B maltatoday election special | Tuesday 26 February 2008 election special ELECTIONS

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59%reject both PN and MLP on immigration 11% think AN has best policy on immigration

49% of those supporting AN’s immigration policy refuse to divulge voting intentions

RACISM TREMORS – page 4 TODAY IS GEORGE SANT: FILLING TOURISM PULLICINO’S HOLES WITH GOLF pg 10 DAY OF RECKONING pg 14 3 COURSES 3

159, Labour Avenue, Naxxar Tel: 2388 0088, 7939 2939 paper post News 2 maltatoday election election specialspecial | | TuesdayTuesday 26 26 February February 2008 2008 news maltatoday survey TuesdayTuesday 2626 FebruaryFebruary 20082008 | | electionmaltatoday special election maltatoday special 3 Sant lambasts Gonzi for

Pics of individual candidates near each entry with their party logo: Pippo Psaila, marlene Pullicino, marie Louise Coleiro-Preca, michael Frendo, Patrick Attard On the record Put each candidate in a box James Debono digs into the archives to fi nd what candidates have been failure to tackle corruption matthEW vElla it’s the europeans who are more saying on a variety of issues over the years advanced than our children.” Sant was also challenged on the cost overruns his government in- LABOUr leader Alfred Sant curred between 1996 and 1998. yesterday said that eddie Fenech He said his government was in Adami’s maxim that whoever the process of tightening on over- does not fight corruption, was runs in government projects, and corrupt, could be applied to Law- then turned onto the National- rence Gonzi, whom he accused of ist government’s record on cost doing little to fight corruption. overruns in the five years since He had to defend the presence their re-election in 1998. of former Nationalist activist He was also quizzed on the michael Woods at the Labour role of Labour mP and architect general conference. Woods had Charles Buhagiar in his steward- declared on One TV that his ship of government road projects brother Thomas Woods had which had incurred cost over- not been treated well by the Na- runs. Sant said Buhagiar’s role tionalist government. Thomas was supervisory and that cost Woods was in fact investigated overruns were primarily incurred over bribery charges. at the project management stages, PiPPO PSaila Marie lOUiSe disagree with abortion… We do arrangements that fail. What hap- a whole evolves. One should not “With all due respect, it’s the which had pushed up supervisory PN candidate COleirO- present caretaker prime minister costs at a later stage. on 9th and not solve anything by introduc- PreCa pens is that co-habiting partners simply look at the elite of society.” ing divorce. For those who have are not covered by legal arrange- May 6 2007 – MaltaToday who doesn’t seem to deal with AD candidate Victor Galea also 10th district MlP candidate cases of corruption which have called for voters to consider the a valid reason there are annul- on 6th district ments to regulate their interests.” On divorce ments.” On entrenching abortion ban in never been investigated.” feasibility of coalition govern- “i am com- November 4 2007 – Illum On unemployment benefits the Constitution Defending Woods’s right to ments, pointing to the fact that pletely against On the cost of liv- “The difference between the un- “i am very strongly against abor- express his political views, he 22 european governments were divorce… This is On fireworks ing: employment benefit and the min- tion, i find it abhorrent, i find it said Gonzi had failed to enact coalition governments. He said not a question of rights but a “The only way to stop ac- “Whenever i spoke on the cost imum wage amounts to a couple very difficult how people can ac- a whistleblowers act that could a coalition government was nei- question of faith and religion. cidents is to train those who of living i always recognised the of liri. if someone is offered a job cept it on a moral plain, but i don’t protect people giving evidence. ther Nationalist nor Labour, but i am not a purist. But there is work in fireworks factories. You fact that prices are affected by at minimum wage, it only takes a think this Constitutional amend- “Certainly this government is not smokescreens on corruption. “if the surcharge would receive tax Labour government, Sant said it a maltese government. phrase which says: ‘what God cannot close fireworks facto- what is happening abroad. We are couple of simple calculationspage to 4 ment is on the cards.” interest in the fight against cor- you don’t give people the protec- credits. would not. Sapiano interjected to The AN candidate refused to has joined together let no man ries to avoid accidents. This is not crazy… The point here is that realise that with the additional December 2 2007 – MaltaToday ruption.” tion they need to give evidence, He defended his proposal from say this would force all those par- comment on the criminal and put asunder’. marriage is an in- the same as banning driving to malta lacks the basics. We have transport costs to travel to work Alternattiva Demokratika can- you are using the Commissioner claims that he required approval ents who did not intend to have civil cases concerning three can-

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja dissoluble bond. i do not expect avoid traffic accidents.” rightly liberalised the economy the person would only be earn- On the PN’s vision for Malta didate Victor Galea, who was of Police as a smokescreen. The from the Commission, which their children “pay with a year of didates, revealed by maltaToday, everyone to agree with me but November 4 2007 – Illum and we have joined the european ing some Lm2 more than the “Transforming malta into one brought on the programme later same goes for the Permanent states that any aid from the State their life” to spend an extra year saying these cases were still un- these are my values.” Union. But we lack the regulatory unemployment benefit. There is of the most successful small on along with PN candidate Commission for Corruption. had to generally be notified to in school, to send their kids to der court consideration. On the October 21 2007 – On the General Workers’ Un- mechanisms which many euro- no incentive to motivate the un- states in the world. Not just a Georg Sapiano and Azzjoni Naz- Gonzi has been in power for the Brussels. Sant claimed this was a private schools, with all the costs case of Pierre Cutajar, who had MaltaToday ion pean countries have.” employed to enter the job market, centre for excellence, but also zjonali candidate Peter Spiteri last four years and he promised a general rule, but that in particu- that incurred. a string of criminal charges, he “i don’t agree with the abrupt November 4 2007 – especially those who would have ensuring that malta remains Gingell, said the whistleblowers new style of doing politics. You’d lar cases where no big economic Sant defended the reception said Cutajar was a reformed man On whether 20 years in govern- way intelligent people like MaltaToday been unemployed for a number of one of the safest countries in act was not enough in the fight expect a whistleblowers act from impact would be registered, this class proposal, saying maltese who had declared his past with ment are enough Josephine Attard Sultana and years.” europe where people can walk against corruption, but had to be that.” notification would not be re- children appear to be more ad- the party. “is a marriage dissolved af- manwel micallef were treated. On divorce January 9 2005 – MaltaToday home peacefully. it’s the qual- coupled with a freedom of infor- On the energy surcharge, Sant quired. vanced at a younger age than their But he did not comment on the ter 20 years simply because the We need to tap into the intelli- “When one talks of divorce in ity of life, not just the standard mation act and a law on the fi- stated that this would be halved Challenged by Georg Sapiano european counterparts because case of the AN candidate who is spouses get used to each oth- gence of everyone to move for- this country there is a strong MiCHael of living.” nancing of parties. for all families, while small busi- whether the reception class pro- a lot of subjects are crammed at charged in court along with three er?” ward. We have to compete with sense of bigotry… A fervent Cath- FreNDO May 6 2007 – MaltaToday Sant said the Nationalist gov- nesses and self-employed who posal would be imposed on the that age. “When they reach the other defendants in a money laun- PN candidate ernment was hiding behind do not fall under the capping of private school sector by a new age of 14, the picture changes, and dering case of over Lm900,000. October 21 2007 – other countries and we need olic believer should not be tempt- on 9th and 10th MaltaToday everybody’s talent… i am not ed by divorce similar to a diabetic PatriCK district attarD impressed by those advocating who cannot eat sweets. it depends aD candidate On cohabiting couples militancy. i am only convinced wholly on the person’s free will 5th and 12th “This is a very tricky situation. by those practising absolute de- whether to succumb to the ‘temp- On Immigration district Major parties duck hunting issue on TVM i think that the church’s posi- mocracy and transparency.” tation’ or not.” “We should give tion is clear and the party has to September 10 2006 – January 9 2005 – MaltaToday full legal protection to people follow this position.” MaltaToday who are refugees or who have hu- On economic Astrid Vella declines invitation as she ‘didn’t have all manifestoes’ October 21 2007 – On gay marriages manitarian status. But as regards issues MaltaToday On Partnership winning the “On a personal level i do not economic migrants we should not “Studies show referendum agree with gay marriages. i believe accept illegality.” that for an economy to flourish Karl SChEmBri the disgruntled voters who parties’ manifestoes “on the caught plagiarising a series of Pippo’s economics “i don’t think that Partnership a marriage is a contract between May 6 2007 – MaltaToday one needs three Ts: talent, tech- hailed mostly from Nationalist right platform”. opinion pieces on sports by an “The role of the state in the had won. Yet at that time it was a man and a woman. But if a gay nology and tolerance.” strongholds. “As a non-political group we American scholar, which were economy should not simply that a question of interpreting the person is living with his partner On state and church February 10 2008 – Illum Although last week she had have to be scrupulously fair to published under his name on of controlling the money supply result. What is important for under the same roof i do agree “We should remain the party WiTH the two major par- at first accepted to participate everyone,” she added. “So we The malta independent. to keep inflation down. it should me is that Alfred Sant has hon- that their civil rights should be of reconciling views and consen- On being Malta’s first openly ties meticulously avoiding the in tonight’s programme that have to do an in-depth study of The party representatives also cut taxes and incentivise oured his pledge to respect the protected by law. if they bought sus… even when we emphasized gay candidate spring hunting issue tonight will be dedicated to the envi- the manifestoes before giving were interviewed beforehand, economic wealth creators: the verdict of the people expressed a house together and one of the Christian Democracy we were “i would like my country to on TVm, one of the leading ronment, Vella later informed our stand. On the other hand and the interviews will be ana- business class. if one cuts taxes in the general elections.” partners dies, the living spouse not confessional, as we are a po- evolve to the point where i voices for environment protec- presenter reno Bugeja she was we are satisfied that, given the lysed tonight by a panel of en- to increase consumer spending, September 10 2006 – cannot simply lose all the rights litical party and not part of the would not even have to declare tion will be skirting the debate declining the invitation. increased awareness of envi- vironmental experts including the economy will grow.” MaltaToday on the house. These situations Church. We are a political party that i am gay.” altogether as its chairperson “We specified we would only ronmental issues, all parties biologist Prof. Victor Axiak October 21 2007-MaltaToday have to be regulated by law so that in constant evolution.”_ February 10 2008 – Illum said she did not have time to attend if we were given the have included environmental and Prof. Alfred Vella from On sponsoring band clubs with nobody suffers undesirable con- May 6 2007 – MaltaToday read all manifestoes. opportunity to prepare ade- measures in their manifes- the University’s Faculty of Sci- Marlene id-Dentista T shirts sequences.” On reducing electricity bills Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ah- quately on party manifestoes,” toes.” ence. MarleNe “i feel obliged to help them. January 9 2005-MaltaToday On divorce “As an engineer am well aware jar chairperson Astrid Vella Vella told maltaToday when in tonight’s programme, This newspaper is informed PUlliCiNO turned down an invitation to contacted yesterday. “Since we broadcast at 9.45pm, the PN that Psaila avoided the issue of MlP candidate While i get paid for my work, “Not even the Labour Party has that 40% of energy is wasted to these youths work without get- On cohabitation taken a stand in favour of divorce. heat water… Let’s introduce an participate on the national did not have the manifestoes will be once again sidelin- spring hunting, as did the La- 5th and 7th broadcaster’s current affairs of all parties we had no option ing its chief voice on the en- bour representative who will districts ting any financial reward in re- “We need to safeguard the One would expect such a stand incentive through which the astrid vella turn. What i am not giving in rights of individuals. irrespective more from a Socialist group than government gives everyone a programme Dissett tonight, but to decline, otherwise we vironment, minister George be appearing tonight, roderick voluntary work, i am now giv- of whether one agrees or not with from a member of the european solar heater panel. People would claiming she did not have all would have accepted very will- Pullicino. instead, it will be Galdes. On divorce ing in financial support.”_ these issues they are a visible real- popular party… Divorce is a ques- pay, say, €25 a month until they the parties’ manifestoes. tensions to the ramla l-Hamra ingly.” represented by new candidate AD will be represented by “i disagree with September 10 2006 – ity. Just like there are failed mar- tion of evolution. it’s a question of pay it back.” Vella was behind the vocifer- development – rallying dis- Vella added that as a non-po- Pippo Psaila, the former na- Carmel Cacopardo while divorce in the same way as i MaltaToday riages, there are also co-habiting how and at what rate society as February 10 2008 – Illum ous opposition to government senters in the capital and urg- litical NGO, her organisation tional football coach who made Azzjoni Nazzjonali will be rep- decisions – from the ODZ ex- ing government to listen to would only speak about the a name for himself after being resented by Anglu Xuereb. Dive in now. www.maltatoday.com.mt daily Dive in now. www.maltatoday.com.mt daily 4 maltatoday election election specialspecial | | TuesdayTuesday 26 26 February February 2008 2008 maltatoday survey news TuesdayTuesday 2626 FebruaryFebruary 20082008 || electionmaltatoday special election maltatoday special 5 Racism tremors Josie unfazed Massive alienation on by racist label

matthEW vElla land, Germany and Australia immigration have lost control, and today the critics can see what’s coming policies in to our country. it’s enough AZZJONi Nazzjonali leader to witness incidents of arro- Dr Josie muscat yesterday said gance from these immigrants JamES DEBono his far-right party would not whom we saved and fed.” be fazed by accusations of rac- muscat said his party would THe absolute majority of voters ism, underlining once again not be bothered by anyone ac- do not identify with the immi- his party’s hard-line policy on cusing them of being racists. gration policies of either main- irregular immigration. “We are convinced of what we stream party, while 11% think On Sunday, addressing a are saying and that it is in the that the far right Azzjoni Naz- small crowd in Zebbug, muscat interest of our children. Let’s zjonali have the best policies called immigrants “enemies of not compromise the sover- on this issue: policies which in- the state” – his most vocifer- eignty of our country and the clude closing the open centres, ous speech so far. future of generations yet to and withdrawing from malta’s in a press conference yester- come.” international obligations. day, muscat described his par- On Sunday, muscat described Like other extreme right-wing Which party has the ty as “patriotic”. irregular immigration as an parties in europe, AN has ex- “The people who call us “invasion”, going as far as say- ploited popular apprehensions best policies on illegal racists are cowards who are ing that “the invader is an en- on this issue turning a veritable immigration? not capable of defending our emy of the state.” country’s sovereignty,” muscat He also lashed out at the

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja human tragedy into a political PN 23.5 football. MlP 17.8 said. media whom he called “hypo- “Today, countries like eng- crites”. With the other parties largely aD 2.7 PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHereSe DebONO silent on this issue during the electoral campaign, AN has aN 11.1 emerged as the only vocal party None 10.2 on an issue which is evidently Don’t know 34.2 of direct concern to the abso- No reply 0.5 ‘Pro-business’ AN tour shops in Hamrun lute majority. AN has called for the closure page 4 AZZJONi Nazzjonali leader of open centres and has threat- Josie muscat and deputy leader ened to pull out of malta’s legal Anglu Xuereb met shop owners international obligations in the in the St Joseph High road in absence of help from the eu- Hamrun to discuss problems ropean Union. Yet the party facing small businesses. favours the importation of for- muscat told journalists that Which party eign labour in sectors where AN was a party which recog- has the best poli- maltese labour is scarce. nised workers’ rights and aspi- cies on illegal AN’s immigration policy en- rations to live well, and said his immigration? joys highest levels of popularity party was in favour of a higher PN among males (15%) and those minimum wage and a higher 23.5 aged under 34 (14%), and lowest threshold for the payment of Gonzi: the Nationalist Party Muscat: like other extreme right- mLP among females and those over Sant: the MlP’s policy on Vassallo: aD – the only party tax. 17.8 is marginally perceived as the immigration only attracts the to advocate shorter detention wing parties in europe, aN has 55. party with the best policy on exploited immigration fears turning “We want to gradually increase AD support of 18% of respondents periods for illegal immigrants – minimum wage in consultation Significantly AN attracts its immigration, with 23.5% of scores a lowly 2.7% human tragedy into a political 2.7 greatest support among young- preferences football with employers because the AN er males. Among men aged 18 present rate can’t be taken seri- 11.1 “Why should we ously. People are either living in to 34 years of age AN’s stance bY aGe GrOUP None on immigration is more popu- poverty or working other jobs. take a decision lar than that of the three other Party is marginally perceived PN MlP aD aN None Don’t know No reply We want a fair and simple tax. parties. Among this category, as the party with the best policy 18-34 23.5 15.7 0.7 13.7 11.8 33.3 1.3 We are a pro-business party on the destiny one quarter – 25% – claim to on immigration, with 23.5% of 35-54 19.1 17.1 4.6 7 9.9 42.2 0 and we are sorry that business- favour AN’s immigration poli- preferences. 55+ 27 20.2 1.5 7.8 10.1 32.8 0.5 es are just seen as cows which of our kids on cy. The mLP’s policy on immigra- are there to be milked. They The widespread support for tion only attracts the support of are seen as thieves,” muscat the basis of AN’s immigration policies is 18% of respondents. AD – the bY GeNDer said, complaining of excessive not reflected in electoral sup- only party to advocate shorter PN MlP aD aN None Don’t know No reply eU regulations and paperwork fear?” port for the very right party detention periods for illegal im- Males 24.4 19.7 3.4 15 9.9 27.6 0 that businessmen have to con- which registers only 0.6% in the migrants – scores a lowly 2.7%. Females 22.8 17.8 1.8 5.9 10.1 40.9 0.7 tend with. latest maltaToday poll. The electoral campaign has so “And while businessmen are 50% of those opting for AN’s far been marked by a consensus branded as thieves, there is no immigration policies would among the three mainstream aMONG MaleS aGeD 18-34 VOtiNG PreFereNCe OF tHOSe OPtiNG form of relief for those facing vote for one of the other three parties, with all three parties FOr aN’S POliCY bankruptcy who need a helping parties. more of these would calling for a better deal from PN 26.2 hand.” PN 22.2 An AN candidate, whose vote for the PN (26.3%) than for the european Union to help MlP 21.3 Josie says that while businessmen are branded as thieves, there is no form of relief for those facing bankruptcy who need a helping hand. MlP 11.1 name cannot be published by the mLP (21.3%). malta tackle the influx of im- aD 2.5 one of his candidates and high an officials is meanwhile accused in a police investigation over the money laundering of lm900,000 aD 1.6 court order, and who stands ac- Yet significantly, 49% of those migrants. aN 1.3 but his name cannot be published by court order who opt for the far right’s poli- A lt houg h t he ma i n st rea m pa r- aN 25.4 cused in a police investigation

Not Voting 5 PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja cies on immigration are still ties fail to attract the support of None 9.5 over the money laundering of Don’t know 28.8 not committed on their voting the majority of respondents on Don’t Know 30.2 Lm900,000 intentions. this issue, 44% of respondents No reply 15 muscat also railed against muscat also reiterated his at later stages. muscat also said a one-stop the Cottonera area for any- This means that 4.3% of all are either undecided or trust the Tax Compliance Unit’s as- party’s 18% flat-tax rate. He Anglu Xuereb also said a shop should be set up for busi- one wanting to open a busi- respondents opt for AN’s im- neither party on this issue. Methodology sessments which went as far as said AN wanted to create a mixed system of paying inter- nesses who shouldn’t have to ness. These would be sold at migration’s policy, and would This could be an indication The survey was held between Monday 18 and Thursday 21 February. A total of 1,638 respondents were randomly nine years back into businesses’ venture capital bank for start- est calculated on profits rather navigate through one govern- Lm20,000 by the government not state for which party they that voters do not see any sub- selected from the telephone directory with 900 accepting to be interview. The survey was stopped as soon as the practice. His party advocates a up entrepreneurs who would be than turnover, could help in- ment department to the oth er. itself. would vote in the forthcoming stantial difference between the 900 quota target was reached. two-year maximum limit to given a two-year moratorium centivise start-up entrepre- And he said AN wanted to The survey results were weighed according to the age and sex distribution of the population in the 2006 demographic [email protected] election. main parties, and are thus un- review. The survey has a margin of error of +/-3.26%. TCU investigations. on loans and pay interest rates neurs. provide 600 housing units in Of the others, the Nationalist able to choose. Dive in now. www.maltatoday.com.mt daily Dive in now. www.maltatoday.com.mt daily 6 maltatoday election special | Tuesday 26 February 2008 Tuesday 26 February 2008 | election special maltatoday 7 Ghost of a cohabitation proposal

Julia Farrugia als. But it is there.” Gonzi visited a shop selling in Fgura if they preferred five Asked by this paper to pin- all items at €1. The Premier free light-bulbs provided by a point the exact page of the expressed surprise that there new Nationalist Government, manifesto which speaks about were energy saving light-bulbs to a halved surcharge bill un- ‘It could Prime Minister Lawrence cohabitation, Gonzi said sim- on the shelves, and he looked der Sant’s new Government. Gonzi stumbled again when ply: “It’s there. I will repeat dumbfounded when told that Lawrence Gonzi admitted be that not it came to the issue of cohabi- the same paragraph I told you they even boasted a six-year that he did not ask such a ques- tation – an electoral promise last time.” lamp life. tion, but promised ONE crew everyone by his predecessor in 1998 but Lawrence Gonzi then rattled Highlighting Government’s that he will be embarking on never implemented over the off the same electoral prom- initiatives on environment, this project asking business- reads all the intervening two legislations. ise, included in the PN mani- Gonzi told the shopkeeper that men which of the two options During a political debate festo, to change the law to Parliamentary Secretary To- they preferred. proposals. But on TVM last Tuesday Gonzi protect offspring born out of nio Fenech did an outstanding As usual during these events, told MaltaToday that the PN’s wedlock: an important initia- job at the VAT Department. the Prime Minister is only al- it is there’ 1998 promise on cohabitation tive in its own right, but which “Bills at the VAT department lowed to answer to one or two is still in his party’s electoral has nothing to do with the le- were astonishingly curtailed questions. So when a third programme. gal recognition of unmarried after changing all the bulbs,” question materialised – about However, none of the 353 couples. exclaimed Gonzi. Ninu Zammit’s recent accusa- proposal in the manifesto re- The Prime Minister said this Evidently, this light-bulb is- tions regarding Alfred Sant - fers to this issue. During the during a walkabout in Fgura: sue provided a flash of inspi- Lawrence Gonzi was whisked same debate Lawrence Gonzi the only PN activity open to ration for the ever-present out of the supermarket so fast said that “it is not true that the press, in the course of ONE TV crew. During a press that someone from his en- the electoral promise van- which Gonzi visited various conference held in Chain su- tourage accidentally knocked ished from his electoral pro- shops in the town’s main com- permarket, the ONE reporter over a shelf full of Mentos. gramme. It could be that not mercial area. asked the Prime Minister Talk about a “fresh” way of everyone reads all the propos- Amongst these outlets, whether he asked businessmen doing politics… The real challenges in Mater Dei are yet to come Austin Gatt on the hospital’s IT System

Investment and Technol- ogy Minister Austin Gatt said yesterday that when it comes to Mater Dei hospital, the biggest challenges are yet to come. Gatt passed this comment to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi while visiting Megabyte Ltd in the Mosta Technopark yesterday. The company which is a pioneer in the developing of IT solutions such as the Na- tional ID card, the Electoral Register system and VAT sys- tem, already embraced an AD delegation a week ago. Today it will be Alfred Sant’s turn to visit the company. While being shown around different departments, Law- rence Gonzi had time to chat with different workers enter- ing into technical conver- sations clearly showing his passion for IT and software development. At one point the hospital is- sue was raised. Dr Austin Gatt was heard whispering a comment: “the real challenges in Mater Dei are yet to come (il-kbir ghadu gej)”. Asked by MaltaToday to jus- tify this statement, at the end of this visit, Austin Gatt said that he was referring to the phase when all the Health Centres will be connected to Mater Dei and to the general Asked to give a concrete date Megabyte Ltd employs 55 trained in this sector Malta “Our target is that the jobs practitioners (GPs). when this system will be in people, 30% of whom are will end up exactly like Dubai, are occupied by Maltese,” “When we’ll get that system place, Gatt mentioned a time women. Dr Lawrence Gonzi where there are more foreign insisted Gonzi, identifying we will be the only country in frame of between five and said that this company is a workers than locals. MCAST as one concrete ex- the world wherein your health seven years. On the financial “success story.” Lawrence Gonzi pledged the ample. “Others dismantled records and the interfaces be- costing of such a project, In- Talking about Smart City, Government’s commitment to MCAST. Shame on those who tween the hospital and poli- vestment Minister was unable one of the directors expressed investing more in IT courses, only looked short-term.” clinics will be online,” Dr Gatt to answer saying that this still concern saying that if there thus eliminating such a sce- PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja said. had to be budgeted. were not enough Maltese nario. [email protected] 8 maltatoday election election specialspecial | | TuesdayTuesday 26 26 February February 2008 2008 news news TuesdayTuesday 26 26 February February 2008 2008 | | election maltatoday special election maltatoday special 9

Josie wouldn’t mind some subsidies for his Eden foundation but wants open centres closed down

AD calls for full AN champions all ‘vulnerable xxxxxx liberalisation of public groups’… except immigrants

SaBrina agiuS remains the sovereignty of our who along the way, had an ac- equal to the national minimum During the press conference country, our religion, our cul- cident and remained with a dis- wage. eventually, when they muscat also spoke about AN’s ture and our society. We should ability. Due to the constraints die, whoever would have been position on abortion. “AN is take unilateral decisions in the it brings with it, ageing is also looking after them would ben- against abortion and is against transport service AZZJONi Nazzjonali leader interest of our country and considered partly as a form of efit from the tax rebate for the the act of aborting people with Josie muscat sees no contradic- these decisions should be in line disability,” said muscat. same amount of years which disability.” tion between offering more as- with internal conventions such Unlike their position on il- they would have been assisting AN is proposing a measure sistance to people with diverse as the Dublin Convention.” legal immigrants and single them. However, this must not whereby parents who send their Charlot Zahra troduction of mini-vans which public transport. They would Vassallo said: “The new CVA able to enjoy that privilege. would travel from one location to also be allowed to possess a low- system introduced in Valletta, “There are different circum- needs, while pursuing a decid- “AN was not ashamed and mothers, AN believe that since exceed three years. disabled children to private the other according to the needs powered motorcycle. although it can be improved, has stances in different localities – edly anti-immigration agenda. scared to express its thoughts family is more suited to look af- muscat’s party is against al- schools, should also benefit of the passengers. AD was also proposing that all been received very well. it has there are places that have fewer Asked yesterday by this news- on the topic, which is of national ter the elderly more than their ienating people with disability from the services a facilitator ALTerNATTiVA Demokratika “if AD is invited to form part of low-powered vehicles should be given residents the possibility of parking problems than in other paper to explain the difference importance, whilst consciously family “financial aid should be and the elderly. He asserted that for free. (AD) chairperson Harry Vas- a coalition, we would kick off the given access to bus lanes as well. not suffering from the impact of places. However there are places in policy regarding various cat- not avoiding the problems faced subsidised by the Government AN “is totally against building AN believes that the Govern- sallo has called for a wholesome process for the selection of the “it is the duty of every Gov- use of parking by other people. like Sliema, Birkirkara, Hamrun egories of vulnerable groups, by our soldiers, police, and the so that they remain within the another imgieret (retirement ment should subsidise serious reform of the public transport means of mass transport, such as ernment to provide a selection “We are proposing that resi- and other urban centres where such as persons with disability, maltese population” family. Or at least live in the home) within the St Luke’s NGOs to help them in their service, with the liberalisation of the underground railway, which of public transport and others dents’ parking systems are intro- there are particular parking single mothers and immigrants, He then turned his guns onto comfort of their home.” premises, as this goes against good work. scheduled bus services and taxi is so much needed for the coun- which are reliable, accessible and duced in all localities in consul- problems,” Vassallo said. muscat replied: “We are against the single mothers’ issue. He AN further proposes that the whole concept of moderni- services, which are currently a try’s future,” Vassallo said. reach all the island,” Vassallo tation with residents and local There should also be solutions illegal immigrants. i repeat that pointed out that “AN has no whoever applies for this sys- sation. They should not be left [email protected] monopoly. AD was pledging that works on said. councils. for those industries which gener- by illegal immigrants we re- problem with non-abusive sin- tem, shall have a tax rebate out of society.” Speaking during a press confer- this project would have started Vassallo said that bus lanes “if these systems are introduced ate a lot of commuters. “if traffic fer to those who come by boat gle mothers. AN’s concern aris- ence yesterday afternoon outside by the end of the five year term of should be increased so that “the in some places but not in oth- is reduced and public transport without documents, and also es when single mothers abuse Hastings Gardens in Valletta, the new Government. only relative advantage of public ers, you would be putting at a is improved, then the problem of those who come to malta with the social security system. Vassallo said: “We want malta moreover, AD reiterated its pro- transport – privacy – is counter- disadvantage those who are not parking would be addressed as a visa and then stay in malta Their abuse means abusing No one can to reach a very high standard of posal that all 18-year-olds who balanced by the fact that public residents. if in a locality there a well,” Vassallo said. (after their visa has expired). from the tax payers’ money and urban mobility, thus reducing relinquish their right to a private transport would be faster.” particular privilege, then all resi- This problem hit our coun- at the end of the day, this is the expenses for families, reduce the vehicle should be provided free On the question of parking, dents in all localities should be [email protected] try due to bad administration population’s money. This also deny that aid inconvenience of parking and which totally is out of control. reflects negatively on our socie- provide real choices for those We always sustained that malta ty, on the single mother herself, should be who want to travel in a private should take its responsibility and on the children who suffer car, as well as those who want All 18-year-olds and keep only a predetermined physically, psychologically and given to people to travel via public transport, or amount of immigrants, this in morally,” muscat said. “The in a private car with car pooling, who relinquish agreement with other eU coun- government should assist these who were car sharing, and Pay-Per-Use op- tries and the United Nations.” single mothers to reunite back tions. their right to a “Azzjoni Nazzjonali’s position in a traditional family through born with a “it is fitting that malta, a coun- on the issue is very clear. malta either NGOs or with the help of try whose maximum length is 27 is the smallest eU country and priests in the community.” disability kilometres, should become the private vehicle most densely populated (in the making reference to the eden envy of bigger countries where eU) so we cannot take on Af- Foundation, muscat boasted the difficulties for commuting should be rica’s burdens and responsibili- that the charity organisation he for work or for leisure are more ty,” muscat insisted. “Whilst we himself founded in 1992, was difficult,” Vassallo said. provided free accept that we must save other the first of its kind to have fa- AD said it was in favour of the people’s lives when they are in cilitators working with people continuation of the Connections public transport danger and help them when help with disability. “eden Founda- Project, which was proposed by is needed, we believe that after tion believed that people with a the 1996-1998 Labour Govern- a period of time, for example a mental disability can be taught ment, which would make the month, then they should go to and learn how to make a living whole port area a single city the other prospective countries. and live as full citizens in their which can be accessed on foot. if the eU and UN keep pulling own right.” This would reduce traffic both at our leg, it shows that they don’t “No one can deny that aid msida as well as at marsa. want them in their own coun- should be given to people who it was also proposing the in- tries. in this case, our interest were born with a disability, or PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja 10 maltatoday election special | Tuesday 26 February 2008 Tuesday 26 February 2008 | election special maltatoday 11 Sant sees golf filling tourism holes

David Darmanin they can work. With better use three star hotels.” the completion of “embellish- of Malta’s resources, they can Turning to the importance ment projects that had been work.” ‘Bussinessmen of encouraging niche tourism, started and never completed Throughout his speech, Sant the Labour leader mentioned – such as the coasts of Marsas- Proposing a plan to reach emphasised that certain re- say stand- the need of paying further at- kala, Bir_ebbu_a and Marsax- a tourism revenue of €1.5 bil- sources are mismanaged, com- tention to conferences and in- lokk.” lion over a span of three to five mitting himself to the better alone golf centives, agri-tourism, diving, “This work will be done,” he years, Labour leader Alfred use of “resources that we are cultural and religious tour- added, “together with an effort Sant yesterday told a press con- not using, resources that we courses are ism. “We do not work enough to re-include a five-star hotel ference that, if elected in gov- aren’t using enough, resources on these sectors,” he claimed. in Marsaskala, so as to let its ernment, the MLP will be set- that we aren’t using properly not feasible. Mentioning English lan- guests revive tourism-related ting up a golf course in Malta and resources that we are using guage students, Sant said that small businesses in the area.” and another in Gozo. wrongly.” since “for the past two or three For the Grand Harbour, in- Sant stressed that any golf “Tourism is really back- We believe years, students were being al- cluding Marsamxett, Msida courses developed in Malta, wards,” he stated. Mentioning located in hotels”, this sector and Sliema; Sant stated that a due to size limitations, should that although over the past they are’ – put itself into an unfavourable Labour government would ad- be stand-alones, “not like what years, Malta witnessed one of position. dress tourism in the area for has been proposed for Xag_ra the worst declines in tourism Sant “In hotels, students also have the long-term, and in collabo- l-_amra, where the develop- figures, Sant acknowledged a tendency to make noise,” ration with the private sector. ment of real estate was also in- that with the advent of low cost he said, making a humorous “A f i v e - s t a r h o t e l i s a l s o n e e d e d cluded in the proposal”. airlines operating to and from comparison to university stu- in Cottonera,” he said. Included While mentioning that the Malta, “we have started gain- dents, “and this often disturbs in the Grand Harbour plan is a Labour Party has identified ing ground.” neighbouring guests and fam- yacht marina and a further fo- Mag_tab in Malta and Tal- “Low cost airlines have helped ilies.” cus on cruise liner tourism. “A Qortin in Gozo as ideal sites, Maltese tourism resurface,” he Moving onto infrastructural parliament-appointed specific Sant did not mention that he added. “What has been done, development, Sant said: “Nat- authority,” he promised, “will would exclude granting per- however, was piecemeal… We ural, urban, maritime and be set up in order to manage mission for the construction spent too much time trying to historical environment need projects in the Grand Harbour of a golf course at Ta’ _en_, as adjust to the phenomenon of to be restructured across the with efficiency.” long as it is a stand-alone. low-cost airlines. We take into board if we are to compete Last year, the International “We have a proposal for Ta’ account that Malta can ben- with other European holiday Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered _en_ so far, but we have also efit from this phenomenon, destinations. We will keep on the economic growth forecasts identified tal-Qortin as a loca- although at the same time, investing towards this goal.” for Malta and last week it was tion. This area is large enough we need to consolidate and He also discussed highlights the European Commission to to be developed into a stand- strengthen AirMalta.” related to development plans lower targets for every coun- alone golf course,” he said. On this subject, Sant criti- for Gozo, Bu_ibba, St Paul’s try in the Eurozone. Asked by A MEPA application for the cised the PN government for Bay, Xemxija, the south and MaltaToday whether, due to development of a golf course “squandering the national air- the Grand Harbour. this international scenario, the at Ta’ _en_ had stirred contro- line’s funds that it had been For Gozo, Sant proposed MLP is still confident on de- versy in 2006, motivating the amassing for years.” more focus on marketing the veloping Malta’s economy by 4 green lobby to collect signa- Adding that the “package Mal- island as a separate tourism to 6%, Sant seemed convinced tures for a petition as part of a ta has to offer for tourism is un- destination in order to pro- of his predictions, irrespective campaign they called “Save Ta’ balanced,” Sant mentioned that mote foreign tourism in the of the expectations of interna- _en_ Now”. “Malta cannot enter certain region, not merely Maltese. tional authorities. Asked by this newspaper tourism markets in the EU”, Yacht ma rina s a nd t h ree-sta r “We are aware of these fore- whether the Labour Party has due to the closure of a series hotels seem to be earmarked casts,” he said. “Better use of conducted a feasibility study of three star hotels throughout for the northern region, to- resources and utilisation of on stand-alone golf courses, the island. Committing him- gether with an infrastructural spare capacity are key to our Sant said: “Businessmen are self to encourage the setting up upgrade to enable better serv- electoral manifesto.” saying that stand-alones are of three star hotels, Sant added: ice for divers and ramblers, not feasible. With new ways of “Five star hotels have had to re- among others. looking at things, we believe duce prices, acting as four and For the south, Sant promised [email protected] Harry Vassallo shoots down Sant’s stand-alone golf course proposal

Charlot Zahra years where we have debated the golf courses issue, it has been clearly established that a stand-alone golf course is Alternattiva Demokra- not economic feasible. Golf tika (AD) Chairperson Harry courses are usually proposed Vassallo shot down Labour by those who have in mind a leader Alfred Sant’s proposal development project consist- of a stand-alone golf course at ing of villas. Ta’ Cenc made during a press “With regards to Maghtab, conference earlier yesterday. I do not think that this is Asked by MaltaToday for his the ideal place where to host reaction to the Labour pro- sports facilities or locations posals during a press confer- where people meet en masse. ence at Hastings Gardens in We will discuss these locations Valletta yesterday afternoon, after serious studies about the Vassallo said: “I think that the pollution that is still coming Opposition leader should take out of Mount Maghtab,” Vas- responsibility of the proposals sallo told MaltaToday. that he makes. “I think during the past 11 [email protected] Quote

12 maltatoday election election specialspecial | | TuesdayTuesday 26 26 February February 2008 2008 opinion editorial TuesdayTuesday 2626 FebruaryFebruary 20082008 | | electionmaltatoday special election maltatoday special 13 Shrieking and waking t last! The pressing personal operetta of issue; but many have Crappy the deputy told me that they And if crap was not enough to wor- leaderA of the Labour are so annoyed by ry about. We now know that what is party michael Falzon: these dirty tactics good for the goose is not necessarily Hail the lions shrieking away on that they are staying good for the gander. the Fosos in Floriana, home to cast their DJ ruby is one of those DJs that i of change rising to a falsetto and vote . Mr Joe Saliba would probably find as distasteful as then waving his hands Just look at the smoked herring, but for those with like a hysterical bar- blogs and see what thinks that the short memories, it has to be said that maid on the sinking people are saying to “ years back when the unfortunate DJ Titanic. The scene the PN’s heavy hand- best policy is to was asked to play at a PN gathering, has hit the strategy Saviour edness. the mLP revealed that the poor DJ group in the National- ignore Josie and had a conviction over drug posses- ist party machine like the GWPbN and sion. Balzan the PNGWat a tornado. And they paint AD as the Hmm. Now i find out that DJ ruby have decided to act. [email protected] So Joe Saliba is not will now be playing for the mLP in They have finally quite sure whether infidel one of those Viva l-Lejber concerts. decided to lift their the damage caused i guess it has got to do with the La- undeclared censorship over their to Harry Vassallo’s property was bour’s new policy of erasing memory journalists, and allow them to tel- perpetrated by Nationalists. Harry and rejuvenating itself. evise clips of the deputy leader of the Vassallo’s property was damaged So anyone who thinks i am being a Labour party being what he really is: minutes after a mass meeting held by pain in the ass, please note that it is a load of hot air. the PN in Sliema. very intentional exercise. PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja So finally someone has woken up So it must have been the GWPBN after having tried for months to give and the PNGWAT. luxol, here we come the impression that michael Falzon Saliba, in an answer to this news- The decision to organise the last is a soft spoken man and a better paper, condemned the culprits but mass meeting at Luxol by the mLP is alternative to Alfred Sant. Too late, when quizzed about controlling indeed a very stupid one. chums. naughty Nationalists who could stir The Labour consultant who came But the PN have smaller fish to fry. trouble, he answered: “... it could up with the idea of ending the cam- in what is considered to be a cal- have been committed by somebody paign in Nationalist blue territory culated operation to decimate any else on purpose.” should be sent to sleep with Obama’s reasonable electoral threat, the PN By the way, the GWPBN is a spe- consultant for at least a week. machine has decided to continue cial unit created by the Greens; it The worst nightmare for any hitting out at AD and not say a word stands for Greens Who Pretend To Nationalist, even those who may be at AN. Be Nationalists. They were specially thinking of voting Labour, is to see a Again, just yesterday night Simon organised to organise fake attacks carcade of frantic and very loud La- Busuttil once again tried his hand at on Greens, and then blame it on the bourites with red flags banging and AD bashing and informed us that a Nationalists. screaming in the same horrible man- vote for AD would be a waste. Next As if it is impossible to imagine ner michael Falzon was screeching time someone comes up with a No- that out of the thousands of Nation- and waving at the Fosos on Sunday. bel prize for democratic credentials, alist supporters – out of all those Well thank God, Phil Noble is not please do not forget to nominate in who make up what we have now around. Simon. Yes, Simon the man from termed PN groupies – none are europe. mark my words: one day capable of becoming slightly mis- jo Said, once again Simon will show his true colours. chievous. The grand attack was to the door Now back to the Greens. i hear that Editorial But what was more austere is that With Joe’s reasoning, we should knobs (euro signs), which were bent, Jo Said and his wife have joined the MaltatODaY, MeDiatODaY ltD, Vjal ir-riHaN, SaN GWaNN SGN 9016 • MANAGING DIRECTOR: ROGER de GIORGIO • MaNaGiNG eDitOr: SaViOUr balZaN • ACTING EDITOR: KARL SCHEMBRI he did not have one word of criticism take it that the alleged bomb threat and a little stone carefully thrown at Greens. Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 • Fax: (356) 21 385075 • Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt • E-mail: [email protected] for Josie’s party. Not one word. Not to DCG could easily have been a small balcony window. Great news, that is, if you believe one word for this former Nationalist concocted… not by not some deviant Before the iVA committee (of that Jo Said is an asset to your politi- militant and mP. Labourite, but by Nationalists, prob- which i was then a member) had cal platform. Do the Greens really it was not because he does not ably members of the PNGWAT. chance to meet, mr Casa was quick think they have made a great acqui- believe they should be rapped on the By the way the PNGWAT are the to issue a press release condemning sition to their regiment? But is he knuckles, but simply because mr Joe “PN Groupies Who Attack Them- the attack. really an asset? Saliba thinks that the best policy is selves.” i was not quite sure what to say. This Said has turned out to be like to ignore Josie and paint AD as the Well, it is a very strange world, But i am sure that the little stone that albatross that turns up at your Stop the scaremongering infidel. made stranger by this habit of at- must have been thrown by a group of boat wailing doomsday. i am sick and tired of all this de- tacking oneself, maiming oneself, re- inebriated ballerinas, or better still But the stark truth is that Jo Said is monisation. porting threats. it all seems to have the garden gnomes from the Gzira just another disgruntled Nationalist, OUr opinion poll released last Sunday in office under different prime minis- needs explanation before the court of responsibility for mePA was a master- i had thousands of fans booked to gotten a little bit out of hand. gardens across the road. nothing more, nothing less. clearly showed that the two traditional ters 30 years ago. public opinion. Of course this also in- stroke since his high level credibility run away with me on 8 march for i remember way back in the good But then, who am i not to believe And for both the AD or the mLP to parties are neck and neck. This snap- regrettably, however, the worst spates volves an assessment of what the par- and standing assures people that this a feast of “cozze” and “vongole” in old days of David Casa when the that it was probably a carefully take advantage of Jo Said is danger- shot of public opinion should also be of negative campaigning are reser ved for ties have done when in government as monster of an organisation may be Siracusa. i have told them that i iVA office in a little well-lit street in planned terrorist attack by the CNi? ous when one looks at the history of viewed in the context of a significant the education sphere. Accusations of re- also equally important the records of humanised under a safe pair of hands. am housebound because of a more Gzira was attacked. Can we stop this crap please, NOW! turncoats in the last elections. amount in the “Undecided” category of ception class and repeater class, removal the prime ministerial term of office of Yet to date Dr Gonzi has failed to con- voters; equally significant is the margin of junior college and examinations, are both Alfred Sant and Lawrence Gonzi cretise exactly what he will do, leaving of error (+/-3.3%), which naturally exists flying all over the place, putting parents themselves but the trust of all success- the perception that the finer details of for either side, making any prediction to who are ever-jealous of their children’s ful campaigns is projecting a future and the decision have not been sufficiently say the least risky. education into panic mode. education giving people a dream. This explains knitted up. As always, the devil is in the essentially, it’s an all-to-play-for sce- could have been spared this political the American Obama phenomenon, he detail. nario and this explains the edgy and ping-pong if only Labour heeded the is giving the electorate a dream a vision equally well received has been the panic mode dominating both camps. mUT’s advice not to propose the recep- and confidence in his succinct slogan leader of the Opposition’s commitment For what else can explain the over- tion class as an electoral promise. yes we can. With the restoration of de- to a zero tolerance policy on corrup- whelming importance being given to This all smacks of political irrespon- mocracy and the membership of the eu- tion. This policy however needs beefing ELECTION SpECIaL negative campaigning and scaremon- sibility since our educational system ropean Union, the country is yearning up, apart from the Woods fiasco in its gering, common characteristics in the should, like the financial services sec- for a dream; yet neither of the tradition- initial launching stages. How will the initial stages of all campaigns which tor, have a bi-partisan approach. This is al parties has as yet managed to concre- aspiring prime minister control cor- tend, as D-day approaches, to turn into the most sacred thing available in our tise this dream: other than to clamour ruption? Will he vet his candidates, and an explanation of one’s proposals and vi- society and yet our politicians play with that the country needs five more years eventually his ministers, more care- sion for society over the next five years? it like a political football. Shame on of stability; or the call for change with- fully? Will he introduce legislation to We are still awaiting the change of gear them. out any indication that this “change” in- eradicate conflict of interest? Will he from both leaders in the driving seat. With only 11 days to go we advise volves more than just a changing of the subject political appointees to grilling This election campaign is being domi- both parties to lower the tempo of their guard. by parliament? We await answers. nated by scaremongering and a big dose negative campaigns and to put into full Where is the beef we keep asking for? if both traditional parties carry on of negativity, with the electorate being drive their proposals and programmes. in return, all we hear of is more and scaremongering and running negative bombarded daily by TV spots and bill- elections in mature democracies are more scaremongering. campaigns they can bet their bottom boards all over the country. The mes- all about the discussion, examination The parties need to concretise their euro that a not-insignificant number maltatoday sages are clear: an old team which has and acceptance or rejection of electoral proposals in fully-backed programmes of undecided voters will be pushed in- been in office for 20 years; and in an op- programmes. What future are people of action. The Nationalist proposal to the waiting arms of one of the two ON Sale tOMOrrOW - DON’t MiSS OUt position, an equally old team that was voting for? This is the question which that the Prime minister will take full smaller parties. 14 maltatoday election election specialspecial | | TuesdayTuesday 26 26 February February 2008 2008 news analysis sports TuesdayTuesday 2626 FebruaryFebruary 20082008 | | electionmaltatoday special election maltatoday special 15 Football Motoring Day of reckoning for spring Hamrun secure place Lino Brincat’s Vintage Class hunting… and for Pullicino + pics of George Pullicino, hunters in Championship pool With the spring Hamrun 1 – Hibernians 1 who took the lead in the 63rd all they could manage was to Quote: hunting ball minude, when Branislav Timo- level the score 1-1 with a goal VeTerAN hill climb driver Lino ron Cosworth 2000), cousins HAmrUN earned the point tic found himself unmarked from Adrian mifsud. Hiber- Brincat, driving his Dallara Alfa matthew and Zach Zammit and being kicked they needed to secure a place in the penalty area and scored nians are now in the relegation romeo won Sunday’s opening Joshua Anastasi, Steve Zammit in the Championship pool. Hi- from close range. pool. round of the iCC Hill Climb and Cutajar, Paul Deguara and other from one court bernians played a strong game, Hibernians then played all Sean Sullivan was voted the Sprint Championship, held at aspirants for an outright win, but but nonetheless it was Hamrun out to try to get the win, but BOV Player of the match. mizieb. Lino, now nearing pen- at the end of the first timed run to another, the sionable age, was in a class of his it was the old fox Lino by over a Environment own and dominated the day’s second and a half from Hubert, proceedings from run one. with matthew a very close 3rd. Minister now Mqabba beat 10-man Msida The mizieb event was the first The final run is the one that round of the club’s champion- matters and virtually every faces a dilemma: Mqabba 2 – Msida St Joseph 1 keeper to put msida in the for mqabba. ship, and as usual attracted a driver improved his time. Lino lead. But all was not good for Twenty minutes later mqab- good and varied entry, which again improved slightly, as did either boost his iN the other match of the msida, when on 36 minutes ba put the game out of reach included 10 single seater rac- Hubert, whilst matthew made night, mqabba defeated msida Tyrone Farrugia was shown when marcelo Pereira had a ing cars, and a good number of a slight mistake at the last hair- own electoral St Joseph by two goals to one. the red card. mqabba took fantastic shot outside the box Group 5, 2 and 1 cars. Proceed- pin and Joshua was rewarded for msida opened the score on advantage of this and levelled to beat matthew Camilleri ings started right on time at 9am 3 days hard work when he took chances, or the 23rd minute when Adrian the score on the 60th minute, and give mqabba the winning when clerk of the course Alex another second off his previous Farrugia headed past the goal- when mauro Bonnici scored goal. Zammit signaled the start of the time to claim 2nd place overall, sacrifi ce himself first car, Frank Tonna’s interest- with Hubert a very close third. for the good ing Group 5 mini 1400. mark Galea was quickest of the Roma hit with injury crisis By 11am both practice runs touring cars, mixing it with the of his Cabinet had been completed and the 50 single seaters with his Subaru rOmA have bit hit by a double 6’s 4-1 thumping and could cut Despite his presence in train- cars lined up for their first timed impresa WrX. Other perform- colleagues injury disappointment as they the deficit to six points with a ing today, the former Bayer run. it was immediately clear ances worth mentioning were prepare for Wednesday’s do- win, but it has been confirmed Leverkusen man will not travel that Lino Brincat had carried those of David Libreri, Duncan forward the form he had shown Barbaro Sant, David Anastasi, raPhaEl vaSSallo or-die clash with leaders inter. that they will be without Bra- to milan even as a substitute. The Giallorossi must at least zilian stars Juan and Amantino mancini was the star man in in the closing round of the 2007 Aldo Laferla, and newcomer Ter- draw with the stuttering Bene- mancini. roma’s win over real madrid Championship and was heading rence Vella. amata at San Siro if they are to Juan has been out of action last Tuesday, but has since de- the time sheets just as he pleased. The next round of the champi- THiS week is pivotal for the fu- remain in the Scudetto race. for over a month, but there had veloped a muscular problem, Behind him the usual battle onship is due to take place shortly ture of spring hunting in malta. raged between multiple Cham- after Easter at Gnejna where the page 4 Luciano Spalletti’s side will been hopes he could return for which is almost certain to hand Today, the Ornis Committee george’s vultures: giovanna Debono, louis galea, ninu Zammit, tony abela, louis Deguara be desperate to avenge Week this titanic struggle. him a place in the stands. pion Hubert Camilleri (Chev- battle will be resumed. convenes to discuss the issue of according to the fi gures of registered hunters and trappers in the various localities, the most worrying for the Nationalists in government are the 2008 spring hunting season, arguably Gozo, presided over by Giovanna Debono; Siggiewi, home to Nationalist heavyweights like louis Galea and Ninu Zammit; rabat and after failing to take any decision environs, contested by tony abela; and Mosta/Naxxar, stronghold of louis Deguara – himself a hunter, at least on paper. Pursuits when it last met on February 13. ever since it became clear that this faint hope; and not without Also to be borne in mind is the some might wonder why he didn’t as a deeply ingrained cultural across the european Commission would good reason, for deferment in recent upsurge in environmen- ban spring hunting ages ago. tradition. When it comes to brass 1. Absent (7) PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja take malta to the european Court this case is likely to appease hunt- talist enthusiasm – some would But then, Pullicino is not a lone tacks, though, the issue is all Sudoku 5. Solidifying (7) of Justice for allowing spring ers and birders alike, at least until say militancy – in these localities: ranger, and has his own Cabinet about votes: not just whether the 9. Rank (3) 10. In what place (5) hunting in defiance of the Birds elections are out of the way. But particularly in Sliema, which has colleagues to deal with, too. pro-hunting lobby outnumbers 11. Similar (5) Directive, environment minister in private it is doubtful that he been a shop-window for the con- its environmentalist equivalent, 12. Monetary unit of Japan (3) George Pullicino has consistently shares the hunters’ optimism for struction industry ever since the the rural/urban divide but which of the PN’s front-run- 13. In some degree (6) 16. Pot (6) cited the impending committee the long term. building explosion of the early if the urban 10th district is a ning candidates stands to lose the 19. Principal (4) meeting as a pretext to side-step The law of political expedience 1990s. heartland for the anti-hunting most on his or her home turf. 21. Flightless bird (4) 23. Social standing (4) all questions on the future of makes it impossible for any Na- Unsurprisingly, the haemor- confraternity, other more ru- The battleground to date has 24. Employed to drive a car (9) hunting in spring. For this, he has tionalist exponent to ever admit rhage to Alternattiva Demokra- ral districts, especially in the been Cabinet meetings, where 25. Knave (4) been criticised by both sides for this, but for four whole years tika has been more keenly felt in north, are very much the other Pullicino is reportedly under 26. To the inside of (4) 27. Immediately following (4) using the Ornis Committee as a the incumbent government has the 10th district than anywhere way round. recently, the FKNK constant pressure from his col- 28. Hate (6) smokescreen (“paraventu”). known perfectly well that there else. Sliema was also the birth- published statistics of registered leagues in rural districts to post- 31. Brandy distilled from cherries (6) But with no decision forthcom- was never any real chance of a place of Flimkien Ghal Ambjent hunters and trappers in the vari- pone the spring hunting issue 35. Central part of a wheel (3) 37. Newly married woman (5) ing, and with time running out permanent derogation to the Ahjar, an outspoken critic of the ous localities. Of these, the most indefinitely. 38. Mistake (5) for Ornis to make its recommen- Birds Directive. government’s environmental worrying for the Nationalists in The status quo favours the hunt- 39. Colour (3) dation (see fact-file below), all The official version of events, policies, and often a thorn in the government are arguably Gozo, ers, who can keep their hopes 40. Lattice (7) eyes are now turned to Pullicino compounded by the malta eU in- side of Pullicino himself (vide the presided over by Giovanna Debo- alive until the next legislature. it 41. Neuter (7) to settle the matter himself, up formation Centre’s declarations of protest slogan “Vote George, Get no; Siggiewi, home to Nationalist favours George Pullicino himself, - Down until last week the minister still 2003, is that the government had Lorry”, which has since been sub- heavyweights like Louis Galea as this way he can fend off criti- For unique hand knotted 1. State of confusion (3-2) 2. Effl uent system (5) insisted that he was powerless to negotiated a special exemption liminally absorbed into the na- and Ninu Zammit; rabat and en- cism while privately informing 3. Standard of perfection (5) take any decision without the ad- for the hunting of turtle dove and tional psyche). virons, contested by Tony Abela; the Greens that they will get their Sudoku rules are 4. Dull colour (4) 5. Stately aquatic bird (4) vice of Ornis. quail during spring. But we now But as we all saw in the case of and mosta/Naxxar, stronghold hunting ban eventually anyway. extremely easy: Fill all empty 6. Clan (5) Curiously, the malta Labour know that all the government re- the recent ramla l-Hamra con- of Louis Deguara – himself a And birders, even if disappoint- squaresoriental so that the numbers carpets1 7. Inactive (5) 8. Stare angrily (5) Party appears to be echoing Pul- ally negotiated was a clause in the troversy, environmental disgrun- hunter, at least on paper. ed, can at least draw satisfac- to 9 appear once in each row, licino’s line of reasoning to the environment Chapter specifying tlement can turn to instant kudos in many respects this fault-line tion from the fact that this year’s 14. Shake (7) column and 9x9 box. 15. Dribble (7) letter. The implication is that that malta can always apply for a for the minister with a single also defines the internal divisions spring hunting season is unlikely Answers to the MaltaToday crossword will be published tomorrow 16. Leg joints (5) ultimately, the matter will have derogation under Article 9: a fact strategically-timed U-turn. of the Nationalist Party – an in- to open on schedule, if at all. 17. Small dog (7) Yesterday’s solution 18. Insane person (7) to be decided by the european which is equally applicable to all even without environmentalist stitution torn between the aspi- But it doesn’t favour malta’s 20. Attach (5) Court alone. other member states. pressure, hunting remains a bone rations of an increasingly more ongoing case with the eC in the 22. Lacking brightness (5) To make matters worse, it now of contention to the tourism in- demanding and green-minded european Courts of Justice. And 8 28. Did not (5) No news is good news Chess THE FLYING CARPET - OLD RAILWAY TRACK, ATTARD 29. Article of furniture (5) transpires that no formal applica- dustry, whose chief exponents middle-class, and a rural con- that is where the cookie will ulti- 7 Today’s Weather 30. Dexterity (5) After the last Ornis meeting two tion was ever made for any such have for years complained about servatism which views hunting mately crumble. 6 32. Scottish stadium (5) 8 WarNiNGS: Nil 33. Rush (5) weeks ago, the FKNK released a derogation. And yet, the govern- its negative effect on our interna- Monday - Friday5 9am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 3pm 34. Clock pointers (5) statement praising Ornis’s non- ment went ahead and opened the tional reputation as a tourist des- Importers of:4 Various hand knotted carpets and Kilims, 35. Possessive pronoun (4) 7 WeatHer: Partly cloudy 36. Places to sleep (4) decision as “judicious”. Faced spring hunting season every year tination. Again, the 10th district, FaCtFile: Ornis Committee 3 with an almost inevitable future since 2004. with its myriad hotels and restau- Non Slip Underlay, Dry and Liquid shampoo. Mobile No. 7953 7664 becoming rather • Ornis is the government-appointed consultative body on all 6 2 cloudy at times ban of their hobby in spring, the rants, is positioned on the front 1 hunters seem to have welcomed the election factor line of this ongoing battle. matters related to hunting and trapping, composed of both 5 ViSibilitY: Good news of Ornis’ non-decision On a purely constituency level, in a sense, Pullicino is faced hunters’ and birders’ representatives. A B C D E F G H 4 Yesterday’s solution much like a last-minute stay of George Pullicino finds himself in with a somewhat stark choice. WiND: light to moderate execution. And even if the hope is a unique and not entirely unenvi- if he takes the plunge and bans • Its number one responsibility is to recommend dates for the White had play and spring hunting season to the environment Minister. 3 mate in three moves Southwest (force 3 slender, individual hunters, egged able position. spring hunting once and for all, he to 4) backing South on by their federation representa- For Pullicino contests the 10th could quite easily boost his own 2 MOSTLY CLOUDY to Southwest tives, still cling to the belief that a district, which includes Sliema image and electoral fortunes at • The Ornis Committee is legally obliged to issue its recommendations four weeks before the actual Ne7+ c6 deal may yet be reached for malta and St Julian’s: two localities not a crucial stage. Considering that 1 17 ºC / 10 ºC Sea: Slight to moderate commencement of the season. Qxc6+ Kd8 to wriggle out of its ongoing legal known for their passionate love the decision is virtually inevitable A B C D E F G H Qd7# UV INDEX: 4 SWell: Negligible becoming battle with the Commission. of hunting (although ironically, anyway, and that Pullicino does • Last year, the spring seasoned opened on 20 March. For his part the environment St Julian is himself the activity’s not really stand to lose anything White to play and mate in three moves low easterly minister seems to be fanning patron saint). on a constituency level as a result, Yesterday’s solution 16maltatoday maltatoday election election special special | Tuesday | Tuesday 26 February 26 February 2008 2008 Tuesday 26 February 2008 | election special maltatoday 17 Gays declare AD friendliest party PiPPa ZaMMit CUtajar PHOTOGRAPHY BY PiPPa

Julia Farrugia Gabbi Calleja confirmed that this was one of the main hurdles which sprouted during the PN THe malta Gay rights move- meeting. Asked whether the Na- ment yesterday declared that Al- tionalist Party pledged a general ternattiva Demokratika is malta’s guarantee on gay issues Calleja most gay-friendly party, followed denied. by the Nationalist Party. “Apart from the NCPe’s issue Talking to maltaToday after a which is highlighted in the PN one-hour meeting with PN’s gen- manifesto the Nationalist Party eral secretary Joe Saliba, minister gave us no guarantee. We still Louis Galea and meP Simon Bu- need to see if whether re-elected suttil, coordinator of the mGrm in Government there is concrete coordinator Gabbi Calleja, de- change. We want concrete actions scribed talks with the PN as “cor- and not empty words.” dial”. The mGrm coordinator also “The meeting was more positive confirmed that they are still wait- than we were expecting. There ing for the malta Labour Party to

was a position in favour of the set up an appointment. PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gilbert Calleja rights of same-sex couples liv- The malta Gay rights move- ing together. We are not talking ment first requested a meeting about marriage but partnerships,” with Alternattiva Demokratika explained Calleja at the end of the on 17 February. AD responded on meeting held at PN headquarters the same day and a meeting was during which mGrm presented a held on the 18th. That same day, petition with 1,084 signatures. mGrm extended the same re- Quote Asked to point out which of the quest also to mLP, PN and AN. “How do you know that this was committed by political parties is closest to what “We’re meeting Azzjoni Naz- Nationalist Party supporters? it could have been they believe in malta Gay rights zjonali on Wednesday. The PN committed by somebody else on purpose” – PN movement official stated: “i think answered our request on the secretary general Joe Saliba it is Alternattiva Demokratika, 22nd and we were given the ap- followed then by the National- pointment for one week after our ist Party. i think that Alternat- request. The malta Labour Party tiva is the party that even accepts got back to us saying that Alfred our fifth request, that is access to Sant had a very busy schedule and health services.”00 that the party is trying to slot an The petition of the mGrm re- appointment. We’re still waiting,” quests, among other things, the Calleja said. inclusion of gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy for The MGRM’s petition can be transgender persons as part of the found at http://www.petitionon- public health services. line.com/MGRM01/petition.html Harry Vassallo’s residence vandalised after PN meeting

Charlot Zahra “so that people’s minds are not agitated and similar incidents are avoided”. ALTerNATTiVA Demokra- Asked for his reaction to the tika (AD) chairperson Harry vandal acts on Vassallo’s house, Vassallo’s residence in Sliema PN Secretary-General Joe Sal- was vandalised at the end of the iba told maltaToday yesterday Nationalist Party (PN) meeting evening that he “strongly con- in Dingli Street on Sunday af- demns the act without any res- ternoon. ervations, irrespective of who- An AD statement issued late ever committed it”. yesterday evening said that Quizzed by this newspaper unidentified persons had dam- what measures the PN intended aged the glass pane covering to take to ensure that similar the big window that there is on incidents do not take place in the ground floor of Vassallo’s future, Saliba said curtly: “How residence at Stella maris Street: do you know that this was com- a “stone’s throw” away from mitted by Nationalist Party where the PN mass-meeting supporters? it could have been was held on the same day. committed by somebody else The AD chairperson, his wife on purpose”. and his two children were not Asked for his reaction to Sal- at their residence at the time of iba’s statement, Vassallo told the incident. maltaToday: “in the 18 years Deputy AD Chairperson that i have been living here, i Stephen Cachia expressed the have never suffered a vandal party members and activists’ act of any kind. it was only on unreserved solidarity with Sunday after the PN meeting Vassallo and his family. He ap- that this happened. The pos- pealed for responsibility and sibility that it might have been moderation in the political somebody else is there, but the statements during these days probability is remote” This is a paid advert by the Nationalist party