed jilluminah lill-Wenzinu?

Mr Joseph Azzopardi

Jan 19th, 15:34

PT3: "... each 10-µg/m3 elevation in fine particulate air pollution was associated with approximately a 4%, 6%, and 8% increased risk of all-cause, cardiopulmonary, and lung cancer mortality, respectively." http://www.faqs.org/health-encyc/The-Environment-and-Health/The-Environment-and-Health-Air-pollution.html#b

Mr Joseph Azzopardi

Jan 19th, 15:33

PT2: "Studies ... have suggested that air pollution from traffic and the combustion of coal, diesel fuel, and wood, has a modest association with lung cancer risk...it was estimated that 5% of male lung cancers and 3% of lung cancers in women between 1970 and 1994 were related to air pollution." http://lungcancer.about.com/od/whatislungcancer/f/lungcancerairpollution.htm

A. Mizzi

Jan 19th, 15:32

Iva dan bis serjeta? Kemm jiflah ikun bla idejat..... hu u ta' madwaru jew min qieghed imexxih!

Dan ghadu Prim MInistru ?

Mr Joseph Azzopardi

Jan 19th, 15:31

PT1: "Epidemiologic studies over the last 40 years suggest rather consistently that general ambient air pollution, chiefly due to the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, may be responsible for increased rates of lung cancer." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8741787

Anthony A. Mifsud

Jan 19th, 15:30

With the same reasoning the Prime Minister has to apologise to me for hiting me so hard with bills and high cost of Fuels gas and vehicle, is the new trend ghal PN
How low can we go.
Ninu

*Joseph Brincat

Jan 19th, 15:27

Dear GONZI PN you know as we know
that you have only one way left ,and that is >>> ------>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qIOCuBwcTc&playnext=1&list=PL9F37727057E9F74D&feature=results_main

Lawrence Fenech

Jan 19th, 15:27

Gonz first withdraw your repaired BWSC power station, than withdraw the useless and eyesore Parliament Building, than withdraw the halfbaked Theatre, than return the workers to the Dockyard, the workers to the Air Malta, the workers of Sea Malta, return the 500 euros per week you and your clique took behind our backs, maybe you may get a reaction from Joseph. All this is "incorrect and unethical"

S. Calleja

Jan 19th, 15:26

I have no interest in Maltese politics at this stage, but I can say one thing. I used to live in Fgura and suffered from almost an all year round hay fever ailment, which used to make me feel miserable most of the days in spite of all the medications I used to take. Since I left the island 3 years ago (North Europe, later Australia), I feel like I was born again. Breathing is back to being a joy.

Herman Mercieca

Jan 19th, 15:25

Mela l-ewwel kienu jadu meta kif ha trahsu kemm hatrahsu w meta ha dhabruwa. ghax ghadilhom issa ma ridux jacetawa din il-proposta. Ghadna ma smajna xejn min naha tahom,nahseb ha jikupjaw il-manifest tal PL dawn imdorijien jikupjaw

Joseph Buhagiar

Jan 19th, 15:23

Dr. Gonzi. Please listen to people that really and honestly wish you well. Get rid of the arrogant and promise us that they will not be there whatever happens. Promise us that you will put in place the wistle blower act EFFECTIVE FOR PAST INSANCES TOO. You know what you have to do. I am sure of that. Then, we floating voters will re-consider. But unless you change direction, No way this time!

Malcolm Seychell

Jan 19th, 15:23

We will decide if we want the project and not you

Joseph Borg

Jan 19th, 15:22

Jien nahseb li wahda mir raguni ta persentagg gholi ta cancer u asthma mhux il power station biss imma l-arja kollha kemm hi mniggsa li ghadna madwarna. Il bini monstruz li tela u li ghalaq kullimkien. Hafna familji illum lanqas kwarta xemx ma jkollom u il hin kollu bid dawl artificjali mixghul minhabba li difnuwhom bil bini gholi bla limitu ta xejn. X'jimpurta mis sahha il mepa li hi il kagun ta

Michael Grech

Jan 19th, 15:20

Gonzi is the epitome of arrongance. If there is any who may ask Muscat to withdraw his plans, it is the electorate. Does he envison himself as some Sun King (I am the state); one who rules by divine right?

Eve Axiaq

Jan 19th, 15:19

@charles Crrmona
Spekulazzjonijiet ma jieqfux. Jekk tfittex fuq l-istess Press is sena l-ohra ukoll kienu qalu perezempju li d-deheb se jispara l fuq. Ma gara xejn minn dan. Fuq l-istess Press u ohrajn tissemma il 'fracking' tal gas. Fl Amerka isejhulha 'the new Saudi Arabia'.

Edward Mallia

Jan 19th, 15:16

2. But Dr. Gonzi is in no position to demand withdrawls of "plans". Any apologies for Mercaptan burning; for turning off Marsa precipitators?

Konrad Mizzi is imitating JPO. Prior to 2008 election JPO let it be known that he would be the next Tourism Minister. This gave access to & intervention in closed meetings between a developer (a JPO prestanome!) and DCC board members. No ves. int. there!

Vincent Bezzina

Jan 19th, 15:15

Gonzi has lost all credibility but does not seem to know it. I cannot but wonder if he is just thick or stubborn. He is also in total denial, as he has been about the corruption and incompetence which flourished under his administration. This attitude is in part why so many have complained he is a dictator. In a democracy,he has to abide by the will of the people. Its the divorce debacle again.

Ms Mari Bor

Jan 19th, 15:14

Arrogance!

F Gauci

Jan 19th, 15:13

We've been campaigning against fossil fuels for the past 10 years or so I think, because of all the negative effects they have on human health and environment (The Green House Effect). You should spend more time doing your own research and not be so gullible and believe everything politicians say. It is common sense that heavy fuel oil is a health hazard!

Roy Schembri

Jan 19th, 15:10

Why make promises on energy prices when anyone with half a brain knows that if they pay 25 percent less in energy then they'll pay 25 percent more in tax to fund it. (maybe that's the part Dr Mizzi has forgotten to mention). On the other hand maybe the callow Dr Mizzi got his pluses and minuses mixed up . . . !

Karl Bugeja

Jan 19th, 15:09

How low can you go dr gonzi ?!

Ms Jessica Spiteri

Jan 19th, 15:07

Wow, I can't believe this guy.....getting more arrogant on a daily basis

Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO

Jan 19th, 15:07

As Joe Biden or other US politicians would say would say we are getting pure malarkey from the PN leader. I suspect he is in denial of the new political reality and believes that "'l'etat c'est moi e mon parti" a delusion which many political parties long in power harbour. Perhaps it is time for some humble pie now that time for fasting is approaching.

B Vella

Jan 19th, 15:06

Staqsu lil Franco Debono, Mulgiett ,JPO u hafna Nazzjonalisti ohra kemm ghandu rasu iebsa dan il- Prim Ministru. !!!!

Edward Mallia

Jan 19th, 15:02

1. Dr Muscat was rash in his statements about cancer and DPS especially. Not least because M'Xlokk local Council has said nothing about the pollution measurements they were supposed to be collecting during the BWSC test period. One is doing people a disservice if when they air real complaints one makes no effort to place possible causes in context. No lack of sympathy implied in sensible advice.

Alex Caruana

Jan 19th, 14:58

Dr Debono was not against the budget but against Austin Gatt still in cabinet & how he was right

twanny borg

Jan 19th, 14:56

Azma u l-kancer rizultat tat-traffiku. Il-bdil tax-xarabank kien success biex jitnaqqas il-mard prosit gonzipn. Dik il-familja minn marsaxlokk li qalet li ghandha fil-familja mard tal-azma trid tghid fejn toqghod ezatt jekk mhux go xi triq dejqa li kienu jghaddu x-xarabanks l-antiki. Fil-kaz trid tghid grazzi lil austin gatt.

Ian Psaila

Jan 19th, 14:51

@ M Cachia

So ur an expert on cancers. Can you please send me your study and audits you have done so we can evaluate better your comment.....

Joseph Camilleri

Jan 19th, 14:49

Ma tridx forsi wjoll li ghall-gid tal-pajjiz, il-Labour jirtira li jikkandida ruhu ghall-elezzjoni generali, biex nassiguraw futur fis sod bik fil-gvern ghal darba ohra.

Joseph Micallef

Jan 19th, 14:47

It would be better if Gonzi shuts up his mouth entirely as each time he speaks, he speaks rubbish and pollutes us with his lies, non-sense, lack of knowledge and lack of leadership. Since when Gonzi has become an expert in health? Should he decide to shut-up and thus speaks less rubbish, he might stand a good chance of loosing his final blow election less severely. But I know he won't do it...

michael scicluna

Jan 19th, 14:45

L-pjan ta l-energija tal PL huwa fattibli u reali u ma ghandux ghalfejn jirtirah. Mhux bhad decizjoni li izzid lilek innifsek 600 EWRO li mbad nizlu ghal 500 biex mbad irtirajt u li issa ghax waslet l elezjoni tghid li jiddispjacik!!

John Scicluna

Jan 19th, 14:44

I dare say that Dr. Muscat is very cunning in the way he puts his words... he states that power stations are of detriment to health and that power stations are factories of cancer and asthma.

Through his statements I don't believe he directly refers to any particular power station in Malta !! He already knows his way out when the worst comes to worst and when his words will be challenged...

M Gatt

Jan 19th, 14:34

Dr. Gonzi this country doesn't need you any more! Never did!

M. Cachia

Jan 19th, 14:34

One does not need any expert advice to know that the incidence of CA and other diseases are highly related to locations. People coming from around the Power Station Areas are more prone for sure and no expert can say otherwise. It is pure common sense!

Re apologies, the PM is really going into very dangerous grounds! The infamous letters sent to various sectors prior to the '98 election!

Charles Cremona

Jan 19th, 14:33

In todays Reuters web sight there is a report on LNG gas and the spiraling prices of this commodity including Shipping. its a real eye opener. I am surprised the Maltese media and the PN have not yet latched on to it.

Warren Griscti

Jan 19th, 14:28

Iktar kemm jaddi jzim iktar titlef voti bdin it tattika

Tony Borg

Jan 19th, 14:28

It's not a matter of how many people are suffering from cancer/asthma as a direct result from the emissions from HFO power stations.

If there is ONE and just ONE human life in danger, then this is enough reason to change over to gas. Or human life is not sacred anymore?

John Wayne

Jan 19th, 14:27

Please make way for somebody else Dr Gonzi.

Joseph Portelli

Jan 19th, 14:25

taf x'naf dwar din tal-€500? li jekk it-Tnejn 11 ta' Marzu Joseph ikun Prim Ministru, l-ghada t-tlieta 12 ta' Marzu jahtar kabinett ta' l fuq minn 20 ministru, uhud ta' zmien Mintoff - diga semma xi ministu tal-energija u iehor tad-drittijiet civili! U b'dawn il-ministri kollha, mit-taxxi taghna se jkun qed jiehu hafna aktar minn €500 fil-gimgha!!!

James Tyrrell

Jan 19th, 14:25

Part 2
Studies have also proven that particulate matter emitted from incinerators and oil-burning power stations can travel up to 80 miles from a 200ft high chimney. The most dangerous area is downwind for seven miles per 100 foot of chimney. In still weather most particulate matter falls to ground within 1.3 miles.

James Tyrrell

Jan 19th, 14:25

Part 1.
Particulate matter emitted from power station chimneys has been proven to cause a wide range of illnesses, e.g. chronic asthma, diabetes, leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast and colon cancer, hypothyroidism, arthritis and depression.

Robert Lewis

Jan 19th, 14:25

Taf x'titlob l-irgulija u l-onesta Dr Gonzi li ilkoll kemm inthom tipprezentaw l-assi kollha inkluz flus f'banek Malta u Barra, proprjeta, etc. li ghandkom illum u ukoll dawk li kellkom 5 snin ilu, u naraw id dfifferenza li hemm. Hekk titlob l-onesta u mela hafna paroli fil vojt u tippruvaw titmejlu bin nies, u imbaghad nipprezentaw l-assi taghna u naraw minn mar lura.

j brincat

Jan 19th, 14:23

Over and out!

Bye!

jb

A Dimech

Jan 19th, 14:20

I ask for an apology from Gonzi for promising to close the Marsa Powerstation some 15 to 10 years ago and this is still going.

I ask for an apologoy from Gonzi for promising Air Malta, Dry Docks and Bus Drivers a secured job before last election, and than did the contrary afterwards.

I ask for an apologoy from Gonzi for proming 7,000 new jobs at SMART city;

and the list goes on.....

j brincat

Jan 19th, 14:20

@K Grech

"j brincat, let Andre Briffa explain to us some of, the 'MANY NEW PROPOSAL PROJECTS' GonziP[a]N[ic] had come up with so far in this campaign"

From what I saw yesterday on Xarabank - without the usual theatrics thanks to the BA - he has NONE and NONE at all!

Cheers K Grech!


jb

Anthony Attard

Jan 19th, 14:19

Jien ghadni ma nistax nifhem kif l-EU ghandha directive fejn tghid li vapur go port ma jistax ihaddem magna bil- HFO............Gonzinu, bil-plant il gdida tal BWSC qed ihaddem 8 magni bil HFO gol port ta Marsaxlokk. Biex hemm din id directive ta' l-EU sinjal li l-HFO huwa ta dannu ghalina........hux ekk?? jew qed tamilni iblah Sur Gonzi??

Paul Cassar

Jan 19th, 14:18

WHAT SHOULD THE PM WITHDRAW:.................."nivvota bil-qalb........................... "..........................650?500e weekly from our money taken behind our backs..............................smart city fiasco.......................white rocks gimmick..................marsa sports ground joke................income tax rebate....................please add......................

Robert Lewis

Jan 19th, 14:18

Dr Gonzi you asked Dr Muscat for an apology when you yourself admitted that it was a mistake taking 500 euro weekly increase hash, hash, (you and your klikka) and kept the money. If one goes to confession the priest will tell him that unless he/she returns back what was taken, the sin will not be pardoned. Yesterday you changed the subject several times because this issue stinks.

Eve Axiaq

Jan 19th, 14:17

Maa x'biza!
Gonzi int f'hames snin ghamilt fuq biljun ewro dejn. Xi bzonn kien hemm li tispara d-dejn il-fuq jekk l-ekonomijakienet sejra hekk tajjeb? Mhux ta b'xejn ir-rapport negattiv ta S&P .

j brincat

Jan 19th, 14:16

@Jonathan Deeley

"I was asthma-free until developing it soon after moving to Malta a decade ago. I do not wish to denigrate Malta as a country by mentioning this effect. The physicians w, that my asthma had materialised as a result of vehicle fumes and dust caused by building work. In my opinion, Dr Muscat"

AND isn't your conclusion, likewise, too much simplistic!!!!

jb

pat muscat

Jan 19th, 14:16

Dr Gonzi should have called an election when he knew that he had lost its majority in July, when the reading was on the wall. The newspaper,s editorial told you early in 2012 that the only way to solve your divisions was through early elections; you did not listen; so Standard and Poor's down graded your finanzi fis-sod!

Wally Vella-Zarb

Jan 19th, 14:16

The KPMG report has so many waivers and disclaimers on page two that they are refusing ownership of the results. What they are saying is effectively "Garbage in, Garbage out. We are not responsible if the data that we were given by the Corporation amounts to garbage". Full report here:

http://www.enemalta.com.mt/enemaltastorage/images/files/miscellaneous/kpmg - presentation.pdf

A. Gauci Cunningham

Jan 19th, 14:13

...KPMG based their results on costings given to it by the Government as clarified in the report. DMV Kema did all the costings itself. Are we saying DMV Kema is wrong? Gonzi shouted "shame" yesterday because the PL said that around 2 of the 3 consultants on Bondi+ were all die-hard Nationalists and politically appointed people. he's doing exactly the same today. Pot. Kettle.Black?

pat muscat

Jan 19th, 14:12

We expect an apology from GonziPn, the week that was, when it introduced the 'finanzi fis-sod billboard', Malta was downgraded to BBB+!
Some finanzi fis-sod when all are saying that with your mismanagement you brought us on our knees!

Marthese Cassar

Jan 19th, 14:12

http://www.neftochim.bg/assets/components/lukoil/pdf/sds-reach/en-fuel-oil-heavy-fuel-oil.pdf

The link above shows that exposure to HFO causes cancer and damage to unborn children-FACT FACT !!!!

m farrugia

Jan 19th, 14:12

pl nobody in his senses is belieiving you except contractor who will win direct tend

j brincat

Jan 19th, 14:11

@oseph borg st john

"Qed jicajta Gonzi mela ma jafx li lewwel prijorita ta Joseph Cyprus Muscat li jsir primistru ta 39"

ANYTHING wrong with that Irish Joe!!!!


jb

m farrugia

Jan 19th, 14:10

pl saying that country' finances are in dire straits and then promising a project of millions worth of euros which have to be paid by us taxpayers ( incorporated in our bills) which will be approx ready at the same time as pipeline funded by eu (from where our country got more than one million claimed by sant & muscat) + promises of budget+promises of free child care-pl please decide

j brincat

Jan 19th, 14:10

@D. Xerri

"The Maltese People ask the PM to withdraw and RETURN BACK the 500 Euro per week increase the PM and his Colleagues have taken for so many months !"

Anzi I would ask another:

Have we EVER been told how much the PM, the Minister and Parliamentary Secretaries refunded from the sum paid to then AND which they themselves agreed to refund?

We're waiting!


jb

A. Gauci Cunningham

Jan 19th, 14:08

Re labour's plan DMV Kema consulted the Govt. too. They gave the costings for the 3 choices. Two of which the PL chose (LNG terminal+pipeline). The Govt. had reports that LNG terminal would be a good option. LNG terminals exist all over the EU. They are not a health hazard according to GonziPN's expert. You still need storage so even PN needs to build the tanks. We need an energy mix....

pat muscat

Jan 19th, 14:08

GonziPN dalwaqt jibdew jghidulna lil dak li johrog mic-cumnija tal-power station hi bhal dak ir-riklam tas-sigaretti li wara gie illegali' ....... cigarettes are cool as a mountain spring'!

pat muscat

Jan 19th, 14:06

Mhux bizzejjed li hallejt li Austin Gatt idahhalna f'basla li gabet lil kulhadd ghalkubtejh bl-ghazla tal-heavyfuel oil flok il-gass; issa se tibda tizbalja int ukoll? Skond l-Inginier pace ' it was political jealousy' that determined whether we should go for gas of this dirty oil. U issa x'inhi l-izkuza l-gdida? Kullhadd jaf li tizbalja darba hu uman imma li tibqa tippersisti?

j brincat

Jan 19th, 14:03

@Mr Joe Micallef

"I challenge ..provide scientific data that corroborates your claim that the lower than average incidence of cancer in the south area is linked to the power stations"

Pipe down with all these challenges. The days of the Musketeers are gone and done with!

And do you really believe that anyone will have the guts to come forward.

I thought you live in Malta!

jb

A.Felix Busuttil

Jan 19th, 14:02

Prof. S Brincast said <IL-KBIR GHADU GEJ>

D. Xerri

Jan 19th, 14:02

PM asks Muscat to withdraw energy plan ...... The Maltese People ask the PM to withdraw and RETURN BACK the 500 Euro per week increase the PM and his Colleagues have taken for so many months !

joseph borg st john

Jan 19th, 14:01

Qed jicajta Gonzi mela ma jafx li lewwel prijorita ta Joseph Cyprus Muscat li jsir primistru ta 39

Victor Laiviera

Jan 19th, 14:01

The usual scaremongering tactics. They are not working.

Marthese Cassar

Jan 19th, 14:00

http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1597

The above is a link to a UK study showing the high incidence of asthma that comes about as a direct result of the sulphur dioxide from power stations operated with HFO. Gonzi, It is you who must apologise for bringing this monster at our door. FACT --HFO CAUSES ASTHMA

Jonathan Deeley

Jan 19th, 13:57

I was asthma-free until developing it soon after moving to Malta a decade ago. I do not wish to denigrate Malta as a country by mentioning this effect. The physicians whom I visited in connection with my condition were all of the same opinion: namely, that my asthma had materialised as a result of vehicle fumes and dust caused by building work. In my opinion, Dr Muscat's analysis is too simplistic

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:56

@J Martinelli

"The chances of getting an apology from Muscat & withdrawing his PS fantasy are as good as an ice-cube's in hell"

On contrary we're waiting for an apology from your GonziPN for the various reason listed in the posts below!!

But will we get them for GonziPN?

Your guess is as good as mine!

Seems you're well acquainted with snow and ice!!!

jb

Daniel Zarb

Jan 19th, 13:56

Gonzi Gonzi the phase 1 turbines at Delimara are spewing more particulates and nitrogen oxides than they should, exceeding the emission limit most of the time. This can be seen on the Enemalta website. Please do us and yourself a favour...STOP TAKING US FOR A RIDE!

Mr Albert Dimech

Jan 19th, 13:56

Perhaps he should have spent the €2.3 million for the bridge to nowhere, on a nation wide study on asthma and cancer, then there would be something on which to base argument for and against. Doctors referred to out dated local studies and foreign studies. There is no recent local research, so the PMs argument is as good as JM's. People in Fgura, Zejtun and M'Xlokk might think otherwise.

A. Gauci Cunningham

Jan 19th, 13:55

.....YOU voted wholeheartedly against a decrease in the bills. YOU said bills would go down if oil prices reach the $80 a barrel. YOU didn't. YOUR Minister called ppl's protests pantos. YOUR Party promised GAS in 1999 and called it "ir-rigal tal-Millenju" YOU did NOTHING. YOU got told by 3 CEOs that the bills were unsustainable. YOU Governed for ten years and YOU have nothing to show for it!

Mr Joe Cardona

Jan 19th, 13:54

Dr L. Gonzi nahseb aktar int ghandek ghala tiskuza ruhek mela Dr J. Muscat. Ghandek tiskuza ruhek fuq Smart City, il-kumpanija tal-Brazil u dik tal-Olanda li suppost kellhom jimpjegaw eluf ta' nies, ghal 500 ewro li hadt int u shadek il-Ministri minn wara dahr il-poplu, ghal gholi tal-prezz tal-gass, petrol, diesel pitrolju, hobz, cement, u aktar u aktar il-kontijiet esagerati tad-dawl u l-ilma.

Mr J Xerri

Jan 19th, 13:53

And where is your energy plan, Dr Gonzi? And are you still going to lower energy tariffs as you promised when you where in Germany, as since then we have heard nothing about this and about what plan is going to be implemented to achieve this reduction in energy tariffs?

R Psaila

Jan 19th, 13:53

No need to be a specialist these days to get to know the most basic things. Just google HFO and cancer and see the results. Technology has made people wiser and more knowledgeable. Gone are the days when politicians in Malta could fool a good chunk of the voters very easily. Unfortunately, not all politicians seem to know this, or else they might still think that we are idiots. Please grow up!!!

B. Farrugia

Jan 19th, 13:52

I think that is very dangerous to downplay the harm powerstation smoke can and will eventually cause,
no one need apologize,
unless it be those who rejected / retracted a gas powered powerstation in the first place.

A. Gauci Cunningham

Jan 19th, 13:52

.....YOU chose the WORST form of fuel. YOU made us guniea Pigs in the process (remember, untried untested?) . YOU were never transparent in the way Enemalta was purchasing oil. YOU got Ene. on its knees (800 million in the red). YOU got reprimanded by S&P's for this "ailing" company. YOU increased our bills by 180%. YOU ignored everyone in the process......

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:51

"Let us all learn from the past and not trust Labour because our achievements are at stake," he said"

What achievment!

Being downgraded to BBB+ by Standard & Poor and so we're no longer in Class A category.

He should have explain to the people what the implication of this means

ANDthe implications are very serious indeed!

But I leave it to the PN apologists to explain them!

jb

Franco Abela

Jan 19th, 13:49

saying that Dr Muscat, unlike rebel PN MP Franco Debono, said he agreed with the budget so could have easily voted in its favour.

CORRECTION... FRANCO VOTED AGAINST BECAUSE HE HAD LOST CONFIDENCE IN YOU

A. Gauci Cunningham

Jan 19th, 13:48

Imma dan possibli ha jibqa jitrattana daqs li kieku ahna cwiec? YOU took the wrong decisions in the energy sector. YOU chose a HFO Plant through a process which stinks to the high heavens. YOU changed the emission laws of Malta to accommodate your choice. YOU chose to negotiate with a company on the World Bank BLACKLIST. YOU changed the tender requirements. YOU gave 4 million in commissions...

Kenneth Williams

Jan 19th, 13:48

Mhux ahjar ghidtlu l bierah wicc imb wicc. Staqsik fuq il power station u bdejt tlaqlaq.Mhux ahjar tohrog b xi proposta forsi nibdew naraw xi haga ta sugu...Ninnutak meta tkun wahdek bomba tkun meta tkun ma Joseph tkun imfixkel

Franco Abela

Jan 19th, 13:48

For several years I used to notice the heavy smoke coming out of the short chimneys of the Marsa Power Station covering Marsa, Paola and the vicinities. NO ONE will ever convince me that this smoke does not contribute to ill health.

B. Farrugia

Jan 19th, 13:47

even air borne dust and particulate matter. Therefore it is highly likely that power-station smoke, including the fuel, (which may not be visible) is harmful to the lungs, thus resulting in the conditions mentioned above. Just because it has not yet been proved in Malta does not mean that this problem does or will not exist.

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:47

@Andre Briffa

"The PL elves are back at work"

Is this ALL you could come up with??

I have no doubt you're on neither side of the fence and not one of the PN acolytes aka as apologists or the

Charlatan's Brigade!

But then there are also trolls!!!


jb

B. Farrugia

Jan 19th, 13:46

also long-term exposure can result in chronic asthma, lung fibrosis, allergies, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Often the patient may not even recognize the condition and diagnosis is delay.
Asthma can worsen under certain atmospheric conditions such as humidity, pollen, fungal spores, temperature, wind direction, gases, acids, and chemicals in the air.....

B Attard

Jan 19th, 13:45

Ara vera ragel ma jisthix il-PM Hemm elf issue li ghandu jitlob apologija dwarhom u dan qatt ma sehh. Irid ikun fadallek iz-zejt f'wiccek....

B. Farrugia

Jan 19th, 13:45

Asthma is due to the exaggerated inflammatory response of the lungs (narrowing of air passages, increase in secretions and swelling of lung tissue). It may cause wheeze and shortness of breath on exertion. Various noxious stimuli are usually to blame, these include chemicals and really anything organic, even the tiniest of amounts can cause start an asthma attack also long-term exposure......

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:42

"Dr Gonzi repeated his intention to vote in favour of the budget if in Opposition, if nothing else was added"

Hypothetical statement!.

If in Opposition HE would NO longer be there!

But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and the eating shows that the PN in Opposition NEVER voted in favour of any Labour's budgets.

And this is history not make belief!!!

So, please!!!!

jb

Tony Borg

Jan 19th, 13:42

Dr Gonzi is like a scarecrow.

He seems to forget that once birds get used to the scarecrow they are not scared of it anymore.

Justin Tabone

Jan 19th, 13:39

Dr Gonzi should apologize first for giving a Eur500 salary increase to himself and all ministers.

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:39

"He referred to the Standard and Poor's downgrade..with the budget so could have easily voted in its favour"

AND when did the PN EVER vote in favour of budget when in Opposition?

Remember 1998???

The PN voted with their lifelong foe (to regain power) so as to bring the legitimate government of Dr Sant, who unlike Gonzi, won the election by MORE than 1500 votes!

jb

Joseph Grech Attard

Jan 19th, 13:37

Dr. Gonzi, EFA, Simon Busuttil & all those invloved in the 'money no problem' false theory should be the ones to apologise to the Maltese nation for having lied and taken us into the Eurozone when crisis had already begun but was not public. What ethics are you talking about PM? Those of your party which took your personal name and made a mess and created more division in Malta because of cliques.

Charlie Formosa

Jan 19th, 13:36

Qed jiprova jamel minn kollox biex jirbah is siggu tal poter. ara vera dawn il politikanti jamlu kollox ghal flus!

Richard Ellul

Jan 19th, 13:35

Cancer and asthma? What about the mizbla at Zurrieq and Maghtab? These were a real problem.

Joseph Attard

Jan 19th, 13:35

Dan bis-serjeta jew?
Mela jridu jivvota favur il-budget, meta il-gvern kien fid-dmir li jara li jkollu maggoranza parlamentari u iridu jirtira l-proposti
Dr Gonzi, lanqas kellek hila tikkonvinci deputat tieghek biex jaqbel miegħek, ser tikkonvinci lil Dr Muscat biex jirtira l-pjanijiet serji tal-PL!
Mid-dehra l-pjan inkwetah

Joseph Micallef

Jan 19th, 13:34

Dr.Gonzi, I challenge you, hands down and with great honour. You don't know what you're saying. There is high probability that there exists a direct link between Heavy Fuel Oils and Cancer. These are facts! Just google it and the first links which come up are of the cancer centre of France. So, apologies for what? In contrary, it's YOU who should apologize for stealing 500 euro a week!

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:34

"Labour's candidate who was the main spokesman on the proposal, he said, was going round saying he would be Energy Minister"

Proof dear PM!

The PL is one united team!


jb

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:33

"Dr Muscat was too much of a risk for the country, he said, adding that the financial service sector which Dr Muscat was praising was at stake because of the effects of Labour's electoral promises on the country's finances."

Has he forgotten the 101 promises made in 2008?

Like the famous 7000 IT jobs in Smart City and the reduction in income tax from 35% to 25% (wef 1/1/2009)!

jb

Alex Cutajar

Jan 19th, 13:32

"Let us all learn from the past and not trust Labour because our achievements are at stake,"

Achievements are not at stake, Achievements were let down under a gonziPN government. Did you forget that we had to register surplus by 2010, and instead we had more debt?

alex - www.alexcutajar.com

Thomas Anderson

Jan 19th, 13:29

Unfortunately Dr Gonzi has a very short memory, did he forget all the scaremongering regarding cancer when Super One put a TV repeater on Rabat MLP club, did anyone from GonziPN apologize for that? Please Mr PrimeMinister could you tell us what are your proposals or is it more of the same, like taking 600Euros a week behind everyone's back?

J Martinelli

Jan 19th, 13:28

The chances of getting an apology from Muscat & withdrawing his PS fantasy are as good as an ice-cube's in hell.
He persists in his mad scheme, using the plight of a cancer stricken family & links their misfortune to the Delimara PS. Statistics deny his claim.
Marsa residents should all be dying of cancer being next door to a PS with low technology and for years was run on coal by the Socialists.

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:28

"Dr Muscat was too much of a risk for the country"

How can Dr Muscat be riskier than him when under him the credit reference agencies (Moodys & Standard and Poor) downgraded us on 5 (five) occasions in the last 2 years.

Now (a couple of days ago) we lost classy A category and have been relegated to second division (BBB+) AND are moving towards 'junk status'.

The pot must be..

jb

Edmond Micallef

Jan 19th, 13:23

Dr Gonzi should apologies to the whole Maltese Nation for voting wholeheartedly for the increase in the utility tariffs, thus burdening the families with increased hardships and economical dilemmas.

And regarding clean air and the environment in general, this administration surely cannot honestly, hand over heart boost of an exemplary or rewarding track record.

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:23

"The Prime Minister also said that Dr Muscat’s energy plan was endangering the country's finances and economy and asked him to withdraw it"

Has he conveniently forgotten that under him and Eddie we have a record public debt of €5 BILLION and a debt servicing of some € 250 million yearly. That's besides the debt of other government entities which reaches some other €1.1 billion!

jb

Jonathan Camilleri

Jan 19th, 13:23

Why does Dr. Gonzi say that the link is incorrect? Has he published a study proving the contrary? What do the technical (rather than the political figureheads) have to say about these plans?

B. Farrugia

Jan 19th, 13:21

The problem of pwer station polution is that one does not know exactly what is coming out of those chimneys, Probably hundrens of complex and organic chemicals, and heavy metals.This concoction is not healthy for sure, neither is it neutral. Therefore it is harmful, howmuch we do not know.Quite a few years would have to pass before studies reveal the true magnitude of the problem.

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:20

"he said experts had said there was no link of any sort"

Was he referring to Dr Stephen Brincat, guess not!!!!

The 'other experts' kept beating about the bush and did not come up with a direct reply. They remained standing on the fence with their petty 'ifs and buts' 'outdated theories','studies only at Fgura', and what have we!!!

But the people who are suffering know!!

jb

Noel Abela

Jan 19th, 13:17

Dr Gonzi yesterday said that taking an increase in his salary of Euro500 was a mistake of the past and that we should put it behind us. What he did not say was that he took this pay rise BEHIND OUR BACKS. Is he man enough to apologise for such a blunder and why does he not confirm that he and his ministers paid back the hush hush pay rise they all took and I say again BEHIND OUR BACKS

Joseph Mizzi

Jan 19th, 13:14

As the clichèd saying goes: all's fair in love and war, dear Prime Minister.

j brincat

Jan 19th, 13:14

"Lawrence Gonzi this morning demanded an apology from..."

OMG - how pathetic?

He should apologise for lumping us with a power station that works on heavy fuel oil which incidentally was found out of the Yellow Pages!

He should apologise cause the obsolete Marsa Power station, which spews black dust, is still on and as a result of which we're paying hefty EU fines!

jb

Mario Buhagiar

Jan 19th, 13:13

just because its not the only source of cancer, doesn't mean it doesn't cause cancer. Cancer is affected by cigarettes, exhaust, pollution, food, type of diet, genetics... but also burning of heavy fuel oil also does cause cancer. Read scientific papers! If we can save a life out of thousand, we should!

Ethelbert Schembri

Jan 19th, 13:12

Experts are saying that cigarettes are the main cause of cancer and Malta has one of the least rates of cancer and asthma incidence.. This is an insult to all those that are suffering from cancer and that they have never come close to a cigarette, so is Dr Gonzi implying that little kids even of few months or days that their parents have never smoked, suffer because they smoke? You must be ashamed

Anthony Lee Baldacchino

Jan 19th, 13:10

Allahares ma tivvutax ma budget li ghamiltu int stess umbad. Iddahhaqnix Prim. Il-Maggoranza tal-poplu nemmen li mhix temnek u mhix se tavdak.

f. zammit

Jan 19th, 13:09

mela f kollox tifhem int . int mohhli qieghed hawn ghax perezz li taf b kollox
u tieghek it tajjeb int jisthoqlok tmexxi lewropa u dinja kollha

Maria Xuereb

Jan 19th, 13:08

Mela inti Dr. Gonzi tista xi darba titlob lil JM jaghmel xi apologija? Inti li ma nafx kemm il-zball ghamilt u ghamilt affarijeit minn wara dahar il-poplu u qatt, qatt u qatt ma tlabt apologija? Kif tista inti tiddimanda apologija. U jekk l-esperti tieghek qed jghidu hekk u ta' JM qed jghidu haga ohra lil min se nemmnu? Lilek li qatt ma ghidt il-verita u s-sewwa imma bil-kontra.

Ronald Cauchi

Jan 19th, 13:05

For a caretaker Prime Minister Gonzi has a lot of cheek.

Joseph Muscat

Jan 19th, 13:04

The Pm holds Labour responsible for S&P downgrade. So as He said yesterday that he will not support the budget vote if labour is in Government and the energy issue is included. By His own measurment, wouldn't He also be responsible for a futher downgrade, or is it simply two weights and two measures.
Both parties should grow up and treat the electorate with much more respect, we are not ignorant.

M Grima

Jan 19th, 13:03

Possibli li b'hekk biss trid tipprova tigbor giehekk billi tbezza lill-polu. Ipokrita!!

K Grech

Jan 19th, 13:03

"Dr Gonzi spoke on the findings of a report compiled by auditors KPMG which concluded that tariffs would increase by five per cent with Labour's proposal."
What about the wastage of money from minister Pullicino on wasteserv? Obviously if Gonzi thinks that PL's members will be as corrupt as PN's, than yeah it will go up by 5%

C. Sammut

Jan 19th, 13:03

What audacity! Unethical is using ex Enemalta employees making healthcare statements on tv!!

M Grima

Jan 19th, 13:02

The politics of fear.That's all Dr. Gonzi has to offer!!

M Grima

Jan 19th, 13:02

Oh, Dr. Gonzi you're going to drown clutching the little straw that you have grabbed. Why don't you focus on your own campaign and your proposals which seem to have evaporated? The only apology this electorate expects is from you and your elves for pocketing €600 a week behind everyone's back and giving is a meagre €1.16 which you have not yet returned.

Shame of you