FULL POLITICAL election special ELECTIONS COVERAGE

SIX PAGES OF 6 PHOTOS AND dayS to go REPORTS Pgs 6-11 mIssue 5 • Moday,alta 03 March 2008 • www. tmaltatoday.coodaym.mt PRICE €0.50 / Lm0.21 TEARS FOR FEARS Pullicino Orlando cries as Mistra disco shocker embarrasses ‘green’ politician PG 5 NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL MPs declared company income after reaching tax agreement Labour MPs Charles Man- enue department. day forced to come clean over gion and Karmenu Vella yester- With accusations flying from the missing income in the ac- day said they only declared the the Nationalists accusing them counts they presented to the income they made from their of having filed “false declara- MFSA after the PN published company Mirca Properties Ltd tions”, and the two MPs filing Mirca Properties’ accounts over eight years, in 2003 and for libel against Nationalist MP to show that their rental in- 2004 – after reaching a tax Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, the comes had not featured in their agreement with the inland rev- Labour members were yester- records. pg 5 3 Charles Mangion and Karmenu Vella - ‘we’ve declared our income’

159, Labour Avenue, Naxxar Tel: 2388 0088, 7939 2939 paper post News 2 maltatoday election special | Monday 03 March 2008 news news Monday 03 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 3 On the record James Debono digs into the archives to fi nd what candidates have been saying on a variety of issues over the years

Jeffrey Pullicino Franco galea Joe abela alex Sciberras Victor galea angelo Xuereb

jeffrey Pullicino Orlando Pn candidate on 7th and there are certain bus routes that silent when confronted by this 17 February 2008, Illum brings to bear.” 11th districts Maltese citizens can’t use?… That situation. refugees and irregular On divorce 1 June 2007, The Times there is prostitution outside some migrants are fellow human be- “i believe that the time has come of these centres…? That there are ings with a right to live. as a peo- for a serious discussion on di- On his ‘first time’ On cement plants and landfills incidents between immigrants ple we cannot remain indifferent vorce. Personally i am in favour “The first time i voted aD was “if developers had their way on and Maltese people, and that in front of the death of migrants but it shouldn’t be the government in the MePs’ election” the cement plant the health of these incidents are on the rise?” in our seas. black skin or white which instigates debate on this is- 12 December 2006, MaltaToday most Maltese people would have Adjournment speech in parlia- skin makes no difference. Life has sue. between 1996 and 1998 the been affected. Had we developed ment, December 2005 no price.” government had appointed a com- angelo Xuereb an candidate on 11th and a landfill next to Mnajdra we 3 June 2007, Illum mission to study the implications 12th districts would have committed an act of On solutions of introducing divorce. it was an disrespect against our ancestors “it is a question of space and On divorce attempt to instigate discussion on as well as against future genera- resources – we don’t have that. “This was what happened to me this topic. but the need for such a On the extension of development tions. Just imagine toilet paper That is why we need to create safe in the divorce question, when i debate was felt in civil society”page 4 boundaries blown by the wind on the face of zones. i can’t mention any names expressed opposition to divorce. 17 February 2008, Illum “Yes, i agree that after a lapse the Neolithic megaliths.” of other places which would be Fellow MPs and leadership people of around 15 years and in the ab- 30 July 2006, MaltaToday suited for safe zones. it would be had actually praised me for tak- sence of approval of most of the ideal to have them created in af- ing a stand. but what happened? Victor galea Local Plans, the building zones On the extension of development rica.” The people in your district start aD candidate for gozo had to be reconsidered and in- zones 24 July 2005, MaltaToday saying you are turning against the creased… This, in return will help “i cannot risk leaving this sensi- leader. Some people don’t under- On house visits in Gozo reduce the pressure on property tive task to a future Labour gov- On racist labels stand that the fight for your seat is “Wednesday: i dedicated this prices, which are ever increasing. ernment. i hope that the PN will “You can be labelled incorrectly against your very own colleagues day to home visits. at one point, i have not gone through all these win the next election but i cannot because of other peoples’ agendas, in the district.” we noticed a car following us additions, but from what i under- afford to take any risks. Had we even in the case of the far right. if 10 August 2003, MaltaToday while in Kercem. The people in stand, these additional parcels of left this chapter open, in the re- somebody is worried about the the car thought that i am stupid. land are relatively small and are mote eventuality of a Labour vic- country, who am i to tell them On Labour’s future of course i realised that one of located on the periphery of the tory, would have had a they are incorrect? My duty is to “i think Labour’s greatest chal- the men was calling people via his existing development zones.” free hand to adjust the boundaries talk about it.” lenge is how to collect everyone mobile instructing families not 21 May 2006, MaltaToday on a case-by-case basis.” 24 July 2005, MaltaToday under one umbrella. if you take to open the door. This was con- 30 July 2006, MaltaToday the right-wing coalition in italy, firmed later by three families ex- On his humble origins Karl Schem- On Christmas spirit berlusconi manages to keep one cusing themselves for not open- “i started off 25 years ago from bri On Ramla l-Hamra “in the final session before team together including bossi ing since they are ‘afraid’ from the very modest beginnings… My “Like ulysses Lodge the Verdala Parliament’s Christmas recess and his separatists, Fini’s far-right three men in the car. How funny. first contract was of some Lm200, hotel is an eye-sore which ruins Galea suggested all MPs donate party, the Christian-Democrats The three men in the car were laying curbs along a pavement in the landscape. but it is legally Lm1,000 from their parliamen- and his party… Labour needs to helping me acquire some new balzan, employing just two work- WiTH the two difficult to deny the developer tary honoraria towards a fund to cultivate a hegemonic bloc. it can- votes. These tactics are of old... ers. i remember how at the time i major parties me- a permit to replace an approved organise Christmas parties for not afford to alienate certain peo- and self-destructive. When will didn’t have enough money to pay ticulously avoiding structure.” all employees of the civil service. ple away from the party. We have these people learn?” them for more than two weeks the spring hunt- 24 June 2007, MaltaToday Galea said rather than using civil to converge on our ideas and find http://victorgalea.blogspot.com at a stretch but i was very deter- ing issue tonight service employees for political a middle road. mined to be successful, i think on TVM, one of On the Mistra land revelations gain because of Christmas par- 10 August 2003, MaltaToday On the devil that construction was in my blood the leading voices “i own a plot of land near the sea ties, it would be better for MPs to “Worse again, others still opt to and i wanted to make a name for for environment which has been rented out to oth- lead by example.” alex sciberras sell their political freedom to ‘the myself.” protection will be MLP candidate on 9th ers for some time now. Three years 19 December 2004, MaltaToday district devil’ himself. i refer to those un- 6 December 2000, The Business skirting the debate ago, these others applied for a per- able to freely vote because they Times altogether as its mit to build an underground lava- joe abela have made expedient pacts in chairperson said tory and an open-air dance floor MLP candidate 3rd District On his more ‘rebellious’ days return for political favours from On the value of agriculture she did not have less than two metres high. The “The time i spent in Graffitti people in power, favours they “agriculture only contributes time to read all only thing close is a well-known On hunting and cannabis and alternattiva Demokratika know in the depth of their souls two per cent to the economy manifestoes. restaurant. The application has “Today it is almost better to have was a time of political education they had no right to in the first while tourism generates 40 per Flimkien Ghal been pending all this time and a field sown with cannabis than to because in these organisations place. in selling their souls to ‘the cent. it is obvious which is most ambjent ahjar no final decision has been made. go with the shotgun in your own ideology is given great impor- devil’, they have sold their free- important of the two. it’s all about chairperson astrid i don’t even know the applicants. field. Why? because we have can- tance” dom; the freedom to vote accord- priorities and it’s not as if i am go- i have never met them” nabis available all over the coun- 17 February 2008, Illum ing to their conscience for the ing to be the sole beneficiary. The 1 March 2008, The Times try, you can acquire it anyway you common good of society.” nation would be better off if this like, whenever you want and from On tax cuts August 3 2007, The Times (the Verdala golf course) had to be Franco galea whoever you want, but if you go “i am annoyed when politics is implemented.” Pn candidate on 9th and 10th districts with the shotgun in your field, reduced to pandering for votes On the wasted vote 17 November 2002, MaltaToday then no, then you have to face the through tax cuts. as a party we “The biggest fallacy the MLP/ special forces. We come with the have for a long time spoke on the PN has ever attempted to spin On importing foreign workers On immigration special forces for you, and all the need to reduce the surcharge and was that a vote for alternattiva “The building industry needs “is it true or untrue that these ensuing persecution. and their the need to remove taxes on over- Demokratika was ‘wasted’. Yet the skilled labourers, not people who (klandestini) come to rights seem non-existent.” time. These are aimed at giving a recent ‘greening’ of the body poli- can’t even sweep a floor. We have with money in cash and satellite Adjournment speech in parlia- breathing space to families who tics clearly illustrates that neither managed to get foreigners from phones?… That they have access ment, 11 December 2007 were burdened with taxes. but the the MLP nor the PN can realisti- Yugoslavia, Pakistan and india, Dive in now. www.maltatoday.com.mt daily to phonecards, even though in PN has only proposed a substan- cally seek election without being but permits for skilled labour are their own countries there are no On immigrants’ plight tial decrease in income tax during intensely aware of the formidable still difficult to obtain.”

means of communication?… That “You and me cannot remain the electoral campaign” electoral influence that aD now 9 September 2007, MaltaToday This is a paid advert by the Malta 4 maltatoday election special | Monday 03 March 2008 maltatoday surveynews news Monday 03 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 5 Tearful Pullicino Orlando insists on Labour beats PN withdrawal of Mistra application NaTioNaLiST backbencher name and that is why i followed 2001 became wholly owned by he would only use that room to Jeffrey Pullicino orlando yester- him around to face him. i have Pullicino orlando. store agricultural tools. in July of day wept openly at a meeting in spoken to the lessee of my land, an emotional Pullicino orlan- “The most the same year, Pullicino orlando Mosta, as he denied any personal and i insisted with him to speak do rebutted these allegations yes- declared that he was a part-time connection with the application to that applicant to stop this ap- terday, wiping tears from his eyes important thing farmer; but on two separate occa- on cost of living to develop a 2,000 square metre plication immediately.” as he explained that the land in sions in 1999, MePa turned down nightclub on his own land in Mis- Labour leader alfred Sant re- question had been rented out to at this point for his application for a reservoir. JameS DebONO tese according to MaltaToday’s trol prices. The MLP also prom- tra valley. vealed details of the case at a a third party, and that he himself in october 2005, a third party surveys which were carried out ises to control the cost of liv- Moved by the roaring applause press conference on site at Mistra knew nothing about the develop- applied for a permit, this time to during the past year. ing but only by “strengthening of PN supporters, Pullicino or- on Saturday – his third attempt ment application as revealed by me is to clear build a nightclub on 2,000 square Labour is considered as the mechanisms controlling abuses lando broke into tears and excused to associate Pullicino orlando alfred Sant. metres with a capacity of 4,000 Labour has registered a slight party with the best policy on in the free market” – showing himself for “being emotional”. His with the development, after the Passing from tears to rage in a my name” - people on the site. advantage over the Nationalist inflation despite trailing the an ideological shift from old La- voice breaking, Pullicino orlando Nationalist MP had shadowed matter of seconds, Pullicino also in March 2006, the MePa Plan- on cost of living concerns, the PN by 5% in the last survey con- bour’s policy of price controls, said he could empathise with him for three days – describing delivered a scathing counter-at- Jeffrey Pullicino ning Directorate recommended primary concern of the Mal- ducted by MaltaToday. to a modern mechanism aimed those who fell victim to the accu- MePa’s decision to grant an out- tack of his own, describing Sant’s refusal, because the land was but the same survey showed at protecting the consumer sations from the Labour party. line development permit for the press-conference as “cowardly” Orlando oDZ and earmarked as a Natura tOP 5 COnCerns (%) the PN losing 7.6% of its 2003 while retaining the benefits of “i’ve been running after Sant for club, in defiance of its own case and “typical mudslinging”, and 2000 site by the eu among other vote to the MLP – a clear indi- choice. three days, to see if he would face officer’s recommendation, as a adding, to huge applause from reasons. cation that former Nationalist Significantly Labour promises me so that i rebut his allegations,” classic case of corruption. those present, that he has already However, in November 2007, Cost of living 24.7 voters are over-represented in “to scrutinise private and pub- Lack of work 6.4 Pullicino orlando said, suddenly “This is a scandal. This is an ob- called on the applicant to with- DCC a – the same board which the sample of the survey. lic monopolies, duopolies and breaking into anger. scenity. This is utter corruption,” draw the application. He also resigned last Wednesday, after surcharge 5.2 The Labour Party instead has oligopolies.” Yet it falls short of “People close to Sant told me the Labour leader charged on Sat- challenged Sant to a face to face the release of an indicting MePa environment 4.4 been harping on the cost of liv- saying which sectors should be they were disgusted by the alle- urday. “What is more scandalous debate. internal audit officer report on Corruption 3.6 ing issue for the past years. its liberalised. gations their leader was about to is that this site is the property of Pullicino orlando’s history with an illegal development permit promise to reduce the surcharge on its part the PN has prom- say. i will defend my name on any Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Mistra goes back almost exactly to Charles Polidano – issued the by 50% is aimed at leaving more ised to control the prices of it also promised to set up an issue fair deal certificates to public medium and face alfred orlando.” a decade. in 1998, he obtained permit following a positive rec- PHOTOGRAPHY BY giLbert CaLLeja money in people’s pockets. medicines and to help families agency which would continue businessmen who respect con- Sant. The most important thing The owner of the land is De ro- a permit to restore a room on ommendation by the Malta Tour- wHiCH PartY Has tHe Yet during this campaign suffering from extraordinary the work commenced by the sumer rights. at this point for me is to clear my han antiques Limited, which in the land with the condition that ism authority (MTa). best POLiCY the MLP has shied away from medical costs which are not National Committee for the The survey also confirms that On inFLatiOn? (%) anachronistic solutions to con- covered by the health system. euro Changeover, which would the electorate still looks up to MLP 39 the big parties to address bread Pn 38 and butter issues like the cost of PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHerese DebOnO best POLiCY On inFLatiOn, bY age grOUP (%) aD 1.1 living. on its part alternattiva an 0.9 Demokratika has focused on MLP Pn aD an nOne nO answer none 7.2 the liberalisation of monopolies 18-34 40.4 35.3 1.3 1.3 6.4 15.4 page 4 Don’t know 13 to ensure better prices for con- 35-54 36 36 1.2 0.9 10 15.8 sumers. no reply 0.8 55 39.5 42.7 0.7 0 4 13 [email protected] Sant questions Times, Independent’s editorial stand They made him cry - Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando does a bawler in mosta yesterday morning, in the aftermath of labour accusations Jose Herrera over an open-air disco permit issued for his land. The mP yesterday said he would ask for the revocation of the permit. 1st District “Why should we take a decision on the destiny G. Mangia Sant scandalised by “corruption in our DNa” comment of our kids on Labour leader alfred Sant yes- only man up to that task.” the basis of terday questioned once again The Sant was also critical of The Valletta Sunday Times and The Malta in- Malta independent on Sunday’s fear?” dependent on Sunday’s editorial editorial which said “corruption Mangion and Vella sue Pullicino Orlando for libel stands in view of his latest revela- is part of the national DNa”, say- tion about Nationalist candidate ing this was insulting to the Mal- Jeffrey Pullicino orlando. tese. maTTheW Vella “was in fact declared in its entire- tention of accusations levelled at never declared the income from accounts. Speaking on Simone Cini’s pro- “We are a Mediterranean peo- ty in audited accounts presented Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino the rents for tax purposes. if he Taking a leaf from the MLP’s gramme il-Hadd ma’ l-ahbar ple,” the editorial said. “and our to the MFSa and the returns to orlando over the Mistra open-air made his investigations he would copybook, the PN published three broadcast on one TV, Sant said ethical standards are unfortu- the income tax departments for disco case. have noted that we submitted documents in support of their he expected The Sunday Times nately not those what are reput- Labour MPs Charles Mangion 2003 and 2004.” The Nationalist Party yester- these rents to the Commissioner claims. The first document was a editor to acknowledge the evi- ed to be in northern european and Karmenu Vella issued a state- They said the irD was aware day revealed accounts related for inland revenue,” Vella told copy of a contract between Mirca Pieta dence now laid in front of him countries.” ment late last evening at 11.30pm of this, after years of discussions to Mirca Properties, the com- MaltaToday yesterday. Properties and the Ma lta Freeport detailing cases of corruption af- Sant rebutted: “Well, i’m Medi- to counter Nationalist accusa- with the department of how pany owned by Vella and Labour in a statement signed by PN in 1995 to rent three apartments ter the newspaper took him to terranean and i don’t have cor- tions of having submitted false these declarations would take deputy leader Charles Mangion, secretary-general Joe Saliba, the to the corporation. The contracts

task last week to present facts ruption in my DNa. We have accounts to the financial authori- place. “During these discussions, claiming they never declared any PN said that Mangion and Vella were signed by Mangion and Vel- PHOTOGRAPHY BY giLbert CaLLeja when speaking of corruption. been calling on Dr Gonzi to en- ties, saying they declared eight it was explained to the depart- income for eight years. had declared that their company la on behalf of the company. The Floriana “We have a whole package about act the Whistleblowers’ act but years of income after reaching ment what the circumstances of in response to the press release did not have any income from average yearly income from each this (Pullicino orlando’s Mistra he didn’t. Does this have any- a tax agreement with the inland the company were,” Mangion and issued earlier by Mangion and properties while in reality, they apartment ranged from Lm8,001 bay development) and i expected thing to do with being Mediter- revenue department in 2003. Vella said, without going into any Vella, the PN said that as direc- had earned Lm100,000 from the to Lm12,060. him (the editor) to say something ranean?” reiterating a “categorical de- detail of these circumstances. tors of Mirca Properties, they rental of three apartments to the The second document is a copy about it now,” Sant said. asked by Cini about the issues nial” of not having declared in- “The result was an agreement presented to the MFSa “false Malta Freeport. “They sent false of cheques that were paid to Part of Marsa/ but The Sunday Times yester- that did not make it into this come from their company Mirca with the irD to declare all this declarations”. declarations for eight years in Mirca Properties Limited by the day took the opposite direction electoral campaign, Sant referred Properties Ltd “for tax purposes”, income for the years 2003 and Mangion and Vella have filed li- succession,” the PN claimed. Malta Freeport and which were in slamming Sant’s “mantra” that to gay rights, ethnic minorities the two MPs however admitted 2004… this can all be verified bel proceedings against National- Mangion and Vella, as direc- cashed by Mangion and Vella. St. Venera the country needs change. and animal rights. not having declared their in- in the accounts presented to the ist MP Jeffrey Pullicino orlando, tors of Mirca Properties Limited, The third is a copy of the MFSa “Yet again, he is wrong,” the edi- “You know, in an election cam- come from rents for eight years MFSa which are available to the accusing him of having lied. “We until 2002 failed to declare the accounts for Mirca Properties torial stated. “What Malta needs paign there is a narrow range of between 1995 and 2002 before public. it is therefore clear that are suing him for libel due for at- earnings that the company made. Limited which show that until is a leader who can consolidate issues that take precedence, but reaching an agreement with tax there was no tax evasion.” tributing defamatory comments These payments were made with 2002, the company had not made the achievements to date, and the people talk about other con- authorities. The two MPs accused the PN in our regards. We’re not saying cheques that were cashed and any income. They said that all undeclared of generating “rumours” with we didn’t receive rents. We did. pocketed without being declared then move forward by taking the cerns too and it’s important we [email protected] right decisions. Dr Gonzi is the discuss them,” he said. income between 1995 and 2002 the intention of deflecting at- Pullicino orlando is alleging we to the MFSa in the company’s 6 maltatoday election special | Monday 03 March 2008 news news Monday 03 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 7 Every vote as precious as gold

Julia Farrugia choose a person who is capa- referendum scare tactics. the moment wherein the elec- experiment with the coalition ble,” insisted Gonzi. “During “Don’t you forget that five years toral needs to be united and issue. “We can look at what hap- the past four weeks the Malta ago the Labour Party deceived choose a PN government. pened in other countries very Prime Minister Lawrence Labour Party did nothing but you,” the PN leader said. “How And again came Gonzi’s piece close to Malta,” advised the PN Gonzi yesterday advised thou- throw mud.” can we now trust someone who of advice. leader. sands of Nationalist support- Contrary to what many people only a few days ago stated that “Every single vote is as pre- “Tonight when you’re on way ers at the Floriana Granaries to were expecting, the Prime Min- he has no regrets that he wanted cious as gold. One singe vote home, be the ambassadors. In “cast their vote for that party ister stopped short of openly de- us to stay out of the EU?” can make a difference,” warn- the streets, in the shops... run with the highest ambitions.” fending his backbencher Jeffrey Gonzi quoted from his own ing people not to be tempted to after every single vote.” In an address which was largely Pullicino Orlando who just 24 track record, insisting that a repetition speeches made dur- hours earlier was tagged by the despite numerous challenges ing the week, Malta Labour Party as the “new such as the oil price hike, Mal- High points invited people to look at the PN face involved in a huge en- ta attained a 4% economical roads which were inaugurated vironmental scandal in a Mistra growth, lowered its deficit and thanks to the EU, to look at the development”. attracted big investments such • Gonzi’s smartest move was to individually record levels of investment, and But while he criticized Alfred as Lufthansa Teknic and Smart target people who previously voted PN to see with their eyes the fac- Sant for throwing mud, Gonzi City. tories which opened under his made no reference whatsoever Whilst pointing out that tour- because of the EU issue. Gonzi fully administration. to this case. ism reached the best results ever, knows that these voters are crucial, but “It was the PN’s policies which After the first 20 minutes of Gonzi insisted: “we all deserve brought this wealth,” insisted his speech, Lawrence Gonzi that in August we’re back on the polls suggest that PN did not manage to Gonzi. “Four years ago I invited starting regaining his usual Fosos and enjoy ourselves.” you to judge us on what we at- confidence, and slated Alfred Lawrence Gonzi was referring keep all YES voters in the referendum. tain; we told you that we had Sant’s performance when Prime to the Isle of MTV concert held huge ambitions. And we suc- Minister 10 years ago.. last year on the Granaries. Only ceeded in reaching this stage.” “We don’t need any tweaking a few days ago the Government • Thanks for keeping it short… 1hr 16min Stressing that the Labour Par- (tbazwir). We don’t want you. announced that he sealed a is far more better than Sliema’s 1hr 35 ty is weak in its vision, PN lead- And on the 8th of March we are three-year contract to get again er said that “on Saturday people going to tell you NO!” roared the Isle of MTV in Malta. min timing. need decide whether they want Gonzi, getting the biggest ap- “Saturday is not just a one-day a party that has no trust what- plause so far. occasion. During those few sec- soever in the Maltese.” An adamant Lawrence Gonzi onds when you’re holding that • As in previous mass meetings, all PN Repeating what he said on said that on 8 March, the peo- pencil you have the entire coun- Saturday in Birgu, Lawrence ple’s choice will favour he who try in your hand. Be careful! candidates were called one by one on Gonzi declared that “the choice strengthens the economy. “We Don’t take anything for grant- stage. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando got the is whether we want to be chased don’t need the one who had on- ed as we have already proof of by work or whether the other ly one solution: devaluating the this!” biggest applause. This will contain the way round.” lira by 10%.” All Gonzi’s energy was re- damage to the candidate’s image, at Then Lawrence Gonzi stated The Prime Minister reiter- served for the last 10 minutes that “on 8 March people need ated his pledge to create 5,000 of his speech. Constantly ques- least among Nationalists who could have to choose that party who has jobs yearly, reminding people tioning Sant, Lawrence Gonzi very easily been put off by the MLP’s the greatest ambitions, and not of Alfred Sant’s promise to only asked why the MLP leader is someone who wants to open a create 2,000 jobs a year. Gonzi already giving up when it comes latest electoral bomb. salt factory or give our children warned people that having Sant to tackling economical issues. an extra year at school. as Prime Minister will mean “I accuse the Malta Labour Stressing his credentials as a 3,000 unemployed people every Party that, already from the tried and tested manager, Gon- year. Opposition, he is holding back zi warned that this election was The PN leader reminded his and admitting that they have Low points about choosing the best leader audience that under Sant’s ad- given up on keeping finances in for the country. “We need to ministration, 33 new taxes shape,” thundered Gonzi. where introduced including a He asked Alfred Sant why he • From his appearance on stage, Gonzi tax on every medicine. is insisting on halving the sur- failed to show confidence and energy. Defending himself from only charge when this will “create a During those one MLP attack, Lawrence huge hole in the country’s fi- His facial expressions gave him away. Gonzi said that Alfred Sant can nances.” Gone was the radiant natural smile few seconds get him as many health reports “And why does Alfred Sant as he wants. want to worry factory workers, and he looked somewhat tired and not when you’re “Do you want me to give you when shedding doubt on their half a dozen health reports? overtime payment? Why does geared up for his speech. holding that I can have 12 reports. What Alfred Sant wants to worry counts is what I implement. those who are keen on envi- pencil you Judge me on what I do,” chal- ronment when he comes up • Highlighting tourism successes, Gonzi lenged Gonzi. with statements saying that he could have easily done without the Isle of The Prime Minister went back wants to create a golf course in have the entire to his 8 March focus, this time Maghtab? Who is giving you MTV allusion. Yes it was a good concert saying that the electorate will this kind of advice?” asked Law- country in your choose between stability and rence Gonzi. but please don’t make it sound as if uncertainty derived from a “Why is Alfred Sant worry- we would be deprived of entertainment hand party who in four years did not ing parents? Parents don’t know come up with one good solu- what’s going to happen with the without the PN in power. tion. future of their kids!” Clearly targeting voters who in Gonzi highlighted other PN the past election chose PN be- electoral promises, including • No mention at all of major concerns cause of the EU issue, Lawrence more work and better work, tax affecting thousands of people, such Gonzi stressed the fact that on cuts, more incentives for wom- Saturday Malta will be celebrat- en to start working, a revision as spring hunting and MEPA. And no ing its fifth EU anniversary. of the car registration tax and reaction to the Mistra ‘scandal’ recently “Where are the Sicilians who to completely abolish the tax on took your jobs? Where are the residential inheritance. exposed by the MLP. Thousands of Nationalists turned up in full force at the Granaries of foreigners that took work away Lawrence Gonzi referred to Floriana to hear Lawrence Gonzi’s reasons to vote PN next Saturday from the Maltese?” asked Gon- the PN’s election song “Dan hu

PHOTOGRAPHY BY G i l bert Ca ll eja zi, referring to Labour’s old pre- l-mument”, stating that this is 8 maltatoday election special | Monday 03 March 2008 news news Monday 03 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 9 Josie talks of parties’ AD retaliates: you monkey business need a tough stomach reiterates an’s stance on hunting, immigration and family issues to do politics in Malta charlOT Zahra

aLTerNaTTiVa Demokratika (aD) Chairperson Harry Vas- sallo insisted yesterday that his party was not afraid of saying the truth, even to the Nation- alist Party and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. Speaking during a meeting for party activists and supporters at the Vivaldi Hotel in Sliema yesterday morning, Vassallo said: “There was somebody who said that he will find it very dif- ficult to form a coalition with aD because we were a bit rude and we criticised him. We hurt xxxxxx him, poor guy, because he is very sensitive… i think the per- son who raised these objections and has discovered all this sen- sitivity, forgot that the Consti- tution was changed twice unfa- vourably towards aD,” Vassallo insisted. The Green Party chairperson said Gonzi had forgotten that for many of aD’s earlier years, “we were not given space not even on that misery of ba po- litical broadcasts. We had to file a case in front of the Constitu- tional Court to be recognised as a political party under the law and be allowed access to the titbit of political broadcasts that is allowed every year by the ba, and after we won that case we were allotted a misery of 10 PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHerese DebOnO minutes a year!” Vassallo com- plained. He said this had been the par- DaViD DarmaNiN VaT departments.” MaltaToday revealed that two provide shelter, social security “if the political parties fail of aN’s candidates were fac- and employment to whoever ty’s experience of the past 18 to publish their accounts by ing criminal charges in court, enters Malta legally. However, years. “You need a tough stom- aT a press conference or- March 8, it would mean that If the political while another had a criminal he qualified that: “aN does not ach to renew your democratic ganised at Parliament square all their talk on zero tolerance record. aN deputy leader an- agree that rights given to Mal- will to lead to the achievement yesterday, a formally dressed and transparency is gratui- parties fail to glu Xuereb owes the govern- tese citizenship should be also of dialogue. This is only possi- azzjoni Nazzjonali leader Josie tous,” he claimed. ment over €3.5 million for the given to those who enter Malta ble thanks to aD and not some Muscat delivered a 45-minute Describing the MiDi project publish their Verdala Hotel, in rabat. illegally,” specifying that tax- other party,” he said to roaring speech alleging “monkey busi- on Tigné Point as a “fat scan- “We gave out 500 tumoli payers are being passed on applause.

ness” taking place in govern- dal”, Muscat held both the gov- accounts by of land to SmartCity. and a wrong message once state “if the other parties had to PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHerese DebOnO ment circles. ernment and the opposition what do they have to pay? funds are being spent on asy- experience a titbit of what they He also insisted on his par- responsible for the controver- March 8, it Lm200,000 – for Maltese land lum seekers. saddle us with year after year, ty’s vision on immigration and sial changes made to the origi- that is now in the hands of for- on employment of foreign Malta would have lit up with programme. The programme of the necessary feast out of it. The He said aD was in contact family issues, and while at it, nal tender specifications. “it would mean eigners. The minister said that personnel, Muscat said that if their wrath and blood would principles, of culture – the cul- comment which struck me was with the German Green Party criticised the media for reveal- is useless for the company in- with SmartCity, they adopted need be, Malta is to apply for have shed again,” Vassallo Even though tural change in our politics – the disappointment, because Die Grunen so that they could ing stories about four of his volved to defend government. the same model as Tigné Point. such human resources. warned. will be implemented even if aD even though Pullicino orlando inform the German supermar- candidates and their brushes Now it also transpires that the that all their Will that mean that specifica- The eu border agency Fron- Vassallo said it was thanks Pullicino has a single representative in is a rival in another party, one is ket chain Lidl of the develop- with the law. stamp duty on contracts have tions will be changed in this tex was described by Muscat to aD that blood had not been Parliament, let alone if we have nonetheless disappointed when ment. “This permit, which “We have two parties talk- not even been paid,” he said. talk on zero case too?” as “a mockery”, on the grounds spilt as the party took blow af- Orlando is a two, three, four, five representa- all the credentials he had built should have never been issued ing about zero tolerance and Fuming, Muscat accused the Slating the project for ear- that it does not have “the pow- ter blow, year after year, one tives,” he said to more applause. – because i respect him for his but with a miracle, against all transparency,” he said, while government of under-selling tolerance and marking a mere 19 percent of er to send anyone back”. prejudice after the other, “the rival in another even the architecture of the work against the construction recommendations by the MePa also pushing for the introduc- the land on Manoel island and the land for iT business, Mus- on family issues, the far-right stifling of our voice, and doing House of representatives re- of a cement plant at Siggiewi technical staff, somehow was tion of a whistleblower act. Tigné: “as if that land is worth transparency cat said: “otherwise it’s all real leader stated: “They told us every kind of thing possible. party, one is flects the two-party mindset. and the construction of a dump issued, and now MePa can- “on television, i recently Lm1 million. it could have been estate and hotels.” that there are different forms The thing that hurts me most, “instead of making it a semi- next to Mnajdra temples, and i not withdraw it,” Vassallo ex- called on the political parties sold at Lm10 billion – enough is gratuitous “but the newspapers don’t see of families. What a joke. aN though, is that that they do not nonetheless circle, because people move will not forget that – are lost. i plained. to publish their accounts,” he to clear our national debt. This this. The newspapers will only is in favour of the traditional respect us,” Vassallo said. from one party to the other, in feel sorry on his behalf. Despite Vassallo said the develop- said, while not mentioning the country is run by amateurs,” look into the life of someone family.” recalling one of the party’s Malta we built a Chamber with the fact that he is in another po- ment should be stopped by the name of the party in question, he said. who made mistakes when he explaining that his party nev- earlier slogans, “ir-raguni ma disappointed two sides. it was for this reason litical party, Malta has lost,” he mother company itself, since he referred to a 2004 news re- Turning his guns to the me- was 15, and judge him guilty er found difficulty speaking its Tridx Forza” (“reason does not that when Dr Fenech adami said. Lidl were meant to run the new port revealing a party’s Lm2 dia, previously dubbing them for all his life.” mind, Muscat mentioned the need force”), Vassallo said that when all the asked us not to consist the last Vassallo said the hasty ap- supermarket and this company million in dues and unpaid so- “pea-brained” in a public event Candidate Pierre Cutajar, stance aN took on the issue aD did not need to win a ma- general elections, offering us pointment of a new DCC board gave a lot of importance to cor- cial security and Lm360,000 in last week, Muscat stated: “The who has a criminal record, was of spring hunting. “We spoke jority in order to push forward credentials he the post of Speaker as a sort of a few days before the general porate social responsibility. unpaid VaT. “i do not want to newspapers would much rath- also present for the press con- in favour of hunters,” he said, its agenda. referee,” he said. elections (when they have to “in Malta it seems that not mention the name of the party er investigate a candidate who ference. “irrespective of what the eu “We do not need to dominate had built are referring to the Mistra case, tender their resignation any- even the PM has any power over because i know that both La- is still innocent. They never Muscat also reiterated aN’s says.” this country in order to change Vassallo said: “i will not com- way) “because there are a few ic-Caqnu,” he concluded. bour and PN have unpaid dues investigate such matters.” stance on immigration, speci- it. We do not have to be on our lost ment about the case, because permits still to be passed” was with the social security and on Sunday 24 February, fying that he is committed to [email protected] own in government to enact our somebody else has already made shameful. [email protected] 10 maltatoday election special | Monday 03 March 2008 news news Monday 03 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 11 Sant claims he has documents detailing corruption

Karl Schembri no Orlando. “Go to Mistra before declared earnings on property out. by Transparency International it is destroyed by GonziPN!” they had rented out through a “How do they expect Maghtab show that Nationalist govern- Sant also named the architect company they owned. to blossom when they have poi- ment equals corruption. Malta Claiming he has “other docu- behind the Mistra application – “He thought he’d cover his sins soned all the country with cor- will blossom, yes, but after 8 ments” in hand related to Jeffrey Paul Camilleri – who is a cousin by coming out attacking me and ruption? Report after report March.” Pullicino Orlando’s Mistra Bay of Gonzi’s and was given the ‘il-Guy’, Karmenu Vella,” Man- development case, Labour leader Mater Dei plans evaluation ten- gion said. “Today at 2pm we’ve Alfred Sant yesterday slammed der by direct order, besides being requested the court to open with High points Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi an architect for the Smart City urgency to sue him for libel. I for not enacting the Whistle- project. have always declared everything blower Act. “They say I’m engaged in mud and I presented all the docu- • Ready for the wind of change: Sant’s “I will keep making this scandal slinging. Here are the docu- ments proving this in court.” wig remained in its place even though public,” Sant told the thousands ments,” Sant reiterated. “This is Making fun of Pullicino Or- of party supporters gathered at no mud. Pullicino Orland said he lando’s profession as dentist who from the word go it showed all the signs the Luxol Ground in Pembroke didn’t know to whom was rent- declares himself also as a farmer, it was about to fly off as soon as the for the fourth mass meeting in ing his land, that he knew noth- Mangion said: “He’s no longer this electoral campaign. “And ing about this development. Is pulling out teeth, he’s now a part- Labour leader stepped onto the podium. we have other documents which there any idiot out there who be- time farmer, just like Louis Galea. we can’t issue because we will be lieves this fairy tale? … Pullicino … He said he had no idea who he The loose fringe kept up with the party’s putting those who gave us the in- Orland, who pretends he’s the leased the land to. Is he out of his slogan, besides frightening Sant’s coterie formation under threat, because paladin of the environment, who mind? If his mind is not there he Gonzi hasn’t yet enacted the was given a medal or whatever, shouldn’t even be in parliament.” about the possible unmentionable, Whistleblower Act.” now wants to destroy parts of Mangion said “the last remain- reminding everyone that the only way is As the clouds gathered over the most beautiful environment ing weapon of GonziPN was lies, the jam-packed grounds and the areas. And between one sob and manipulation and deceit”. up. wind grew stronger, Sant chal- another, he tells us he did not He said corruption was spread lenged Pullicino Orlando to ad- know who was leasing his land. all around the country – from mit he was just stopped short of I say arrogance has gone beyond the Maritime Authority, to the • “Am I the Police Commissioner?” Sant “getting into a corruption scan- all limits.” Transport Authority, to Gozo. dal” only because he was exposed Sant again pledged to remove The deputy leader for party af- asked as he mocked Gonzi about by Labour. tax on overtime in the next fairs, Michael Falzon, referred to his habit of sending whoever knows The MLP leader based a good budget and to give back public Barack Obama’s slogan instead part of his speech on Labour’s holidays falling on weekends, and of starting off with singing foot- something about corruption to the latest revelation about Pullicino promised to cut down the contri- ball chants. police chief. He was referring to Pullicino Orlando’s land in Mistra Bay, butions from pensioners living “Let me use a message that which despite being an ecologi- in government-run old peoples’ started off in America: Yes we Orlando who turned up for the Labour cal site was about to be turned homes from 85% of their total can! Yes, we can bring change. press conferences outside MEPA, in into a massive disco venue. pension to 65%. Yes we will. Wrongly referring to the MP as Holding up the health reform “Today I won’t be singing be- Gozo and at Mistra Bay. Pullicino Orland, he lambasted report he revealed last week, Sant cause they got me on my own,” he the prime minister for “sending said Gonzi remained “dumb- said referring to a satirical video, him” to Labour’s press conferenc- struck” when faced with the doc- posted on YouTube, of him sing- • Spin Valley, The Western: That’s how es instead of following his usual ument written in 2004. ing out of tune on the Granaries practice of sending people in the “GonziPN accepted the princi- the previous Sunday. “You sing! Sant referred to the disco that would know about corruption cases to ple of payment for health,” Sant Sing all of you together!” have been built in Mistra Bay if the MEPA the police commissioner. claimed. “GonziPN lied. Whoev- Falzon said his party would give permit is granted. “Sounds like a western “Jeffrey Pullicino Orland said he er lies is a liar. GonziPN is a liar.” a facelift to the country. “Yester- The girl in the inset must have known beforehand that Alfred Sant went to speak to Lawrence Gon- Sant said that on the contrary, day we went to Gozo and we were (movie),” he said about the name chosen would describe the Mistra scandal as Spin Valley: The Western zi, so he knew about this case,” Labour was the party that “told given this clear message: Gozo Sant said. “And where did he sent the truth”. wants change.” for the entertainment venue meant to be him to? He sent him to me, while “We’re different; love us or hate He said in a week’s time there built bang in the middle of an ecological I was giving a press conference! us we tell the truth, we keep our will be no mass meeting but a La- Am I the police commissioner?” promises,” he said. bour victory celebration. site. Vintage Sant. Sant attacked the prime min- He said the public health service “We’ll give the pay-off to the ister for defending Francis Zam- “will remain free for everyone”. Nationalist government … They mit Dimech, Tonio Fenech, Ninu say they can’t do anything about Zammit, George Pullicino, Aus- factories closing down; they say tin Gatt, Louis Galea, and Censu Libels against Pullicino they can’t do anything about Low points Galea. Orlando corruption, they say they can’t “He defended them all,” Sant Speaking earlier, Labour dep- do anything about whole sec- said. “Then he said he would re- uty leader for Parliamentary Af- tors fairing badly … so what do • Even if he was out of tune last week, move them after the election and fairs Charles Mangion said that, we need them for? Get out of the everyone was expecting Michael Falzon introduce new ministers. Yester- together with Labour MP Kar- way! I appeal to you so that on day we showed what the new ones menu Vella he had sued Pullicino Saturday you tell this tired and to sing again yesterday. So when he are worth” – referring to Pullici- Orlando for alleging they had not incompetent government to get announced he wasn’t singing any longer he let everyone down. You can’t do that Michael. Once you raise expectations, you have to deliver.

• Sant sounded somehow less upbeat than the previous Sunday yesterday, and the strong wind blowing in his face apparently contributed to his losing focus at times.

• Where are the lions? The wind striking Sant’s microphone as he was speaking sounded as if Falzon’s allegorical lions were about to be unleashed from underneath the stage. Thank God it was just the Luxol ground, not the Colosseum. PHOTOGRAPHY BY G i l bert Ca ll eja 12 maltatoday election special | Monday 03 March 2008 news editorialnews Monday 03 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 13 Stolen bike in accident leads to two arrests a 17-year-old from Siggiewi No one was injured, but as po- was yesterday apprehended by licemen approached the scene, police as he attempted to run the motorcyclist was seen run- away from the scene of a road ning away. He was given chase accident, with another youth and arrested. investigations arrested in connection with showed the motorcycle had the theft of a motorbike. been stolen some time earlier. The accident happened Sun- a 19-year-old was also ar- day morning at 2:30am at St rested in connection with the George’s bay, in St Julian’s. case. Child migrants’ monument inaugurated PHOTOGRAPHY BY giLbert CaLLeja

Editorial a Maltese Child Migrants’ country were not easy… and MaLtatODaY, MeDiatODaY LtD, VjaL ir-riHan, san gwann sgn 9016 • MANAGING DIRECTOR: ROGER de GIORGIO • Managing eDitOr: saViOUr baLZan • ACTING EDITOR: KARL SCHEMBRI Monument was inaugurated at many of them found fortune Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 • Fax: (356) 21 385075 • Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt • E-mail: [email protected] the Valletta Waterfront yester- and success in australia. We day. want to show the high esteem The monument, in the shape in which we hold them with of a child’s paper boat, recalls this monument.” the migration of many Maltese Gonzi also turned to the fate children to australia during of children whose vicissitudes Never mind corruption: the “Why should we the 1950s and 1960s, in condi- were not as lucky as others’ – a tions which at times ended up dark part of this chapter which take a decision in abuse for the children. often ended with harsh condi- 310 children left Malta for tions for children under the on the destiny australia between 1950 and custody of religious groups, issue is the environment 1965. Most of the migrants’ who were sexually and physi- LaST week, after much farcical sus- Saturday – when he revealed the fact but the real issue – that is, the possi- tentions. of our kids on ships left from the quay where cally abused. “The intention pense, Labour leader alfred Sant finally that Labour MPs Karmenu Vella and bility of yet another environmental dis- as for the corruption charge, much the monument is located. behind the migration of these dropped his “bombshell” on Nationalist Charles Mangion had not declared aster in the making – has been ignored. more proof will be required before Jef- the basis of in his speech, Prime Minister children was a right one, but the candidate Jeffrey Pullicino orlando. their income from a property company Let us be honest here: regardless of the frey Pullicino orlando can be said to Lawrence Gonzi said the monu- consequences were not always Sant revealed how Pullicino orlando – are themselves a reflection of the sor- identity of those involved, the revelation have acted illegally or even dishonestly fear?” ment was a reminder of Maltese those intended. We are sorry was the owner of a large swathe of land ry state Maltese politics have reached. of a permit for development in Mistra is in the issue. but nonetheless, the same childrens’ migration between for those who suffered. We in an environmentally and agricultur- it seems the issue immediately de- every inch as serious a threat to the en- parliamentarian has a lot of answering 1950 and 1965 to australia. hope that this monument will ally sensitive area of Malta: Mistra scended into an unsightly spectacle of vironment as the ramla l-Hamra case to do. He still has to provide a plausible “They left for a better life. help them close those wounds valley, which for decades has been syn- mudslinging. Starting with alfred Sant, last year, or even the oDZ extension explanation for the claim that he had economic conditions in our which are still open.” onymous with the ongoing struggle to who was quick to jump to the conclu- in 2006. one assumes, then, that it is rented out such environmentally sensi- protect our countryside from rampant sion that Pullicino orlando’s role in the only proximity to the election that has tive land out to person/s he never met, overdevelopment. He also supplied a affair was pivotal to the permit being silenced what would otherwise almost or knew anything about, without any ELECTION SpECIaL dossier showing how MePa had issued given; as well as his subsequent accusa- certainly have been a vociferous howl of knowledge of their intention. Likewise, a development permit to build a 2,000 tion of “corruption”, without supplying protest from the environmental lobby. he will have to work hard to convince square metre nightclub on the same any evidence that money had indeed as things stand, there is only one sil- the public that he was entirely ignorant land owned by Jeffrey Pullicino orlan- changed hands for the permit. even aD, ver lining in all this. Speaking yester- of a permit application process, under- do. The application was filed by a third regrettably, appears to have been quick day in Mosta, a tearful Pullicino or- taken by third parties to develop his

maltatoday party – theSudoku person to whom Jeffrey Pul- to jump on the bandwagon of political lando promised that he would not allow own land, which dates back more than licino rented out the land – in october innuendo in this case. this development to take place. at face two years. 2005. as this newspaper has pointed out value, this should halt the project in its even if Pullicino orlando provides With elections next Saturday, the rev- before, alfred Sant is altogether too tracks. For as is widely known, MePa satisfactory answers to all these ques-

Sudoku rules are elationextremely easy: Fill all empty is damaging to the ruling party, trigger-happy when it comes to the does not take into consideration own- tions, his green credentials will still be squares so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear once in each row, and morecolumn and 9x9 box. so to Pullicino orlando: a corruption claim. but equally petty ership issues when deciding on such dented. For another question also arises Nationalist MP who has made a name was the PN’s immediate knee-jerk re- permits. With the rightful owner now as a matter of course: if Jeffrey Pullicino for himself championing green causes. action to accuse the above-mentioned publicly declaring his opposition to the orlando is incapable of protecting the However, we must be mindful of the Labour MPs of failing to declare their project, there should be no difficulty in natural and cultural heritage on his fact that politics tend to skew percep- income from Mirca Properties Ltd for retracting the permit once and for all. own land, how can he be taken seri- tions at the best of times. at the height eight years. This is a serious accusation To this end, Pullicino orlando would ously when he promises to protect our of an electoral campaign, the real issues which warrants proper investigation in be well-advised to register his objec- national cultural heritage through his at stake are very quickly overshadowed its own right… but it does nothing at all tion with MePa immediately… ideally work as a parliamentarian? by partisan interests. to neutralise the seriousness of the al- before next Saturday, as after an elec- Hardly surprising, then, that he would on one level, both Sant’s onslaught legations leveled at the PN’s candidate tion it is not unheard of for politicians burst into tears while trying to protest On saLe tOMOrrOw - DOn’t Miss OUt and Pullicino orlando’s retaliation on from Siggiewi. to suddenly reappraise their former in- his innocence live on NeT TV. 14 maltatodaysports election special | Monday 03 March 2008 Monday 03 March 2008 | maltatoday electionnews special 15 14 maltatodaynews election special | Monday 03 March 2008 Monday 03 March 2008 | maltatoday electionnews special 15 Floriana, Dingli, make it to FA Cup quarter finals FLoriaNa defeated Senglea ewurun opened the score made it two for Senglea with sie equalised in injury time and First Division side Dingli Swal- athletic 3-2, earning a place in for Senglea on 40 minutes and 10 minutes to go and the first Cassar made it three for Flori- lows also made it to the quarter Hunters make last-ditch the quarter finals of the Fa Cup Caruana equalised in the mid- division side were preparing to ana from a penalty near the end finals when they beat Premier after coming up from behind dle of the second half. Tanti celebrate an upset when bola- of extra time. division side Mqabba 1-0. and getting the winner in extra time. + pics of George Pullicino, hunters Floriana’s Krsteski and agius were given red cards while Sen- appeal to President glea’s Mifsud was also sent off. Quote: Senglea had been leading 2-1 against a nine-man Floriana, raPhael VaSSallO Pick on someone your own size: FKNK secretary lino when with seconds to go to Farrugia accuses the eu of bullying tiny malta the final whistle, Yala bolasie scored a hard and low equaliser THe hunters’ and trappers’ fed- into Senglea’s goal to equalise. erat ion FK N K gat hered it s mem- bers in force yesterday morning Serie A results - at the old roman Domus in ra- bat, where top officials called Inter lose on President edward Fenech a Pablo osvaldo goal gave adami to intervene personally Fiorentina a 3-2 win at third- in order to rescue spring hunt- placed Juventus lifting them to ing from an almost certain ban. within a point of the Turin side in in a colourful display of ban- the Serie a. Substitute osvaldo ners, placard and T-shirts sport- was sent off for a second yellow ing pro-hunting slogans, sec- card for waving his shirt in cel- retary Lino Farrugia, president ebration. Juve stay third with 48 Joe buttigieg and Pro Joe Perici points from 26 games, 13 behind Calascione took turns to ad- leaders inter, who take on Napoli dress the crowd, with all three away later on Sunday. speeches focusing on the way aS roma trail inter by six hunters had been deceived into points in second after thrashing believing their pastime would Parma 4-0 on Saturday. be unaffected by eu accession. Cagliari boosted their hopes of “We are eu citizens and we avoiding the drop with a 2-1 win have rights just like any other over Genoa. citizen in the eu,” Joe buttigieg RESULTS: Cagliari 2 Genoa told the thousands of hunters 1; Empoli 0 Siena 2; Juventus 2 who gathered for the second Fiorentina 3; Livorno 1 Catania mass rally in two days. “every- 0; Reggina 0 Palermo 0; Samp- one can realise what we had and page 4 doria 2 Torino 2; Udinese 2 Ata- what we lost. We lost our hobby, lanta 0 something which has been com- ing since the 1990s.” Pursuits echoing Lino Farrugia’s tirade in Gozo on Saturday, buttigieg Across accused the eu of picking on 1. Niggle (7) Malta because of its size. and Sudoku 4. Clairvoyant (7) with an election less than a he warned. hunters that the FKNK had The FKNK’s resolution re- even with Malta a member of 8. Shaped like a rectangle PHOTOGRAPHY BY giLbert CaLLeja (11) week away, he also urged hunt- FKNK Joe Perici Calascione presented a resolution to the minded the President that, when the european union. What the 12. Chamber (4) 13. Be sorry for (4) ers of different political persua- similarly raged against the eu, President of the republic, in the still Prime Minister in 2003, he Nationalist Government agreed 14. Tartan (5) sions to unite in their efforts to which he accused of having an name of “the citizens of Malta, had written a personal letter to with the european union is 15. Safe (6) save spring hunting. agenda against hunters. The loss Gozo and europe, hunters and thousands of Maltese hunters written in black on white in the 17. Last letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 22. Lean (4) “Hunters and trappers were of spring hunting, he claimed, trappers and their families and and trappers, assuring them accession Treaty. This guaran- 23. Foot-wear (5) deceived in the past, but now also undermined Malta’s sov- friends”, calling on Dr Fenech that “the Maltese government tees that hunters and trappers 24. Native of Thailand (4) everybody knows the truth and ereignty, as such decisions are adami to make good on prom- had received an acknowledge- like yourselves shall continue 25. Stories (5) therefore let us look forward. now being taken by the euro- ises he had made to the hunters ment that traditional hunting practising their pastime in full.” 28. Period of the year (6) 30. Rotates (5) our political beliefs must be pean Commission. when still Prime Minister in and trapping would continue The FKNK announced that it 32. Highway (4) sidelined to defend our hobby,” Perici Calascione also told 2003. to be practised” after eu acces- will be collecting signatures for 34. Harden by heat (4) sion. a petition to appeal to the euro- 35. Wheel for propelling a ship (6,5) in the same letter, the former pean Commission to withdraw 38. Assembly (7) 39. Engage in wrestling (7) prime minister told hunters its case against Malta. that “others had predicted that in February, the european Down spring hunting would end, but Commission took Malta to the 1. Approaches (5) ANTI-IMMIGRATION this has not happened. Hunting european Court of Justice for 2. Composition in verse (4) 3. Small domesticated carnivore (3) and trapping will continue to permitting spring hunting in 5. Former coin of France (3) be practised as part of our tra- violation of the european Wild For unique hand-knotted 6. Fellow (4) dition,” and that “We obtained birds Directive, despite the gov- 7. Hard-shelled pupa (9) 77 special arrangements in dif- ernment’s claims that it had ob- Sudoku rules are 8. Part of verb to ride (4) extremely easy: Fill all empty 9. Wheel shaft (4) ferent spheres. We got unique tained a special exemption dur- 10. Broad smile (4) derogations…” ing pre-accession negotiations squares so that the numbers 1 11. Religious practice (4) The FKNK also reminded the in 2003. both the Nationalist oriental carpets to 9 appear once in each row, 14. Squeeze (5) President that he was Prime and Labour parties have gone 16. Slender boat (5) column and 9x9 box. Answers to the MaltaToday crossword will be published tomorrow 18. Mathematics (5) Minister in april 2003, when the on record saying that they will 19. Private room on a ship (9) hunters received another letter, abide by the eCJ’s final deci- Yesterday’s solution FaCtFiLe: Ornis Committee20. Happiness (3) also signed by eddie Fenech ad- sion. 21. Remains of a fi re (5) ami, assuring them that: “The The ornis Committee has • Ornis is the government-appointed26. Jump consultative (4) body on all 8 pastime of hunting and trap- twice so far postponed any deci- Chess matters related to hunting and27. Knitting stitch (4) trapping, composed of both 7 Today’s Weather 28. Frozen water vapour (4) ping is ingrained in the Maltese sion regarding the dates for this THE FLYING CARPET - OLD RAILWAY TRACK, ATTARD hunters’ and birders’ representatives.29. Gemstone (4) culture. and so it shall remain. year’s spring hunting season. 6 31. Flat shelf (5) 8 warnings: Nil 5 • Its number one responsibility 33.is toSlender recommend missile (4) dates for the 34. Wagers (4) Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 3pm 4 spring hunting season to the environment Minister. 7 weatHer: A low pressure area 36. Lair (3) Importers of: Various hand knotted carpets and Kilims, 3 37. Pronoun (3) covers most of the Non Slip Underlay, Dry and Liquid shampoo. Mobile No. 7953 7664 6 2 • The OrnisMediterranean Committee sea asis legally obliged to issue its 1 recommendationsa weak anticyclone four weeks before the actual 5 commencementover the Gulf of Sirtethe season. A B C D E F G H 4 Yesterday’s solution extends towards the • Last year,central the Mediterranean spring seasoned opened on 20 March. white had play and 3 mate in three moves sea.

2 1. Qxb3+ rc4 (d5) MOSTLY CLOUDY VisibiLitY: Good 2. Qxc4+ d5 azzjoni nazzjonali step up a gear: the small far-right party tries its hand at some scaremongering in 1 3. Qxd5++ 18ºC / 15 ºC winD: Moderate locally Marsa, where an open centre for asylum seekers and migrants awarded humanitarian protection is located. the posters warns of the “approaching” summer – a good four months away – usually the season A B C D E F G H UV INDEX: 5 rather strong Westerly (force 4 locally force when calmer seas means increased traffi c from irregular migrants from africa. the number of migrants, White to play and mate in three moves 5). 9,000, points to the total of arrivals since 2001 – but does not mention the number of repatriated migrants, and those who were afforded legitimate humanitarian protection and refugee status. Yesterday’s solution a gentle reminder that hunters are still a force to be reckoned with 16maltatoday maltatoday election election special special | Monday | Monday 03 March 03 March 2008 2008 news Mistra nightclub permit ‘an outrage’ – FAA

FLiMKieN Ghal ambjent ah- “it’s an outrage,” the organisa- buffer zone. jar yesterday issued its condem- tion said in a statement. “if al- “This confirms yet again what nation of the permit from the lowed, this development will be Flimkien ghal ambjent ahjar Malta environmental and Plan- built within a Special area of has always insisted, namely that ning authority for the develop- Conservation of international permits outside the develop- ment of a nightclub in Mistra. importance and an ecological ment zone should not be con- ZaMMit CUtajar PHOTOGRAPHY BY PiPPa sidered by MePa. We regret to note that neither of the major parties have committed them- selves on this matter.” Faa said that permits that vi- olate MePa regulations should be rescinded and for the re-ex- amination of permits recently passed by MePa’s DCC a board, which has just resigned. Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullici- no orlando is the owner of land in Mistra, for which a permit has been awarded to develop an open-air nightclub despite the fact that it is in an oDZ area

and a Natura 2000 site. PHOTOGRAPHY BY giLbert CaLLeja in october 2005, a third party applied for a permit to build a 4,000-capacity nightclub. in March 2006, the planning di- rectorate recommended to the DCC a refusal of the applica- tion for the land being outside Quote development zone, but in No- “How do you know that this was committed by vember 2007, the DCC a issued Nationalist Party supporters? it could have been the permit following a positive committed by somebody else on purpose” – PN recommendation by the Malta secretary general Joe Saliba Tourism authority (MTa). Pullicino orlando said he was not the applicant for the permit in question. He said he reached an agreement with a third party and reached an agreement with that person to start developing that land. “i never met the ap- plicant because i reached the agreement through a third par- ty,” Pullicino orlando said. He has not declared whether, as self-styled environmentalist, he was in favour of this project or not. “i have already said that the land in question is mine. i have rented the land to third parties and i do not know even who the applicant is. i will not defend this development be- cause it is not mine,” he said on Saturday.

charlOT Zahra

aLTerNaTTiVa Demokratika (aD) chairperson Harry Vassallo’s residence in Sliema was vandalised at the end of the Nationalist Party (PN) meeting in Dingli Street on Sunday afternoon. an aD statement issued late yesterday evening said that unidentified per- sons had damaged the glass pane covering the big window that there is on the ground floor of Vassallo’s residence at Stella Maris Street: a “stone’s throw” away from where the PN mass-meeting was held on the same day. The aD chairperson, his wife and his two children were not at their residence at the time of the incident. Deputy aD Chairperson Stephen Cachia expressed the party members and activists’ unreserved solidarity with Vassallo and his family. He appealed for responsibility and moderation in the political statements during these days “so that people’s minds are not agitated and similar incidents are avoided”. asked for his reaction to the vandal acts on Vassallo’s house, PN Secretary- General Joe Saliba told MaltaToday yesterday evening that he “strongly con- demns the act without any reservations, irrespective of whoever committed it”. Quizzed by this newspaper what measures the PN intended to take to ensure that similar incidents do not take place in future, Saliba said curtly: “How do you know that this was committed by Nationalist Party supporters? it could have been committed by somebody else on purpose”. Pullicino Orlando: not asked for his reaction to Saliba’s statement, Vassallo told MaltaToday: “in a happy bunny the 18 years that i have been living here, i have never suffered a vandal act of any kind. it was only on Sunday after the PN meeting that this happened. The possibility that it might have been somebody else is there, but the probability is remote”