Sunday, 22nd June 2008
WHY
Never let it be said that I don't take my readers' advice to heart, except when it involves shutting up or changing my opinion because it doesn't suit them.
If you click on the blog archive conveniently sited below (when people deign to comment, it's below the comments) apart from being able to access my wit and wisdom, you can check out the old comments. Amongst the more recent comments on the preceding blog, there was a gem of wisdom from Peter Prictoe, who suggested that I change the subject as the proceedings had taken on a meandering aspect. I am loath to stop people when they're having fun, but needs must, I suppose.
Why, then (and I ask partly to change the subject and partly to annoy lil'elves) did Dr CMJ (Dr "Call Me Joseph" Muscat for those who didn't get it first time and haven't my mobile number to text the question) think he should mark Gonzi's 100 days in government with a press conference all of his own? I've no idea how many days Dr CMJ has been at the head of the MLP (100 hours?) and I'm not even sure it's relevant, but why did he want to commemorate the fact that it is his opponent who is governing the country?
Was this a back-handed slap at the MLP's previous leadership, a way of telling us all "there but for the grace of the electorate, go us and it's not my fault it isn't"? Or does Dr CMJ really believe that because his party (albeit under a different leadership) got almost enough votes to be elected, he constitutes 49.999% of the Prime Ministership?
If it is the latter, which I suspect is the message he's desperately trying to put across to his party's supporters, before they pack up and go home for the next five years, then he has a bit of an odd European outlook on national governance which is not well founded. Forgive the starkness, but in democracies such as ours, if your party has sufficient numbers in the House to carry the day, then it's you who is in Government and there's no legal or moral obligation to share power.
On the mainland of Europe people seem to see things differently, but that's mainly because there's hardly ever a clearly defined and workable majority in the relevant house, even if strange notions of power sharing are sometimes mumbled about.
Not to put too fine a point on it, whether or not the MLP supports the Government on anything is hardly relevant, except where legal regimes that have to survive changes in Government are concerned.
For everything else, there's Mastercard ... No, but, seriously, whether or not the MLP supports the Government on the privatisation of the shipyards or on efforts to combat the effects of oil prices or, for that matter, the success of our next entry for the Eurovision Song Contest is utterly immaterial to the running of the country. Under our system of government, the unions, for instance, have more power than the Opposition, which has a defined but strictly limited role.
The unions can chuck their not inconsiderable weight around with gay abandon and put the dampers on the Government's enthusiasm to do something but the Opposition can do precious little in practice.
I suspect that the lil'elves will raise themselves up to their full height at this point and start spluttering, with greater or lesser coherence, about what the anti-democratic Nationalists did between 1981 and 1987, when the country was living on something of a knife-edge. To this I would merely point out that the illegitimacy, on moral terms, of the Mintoff/KMB regime of those years is sufficient to scotch their arguments.
This is not to say that if Dr CMJ and his side-kicks have something to contribute to the debate they should not do so. This is, in fact, the very essence of the function of the Opposition in our system: they are there, as is the fourth estate, to keep the Government on its toes and honest, to the extent that any Government can be kept thus, and to add to the national interest.
This is not necessarily achieved by pandering exclusively to the special interest groups that constitute the core of the MLP's support.
Just because the General Workers' Union doesn't want the shipyards to be privatised, this does not automatically mean that the idea should be opposed at the political level. Knee jerk reactions such as those the (very) marginally relevant CNi and the absolutely irrelevant AN have don't add anything to the equation, either, except to make people even more eager to see something done.
Continuing the train of thought, there is nothing to say that MLP exponents, unless they are qualified personally by having other attributes, should automatically find a place at the negotiating table. As I was writing this, timesofmalta.com tells us that Dr CMJ said that the MLP was ready to to anything in the national interest, just like a parent did anything for his children.
Leaving the patronising hyperbole aside, which is difficult because it's getting a tad irritating, especially coming from a chap who is trying to project an image of youthful go-gettingness (but instead sounding like Mintoff at his most pompous) what is this guy trying to say? Was it that the MLP in the past backward in coming forward in the national interest, then?
Or is Muscat trying to justify not being totally obstructive to the MLP's stalwarts, for whom co-operation with the Government is tantamount to high treason? Perhaps his side-kicks can explain. The bottom line is simple: if anyone within the MLP has a contribution to make, then he or she should make it and there's an end to it. Simply demanding to be made an equal partner in Government, however, is quite simply not on: that's not the way the game works here and Muscat knows this and should stop trying to pretend otherwise.
Let me put it another way, so the lil'elves can understand it: you might feel hard done by because you thought it was your turn to be in Government, but hey, tough, your leaders let you down, so suck it up.
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Comments
One day in the not so distant future, you will be writing positively about our Joseph because he has shown already he's a blessing to this country.
Don't be too fast to disagree.
The erudite Doctor Andrew Borg Cardona reaction was:
“…for a column that is going nowhere and is stuck in the mud, it sure attracts readers and reactions.”
Going through the reactions of two or three recent issues, I got this result.
Attard D 16 reactions, Cassar Charles 3 ; Chircop Adriana 3 ; Galea Christine 3 ; Gauci Leonard 3
Grech Attard Jos 8 ; Hamilton Jim 6 ; Martinelli Joe (Canada) 4 ; Mifsud P. 4 ; Prictoe Peter 16, Saliba Dr. F.9 ; Vella Antoine 3; Vella Joe 5
A total of 14 tenacious readers.
Single reaction amount to no more than 13,
Attard Ivan, Borg Claudia, Briffa Lara, Cassar Charles, Catania Denis, Ebejer J.M.Ebejer John, Ellul Alex, Galea Joseph, Gauci Cunningham A, Pedersen Klaus, Stafrace Raphael, Zammit John
Does the number 27 deserve to boast about?
Since the same subject/s (mostly mud slinging) under different titles is the main feature of these blogs and commented upon by almost the same handful of blogers could this situation not be qualified as stuck in the mud?
If you have any stories about my colleagues, please feel free to share them: I, on the other hand, will continue to maintain the appropriate boundaries.
Insofar as concerns your suggestion that I become a travel writer, rest assured that it is one of the things on my "when I grow up I want to be" list.
Just as calling you Oberon will affect your moral? Of course not. It's cheap and that refers also to me when calling others "names". But that is Maltese politics that is on the way out thanks to you know who!
Serious discussions will attract readers who do not want to waste their time.
How monotonous has this blog site become? It is at a standstill. Would not move forward or back ward. The subject until now is predictable. It’s stuck in the mud. Why not share your experiences when traveling abroad, since you do travel a lot. It will induce readers to share your experiences.
There are so many places that you know about and visit and would be travelers will be willing to take up a suggestion. That is a profitable way of filling valuable news-paper pages.
Being the Chairman of the Chamber of advocates your colleagues do provide you with plenty of subjects to write about.
Your colleague has for once written something of interest. May she proceed and you follow?
Hold your horses my Friend.
NGO's and other stake holders have every right to expect consultation, and government would be wise to grant it but this must be a genuine process and not a delaying tactic. Goodwill on both sides is absolutely essential.
But when all is said and done, it is the unavoidable duty of the party in power to pick the hot chestnuts out of the burning embers.
Well Mr Vella what I had written was in keeping with the flow of the comments.
Dr ABC had written that it was immaterial whether the opposition supports the government or not when it comes to policy decision matters.
In other words it is going to be passed anyway, whether you like it or not.
However; with regards to items of national importance, such as the reactivation of Malta’s PfP membership, and the implementation of the EU’s Schengen agreement. I would like to have known what both sides of the house thought, even though everyone is well aware that the final say is that of the government.
IN 100 HOURS JOSEPH HAS SURELY HAD AN IMPACT WHICH CERTAIN COLUMNIST FIND HARD TO ADMIT. But their unfair comments built on prejudice will not stop this new movement called Joseph.
I now have no doubt that we both have the National Interest at heart and it is a pleasure for me to discuss issues with you, each departing from our different viewpoints, but navigating with reciprocal respect.
As you say, we shall have our disagreements along the challenging road hopefully sprinkled with a touch of fun and some appetising banter, life should be fun after all :)
Our host may not look too kindly on too demure a discussion in this corner of the elf world :)
Regards
On the other hand why do these two leaders prefer to use a "mandragari" style (with apology to the former dwellers of that locality) when writing about people they hardly know except through their "mid-summer night dreams" or nightmares". Presumably their nights are haunted by elves, gnomes, fauns, fairies not to forget the jolly Mustarseed. It could be that these two friends and shareholders prefer to be known as Oberon and Titania.
A nickname can reveal plenty of others.
..............now before we go in a celebratory mood lets keep in mind that the tough is yet to come.....and thats the negotiation of the best possible package..........
'Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this evening that he was pleased to confirm that the government and the opposition were in agreement that the best way forward for Malta Shipyards was privatisation.
What was important now was careful action to ensure that this exercise was successful, in the interest of the workers and the country.'
That sounds much much better. Well done Prime Minister, well done Joseph.
Perhaps, Mr. Hamiltion it is not what you said in your comments but rather what you implied by by them.
Maybe you want to expand by what you said by the following; " In the meantime the PN completely ignores the opposition and rides roughshod implementing new policies without as much as inkling as to their further intentions. "
Example: Each potential bidder will have his own vision, plans and circumstances that will encourage a bid.
It therefore sounds ‘prima facie’ strange how Government is embarking on a redundancy programme not knowing what each prospective bidder intends. I would think that the number of employees that a new owner will be happy to carry will vary from one business-pan to the next. The number of redundancies should therefore be an issue to be tackled during the privatisation process itself.
The a priori decision taken by the vendor to reduce staff prior to sale needs. therefore, to be explained.
On-going Government/Opposition interaction will, for example, remove doubts that may creep in due to what appears in this case to be unilateral action taken before its time.
I will ignore taunts and will focus on substance.
You ask where have I read that Governmnet doesn't want to involved the MLP and the GWU in the privitisation talks.
Quoting from the TOM: ‘government agrees on need for structured dialogue with GWU on best schemes for voluntary retirement’.
Government is limiting GWU’s involvement to redundancy schemes. I agree with Government.
The opposition, however, has a crucial role to play for ultimate success. We as Maltese must show interested parties that a national consensus does exist. Government’s communication with opposition has to be on-going and dynamic.
Government is however only proposing to one-time snap-shot opposition on this complicated of deals.
In such a privatization a multitude of material developments will happen daily. Government’s intention to just snap-shot opposition is reflected in quote from a TOM report: The Prime Minister … declared that a detailed statement would be given in Parliament, when the government would be able to reply to any questions.
Joseph said that if the decision to privatise is final, there should, at least, be an effort to clinch the best deal.
Government should take up the offer for the National Good.
P.S.. MrMartinelli, please grow up.
Yes Jim my lad, I did indeed travel on Malta's 'buses back in my service days and indeed my childhood for we went to Malta in 1926 and my father had earlier served on submarine E-9 at Malta during the First World War.. and my grandfather was retrained as a gunner from being an infantryman at Fort Ricasoli on his way to Africa around the turn oif the twentieth century to serve in the Boer War.
My recollection of Malta's 'buses include young boy conductors who never gave short change -unlike the surly drivers of today. I can recall one day in about 1948 however when the gearboxc fell off a Cottonera 'bus at what I knew as Casa Paula where they did a u-turn by a bar called The Smiling Prince .
@Joe Vella
You say that it is the Governments responsibility to set the agenda. You are of course absolutely correct, and I haven’t said anything to the contrary. Please read my post.
I said that when it comes to issues of national interest then both parties should be able to work together; this being for the good of the country. It seems the most sensible and professional way of doing politics.
On the other hand I can understand the opposition being rather miffed when they read in the newspapers that the NP had reactivated Malta’s PfP membership, without so much as a whisper. I'm sure that even you will admit that was a rather arrogant move.
@ABC, the nationalisation was a tongue in cheek remark, but with the constant complaints of the transport service something drastic needs to be done.
There are still some dilapidated buses around that even Mr Prictoe probably travelled in during his service days.
We need more people to use public transport, but to encourage them we need an efficient service. Whether fully nationalising the transport system is the answer that’s not for me to say, I’m no expert.
Though a bit long because of the double barrel surname, once he likes it don't break his heart. Call him Dr. CMB. Borg Cardona or Dr.C IMB Borg Cardona. He will enjoy it. DR.CMB might embarrass him. Too near tho KMB.
Pity it is all local not any British or Saxon except his complexion and his Scottish Andrew.
Very poor humor! Don't dare criticise my humor. Keep in mind the " poor beggars bag". Later it might improve and will make a "bocca" burst... out laughing.
I think we should judge muscat's 'youthful go-gettingness' and progressive credentials not just on the basis of his rhetoric, but also by looking at the substance of what he says. So far I believe that he has made all the right noises with regards to issues such as divorce, recognition of civil rights for gay partners and reconciliation within the MLP. Of course we'll have to see how he follows up these initial statements.
Oh, and yeah, this Anglu Farrugia vote buying business is really getting annoying. We've got Mr.Farrugia's point, now he should stay quiet until the investigations are finished.
Mr Attard must have a culinary background and is his typical fashion manages to present his scrambled ( pun intended) thoughts about Labour's decision to cooperate with the government and the latter's lack of consultation with it.
So, let us set up a scenario whereby the government consults the Opposition in parliament:
Lawrence: So, Joseph, how was your weekend?
Joseph: Very well thank you, I welcomed back Joe, as you know, hugged him and kissed him in public. And you?
Lawrence: Super weekend Joseph. On Saturday I officially opened a brand new Nationalist Party headquarters which cost us four million, but hey, money keeps pouring in and we have practically no debts.
Joseph: Yes, I watched on NET since my Super One is still quite reluctant to air NP news.
Lawrence: Don't go there Joseph, but shall we get down to some business? What shall we talk about today?
Joseph: Errr.. How about the weather?
Lawrence: Be serious Joseph. Can I perhaps seek your permission to talk about the Shipyards?
Joseph: No way if redundancies are involved - and don't think of privatization, neither!
Lawrence: If you say so, Joseph. Fine weather we are having, eh?
Can you tell where you have read it that the Governmnet doesn't want to involved the MLP and the GWU in the privitisation talks. OH wait, could it be in the L'Orizzont and/or Maltastar.com
The Government already stated that it is going to make a full and indepth statement in parliament.
I can not see how the ball can be in MLPs lap. Imagine telling our host that he is to endorse our 'food'. What food? Issues need to be clarified through communication. Will it be raw liver and egg, baked rise or grilled fish? game? what kind of fish or game? who will supply? who will cook? how will it be served? what wine will accompany the food? who will supply ingredients? and this is just food, not a multi-million pound asset with a multitude of layers and all sorts of interested bidders for goodness-knows what reasons.
I really can not understand Government's motives for not wanting to bring the opposition on board especially when opposition has clearly stated its willingness to cooperate even on privatisation.
Q&A session in parliament? Let us either get serious or continue to play yesterday's games.
I am sure Joseph will stay with his open approach. This will make Government look even more pompous, petty and weak.
It is the Government responsability to set the agenda. To think and/or expect otherwise you are really taking Gonzi for a fool. The ball is now on the MLP lap. The MLP now can either pertake constructivly in the debate or simply say no as it accustomed to.
have more power than the opposition
" Under our system of government, the unions, for instance, have more power than the Opposition, which has a defined but strictly limited role."
What is the significance of "Under our system of government"?
Your essay for the day, elves: define nationalisation in the context of the current Maltese experience and differentiate between what we've got and what nationalisation will get us.
No matter how good the intentions of J Muscat, there will always be some PN fairy around trying to ridicule his effort in bringing some reconciliation towards the two main parties.
The leader of the opposition has already acknowledged that it is better to work together when it comes to items of national interest. What may I ask is so wrong with that?
Now you want to bite the hand of friendship
In your usual way, what you are saying, "Okay you elves, you may have visions of grandeur, but we still rule the roost, and don't you forget it.
Well news for you, no one is saying otherwise.
In the meantime the PN completely ignores the opposition and rides roughshod implementing new policies without as much as inkling as to their further intentions.
I wonder if they would do the same when it comes to the divorce debate, which is something that many people feel strongly about, or even nationalising the public transport. Would they ignore the opposition?
J Muscat has so far proved to be a breath of fresh air, and the infuriating thing for the PN Fairies is that you can’t find much fault in him.
PS.WHY?
Dr. CMJ finds himself in the same predicament. Two 'lions' have already been identified and more are surely to follow in order to complete the pack. So, while Joseph cautiously proceeds towards the local political arena (after the last ditch sojourn in Brussels), he must be thinking of his survival odds as each day passes by.
Now, Dr. CMJ is no fool, which makes it even more baffling that he did not weigh his chances of running up the Castille stairs five years down the road. Lions are not renowned for their procrastination and slowness of action and the Doctor could very well find that out for himself. Besides, CMJ will start missing Brussels come October unless, of course, his aim is nothing more than achieving titles and the income which comes with them.
CMJ better don a suit of armour to fend off the lions' teeth and fangs.
1. The NP is Government. It decides full-stop.
2. The MLP is Opposition. It monitors, motivates and checks full-stop
The MDD issue comes along. Government wants to privatise. Fine.
Government, through its Privatisation Unit, on a template received through cabinet via the minister of finance, will oversee the process. Fine.
This will mean that Government will need to attract the most dynamic bids for the benefit of all stakeholders.
It will be of considerable help if Government’s privatisation plans enjoy the endorsement of opposition. A robust investor would not be keen to enter where there is political schism.
To obtain this support, Government needs to brief and discuss plans. Opposition will collaborate but it can not be expected to rubber-stamp a plan up a blind alley.
Joseph's fresh impetus in doing politics includes an extended hand that strengthens Government's bargaining position.
Government continues to slam doors. Has its slim majority, and a relative one at that, turned Government slightly paranoid?
Government has spectacularly messed up its 2003 MDD plan to viability. It should now remember that elves are not just beautiful and eternal, they are also wise :)