Gonzi insists on Muscat reply to campaign's 'biggest story'
Building on the fight against cancer
Gonzi insists on Muscat reply to campaign's 'biggest story'. Video: Paul Spiteri Lucas
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning urged the media not to forget "the biggest news item in the electoral campaign", referring to the interview of Anglu Farrugia in The Sunday Times.
Responding to questions during a press conference on the PN's health proposals, Dr Gonzi said Labour leader Joseph Muscat must respond to the "serious allegations" made by Labour's former second in command.
The allegations, Dr Gonzi said, were aggravated by Labour's confirmation and admission that it had met up with "disgruntled" businessmen. Acknowledging that Labour had actually said it met "betrayed" businessmen, Dr Gonzi said this made things even worse.
Dr Gonzi was asked why he was so scandalised with these meetings when his own secretary generals had gone on boat trips with contractor Zaren Vassallo, who was awarded tenders such as the one of the BWSC power station.
Without replying about that case, Dr Gonzi again referred to the allegations made by Dr Farrugia, saying these had "serious implications" and should be responded to by Dr Muscat if he had respect for public opinion.
Asked to explain what he felt was wrong about meeting businessmen, Dr Gonzi said Dr Farrugia made many other allegations, including that he was uncomfortable in the party and that Dr Muscat had committed political murder.
Urging the press to ask Dr Muscat to respond to these questions, he wondered whether the Labour leader would continue to run away from answering.
Building on the fight against cancer
Earlier in the press conference, Dr Gonzi outlined the party's plans to keep fighting cancer, building on the "momentum" of the past five years.
Reiterating his strong belief that Malta could continue to afford free healthcare if it continued to set the right priorities and maintain sound finances, Dr Gonzi said the Government had a "duty" to keep free healthcare sustainable.
Dr Gonzi again slammed Dr Muscat for not retracting his claim that the Delimara power station was a cancer factory. In fact, Malta had the second lowest cancer incidence rate and the seventh lowest cancer mortality rate, said Dr Gonzi.
He said the national screening centre had already widened its remit from breast cancer to include colon cancer. In the next legislature this would also be extended to cervix screening as well as other age groups. The centre had so far screened 15,000 women and saved more than 160 lives by tracing cancer early.
Dr Gonzi also boasted about increasing services to cancer patients in the Gozo hospital, saying he was proud of what had been achieved so far. Asked about criticism by Dr Stephen Brincat, who had resigned citing differences, Dr Gonzi urged Dr Brincat to remain active in society and said that despite the administrative issues Dr Brincat raised, Gozo patients were now being treated without having to cross to Malta.
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating," he added.
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Alfred Falzon
Feb 7th, 10:39
Whatever one might think re d outcome of this election, all is pointing 2 a victory by default for reasons that many have come 2 acknowledge.
It's d time d PN spent in power, it's its implosion 4 muzzling outspoken MPs, it's d way its delegates castigate all those who dare stand up & b counted, various cases of alleged corruption (still to b proven), d arrogance of some of its Ministers,...
aaf
M. Baron
Feb 7th, 08:11
Many would beg to differ, the biggest news item in the electoral campaign is the OILGATE scandal!
C Galea
Feb 6th, 21:13
to me the biggest scandal is the alleged allegations re oil commissions which the police said that they have got a lot of evidence towards it
Nazzareno Cortis
Feb 6th, 20:47
Dear Gonzi
The majority of maltese have long ago decided to whom they will vote in the coming election.
PN has manipulated people's minds for long years
Enough is enough
Even deciding to make the longest electoral campaign turned against you and the PN
People are fed up of daily political talks for so long periods of time!
Looking at your last year in power,early elections were the best outcome!
M. Grech
Feb 6th, 20:29
Dr Gonzi, they say that someone who is in a whole should stop digging! Nobody believes you anymore.
Victor Laiviera
Feb 6th, 19:52
This must surely rate as the biggest gaffe of the campaign to date. Biggest story indeed!
Mr Stephen Borg
Feb 6th, 19:46
It is more then obvious that Dr Lawrence Gonzi is making an issue out of Dr Anglu Farrugia interview to make us forget what happened in the last five years and to make us forget the Enemalta oil procurement scandal. You may have succeeded one or twice Lawrence Gonzi to take us for a ride but now we know you very well and cannot believe you any longer.
James Grech
Feb 6th, 19:42
Dear PN acolytes, the issue with businesses was that only the hand-picked ones were getting the tenders, while the others remained empty handed. What the PL is saying is that it will allow them to work by reducing bureaucracy and allowing a level playing-field. The PL means business but there are no strings attached, infact theyre committed to introduce a number of laws to reduce corrupt practices
charles flask
Feb 6th, 19:35
Oh yes!! According to GonziPN this is what it is important, the subject of the discussions between Muscat and the business community. We common people can only think and talk on this. Clear? Can any good leader worth this title exclude discussing jobs, investment and new ways to improve things with businessmen? Seems Dr. Gonzi missed this and look how unpopular and unconvincing he is getting.
James Grech
Feb 6th, 18:59
Why isn't Dr.Gonzi comfortable with publishing the PN's accounts for the past legislature? The ppl have the right to know how much money the PN garnered over these years and most importantly where the money was spent. I believe that PN candidate Antoine Borg is the financial controller for the PN. In the name of transparency and accountability, he can shed some light over this issue.
Joe M Borg
Feb 6th, 19:37
Why is MUSCAT uncomfortable to answer all the questions about Anglu's serious allegations? The ppl have the RIGHT to know the answers.Joseph can RUN, but he CANNOT HIDE! If there is NOTHING wrong with PL, why is Joseph hiding???????????????
Joseph Grech Attard
Feb 6th, 18:33
Is Dr. Gonzi being serious when he says that the campaign's biggest story is that of Dr. Farrugia, whom his deputy leader had already criticised his position when he was in the police force? So far, the biggest story is surely Enemalta. But maybe Dr. Gonzi & Co are not visitng any more kitchens to hear what the ordinary citizen thinks. Does he want to divert our attention? Maltese, open your ears
Joe M Borg
Feb 6th, 19:38
YOU are diverting OUR attention from Anglu's accusations.
Joe Grech
Feb 6th, 18:27
Statement 1 - Dr Farrugia made other allegations, including that he was uncomfortable in the party and that Dr Muscat committed political murder.
Statement 2 - Gonzi's grumbling backbenchers made other allegations, including that they were uncomfortable in the party and that Dr. Gonzi committed political murder.
The second Statement is more truthful
And Gonzi used Taxpayer Money to shut them up!
Joe M Borg
Feb 6th, 19:40
You are wrong! PN backbenchers were 'fired' by the PN councillers. Anglu was fired by Joseph alone! Anglu was elected by the Councillors, but FIRED by Joseph. Not very democratic. Another thing: The backbenchers diverted from PN strategy, and moved away. Anglu WAS STILL LOYAL, and WAS MURDERED! Great difference there!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 6th, 18:13
Is Gonzi serious? I know he is desperate, but to ignore the oil purchase scandal involving millions of Euros is just unbelievable. This man has cheek. He is twisting facts and creating a big noise about nothing. Did not Gonzi and Simon meet businessmen in their meetings with the Maltese? For his own good, he needs to stop repeating the Farrugia mantra before he makes himself dizzy.
Joe M Borg
Feb 6th, 19:43
What is Joseph twisting, then? Anglu called him 'liar'; 'cheat', and 'political murderer'. WHY is he running away from questions? At the start of the campaign, he told journalists 'Ask we whatever you want, and I will answer.' NOW they are asking, and he stammers. Another lie! Is Joseph serious?????
Victor Mallia
Feb 6th, 18:07
So for our dear Prime Minister A scandal that could cost approx 30 million Euros in illegal commissions is secondary to a news known to everyone!!
Sam Torp
Feb 6th, 18:04
"Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning urged the media not to forget "the biggest news item in the electoral campaign", referring to the interview of Anglu Farrugia in The Sunday Times." Who is this guy trying to fool? If we continue with him then it will remain the same landscape of oligarchs.
Mario Tabone
Feb 6th, 18:02
The stench of corruption and favouritism is already relevant and JM is not even in power yet.
This clearly shows that these disgruntled contractors could not dictate or corrupt the PN in government and have now, by JM's own admission turned to the PL and their leader. It also looks that they may already have their claws attached deeply within the party leadership.
Nothing has changed with the PL
I Mercieca
Feb 6th, 17:47
Jekk dak li qal Dr. Anglu Farrugia, li hemm finanzjament qawwi minn kuntratturi li bosta minnhom ma nqdewx u ma hadux li riedu mill-PN mhux minnu, allura ghala Muscat u shabu qed jaharbu li jwiegbu?
Jekk mhux veru ghajdu car u tond li Dr. Farrugia Giddieb.
Jekk il-MLP jibqa fil-muta allura ta min veru jithasseb li Dr. Farrugia jaf hafna x'qed jigri u x'qed jigi mwieghed.
peppino schembri
Feb 6th, 18:01
Since when are the P.N. so concerned about the big contracors and about what Dr. Farrugia have to say? Probably they had an electoral campain built around the fact that Farrugia could not be the ideal vice prime minister. However, imsieken now they feel very sorry that Mr. Farrugia had to resign. You are not credible any more
Joe M Borg
Feb 6th, 19:46
peppino. Since Anglu revealed that Joseph is a liar and cheat! Weren't PL feeling 'very sorry' for Franco?? Imsieken! The mud you threw has returned to haunt you. Now it's PL's time to taste the mud.
Edgar Gambin
Feb 6th, 17:40
Seems to Labour supporters that what Anglu said is irrelevant . JM has some explanations to give about these allegations coming from his deputy elected by the Labour general conference. Hats off for JM's transparency and accountability.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 6th, 18:13
What allegations?
Edgar Gambin
Feb 6th, 17:28
Seems to Labour supporters that what Anglu said is irrelevant . JM has some explanations to give about these allegations coming from his deputy elected by the Labour general conference. Hats off for JM's transparency and accountability.
m. borg (slm)
Feb 6th, 18:17
If you follow Joseph daily activity you would have got your answer.
Please could anyone of you including gonzi tell us who these businessmen Anglu mentioned are.
NO, because it is a stupid little idiocy by Anglu who as a lawyer knows better than name names.
Like the Martini advert goes, NO NAMES NO EXISTANT
Alfred Falzon
Feb 7th, 09:45
m. borg (slm)
"a stupid little idiocy by Anglu"
First you felt scandalised and hurt by what d PN vindictively did to Dr Franco Debono...
Then you have the cheek to call Dr Angelo Farrugia, stabbed in the back by a Brutus for defending the weak against d strong and almighty, "stupid" and "idiot"!
HYPOCRISY at its WORST!
SHAME!
Alfred A Falzon
Ronald Cauchi
Feb 6th, 17:25
What happens inside the labour Party is the business of the Labour Party and the electorate. It certainly isnt Dr Gonzi's business as leader of the PN. Maybe hes run out of impossible and improbable promises.
Anthony Mizzi
Feb 6th, 17:24
Gonzi's 'biggest story' must certainly be describing a €49,000,000 deficit as being "IRRELEVANT" and just a drop in the ocean!
Is this guy real?
Victor Laiviera
Feb 6th, 17:18
"Of course, the centre should have been part of the original plans, thus saving considerable sums in extra public funds, but that is now history, and the challenges of the future are enough to cope with."
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090802/letters/cancer-centre-near-mater-dei-hospital.267779
thomas hedley
Feb 6th, 17:07
What a story Gonzi has nothing much to say he is only running away from much bigger issues the scandals of corruption from every where every where they touch is corrupt as for the cancer clinic youshould know Dr Gonzi that should have been ready with the Mater Day the Maltese paid for it and your corrupt freinds ran away money and all Let us be and take Dr Debono s advice Go hide youself
Michael Magri
Feb 6th, 17:02
Sur Prim Ministru, Please.. Se `ddum tghid cucati politici jahasra.. Allura issa wasalna fl-estremita assurda li `nkesksu `l-gurnalisti bejniethom billi tiddettawlhom int fuqhiex jistaqsu ecc..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julian Grech
Feb 6th, 17:01
Jien nahseb li 'biggest news item' ijja l-hmieg li hiereg tax-xiri taz-zejt taht it-tmexxija tieghu. Jien nahseb li biggest story kienet sena shiha ta franco jattakkah u ma jwiegeb xejn
Anthony Mizzi
Feb 6th, 17:29
Dak IRRELEVANTI ghal Gonzi , bhal Franco Debono, Jesmond Mugliette, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando........
cesco di luigi
Feb 6th, 16:47
If this was the campaign's biggest story, what is the biggest story of the last 5 years? That's what we're voting for. Arriva? BWSC? Smart City? Franco Debono? Oil contratcs? Court corruption? Whistleblowers without whistles? Million here and million there?
R. Lewis
Feb 6th, 16:42
1+1=2. No wonder we never strike oil. We are always told either we were close or the amount is not sustainable. One has to be very stupid to declare that we struck oil, God only knows how many rich people there are involved in this scandal. I bet that now the first Oil Drilling Company who takes a go, will have positive results.
Joseph Gauci
Feb 6th, 16:40
Dr.Gonzi, jahasra......ahseb ftit. Kif tista tahseb li tista tibqa tbella r-ross bil-labra? Din ta Anglu mhux se trebhek elezzjoni. Il-poplu matur u m'ghadux tali li jibla dawn il-hmerijiet, you're making a fool of yourself biex tagevola nies madwarek li zbaljaw bil kbir fl-ahhar snin!
Ronnie Callus
Feb 6th, 16:21
Dr.Gonzi speak seriously to us about the corruption galore and not this trivial matter which is being inflated by you and Simon to deviate us from the more serious issues.
Peter Simpson
Feb 6th, 16:07
Never before had so many citizens paid such exorbitant electrcity bills for the benefit of the few!
This is the greatest scandal ever to hit Malta...and probably for years to come too!
M Borg
Feb 6th, 18:10
Are you referring to the bills that are being paid in the UK, because if you are, you are right.
The rates being paid in the UK now are the highest . They were never so high !!
Did you complain to your government?. I do not think that your MP read Times online
Alfred Falzon
Feb 6th, 19:14
The "greatest scandal ever to hit Malta" is the irresponsible way d PL leadership is trying 2 please developers interested in Hondoq ir-Rummien by saying that d PL's past development project for this pristine site will b shelved AS PROPOSED, but refuses 2 state which other proposals it has in mind once in power!
It seems this does not d least bother u from your comments posted on other blogs!
aaf
R Axisa
Feb 6th, 16:03
Dr Gonzi wants JM to answer to 'the biggest story'. Did he answer to the much biggest stories by JPO, Mugliette and most of all Franco Debono? His answer was that Franco is irrelevant. We're no fools any more.
Ronnie Callus
Feb 6th, 16:01
Dr.Gonzi ! the answer to your query has been given to you by Franco Debono in yesterdays interview on the media. Franco has drawn your attention a number of times to pass the necessary law, but you shelved it on. Now blame yourself and not others.
A Dimech
Feb 6th, 16:00
Biggest Story?!! ha ha; according to the discredited PM; discredited by his own party!
the biggest story is the corruption within Enemalta, adn the fact that PN has not made one serious suggestion for the next 5 years!!
Rachel Spiteri
Feb 6th, 15:59
Dear Dr Gonzi. Biggest story for me isn't definetly this one. what i`m worried about are a lot of things, starting from the 500 euro rise which you & your gang took from our taxes. you said it was a mistake and that the money was put back, put i`m sorry we have no evidence to show this. And if you say that this is a political murder, what you did in these 5 years is a national murder!
Pippo de Marco
Feb 6th, 15:57
The PM is surprised and upset to discover that his usual supporters could even consider an alternative to him.
The real surprise is he didn't see it coming. - But then he is divorced from reality and only hears what he wants to hear, or what his clique tells him.
Should have handed-over the batton and given the party a chance of victory. - Enjoy your retirement Dr Gonzi.
M BUHAGIAR
Feb 6th, 16:21
100% agree
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 6th, 18:15
Well said.
Eddy Privitera
Feb 6th, 15:55
Isn't it amazing, that dr. Gonzi and Simon Busuttil, just want to talk about the man GonziPN has despised for the last 5 years - Anglu Farrugia - while keeping their mouth shut about the oil corruption scandals. And the Zaren Vassallo's SUPER DONATIONS to GonziPN's campaign !
Alfred Falzon
Feb 6th, 18:17
And what about you and PL opportunists and PN turncoats?
You have all derided Dr Anglu Farrugia!
Your past & present comments bear witness to d hypocrisy within PL elements that treat other Party members like trash, following in their new Leader's footsteps!
So far, we have 2 Labour stalwarts who oppose such deceit: Dr Toni Abela & Dr Cardona. They have both been bold to speak out on TVM!
aaf
James Grech
Feb 6th, 15:45
The PM urges the PL to publish their accounts when these have been doing this for ages. It is the PM that must, if he holds transparency and accountability close to heart, urge his party to publish the accounts for these last 2 legislatures. The PM also seems to totally forget minister Gatt, who has been quite close to the stench of corrupt practices. Debono's words cont. to linger on & on!
James Grech
Feb 6th, 15:39
Why does the PM continue with this rant and spin on what Anglu Farrugia said? Everyone and sundry interested in forming an intelligent opinion abt this whole issue should read what Anglu said, like I did. When I hear the PM talk, he tends to blow issues out of proportion using incoherent and inconsistent statements. This increasingly shows a PM driven by a sense of panic and irrationality.
Raymond Cutajar
Feb 6th, 15:35
Dear P. M. Dr. L. Gonzi could you please show true statman's substance and not Nuna's ( that's Maltese for kinder school ) politics ?
The biggest story of the decade is here !
and you know what it means Dr . Gonzi .Tell journalist to follow without blinkers and another surprise of maladministration surely find a place at the top of the growing list
X. J, u Liberta
R. De Giorgo
Feb 6th, 15:35
Dr.Gonzi said that "the biggest news item in the electoral campaign",is Anglu Farrugia's interview in The Sunday Times!!!!!!!!
Dr.Gonzi wants us all to forget everything we've heard about the "OIL COMMISIONS SCANDAL".....who knows why?????
Iz-Zejt Tiela f'Wicc l-ilma Dr.Gonzi....GAME OVER ...
joanna farrugia
Feb 6th, 15:26
first publish all party accounts + names and then let us to decide.
Eddy Privitera
Feb 6th, 15:57
Joanna Farrugia: If the had no qualms cooking the country's books, are you ready to believe that they will not cook their own party's books ???
James Tyrrell
Feb 6th, 15:14
No mention of Gatt here. I wonder why? Does Gonzi think the people have forgotten?
K CASSAR
Feb 6th, 15:13
Gonzi pn have so little to show for their time in government an so many scandals that they are forced to use a one off situation of pl to alienate the public. Bad idea. Those who have felt on their skin the meaning of gonzi pn will no doubt ignore anything said by a man with zero credibility like lawrence gonzi!!
M Borg
Feb 6th, 16:08
Are you living in our world or on another planet ? Do you follow world news ?
If you try to find what is happening outside of this little island I am sure you will think differently.
Go on... read follow the news !
Michael Magri
Feb 6th, 15:12
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning urged the media not to forget "the biggest news item in the electoral campaign", referring to Dr A. Farrugia `s interview.
Ara Veru Qtajt Qalbek Ta. Possibli li trid tiddevja u tinheba wara x`qal Dr Anglu Farrugia u tahseb li m`ghandniex naghtu kaz it-tqanzih tieghek u ta shabek.!
Allura din m`hi xejn hlief AMMISSJONI li m`ghandkom XEJN SOD xi tghidu.
Peppi Borg
Feb 6th, 15:11
Dear Gonzi stop insulting our intelligence.You and your oligarchy are not only responsible for serious allegations but for the hardships me and my family, like many others had to endure since your appointment.
D Axisa
Feb 6th, 15:09
Yetserday Dr. Franco Debono stated that there was a person working with PBS present when Dr. Gonzi told Dr. Debono that he wasn't attacking Labour. Whos is this person dear Prime Minister?
Peppi Borg
Feb 6th, 15:06
The last attempt for Gonzi to stop the hemorrhage within his party is to twist facts. His words are nothing more than a clear sign of panic infront of an ever growing movement.
Albert Scicluna
Feb 6th, 14:52
Dr Gonzi First Clean your House then look at others please.
peppino schembri
Feb 6th, 14:47
Dr. Gonzi can u kindly tell the people of Fgura what are the plans for the Wied Blandun area? The P.N who is so fond of creating public areas, first expolited the valley by dumping ruble in the area due to a goverment project, then left it in a derelict state.This does not cause cancer, but is acceptable by the P.N
Mr Aaron Sammut
Feb 6th, 14:45
Campaign's 'biggest story' ? ........bigger than your failures and inability to fight corruption? Bigger than the financial mess you have left the country in? You're joking Gonz, right?.... please tell us that you're joking
Victor Laiviera
Feb 6th, 14:42
The fact that Lawrence Gonzi considers Anglu Farrugia's tantrums and foot-stamping as a bigger story than the Oil Purchasing Commissions Scandals speaks volumes.
No wonder nothing effective was done to curb corruption.
Alfred Falzon
Feb 6th, 18:31
Yes, d backstabbing of Dr Anglu Farrugia by Brutus is much more tainted than what happened to Dr Franco Debono when he was banned from contesting d elections on d PN's behalf!
Dr Ang Farrugia was crudely disposed of & reduced to a scapegoat with many so-called PL members clapping at d sight of Dr Muscat patting gleefully his replacement on d back & acting as if "businesss as usual"!
SHAME!
aaf
Malcolm Farrugia
Feb 6th, 14:42
All the "Prime minister" is doing is showing more evidence of how much panic stands in his court. GonziPn is doing his worst to try to undermine PL's electoral proposals, alas unsuccessfully!
peppino schembri
Feb 6th, 14:39
Dear Dr. Gonzi do you still beleive that the real big issue in this electoral campain is what Anglu Farrugia said about Dr. Muscat. It is a pitty loosing the gurnalist's and your precious time doing press conferences to highlight such plea. Who knows, Dr. Gonzi forgot about who nearly used to take all the contracts not long time ago ?????
Peppi Borg
Feb 6th, 14:34
The last attempt for Gonzi to stop the hemorrhage within his party is to twist facts. His words are nothing more than a clear sign of panic infront of an ever growing movement.
Ethelbert Schembri
Feb 6th, 14:25
And why didn't Gonzi never really explained to us why his messed up govt was the first and only govt from the independence to date that was ousted by a vote of confidence by one of his own MPs that raised many questions that never got any answer from the PN. Many PN MP raised questions about the wrong way the PN is Governing yet we never heard anything answer about those from Gonzi !
Joseph Bonnici
Feb 6th, 14:17
That's a bit rich from someone whose two consecutive general secretaries went holidaying on a yacht with one of Malta's leading contractors and his Minister of finance went to watch a football game with two of Malta's most prominent business man on a private jet. Dear Prime Minister what's good for the goose is good for the gender and stop insulting our intelligence.
Ethelbert Schembri
Feb 6th, 14:16
For me the bigest news of this campaign were primarily 3 - The well prepared PL's energy plan that will effectively reduce the energy bills and give us ALL cleaner air... the disgusting oil scandal that the PN must answer a lot about it .. and the difference between the PL and the PN, the positivity and clear holistic plan for the future of the PL and on the other side the negativ clouded PN
Mr Joe Cardona
Feb 6th, 14:16
Dr L. Gonzi nahseb il-poplu mhux ta' Dr A. Farrugia irid jisma imma dwar il-commission tax-xiri taz-zejt, ghala flok gass haddimt il-power station mill-heavy fuel oil li fisser li qriedt l-ambjent, l-gholi tal-prezzijiet fid-dawl u ilma, petrol, diesel, pitrolju, gass u medicina li minn jixtriha minghand l-ispizeriji jiehu biss dak kif jixtrija l-gverm. Il-poplu mhux mohhu fil-hmerijiet.
N. Aquilina
Feb 6th, 14:09
Nahseb il PN jahsbu li kullhadd bhalhom cioe li il meetings mal business man ikunu biss biex jitolbu il flus u il pjaciri! Ghalhekk ghandkom din il percezzjoni, ghax tafu inthom x'kontu u x'ghadkom tghamlu, imma taf tisthi Dr. Gonzi, ghamel bhall ma qalleb Franco il bierah u x'hin jissemmew dawn l affarijiet mur stahba! Kemm tahsibna boloh ghid!
marius mifsud
Feb 6th, 14:07
there's something very fishy between austin gatt anfd the priminister! the priminister should be very careful what he says so as not to ....... - franco debono- yesterday
Joe Busuttil
Feb 6th, 14:05
"biggest story...' Keep them coming,Gonzi. The jokes,I mean..
M Grima
Feb 6th, 14:03
Vera li wasal il-karnival ghax Dr. Gonzi qed jahseb li tista titnellah bin-nies b'din il-manjiera!!!
C Falzon
Feb 6th, 13:56
GonziPN int meta ser tirrispondi ghal dak li qallek Franco Debono????
P Micallef
Feb 6th, 13:54
Irid jiddetta lill-gurnalisti ghaliex li storja ta' Anglu Farrugia ma qabditx art u diga' sfumat. L-istejjer li ghadhom jaharqu huma l-korruzzjoni fix-xiri taz-zejt, l-iskandlu tal-power station tal-BWSC, tal-kuntrattur li hadem b'xejn lil Tonio Fenech u tal-ex seg privat tieghu, il-vaganzi tas-segretarji generali tal-PN fuq il-yacht ta Zaren Vassallo etc. Fuq dawn irid jkunu jafu l-eletturi.
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Feb 6th, 13:36
The biggest campaign stories are the allegations of various commissions and donations of millions of euro which occurred under GonziPN Government.
The millions and millions of euro of National Debt that under GonziPN increased by 40 per cent.
The 200 millions euro interest that the country is paying each year for the debts made under various PN Governments.
And the many precarious jobs.
Kenneth Williams
Feb 6th, 13:35
Jista Dr Anglu farrugia jghidli min kien ser jiffinnanzja il kampanja tieghu????? Jew ma sab lill hadd.
j brincat
Feb 6th, 13:34
"Dr Gonzi was asked why he was so scandalised with these meetings when his own secretary generals had gone on boat trips with contractor Zaren Vassallo, who was awarded tenders such as the one of the BWSC power.."
Without replying about that case, Dr Gonzi again referred to the allegations..."
Therefore, another futile exercise of beating about the bush!
So, what's new?
jb
j brincat
Feb 6th, 13:31
Joe Pace Asciak
"Lill-businessmen, esponent ewlieni Laburista qalilhom: Gvern Laburista gdid jiddetta l-agenda u intkom imxu kif nghidulkom ahna. Aqra:...... bla! bla! bla!
Facts, please and NOT figment of one's fogged imagination!
Substantiate you statement further so that we may follow you.
In absence of this the we say you're merely another GonziPN apologist!
jb
Michael Gatt
Feb 6th, 13:16
The biggest story is the refusal to change to gas energy and continue with heavy fuel oil and commisions paid on it
A Spiteri
Feb 6th, 13:15
the slogan of this election...
VOTE JOSEPH...GET GONZI!
two sides of the same unworthy coin!
Chris Balzan
Feb 6th, 13:13
Haha! Campaign's biggest story!
The biggest stories of this campaign are (amongst others):
How much will the interconnector cost?
How much will the tariff rate cost? (Day and Night)
How will the out-of-stock medicine problem be tackled?
How will LSA's and teachers be aided in their work?
How can we trust you when you and minister Fenech failed in each financial target for the past 5 years!?!?
Peter Simpson
Feb 6th, 13:10
Mela l-gurnalisti tal-Press iridhom ikunu pappagalli tieghu? Diga kellna lil Dr Franco Debono li qal li mhux behsiebu ikun l-pappagal ta Bondi: u nahseb li bi dritt m'huma pappagalli ta hadd.
Nahseb wahda mill-aqwa kampanji elettorali fejn l-press qed taghmel vera xoghol professjonali b'kalibru u kultura ta fairness daqs dawkk Ewropej . Proset!
S Farrugia
Feb 6th, 13:03
Dr Gonzi, pls don't insult our intelligence. It is us who decide which is the biggest story. And according to me the biggest story is still infolding at the Polce HQ's.
Roger Mifsud
Feb 6th, 13:02
Roger Mifsud:
The biggest story of the campaign is that a government minister was, for the first time ever, called by the police to answer questions about oil purchases kickbacks. And the government has had no reply to the situation. It is dragging its feet on the corruption claims, waiting for the election date to pass. GonziPN is seeing the long campaign it engineered, working against it.
Joe Pace Asciak
Feb 6th, 12:55
Lill-businessmen, esponent ewlieni Laburista qalilhom: Gvern Laburista gdid jiddetta l-agenda u intkom imxu kif nghidulkom ahna. Aqra: min jazzarda jghid kontrina, inwarbuh. Dak li l-Labour qed jipproponi fil-qasam tal-kummerc hi versjoni aggornata ta’ policies qodma (tnehhi t-tlellix). Public-private partnerships bil-public jiddetta. Lill-businessmen (mhux tal-Moviment gdid): oqoghdu attenti.
Michael Gatt
Feb 6th, 13:17
Go and tell this to the marine forsi jemmnuk
A Borg
Feb 6th, 13:58
and where did you read this?... cause everyone can make up something like that!
B. Theuma
Feb 6th, 12:55
Campaign's biggest story! Go tell that to the marines Dr.Gonzi. These statements show a total disrespect to the voters' intelligence.
Kif jghid il-Malti, min ikun qed jeghreq anke ma' tibna jipprova jaqbad biex isalva !
Joseph Aquilina
Feb 6th, 12:54
PN and Gonzi are far more credible then lejber and Muscat on the fight against corruption. You hear a news on corruption and Gonzi reports it to the police. You hear a news on corruption and Joseph Muscat FIRST checks if he can politically benefit from it, THEN he decided what to do. For example while PN kicked a mayor out on corruption, Joseph Muscat gave him PRIME TIME ON LEJBER MEDIA!!
Wenzu Cole
Feb 6th, 13:20
"PN and Gonzi are far more credible then lejber and Muscat on the fight against corruption."
Where is the whistleblower's act, where is the party financing bill???? That is how you really prevent corruption.
"You hear a news on corruption and Gonzi reports it to the police."
After a newspaper reports the news you mean. After all these years of alleged kickbacks it had to be a newspaper to break
R Casha
Feb 6th, 13:26
I'll just remind you of the whistle blower's act! GonziPN didn't want it...
You're just mentioning one small case of corruption at which time he was innocent...as he had to undergo the court case. But I'll remind you of the BWSC, Enemalta, €600 raise per wk from behind ppl's back, MEPA permits, Zaren Vassallo, and the list goes on and on. Gonzi is more credible than Joseph?!?! My foot!
Thomas Anderson
Feb 6th, 14:05
There was no need for Dr Gonzi to ask the police to investigate, the police are duty bound to investigate without being asked. On another note, Cabinet is discussing if any one should get a pardon in the oil purchasing scandal, isn't this a conflict of interest when members of the same Cabinet may be implicated?
Mr B Vella
Feb 6th, 12:52
The biggest news is not what anglu said but what Franco Debono wrote during the last 2 years.....!!
Joseph Gauci
Feb 6th, 12:52
Jien nixtieq kieku l-prim ministru jirrispondi x'konnessjoni kellhom dawk it-tlett negozzjanti kbar li kellhom l-assi ta tnax il-kumpanija kollha ffrizati l-bierah in konnessjoni mal l-iskandlu tal-procurement taz-zejt. Ghidilna ghax dawn zgur mhux hbieb tal-PL u l-flus li hadu f'commisions sequhom lilna. Mela tipprova thammeg lil Joseph Muscat kemm hsibtuh cuc lil poplu Malti.
Paul Zammit
Feb 6th, 12:48
u ejja gonz. Lets get down to serious business rather than gossip. Tell me .. what's to be done about research in Malta? Soon to be the only sustainable industry anywhere in the west and there isn't a hint of it in Malta ... that's what I wanna see tackled mela AF u hekk ...
J Mifsud
Feb 6th, 12:48
Biggest story? lol...I thought the biggest story is the PN electoral program! So after all the PN program is not so much important. PPL who are floaters and young voter do not care what Anglu said, they want to see the plans for the next 5 years. the politics of fear are over.
T Zara
Feb 6th, 12:44
Three words, FRANCO DEBONO IRRELEVANTI!
Joseph Aquilina
Feb 6th, 12:52
You said it yourself! Couldn't agree more!
Ian Scicluna
Feb 6th, 12:43
Planet Earth calling Prime Minister Gonzi...
Do you read us?
I repeat, planet Earth calling Prime Minister Gonzi ... do you read us? ... over ...
Planet Earth calling Prime Minister .... over ...
Are you receiving us Dr. Gonzi? ... over
Alfred Vassallo
Feb 6th, 13:00
No. He is Off Tune as always.
Joe Griscti
Feb 6th, 12:35
Minalih in nies inessijom billi joqod jiffoka fuq anglu. Anglu ma qal xejn hazin billi qal emm hbib kuntratturi. Partit tal haddiem u min ihaddem. Il pl ma hax 350 000 mand xi kuntrattur bhalkom.
marius mifsud
Feb 6th, 12:35
yeah right! this person never ceases to amaze me! did you hear franco debono yesterday!?did you watch the debate between Dr toni abela versus dr simon busutil and pierre portelli! and what about frank portelli diatribes against institutionalized corruption under gonzipn! and the 350,000 euro donation from the most famous contructor in malta. and the 1,200000 euros debt written off?
Peter Simpson
Feb 6th, 12:30
..... il-commissions taz-zejt mhumiex importanti ghalik vera, imma importanti ghalina li hallasna u qed inhalsu l-kontijiet gholjin li farkuna! L-akbar skandlu fl-istorja Maltija u irridu bi dritt nafu x'hemm mistur warajh!
Ronald Borg
Feb 6th, 12:30
Campain's biggest story LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dottor Gonzi, the biggest storiy here is how you have not managed to lead your team to the extent that you could not even vote a budget home!!
Or does the oil scandal topple it? not sure!
D Borg
Feb 6th, 12:26
Same old story...
Labour accuses PN, and PN accuses Labour, WITHOUT ANY of them shouldering their responsibilities for their respective abuse.
Another reason why AD needs to be in parliament, so that everyone starts answering, assume the responsibilities, and finally effectively deter, if not eradicate, the abuses.
Rather than Bondi, Peppi, Pierre &Co., it would be better have Cacopardo hosting
Mary Rose Grech
Feb 6th, 12:26
Sewwa jighdu li l-ispizjar milli jkollu jtik Dr Gonzi u l-bella kumpanija
Eve Axiaq
Feb 6th, 12:15
Il magna tal-propaganda minn wara l-kwinti ta Augostino Pio, RCC..... qed tahdem. Qalulu biex jitfa l-attenzjoni kollha fuq Anglu.
Augostino Pio suppost jaf bhal maggoranza tal- poplu li the biggest news during the electoral campaign is the Enemalta oil scandal.
Joseph Aquilina
Feb 6th, 12:48
Let us talk on the Enemalta scandal; tell me what did Gonzi do? He went to the police and told them to investigate. You get the news about the scandal because Gonzi made sure that truth comes out!! What did Joseph do? I am surprised he did not give air time to the accused like he did with a major that got kicked out of PN because of corruption! Gonzi are more credible in the fight on corruption!
Eve Axiaq
Feb 6th, 13:10
@Aquilina
Il-pulizija m'ghandhomx bzonn lil Gonzi biex jghidilhom jinvestigaw. Allahares l-investigazzjonijiet jimxu kif qed tghid int. Jidhirli li l-ahbar sirna nafu biha bis-sahha ta Savior Balzan u mhux ta Gonzi. Issa Gonzi wara li beza jdahhal il WB act gej bil mahfra. Mahfra li trid tittiehed mil kabinett b'Austin Gatt prezenti fejn dan ta l-ahhar baghtu ghalih id-depot. Dik it-trasparenza?
Wenzu Cole
Feb 6th, 12:13
campaign's biggest story.............. please!!!!
So the PM considers this to be bigger then his electoral progam.
Well done Dr. Gonzi
Daniel Zarb
Feb 6th, 12:10
What cheek Dr Gonzi! You never seize to surprise me.
Joseph Aquilina
Feb 6th, 12:49
and I guess the the two or three promises a day of Alfred Sant ... I mean Joseph Muscat (sorry still get confused) do not surprise you at all!!
Robert Vella
Feb 6th, 12:09
Hypocrisy at its best
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Feb 6th, 12:08
A case of two weights, two measures for Lawrence Gonzi?
Joseph Aquilina
Feb 6th, 12:52
Nope; he reported the corruption case to the police! What did Joseph Muscat do when a mayor was accused of corruption? Let me remember ... ah yes now I remember ... he gave him PRIME TIME ON LEJBER MEDIA!
How can you trust such Joseph Muscat to be PM, Joseph Muscat who really - and this is a fact - puts two weights on cases of corruption depending on whether he can politically benefit out of it!
A Vella
Feb 6th, 12:08
I think the biggest story in this acmpaign are the allegations regarding the procurement of oil
VV Bartolo
Feb 6th, 12:07
is the Prime MInister serious about Dr Farrugia's biggest STORY?!?! ... did he already forget the trafigura, super yachts, arriva, arms, the €500 weekly increment and the BIG list continues!!!
Charles Taliana
Feb 6th, 12:07
Irrispondi il bombi li tafalek Franco il bierah halli naraw kemm int sincier , u mela tigi tghid li l-akbar ahbar tal kampanja kienet l-intervizta ta Farrugia. Kulljum tohrog wahda izbah mill ohra .
Michael Zammit
Feb 6th, 12:06
Ara min qed jitkellem ukoll!!.Jekk hawn xi hadd ghandu taht ghabtu bir -riha ! Nahseb GonziPn ahjar jilbes maskra kontra lir rwejjah!
j brincat
Feb 6th, 12:05
"the biggest news item in the electoral campaign"
OMG!!!
When the whole of Malta has been shocked by the revelations which surfaced a fortnight ago and all papers were and are still talking about it.
Could it be then that he is till perched up there in his ivory tower insulated from all mortal woes?
jb
Joseph Borg
Feb 6th, 12:04
I am sorry Dr Gonzi but the biggest story in this campaign so far was either: Standard and Poor's downgrade, or the revelation of the enormous oil-buying scandal involving the people's money!
We have been exposed to big stories since the first signs of Government collapse emerged in Dec 2009. Ironically enough you ignore these events and spend hours clutching at straws and half-baked insinuations
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Feb 6th, 12:03
Significant in my opinion is the fact that businessmen seem to be abandoning the PN.We now see only one prominent big businessman willing to be seen in under the tent events. Perhaps he has some unfinished business which needs to be settled preelection wise, What is significant is that for me businessmen are the best weathervane for showing in which electoral direction the wind is blowing
Joe Tanti
Feb 6th, 12:01
What's wrong meeting with businessmen? Unless your perception of a meeting always ends with some sort of corruption deal.
M Grima
Feb 6th, 12:00
This is a desperate assumption from a desperate man.
GonziPN is going down, down and down...........
R. Lewis
Feb 6th, 12:00
Dr Farrugia said nothing out of this world. Mhux avvoja li kull partit irid ikun vicin il businessmen u il kuntratturi.Il hazin huwa x'wiehed jinneggozzja maghhom, kif u ghal x'ghiex. Mhux bil fors, jekk il postijiet tax xoghol jinholqu mill kuntratturi u negozjanti. Dr Gonzi jekk ghandek xi ritratti ta Dr Muscat fuq xi yacht jew fuq xi ajruplan privat ippubblikom, a very simple answer.
D Axisa
Feb 6th, 11:58
What about the BARTERING agreements.....why doesn't Dr. Gonzi and Dr. Busuttil keep running away instead of telling us more about these agreements.
M Grima
Feb 6th, 11:58
The biggest story about the campaign is Dr. Frank Portelli's admission that under GonziPN, corruption is Malta is rampant and the recent alleged scandal at Enemalta is only the top of the iceberg. Dr. Gonzi, should also quote those stories which Franco Debono, JPO, Mugliett, ex commissioner Dalli and ex commissioner Joe Borg have been saying during the past 12 months.
Joseph Aquilina
Feb 6th, 12:45
You watch too much super one! Did Franco JPO and Mugliett have their personal agenda? Com'on be honest .. did they?
Daniel Borg
Feb 6th, 11:55
Imisek mort il kungress li organiza l pl Ta Qali ax em kienu fil publiku quddiem il cameras, memx alfejn isaqsi, kien em negozjanti, familji, hadima u anzjani u studenti.. adni ma nistax nifhem xini l problema, bis ma niftakar li kien em negozjant u lil joseph tah €350,000 fil but..
Mr J Xerri
Feb 6th, 11:51
So for Dr Gonzi Dr Farrugia's interview to the Sunday Times is"the biggest news item in the electoral campaign", Really? But of course a sinking man clutches at a straw!
C Pace
Feb 6th, 11:49
The pot calling the kettle black.
Peter Simpson
Feb 6th, 11:47
Dr Gonzi does not have to remind PBS news, Net News, TVHemm, Bondi + Pierre Portelli and others about what Anglu Farrugia had said: its coming out of our ears! The real news-which you and they are avoiding -is the connection between GonziPN and the yellow pages contractor.
m attard
Feb 6th, 11:47
Dear Dr Gonzi No wonder you treat EUR49,000,000.00 as a drop in the ocean if for you Dr. Farrugia's story is the biggest one in this campaign! Mela what is the the one about the commissions for oil; 'a never ending story'?
Carmel Borg
Feb 6th, 12:23
Attard, one story is purely political, while the other, at least for now is not. So your comparison is incorrect.
Difference between intitutional corruption and plain corruption? The former is backed by an institution such as in goverment while the latter is a corruption that when discovered, the goverment makes sure it is properly investigated. The oil story falls under the latter.
D Axisa
Feb 6th, 11:45
Yes they should ask Joseph Muscat, but they should ask you also and not ditch questions as to what type of BARTERS the PN is speaking about.
Mark Amaira
Feb 6th, 11:44
Ħeq fil-kamra tal-vot kulħadd waħdu jkun,
hux hekk?
Kenneth Williams
Feb 6th, 11:42
Ahjar smajt il Franco Debono il bierah prim, ghax kont tkun taf liema hi l akbar storja jew kobba mhabnbla li dhalt fiha inti
Frans Aguis
Feb 6th, 11:41
just because Gonzi decides to try and make it an issues doesn't mean it is a big story.Most votes don't care what an ex-deputy said especially when he is still in the party and helping the party
Thomas Anderson
Feb 6th, 11:41
Other bigger stories in this campaign: The Oil Procurment Scandal, The Contractor found on the yellow pages and donations to GonziPN, The John Dalli saga, Franco Debono irrelevance according to Gonzi,600 Euros raise behind everyone's back;the list is endless and Dr Gonzi has the gull to insist that Anglu Farrugia's interview was the biggest story almost forgot what about EFA's interview?
Alexander Genuis
Feb 6th, 11:40
"Campaing's Biggest story",lanqas temmen,Insejtu kemm Ghajjartuh lill Anglu?Kemm parlajtu fuqu?Liema l-akbra storjatal-kampanja?Li tqum tahsel bil-lejl?L-iskandlu tax-xiri taz-zejt?Li ma Tridux ddahhlu il-whistle blower act?Qed tuzaw lill Anglu Farrugia?Ghalfejn ma tghidulniex fuq Franco Debono?Tuzaw lill Anglu biex tahbu l-fatt li gejtu MWARRBA mill-Gvern,min WIEHED minnkhom!!
Joseph John Zammit
Feb 6th, 11:39
The biggest story is the chain of corruption in Enemalta which your government always denied dear PM.
Clayton Zahra
Feb 6th, 11:39
Funny enough in the same article:
Without replying about his general secretaries going on a boat trip with Zaren Vassallo, Then he urges the media to ask Muscat to answer why he met with contractors without avoiding the question.
You should give an example and be the first to answer! And then answer also all the things Franco said about the GonziPn Clique and not just say that he is irrelevant!
Maria Xuereb
Feb 6th, 11:37
L-ikbar storja mhix x'qal Anglu Farrugia imma l-kwistjoni taz-zejt, diga hemm min qed ifittex mahfra Presidenzjali ghax mhux biss qed jibza imma jrid il-mahfra ghax ghandu l-borom x'jikxef. Din hi l-ikbar storja ta' l-affarijiet li kienu qed jigru tul dawn l-ahhar 9 snin taht Gvern Nazzjonalista mmexxi minn Dr. Gonzi. U Alla jbierek hadd mill-kabbinett (sic) ma kien jaf x'qed jigri!!!!!!!!
Charles DeMicoli
Feb 6th, 11:36
Sorry, LG, you have 0% credibility. Too little, too late.
t aguis
Feb 6th, 11:35
Dr.Gonzi jmissu l ewwel li jaghmel mistoqsija lilu nnifsu w jsib r risposta ghala ghal dawn l ahhar tmien snin ma implimentax l ligi tal finanzjarment tal partiti, li sahansitra f din l legislatura li ghada kif ntemmet kient giet d draftjata minn memebru parlamentari fi hdan gonzipn, qabel ma jsaqsi lil Dr.Muscat biex jwiegeb ghal dak li qal Dr.Farrugia
R Casha
Feb 6th, 11:34
I don't think Gonzi is being honest here. There other items brought up lately that can be considered as "biggest news item in the electoral campaign".
Yest we heard Franco saying that one of the heads in PBS was in a meeting with Gonzi and Franco, where Gonzi was advising Franco to attack more the PL.
What about enemalta?!
What about Zaren?
Halina Gonzi...we aren't that "cuc Malti" as Fenech say
anton cassar
Feb 6th, 11:31
Kif ma tisthix ???
Insult ghal-partitarji tieghek stess ..............
Albert Farrugia
Feb 6th, 11:30
Seems like the nation is suffering from collective amnesia. Only last week in the wake of the commissions for oil scandal, Minister Austin Gatt said that "any politician worth his salt" would have met people like businessman George Farrugia and discusses "a hundred and one things" with them. Here's the report in The Times: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130128/local/Gatt-I-did-nothing
Clayton Zahra
Feb 6th, 11:29
Mhux ahjar tirrispondi x qalulek john dalli,franco debono,mugliett, orlando l ewwel?? sew jghajd il qawl malti..tara l farka f ghajn haddiehor u ma tarax it travu f ghajnejk!
Joe Fenech
Feb 6th, 11:27
Biggest ? NO the biggest is the poor state you've left Malta, the corruption, the Enemalta case, the inactive Smart City, the dodgy business that goes on in Malta....
Please choose the reason of your report below: