Opinion
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From austerity to growth
Last week the European Commission presented its spring economic forecast updating the previous forecast it released in February. The latest forecast predicts that four of Europe’s five largest economies in the eurozone, France, Spain, Italy and the...
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Attracting lawyers to Bench
Last week this newspaper carried a photo and a report concerning the discovery of “a bullet in Attard close to the private residence of a Judge”; the police were investigating the matter following a report lodged by a neighbour. Such an occurrence...
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Let’s start a fresh page together
Today we turn a new page in the history of the Nationalist Party. And as you read this column, some 900 PN councillors are about to write it. Voting takes place today to confirm my candidature for the leadership of the party. If councillors confirm...
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The President’s mandate
If “one man, one vote” is the essence of democracy as we understand it in the West and the EU, then the election of Malta’s President by a simple majority of the House of Representatives is not exactly the epitome of democracy. Should this change? I...
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Battling the mobility crisis
While Europe has come a long way in the fight against the crisis and for a more stable and prosperous future, there is still more to be done to help citizens and businesses alike. The European Union and its member states have taken unprecedented,...
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It’s time for the PN to unite
Last Saturday the Nationalist Party councillors cast their votes to elect a new leader. This was no easy task. It was a decision that merited careful discussion, review and consideration simply because the newly elected leader will spearhead the...
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Moving the party forward
The process to elect the new leader of the Nationalist Party will come to an end tomorrow. All that remains is the procedural, yet important confirmation by the councillors of last Saturday’s result. I will be one of the first to go and pledge,...
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The faith and humanity
Way back in 1988, a tiny but indomitable lady called Erminia Corace phoned to make an appointment to see me about a potential sponsorship. In those days I was PRO for the erstwhile Mid Med Bank which had just carved out a reputation for itself as...
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Shaping up public finance
Few of us believed that the budgetary targets for 2012 would be met. It was obvious half way through last year that the projections set were too optimistic. Now Eurostat has confirmed how wrong our former Minister of Finance was. Still, Tonio...
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Funds down the drain
A few days ago we visited Seville. The old part, which was once dominated by the Moors, reminded us of Mdina with its defensive walls and gates. We admired the general city’s landscaping amid the historical and ecological environment, all...
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Urgently needed warden reform
José Herrera, the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for local councils,recently announced a reform in the wardens section. This is good news for the majority of the Maltese people. The original aim of the wardens system was to establish order in...
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Challenge facing Simon Busuttil
As was ordained, Simon Busuttil is going to take over the leadership of the Nationalist Party from Lawrence Gonzi. That the Wednesday vote will give him far more than the necessary two-thirds backing of the councillors is a mere formality. That was...
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Renew the voting system
The President’s initiative to hold a forum on constitutional reform with the participation of experts on the subject and the input of the general public is a welcome contribution to the ongoing debate on the subject. This should also be seen in the...
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Reflections on Gonzi’s leadership
Now that Lawrence Gonzi’s time at the helm of the Nationalist Party has come to an end, it is worth reflecting on his leadership. For me, Gonzi represents three important factors. Firstly, our country’s adoption of the Euro. I vividly remember the...
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UK Independence Party surge shocks political establishment
The anti-European Union UK Independence Party (UKIP) made sweeping gains in the local elections held in parts of England and Wales last Thursday, sending shockwaves throughout the political party establishment in Britain. The result was particularly...
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When inclusion is all about exclusion
Mosta mayor Shirley Farrugia is by any measure an asset to local and national politics. Mild-mannered, articulate, and a successful career person in her own right, she represents a type of public face one wishes we had more of. The last thing I want...
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Moving beyond malicious intent
Since any democracy needs a robust Opposition to keep the government of the day in check, I must say that I was baffled by the Opposition’s flat refusal to accept to serve on a bipartisan committee on economic growth. Had this committee been given...
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Let there be a Piano Parliament
I do not know how many countries would seriously have a discussion like that going on in our midst about the Renzo Piano building under construction at the entrance of Valletta. I do not give it a name on purpose. For, although designed and promoted...
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Less is more – go back to basics
At the weekend – and most any day – I’m happiest on my sofa. Every so often, overcome by a profound sense of couch potato guilt that comes with having a son and having missed out on Heritage Malta open day, or yet another Birgu, Mdina, Notte Bianca,...
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Of PQs and potatoes
The most fundamental rule of cross-examination is never to ask a question you don’t already know the answer to. If you ignore this rule, you run the risk of uncovering facts which may very well sink your case. Pretty much the same rule holds true...
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