election special ELECTIONS

3 HEALTHCARE dayS to go POLICIES Pg 23 mIssue 7 • thursday,alta 06 March 2008 • www.tmodayaltatoday.com.mt PRICE €0.50 / Lm0.21

‘I am not informed of Election this. I don’t agree with the timing.’ eve arrest pages 10-11 warrant PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja

PN lead drops to 1.7% as MLP gains 5.8% pg 5 3

159, Labour Avenue, Naxxar Tel: 2388 0088, 7939 2939 paper post News 2 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 3 MEPa auditor Mistra report concluded

Sabrina tinuous applications outside agiuS the Development zone by reg- ulating that only essential in- on the record frastructure is to be assessed James Debono digs in the archives to see what the candidates have been saying the last few years THE Malta by MEPA, while applications Environment that are blatantly unsuitable and Planning will not even be considered,” Authority’s spokesperson Astrid Vella auditor has said. reportedly FAA added that its is expect- completed his ing that all necessary meas- investigation ures are taken to rehabilitate into the award the ecologically and scientifi- of a permit for cally important saline marsh a discotheque of places like the Mistra Bay on land in area, which has been allowed Mistra owned to degrade and fallen subject by national- to the development threats. ist MP jef- austin gatt John Dalli Michael Falzon Carmelo abela harry Vassallo Josie Muscat frey Pullicino [email protected] orlando, and austin gatt tive of who is involved… Yesterday the necessary support and educa- issue…” has handed andrew calleja jeffrey Pullicino Orlando joe Falzon PN candidate on 1st District On working under Gonzi i told the Police Commissioner tion.” 10 June 2007 his findings On public broadcasting “i feel comfortable working with and inspector Cordina on what 10 February 2008, MaltaToday to MEPA chairman Andrew Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ah- is a natura 2000 site. The case refuse a Malta Tourism Au- ‘Farcical’ “in my opinion, the state does a leader who was democratically was being said in the corridors of josie Muscat Calleja. jar (FAA) yesterday called for has now been reported to the thority proposal for the touris- not need to own a station. it elected to lead by the people i am the MLP centre. i also indicated On resurrecting trade schools aN’s candidate on 2nd and 3rd The report was passed on the findings of the auditor to Commissioner of Police by tic development of Mistra Bay, request to should encourage the emergence committed to serve,” the names. i now leave it up to the “The closure of trade schools districts to the chairman yesterday, be made public, while noting both the Prime Minister and on which the open air night of serious private stations and 9 December 2007 police to investigate how the in- left a gap in the secondary level. On far right label according to one news last that Pullicino orlando had re- the opposition leader for an club permit depended. farm out the public service obli- formation was divulged.” That is why many students are be- “What is far right in us? We want night, but attempts to contact quested that MEPA revoke the investigation into whether any “FAA is now strongly recom- revoke Mistra gation to these stations. But we On Alfred Sant May 6 2006 speech in Rabat club ing lost in the way simply because to elevate peoples’ status higher, both Calleja and auditor joe permit on his land. monies exchanged hands over mends that whichever govern- have not reached this stage.” “if it were up to Alfred Sant, i they do not have an inkling for we are concerned with the levels of Falzon yesterday proved fu- The Mistra area was ear- the award of the permit. ment is elected next week, the development 15 October 2006, MaltaToday would not have been sent to the On his intimate friends academic subjects. The mistake taxation being imposed upon the tile. marked for an open air, 8,000- FAA yesterday welcomed new administration should Gulag, but i would have been sent Some intimate friends warned was closing trade schools without middle class so that their monies On the smart Dubai investors to the gallows a dozen times.” me to get rid of him or her even if creating an alternative. MCAST is go to the rich, and we’re concerned Environmental organisation capacity disco in an area that MEPA’s recommendation to put a stop to the threat of con- zMinijiETnA – Voice of the “They will have 440 villa and 9 December 2007 they have done nothing. They told not an alternative to trade schools, the gap between rich and poor is Left expressed its objection to apartments. obviously they will me that if they throw mud at you as it starts after the age of 16.” growing. is that far right?” the proposed development in PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja

be selling or renting these proper- On disgruntled Nationalists something will stick. But i have 10 February 2008, MaltaToday 17 June 2007 PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHereSe DebONO Mistra of an entertainment ties. They are not here for charity. “i have stated publicly when never abandoned anyone in my Labour will revoke FAA calls for Polidano venue. They are here to make money…” speaking in the Party General life. As a party we say that nobody Harry Vassallo On marriages with foreigners The nGo said that it was Council, in front of everyone, that is disposable, let alone someone aD candidate on 8th and 10th “i’m not saying it’s wrong. i can’t Mistra permit “farcical” that since the pro- Reporter. On the Smart City concept i felt that many diehard national- who worked for the party for the districts Tonight on page 4 tell people who to marry. My uncle permit withdrawal posed development had be- “The Dubia internet City con- ists were feeling discarded. These past 11 years.” On electing 4 MPs was married to an English woman; Matthew Vella candidate jeffrey Pullicino or- come an electoral issue, the cept consists of iCT offices, com- people did not necessarily support May 6 2006 speech in Rabat club “Yes. Up to four people in Par- my daughter-in-law is of mixed lando, whose green credentials owner of the land in question mercial areas and lodging areas. me.” liament. We can elect people stock but born here. But it worries Before carmelo abela had earned him nature Trust’s EnViRonMEnTAL nGo dano. The approval of the Safi jeffrey Pullicino orlando, Reporter, if we do not want it, we don’t do 9 December 2007 from anywhere…if we don’t get me: look at single-parent families, MlP candidate on 2nd and LABoUR’S environment “Green Politician of the Year” Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar supermarket was challenged was now requesting MEPA to it… we cannot benefit from the into parliament next time round broken marriages, more cohabiting spokespersons joe Brincat and award, was aware of an appli- block further applications for advantage of 5,600 jobs without On the dockyard 3rd districts i would resign. Eighteen years is couples and more people refusing has lent its voice to calls for the by Alternattiva Demokratika, Roderick Galdes yesterday said cation for an open-air 8,000 development on his land. including all three components “There is a big increase in ship- enough to give to one’s country.” to get married. it’s this whole state withdrawal of a permit for a which last week revealed the 8pm news a new Labour government will capacity disco on his land at supermarket outside the devel- contents of a report by MEPA “We ask what would have phillipe of the concept… our premise was building orders and in the prices On doing away with the junior lyc- of affairs that worries me, and it’s that of importing to Malta the of ship repairing. The market is eum exam On resigning from post as AD being compounded. There’s also instantly revoke the outline per- Mistra. opment zone in Safi. auditor joe Falzon’s, which had happened had this issue not Dubai internet City model which there. But our costs are still very “Definitely something has to be leader after the election illegal immigrants, which as you mit issued abusively by MEPA “The last days of the Pn in The Chamber of Planners of found “gross irregularities” in become public knowledge. is the most successful information high and there must be coura- done, not only because this exam, irrespective of the result of the know are now allowed to bring to protect Mistra under the government will go down in Wednesday demanded that the the way the permit had been The area in question is clas- Beattie technology hub in the world.” geous changes to address these whether we like it or not, is creat- March 8 general elections, AD their families here.” EU’s natura 2000 programmes. history for the revelations of oDz permit, deemed irregular issued. sified by MEPA as a green issues, especially in the areas of ing a lot trauma for students and would have to elect a new Chair- 17 June 2007 The spokespersons said this the unlimited scandal within by MEPA’s own auditor, should After the report, the DCC (A) area of ecological and scien- On the dockyard work practices, productivity, flex- parents, but also because at the person immediately afterwards, would be part of Labour’s re- MEPA… and the Prime Min- be repealed by virtue of the De- board which approved the per- tific importance and falls out- “We’re in a changing market – ibility, labour costs, and overhead age of 11 we are labeling and at and Vassallo confirmed that he On re-negotiating the EU treaty… forms in the MEPA operations ister wants to keep everything velopment Planning Act 1992, mit resigned en masse. side the development zone. traditional ship repair has moved spending.” times excluding a lot of students… will be calling it a day. on hunting that will ensure the “messing hidden by sending Pullicino or- Article 13 (5). if the permit is withdrawn, The area also falls under the to low cost countries and special- 9 December 2007 There should be a combination of “i think it is a good thing that “no, and it’s important that we about” with the management lando to challenge Alfred Sant, Last year, MEPA’s DCC (A) all works are expected to be natura 2000 Conservation ized ship repair has become a new exams and assessments along the nobody stays too long in the lead- stress this. nobody is above the of MEPA by the nationalist when documents prove that an Michael Falzon board had approved an ap- stopped on the Safi supermar- area. Rather than issuing an lucrative market – if the ship- scholastic year which would ease ership of political parties for too law. What we want to do is rene- government would only be a outline permit was issued, and plication for a supermarket of ket site. FAA also expect that outline development permit, yards become financially viable MlP candidate on 2nd and the tension that lead to negative long. i believe i can be proud of my gotiate the treaty ‘a modo nostro’… 10th Districts “nightmare from the past”. that Pullicino orlando was in- the German Lidl chain: one of the land would be reverted into MEPA should not have proc- then we’ll have a great asset for experiences in the early years of work for the benefit of the party. in a way that is acceptable to both Labour are riding on the wave formed of an application and seven applications submitted an agricultural area as soon as essed this application in the Malta. So let’s not start chopping our children.” 17 February 2008 MaltaToday the hunters and the EU.” of revelations that nationalist took no steps to stop it.” first place.” off heads before we have proved it On dining with Charles Polidano 15 May 2005 MaltaToday 10 February 2008 by entrepreneur Charles Poli- possible. is not viable.” “i am employed at Bank of Val- On Lawrence Gonzi 20 February 2005 MaltaToday letta as a lawyer and my relation- On raising school leaving age to 17 Prime Minister Gonzi is in fact on An’s proposal stating that“… ship with Mr Polidano is purely “in our final plan we do not re- the only local politician in the last illegal immigrants will be flown On quality programmes on PBS professional. Mr Polidano is one fer to the school leaving age. After 41 years who sat down on a table to Brussels so that the EU, that is “The main argument is that of the biggest clients at the bank discussing with stakeholders we and negotiated a political alliance, so free with its criticism, can deal the quality of broadcasting is not and i speak to some 50 contrac- decided that we should not com- and that political alliance was go- with them…” measurable in any other way ex- tors every day, because i handle all mit ourselves on this. We are not ing to be between Pn and AD,” “What’s so illegal about that?” cept subjectively.” the contractors at the bank.” committed to increase the school 17 February 2008 MaltaToday 10 February 2008 MaltaToday 20 February 2005 MaltaToday MaltaToday 4 March leaving age to 17.” 10 February 2008, MaltaToday On Gonzi’s green credentials On breaching the Dublin Conven- Bdq`do\omt On reading newspapers On holding the picture of the Bless- “As PM, Gonzi is responsible tion “i rarely read newspapers; i’m ed Virgin in his pocket for Pullicino’s actions. He has to “The Dublin Convention was not is a course for adults who want to learn how to not a newspapers or television “i am not ashamed of this, i am a On giving children their childhood be extremely bare-faced to now drawn up with illegal immigra- 22ċ / www.illum.com.mt 0.51 DoÐni`q`m use the computer, email and Internet. fan. i normally let my wife tell me Maltese and a Christian.” back say that a mistake might have tion in mind,” he replies. “it was 22ċ / 0.51 ħba tal-biża’ Il-Log www.illum.com.mt Log ħob tal- what’s going on.” MaltaToday 5 March “We want to change the whole been made when he extended intended for people in distress at illum Pajjiżi ż-Żgħar 20 February 2005 MaltaToday concept of education. We want the development zones in 2006, sea. in the case of boat people, this 10 ta’ Ìunju 2007 • Nr 32 Malta fil-ħames post bi 30 midalja On a frame-up against a colleague to give childhood back to chil- when he was PM and he had the distress is self-inflicted. After all, ojjg\o` paġni 6-7 On elections in relation to leaks on MLP’s Du- dren. They spend too much time ultimate responsibility. He has is a course for persons aged 61 years and 17 ta’ Ìunju 2007 • Nr 33 they knew the risks before trying Dan hu l-partit il-ġdid?Ara l-aħħar paġna illum Membru tal-MLP “Basically in a country which bai delegation on homework and private lessons not even promised that he is go- to come here. now, i am not saying Karl Stagno Navarra fil-kummissjoni over who have basic IT skills and want to learn how to use Intervista elettorali f’battibekk is fully democratic, where there “This was noting but a frame-up and very little time on play. Even ing to reverse this decision which that we should not rescue people 0.51    fil-Vatikan oj 22ċ /   internet banking, ATMs, digital cameras, DVD players, automatic Investigat       Julia Farrugia are no conflicts of principles… against a person who worked with absenteeism is a reaction against was made in violation of EU laws, in distress at sea. As in the case of www.illum.com.mt Nina Zita                    people will decide on the basis me..only to damage me and the this kind of schooling. We are kill- and which constituted a sheer act St Paul, we should take them in… L-attivista Svediża        fuel dispensers, microwave ovens, and mobile phones and how paġni 16-17                    It-Tabib Josie Muscat ħosbien għall-kummerċ ġust ħdejn Philip Beattie of their pockets. it all depends party, i was abroad at that time ing their creativity in the name of of vandalism on Malta’s environ- but only with a predetermined l-uffiċċju ta’                 to purchase online, participate in online fora, access online    sion     on how people are living and the but two contractors who were in the examination rat race.” ment. agreement with our partners in 24 ta’ Ìunju 2007 • Nr 34                    Eurovi      0.51          prospects they see for their chil- that famous meeting tried to con- 10 February 2008, MaltaToday the EU, so that they do not stay 22ċ / Tony Abela          games and be safe on the Internet.   bye bye illumIllum Kurt Sansone             www.illum.com.mt               dren.” tact me to warn me on what was On Gift of Life petition to entrench here longer than necessary.”                  Stħarriġ ta’ paġna 9                     15 October 2006, MaltaToday going to happen” On streaming abortion ban in constitution g`\mi        10 February 2008 MaltaToday                                                     Ta’ l-Uffiċċju tal-PM         May 6 2006 speech in Rabat club “Educational experts do not “i simply told Paul Vincenti that                       Mewt fil-Jerma         Tony Abela: meta sar jaf       john Dalli  Both courses are offered FREE OF CHARGE. The duration is 20 hours. 03 ta’ Ìunju 2007 • Nr 31                       agree on this. Some favour a se- i am in favour of life and he can On MLPN billboards  bl-allegazzjonijiet staqsa                 lill-Kummissarju  tal-Pulizija                  biex jinvestiga   PN candidate on 6th and 10th u tal-PN kontra                On his anonymous admirer lective system while others favour tell the whole world about it. i did “Look at their billboards. one                        Charlot Zahra               district        Visit www.thesmartisland.gov.mt for more information or call 2125 5495.             “i received an anonymous letter comprehensives. others favour not do any U-turn as i was always accuses the other of being cor- illum    Sena  jitlob   biex  jingħata                             children’s   allowance u                     IL-BOJKOTT  ħadd ma jagħti kasu          On asking forgiveness as well as threats in november… the introduction of both systems against abortion… This is a case rupt, and the other of now having       Pulizija joffri servizzi f’ċirku        Ara paġna 3       Ritratt Ray Attard     Id-DNA: mit-testijiet li qatt ma saru fuq Żeppi l-Ħa sa r-riżultati l-ġodda tal-HIV            Astrid Vella li tmexxi l-għaqda Flimkien għall-Ambjent Aħjar kienet        MILL-MEPA    l-mira taċ-Chairman tal-MEPA li ddikkjara bojkott kontriha        “i was wrongly accused and de- whenever something illegal takes giving parents a right to choose. of fantasy politics. it’s just a lot of any ideas. What kind of a choice is

   Attard Ray Ritratt               Illum ikollna         Wenzu Minto              ta’ prostituzzjoni ‘sofistikata’    famed, therefore it is i who should place i report it to the police…i For us this is not a major issue. smoke in a country where all three that? Hardly surprising that peo-       Il-PartitJulia Laburista Farrugia    F’temp ta’ ftit                Dive Il-katavru tat-Tabib  Saviour   Cilia minn  Ħal Qormi jinħareġ mil-lukandain now.Daqshekkġranet kellna lil tfal fuqwww.maltatoday.com.mt       daily forgive,” told the Commissioner; Mr Rizzo i The most important thing for us is parties oppose abortion and pre- ple are fed up…”     Jerma l-bieraħ  minn  ħaddiem  tal-Protezzjoni  Ċivili wara li ċeda saqaf u Frank Portelli, lil iktar mifrud iżda       l-ewwel radam lill-vittma. Ara paġna 3         Ara l-intervista f’paġni 16 u 17 Josie Muscat,programmi lil Lawrence għall-kbar    9 December 2007 authorize you to proceed irrespec- to ensure that every child is given vents serious discussion on this 10 February 2008 MaltaToday   rebbieħ          Gonzi u anki sezzjoni     Austin Gatt vs Maltapost   – Il-Kummissarju tat-Tfal  James Debono        Jorqod bil-moħbi fil-waiting tal-media Laburista jisħqu         L-‘isfrattati’ ta’ Testaferrata   Franica Pulis        dwar il-bżonn li jiddaħħal              “Ħadtu deċiżjoni mnawra”                  qaddis Malti room ta’ l-Isptar San Luqa              il-Whistleblower’s Act...                                   Gerald Fenech    Julia Farrugia    Imma dan is-suġġett          Editorjal                                             tant jiġi trattat b’mod                                 Valuri għal soċjetà  sekulari                     superfiċjali li kulħadd jisħaq                                                                      li hemm bżonn li ndaħħlu                            Il-każ   ta’ l-anzjana                                            l-protezzjoni fil-Liġi meta                                                             msawta    minn                 din ilha teżisti                                                            għal numru ta’         surġent                           Wara l-ħabs      snin                                                     kar ta’ persuni                  Ara paġna 13 Il-ħlas għal servizzi sesswali jista’ jostor realtà ta’ tra                                    Julia Farrugia    Ara paġna 3                                                                                                                                                      Illum                                                                                   klassifikati                                                    Ara l-paġni tan-nofs                                      OST                24  siegħa  f’nofs ta’  baħar   jistennew                     P APER

  P               il-ħniena ta’ Malta – paġna 4   

       NEWSPAPER POST NEWSPAPER        L-Alternattiva se tapplika għal stazzjon tat-TV – paġna 7                Taste the difference       • Suppliment speċjali fi l-paġni tan-nofs NEWSPAPER POST • Editorjal paġna 11

• Carm Mifsud Bonnici paġna 14 T

• X’kien jgħid Manwel Dimech paġna 21 OS APER P APER

   P

  POST NEWSPAPER                   

    POST NEWSPAPER            Taste the difference - 6% Labour voters favour PN policy

4 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news maltatodaynews survey Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 5 Pn losing ground to labour Why PN is leading mt sUrvEY despite shift to Labour PN ...... 36.0% and growth of AD: MlP ...... 34.3% aD ...... 2.4% THE survey shows the Pn voted for the MLP in the 2003 aN ...... 0.7% leading by 1.7% despite a net election, 47% replied that they loss of 6.1% from its 2003 pool had voted for the Pn. Not Voting ...... 2.0% of votes to the other three par- This is an indication that Undecided ...... 10.9% ties in the race. on the other former MLP voters were either hand the MLP makes a net more reluctant to state how No reply ...... 13.6% gain of 5.8% from former Pn they had voted in 2003, or have and AD voters. refrained from participating in This discrepancy between the survey. the shift in favour of the MLP Still, the shift towards the and the survey’s overall partly MLP is partly offset by the Pn arises from the an over-repre- gaining a majority of new vot- sentation of Pn voters in the ers. When all these factors are 36.0 % survey. weighed the election remains 34.3 % While 31% claimed to have too close to call.

No reply How PN voters in 2003 How new voters would vote would vote now: on March 8th: PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja PN ...... 67.3 PN ...... 45.2 Don’t MLP ...... 5.7 MLP ...... 26.2 Not know AD ...... 1.9 AD ...... 2.4 voting AN ...... 0.3 AN ...... 2.4 PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHereSe DebONO Not Voting ...... 1.9 NoT voting ...... 2.4 Don’t Know ...... 11.5 Don’t know ...... 16.7 2.4 % 0.7 % No Reply ...... 11.3 No Reply ...... 4.8 7 pg 1 page 4 How MlP voters in 2003 Methodology This survey was held between would vote now: Friday 29 February and Tuesday MLP ...... 83.4 4 March. A total of 2,115 JaMeS Debono tal 1,200 respondents par- lowing the MLP’s revelation PN ...... 2.8 ticipated was held between that he owns a tract of land persons were contacted, 1,200 of whom accepted to participate Thursday and Tuesday. earmarked by MEPA for the AD ...... 0.5 AN ...... 0.3 in the survey. Respondents were THE last MaltaToday elec- Compared to last week’s development of a country- randomly chosen from the tel- Not Voting ...... 0.5 toral survey before next survey, a rise of 1.4% in the side discotheque on a natura ephone directory which covers all Saturday’s general elections number of non committed 2000 site in Mistra. Don’t Know ...... 7.3 Maltese localities including Gozo. shows the Pn at 36% - barely voters has resulted in a 2.5% The survey also comes in No Reply ...... 5.3 The survey results were weighed 2% ahead of the MLP. The loss for the Pn and a 1.2% the wake of the publica- according to age/sex distribution of the population according to Pn’s advantage falls within gain for Labour. tion of a Ministry of Health How respondents had voted the survey’s +/-2.8% margin AD’s vote has remained sta- report suggesting fees on the 2006 Demographic Review in 2003: issued by the National Offi ce of of error. ble at 2.4%. health services, as well as a PN ...... 46.9 Still, the same survey shows Although the number of un- damning Audit office report Statistics. But the shifts between the parties’ electoral support in the Pn making a net loss of decided voters has decreased on Charles Polidano’s oDz MLP ...... 30.8 AD ...... 1.2 2003 vote and present voting 6.1%, when present voting in- by 2.4% the number of those supermarket in Safi. intentions are based on the raw Underage ...... 6.6 “why should we tentions of respondents are refusing to divulge their vot- The Pn reacted by reveal- fi gures. The survey’s margin of compared to how they claim ing intentions has increased ing that Charles Mangion No Reply ...... 14.5 error is +/-2.82%. take a decision to have voted in the 2003 by 4%. and Karmenu Vella had failed general elections. The Pn’s losses come in a to declare income from a sUrvEY on the destiny This is a clear indication week during which the Pn property owned by MiRCA mt that despite the wafer thin lost the initiative to Labour. properties and rented to the the MLP. While the Pn loses party. But while the Pn gains of our kids on Pn advantage, the election The last few days have been Freeport. 1.9% of its 2003 vote to AD, nothing from AD’s small beSt POlicY ON jOb creatiON accOrDiNg tO VOtiNg iNteNtiONS: remains too close to call. dominated by jeffrey Pul- The survey shows the Pn the MLP is losing 0.5% of it’s 2003 pool, Labour gets a PN MlP aD aN NONe NO aNSWer the basis of The survey in which a to- licino orlando’s antics fol- losing more votes to AD than 2003 vote share to the third small fraction of these votes. PN VOterS 0.6 96.3 0 0 0.9 2.3 For the fifth consecutive MlP VOterS 5.9 83.7 0.3 0 1.6 9.4 fear?” time the survey shows the NON cOMMitteD 51.7 26.9 0.5 2 4.5 14.4 beFOre WeeK 1 WeeK 2 WeeK 3 WeeK 4 WeeK 5 nationalist party losing more votes from its 2003 tally than Tables 40 the MLP. WHicH PartY HaS tHe beSt POlicY ON jOb creatiON accOrDiNg tO age grOUP? Which party has the best policy on job creation? This week’s survey shows MlP PN aD aN NONe NO rePlY PN the Pn registering a 3.8% net 18-34 40.4 47.4 0.6 0.6 3.2 7.9 Pn 51.1 loss to the MLP and a 2.3% MLP 35.9 35 Sant makes Labour reveals MLP 35-54 36 41.3 1.2 1.2 5.6 14.6 net loss to the AD and An. AD 0.8 full recovery in report stating that 55 34.4 55.2 0.2 0 2.4 7.8 party’s general cabinet agreed in The MLP which is losing An 0.7 conference principle with fees 2.8% of its 2003 vote to the none 3 30 on health care WHicH PartY HaS tHe beSt MetHODOlOgY no reply 8.5 PN intensifi es Pn makes a net gain of 5.5% beFOre WeeK 1 WeeK 2 WeeK 3 WeeK 4 Jeffrey Pullicino POlicY ON jOb creatiON? campaign against from the Pn and a further AD reveals report Orlando presents 0.3% from the smaller par- This survey was held between Monday 25 February and MLP Pn AD A n reception class Wednesday 28 February. A total of 1,735 persons were 25 Lawrence Gonzi on Polidano’s Safi himself as a ties. PN 51.1 none no Reply 40 excludes coalition proposal contacted, 900 of whom accepted to participate in the PN supermarket, journalist for an For the second consecutive MlP 35.9 18-34 40.4 47.4 0 . 6 with AD, promises prompting mass Alfred Sant press survey. Respondents were randomly chosen from the Sant makes Labour leader 0.6 3.2 7.9 Lawrence Gonzi to take MEPA in his resignation of DCC conference week the Pn leads the MLP aD 0.8 telephone directory. The survey results (except for the 35 full recovery in 20 exempts private 35-54 36 41.3 1 . 2 MLP announces election hands board among those who would be aN 0.7 shifts between 2003 election) were weighed according to party’s general and massive tax schools from voting for the first time on 8 NONe 3 age/sex distribution of the population. The survey’s margin 1.2 5.6 14.6 conference reception class of error is +/-3.26%. 30 cuts MLP regurgitates Alfred Sant reveals March. Among this category NO rePlY 8.5 55 34.4 55.2 0.2 0 same proposals in proposal 2.4 7.8 Lawrence Gonzi PN intensifi es 15 that MEPA had NO REPLY the Pn gets 45.2% against the MLP blasts good electoral manifesto. approved an outline MLP’s 26%. This could be an excludes coalition campaign against causes fund 25 Lawrence Gonzi permit for an open UNDECIDED with AD, promises reception class donation to private indication of the Pn’s more announces air disco on land Best policy on job creation according to voting intentions: to take MEPA in proposal 10 company intelligent use of the internet 20 election and his hands Labour leader owned by Jeffrey and the media to target these massive tax cuts MLP regurgitates exempts private Pullicino Orlando voters. Pn MLP AD An none no Answer MLP blasts same proposals schools from Gains among new voters, Pn Voters 0.6 96.3 0 0 0.9 2.3 15 good causes 5 in electoral reception class UNDECIDED AD who number 17,000 in all, MLP Voters 5.9 83.7 0.3 0 1.6 9.4 fund donation to AN NOT VOTING manifesto. proposal could partially compensate non committed 51.7 26.9 0.5 2 4.5 14.4

This is a paid advert by the Malta Labour Party private company 10 NO REPLY % for the shift to Labour. Methodology 5 NOT VOTING AD This survey was held between Monday 25 February and Wednesday 28 February. A total of 1,735 persons AN were contacted, 900 of whom accepted to participate in the survey. Respondents were randomly chosen from 0 the telephone directory. The survey results (except for the shifts between 2003 election) were weighed ac- cording to age/sex distribution of the population. The survey’s margin of error is +/-3.26%.

Login now. www.maltatoday.com.mt daily 6 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 7 the battle of the issues: Pn trounced on corruption but wins on most issues MlP discusses gender aD slams trivialising equality issues of education by Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca fails to show up main political

DaViD DarManin belief, so i decided not to go.” At that point, Helena Dalli complained that she was not in- MLP’S early celebration of vited either. Later, Dalli refused parties Women’s Day was marked by the to answer a question on gender absence of social affairs spokes- equality policy on the grounds person Maire-Louise Coleiro that this was within the remit of MALTAToDAY surveys carried are swayed to vote for the other to cut income tax further, the to the big parties when it comes of the Maltese population accord- Preca yesterday, at a gathering of Labour spokesperson for social out over the past three weeks parties. incumbent party has re-invented to bread and butter issues. ing to MaltaToday’s surveys car- around 100 female Labour expo- solidarity Marie-Louise Coleiro show the Pn winning on all ma- Yet significantly 44% of those itself as the tax slashing party. The Pn’s high rate of approval ried out during the past year. nents addressing gender issues, Preca, who was not present for jor issues except the cost of living who prefer AD’s environmental The electorate does not seem re- on job creation is boosted by The Labour Party has been social injustices, equality at the the meeting. After making a sign and the fight against corruption. policies are either undecided or ceptive to the bold fiscal propos- 6% of present MLP voters who harping on the cost of living issue place of work and sexual harass- to show that she would rather not Although the MLP trounces the refusing to divulge their voting als made by the smaller parties. consider the Pn’s job creation for the past years. ment, among others. answer, Simone Cini broke the Pn by a wide 17% margin on cor- intentions in the next elections. Significantly the Labour Party policies as better than their own it’s promise to reduce the sur- The event was wrapped up by seconds of silence that followed ruption, the Pn soundly beats the only manages to beat the Pn party’s. only 0.6% of present Pn charge by 50% is aimed at leaving Labour Leader Alfred Sant, who to ask if it would be better for MLP on taxation, job creation, immigration among those aged between 35- voters opt for Labour’s employ- more money in people’s pockets. reiterated his party’s position on Coleiro Preca to answer. “i would education, healthcare, immigra- The absolute majority of voters 54. This age group composed of ment policies. Yet during this campaign the the need of gender equality. much rather wait for her.” By the tion and the environment. do not identify with the immigra- persons who are in the middle of MLP has shied away from anach- “At university we have a major- end of the meeting, Coleiro Preca Defying ideological stereotypes, tion policies of the mainstream their working lives are the most Healthcare ronistic solutions to control pric- ity of female students, but then had not yet arrived. PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja the Pn is at its strongest on job parties and 11% think that the far inclined to Labour’s policies. The Pn is judged to have the es. numbers go down drastically as on her part, former Sea Malta creation where it is preferred right Azzjoni nazzjonali have the best policy on health care despite soon as you start looking at the chairperson Marlene Mizzi, seat- choice of the absolute majority best policy on this subject. education the MLP’s revelation of a report corruption number of women in employ- ed right next to Sant, confidently of respondents while the MLP is Like other extreme right par- The survey held – amidst a issued in 2004 which proposed only one fourth think that the ment,” he said. “When we ap- said: “Although i recognise that strongest on fighting corruption ties in Europe An has exploited storm of controversy on Labour’s fees for public health services. Pn has the best policy to fight point women on government many women may encounter where it is the preferred choice of popular apprehensions on this reception class proposal – shows The report claims that the cabi- corruption. on the other hand PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHereSe DebONO boards, efficiency issues are al- problems at work, we must make 42% of respondents. issue turning a veritable human that the Pn’s scaremongering net agreed in principle with the 42% think that Labour has the ways scrutinised before deciding. sure that there is no self-pity. Both parties score their worst tragedy in to political football. campaign which dubbed the re- report but would not implement best policies on this issue. This is not the case with deciding purpose.” domestic violence, garnering the portance of work-life balance, i’m not saying that there are no results on immigration. The MLP With the other parties largely si- ception class proposal as a “re- it because of its “political under- The survey shows that the on board appointments for men. She then explained that by the crowd’s full attention when she stating : “We should be living in problems, but once we encoun-  also scores a lowly 23% environ- lent on this issue during the elec- peater class” has left an impact on pinnings.” page 4 MLP’s focused campaign to de- We are in a situation that allows time children finish school, par- said “we should work together as a society that pays enough wag- ter difficulties we must find the ment. toral campaign An has emerged the electorate. The survey on health was con- legitimise Lawrence Gonzi’s cabi- women to be appointed in key ents are still at work and that Christians.” es that enable parents to spend strength within ourselves to re- Apart from immigration, the as the vocal party on this issue. The “repeater class” mantra now ducted after the publication of net has left a deep marks amongst positions only because they are there is not enough availability “Up until yesterday, a pregnant more time with their children.” solve them. We must look for so- Pn scores its worst score on the An has called for the closure of features in every speech by Pn this report. voters. efficient, whereas men don’t have of services to cater for the time woman was beaten by her hus- on quality of life, Pullicino re- lutions, without expecting other cost of living issue where it is the open centres and has threatened exponents to the extent that the The Prime Minister denied that Through the campaign Labour to be efficient. This is why there between end of school and end band, and was in turn sent to marked that the most popular people to do this for us.” preferred choice of 38% of re- to pull out of Malta’s legal inter- Prime Minister himself warned the cabinet had ever considered has reiterated it’s pledge to prac- should be a quota system.” of work. Appoġġ with her children, while illness among women is depres- Mizzi proceeded to insist on spondents. national obligations in the ab- that a Labour victory would charges on health and declared tice zero tolerance on corruption Moderating the talk was one in another intervention, Vassal- her husband was allowed to stay sion, “whereas we only speak of the need to “change the culture on most issues the Pn enjoys sence of help from the European amount to five years in a repeater that he would resign if a future and has continued to highlight TV presenter Simone Cini, who lo also mentioned that politics in home,” Pullicino said. “This is breast screening.” of men, especially at the work the advantage of being the incum- Union. Yet the party favours the class for the whole country. Pn government were to impose corruption allegations against started by handing over the mi- Malta are male dominated, due unfair. it was the perpetrator Also present was university place,” suggesting that this is bent party using the tools of gov- importation of foreign labour in The MaltaToday survey was such fees. prominent cabinet members. crophone to Labour candidate to the vast majority of politicians who should have been chucked professor Mary Darmanin, who done by proper parenting and ernment to promote its agenda. sectors where Maltese labour is held days before Alfred Sant Although the report confirms The Pn has pre-empted the Helena Dalli. being men, “starting with our out.” clarified why she chose the La- early education – an idea to on the other hand as the party scarce. counter-attacked with his own that Gonzi had resisted pressure campaign by focusing exclusively “The Labour Party is focusing very able leader,” she specified. Addressing Sant directly, Pulli- bour activity over a university which Sant later concurred. in government the Pn is more An’s immigration policy is dose of scaremongering, accusing to introduce charges on health on Lawrence Gonzi whose integ- on continuation of work that we Then came Labour candidate cino concluded her intervention speech over the same issues run- “i agree with Marlene about exposed to accusations of corrup- highest among males (15%) and the government of planning to services during his term in office, rity remains intact. Labour has have been carrying out for the Marlene Pullicino’s turn, the by saying: “As of Monday, God ning at the same time. “i was the need of culture change,” Sant tion than the MLP. those aged under 34 (14%) and close down junior lyceums and to it made a mockery Gonzi’s earlier reacted to this stratagem quot- past 20 years,” she said, before estranged wife of the same Pn willing, when you are elected to asked to contribute at a university stated. “Equality needs to be The small parties only leave an lowest among females and those abolish the junior lyceum exams. claim that the cabinet had never ing Eddie Fenech Adami’s maxim being interrupted by Cini in or- candidate involved in the Mistra power, i appeal to you to look event this morning. From all the practised, not just discussed. We impact on their pet issues; in AD’s over 55. Effectively, the two parties have discussed the imposition of any that whoever does not fight cor- der to explain that the talk shall Bay controversy, jeffrey Pullicino into these matters.” speakers invited it seemed that need to focus on education, as of “why should we case the environment and in An’s Significantly, An attracts its now turned education in to a such fees. ruption is part of it. not only ask for the contribution orlando. Pullicino spoke about Pullicino also spoke of the im- they are all of the same political a very young age.” case illegal immigration. greatest support among younger game of political football leaving The Pn has countered the Yet the prevailing perception of Labour candidates, but also of Charlot Zahra be the political will to conduct system because it promotes to students. take a decision When it comes to bread and males. Among the males aged little space for intelligent debate MLP’s campaign by reminding that the ruling party failed to ad- all present. a wholesome reform of the pri- it is networking between different Mallia said that in agreement butter issues like job creation vot- 18 to 34 years of age An’s stance on this matter. voters that a Sant led government dress this issue does not necessar- “oK,” Dalli said. “Take two. i mary education system. “Unfor- schools. with all parties concerned, the on the destiny ers tend to prefer the bigger par- on immigration is more popular had imposed a fee on people col- ily result in a Labour landslide. was talking about continuation, ALTERnATTiVA Demokratika tunately, the system is blocked irresponsible Mallia said it was “high time” school leaving certificate should ties. than that of the three other par- jobs lecting free medicines. While this shows that the Pn so this is the continuation of a (AD) Chairperson Harry Vas- as whenever somebody comes that schools were refurbished, be revised so that this reflects of our kids on ties. Among this category 25% ironically the Pn beats the MLP While 39% favour Labour’s has hit rock bottom on this issue, continuation.” But as Dalli was sallo expressed his disappoint- up with a proposal, the experi- that a serious however the focus now needed the real abilities of students and the environment opt for An’s immigration policy. on job creation, an issue which health policies, 47% favour the it also shows that some people about to start her address again, ment at the fact that education ence of the 1980s is immediately to be shifted on the human re- make it more relevant than it is The survey result reflects AD’s The widespread support for traditionally dominates the agen- Pn’s policies. would still vote for the Pn even if Labour leader Alfred Sant up- has ended up as a political foot- mentioned,” he complained. matter for the sources needed in the education today. the basis of historic role in raising the profile An’s immigration policies is not da of social democratic parties. The survey reflects public sat- they are dissatisfied with the gov- staged her with his late entrée, ball with the controversy over Mallia said Eurostat statistics system. AD is proposing that all those of environmental issues and its reflected in electoral support for Riding high on promises of isfaction with the new Mater Dei ernment’s record. in fact 5% of inspiring the crowd to surpass Labour’s reception class pro- showed that Malta has the high- Educators have to be trained who give private lessons should fear?” consistent opposition to spring the very right party which regis- 5,600 new jobs created by Smart hospital which has been hyped as nationalist voters prefer Labour Dalli’s speech with a hearty, wel- posal. est number of school-leavers future of our in order to operate in the new be regulated with the issue of hunting, golf courses and mega ters only 0.6% in the latest Malta- City and boasting the lowest un- one of Lawrence Gonzi major ac- on this issue but would still vote coming applause. “it is irresponsible that a seri- beforeTables the age of 16 as well the settings of mixed ability set- a licence for which a warrant development projects. Today poll. employment rates in the past dec- complishments. Pn. only 63% of nationalist vot- When she started again, Dalli ous matter for the future of our lowestWhich number party of students has the who best children like policytings thaton job would creation? result after the would be needed as a require- This is especially the case among 50% of those opting for An’s ade, the Pn is considered as the The survey shows that Pn vot- ers think that their party has the cut her speech short by saying children like education has been pursue post-secondary studies. removal of the junior Lyceum ment in order to cut abuse and younger voters aged between immigration policies would vote party with the best policy on job ers are more enthusiastic on the best policies to tackle corruption that after all, “there is no need to trivialised by the main political in thePn primary field, 51.1 the cur- education has examination. incompetence. 18 and 34. Among this category for one of the other three par- creation by an absolute majority their party’s health policy than compared to 89% of MLP voters mention all the work Labour did parties and has ended up in the riculumMLP is being tilted 35.9 exces- Mallia said that the School Moreover, AD said that the while 26% express a preference ties. More of these would vote for of respondents. MLP voters. who trust their party on this is- in the past years with regard to political arena”, he insisted. sivelyAD in favour of passing 0.8 the been trivialised Psychological Service has been State should invest in a system for AD’s environmental policies the Pn (26.3%) than for the MLP While 51% prefer the Pn’s job sue. gender issues.” “Parents of children who are juniorAn Lyceum examination 0.7 at reduced to two school psycholo- of help for students after school only 14.4% express a preference (21.3%). creation policies, only 36% pre- cost of living The survey also shows that a “A lot of work that could have passing through this stage like the endnone of Year 6, with 3 the re- by the main gists who have to cope with the hours in order to assist those for the MLP’s policies. Yet significantly 49% of those fer Labour’s. The small parties The MLP enjoys a slight advan- significant 6.4% opt for the two continued after 1998 has not me, as a parent of a four-year- sult thatno replystudents are 8.5ending up demands of all students attend- students whose family environ- But widespread support for AD’s who opt for the far right’s poli- are only chosen by 1.5% of voters tage over the Pn on the cost of small parties as the bulwark been continued,” she said. This old, do not appreciate how the burn-out at the end. political ing state schools. ment was not conducive to do environmental policies does not cies on immigration are still non confirming that people still turn living issue-the primary concern against corruption. was later confirmed by Alfred future of our children is being AD is proposing the MLP removal Pn“AD AD feels that An this unit, none as well no homeworkReply and study. treated so light-heartedly,” Vas- of the junior Lyceum exam and as others which give support to AD said it was unacceptable

translate itself in to a landslide for committed on their voting inten- Sant when he said: “When La- 18-34 4 0 . 4 47.4 0.6 0.6 3.2 7.9 PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja sallo added. its replacement with a bench- parties students, should be re-started that there was only one coun- the third party when it comes to tions. How the parties fare on the issues: bour was last in government, we voting intentions. This means that 4.3% of all re- did not have enough time to im- on his part, AD’s spokesper- marking35-54 exercise which 3 6 sums 41.3with 1.2 an adequate 1.2 number 5.6 of 14.6 selor for more than 3,000 junior While 18% prefer AD’s environ- spondents opt for An’s immigra- plement all that we had in mind son on Education, Mario Mallia, up what55 the student 34.4 has done 55.2professionals,” 0.2 0 he insisted. 2.4 7.8 College students, which would mental policies to those of the ri- tion’s policy and would not state PN MlP aD aN None No answer with regards to gender issues, said that Labour’s proposal for over the previous years to assess Mallia also said that AD would be facing the most crucial phase having a reception class was an his performance. gradually introduce five hours of their lives. val two parties, only 2.6% would for which party they would vote taxation 39.8 33.5 1.5 0.1 6.1 19 but a lot of measures were on the vote for the Greens in the forth- in the forthcoming election. runway,” failing to continue the “interesting” one which should TheBest only policy territory on job in creation the EU accordingof physical to exercise voting intentions:a week in all Finally, with regards to Uni- environment 38.7 22.8 18.4 1.5 3.9 14.7 coming election. allegory by linking the Labour be discussed. which still had competitive ex- schools in order to combat the versity, AD is proposing the in fact 42.8% of those who think taxation immigration 23.5 17.8 2.7 11.1 10.2 34.7 song slogan “the only way is up”. However, he said that the pro- ams like the junior Lyceum was Pnever-increasing MLP AD obesity An prob- n osetting-up n e of a think-tank to that AD has the best environ- The MLP has spent the last education 48.9 32.2 1.2 0 3.1 14.7 on her part, Labour candi- posal as made by the Labour northernno Answer ireland, where the lem. study the present situation of Party was made in a “vacuum” exam was removed this year. Regarding secondary educa- overcrowding and explore pos- mental policies are equally split five years attacking the Pn for in- job creation 51.1 35.9 0.8 0.7 3 8.5 date Lorna Vassallo spoke about Pn Voters 0.6 96.3 0 0 0 . 9 between the Pn and MLP. only creasing the tax burden, but has a problem faced by numerous and “without enough consid- “The2.3 effects on those children tion, AD is proposing that more sibilities how the University 11% of these would vote for AD. failed to capitalise on fiscal dis- Health care 46.8 39.3 0.7 0.8 2.3 10.4 parents. “The daytime gap be- eration to the reality of tough that areMLP tagged Voters as ‘bad’ are trau- 5.9effort 83.7 should be 0.3 made to 0 address 1 .experience 6 can be made more This is an indication that the contentment. cost of living 38 39 1.1 0.9 7.2 13.8 tween 14:30 and 17:00 is not be- competition in the education matic,”9.4 Mallia insisted. the “huge fragmentation” that personalized. sector”. He said that AD agreed with exists in the existing curricu- environment is not such a prima- After two consecutive budget corruption 25.9 42.4 3.3 3.1 10.8 14.6 ing addressed,” she said. “A lot non committed 5 1 . 7 26.9 0.5 2 4.5 [email protected] ry concern for these voters who tax cuts and an electoral pledge of childcare centres are being Mallia said that there should the setting up of the colleges lum and make it more relevant closed at 13:00, serving a useless Methodology This survey was held between Monday 25 February and Wednesday 28 February. A total of 1,735 persons were contacted, 900 of whom accepted to participate in the survey. Respondents were randomly chosen from the telephone directory. The survey results (except for the shifts between 2003 election) were weighed ac- cording to age/sex distribution of the population. The survey’s margin of error is +/-3.26%. 8 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 9 AN proposes Gozitan devolution

Sabrina Agius class, surcharge, overtime and Muscat then presented the 10 rental regime. If elected to Gov- than the Gozitans themselves corruption, as if politics was points which AN are promis- ernment, AN are proposing that what is best for Gozo. only about those matters” said ing to follow. Among these pro- there should be a collective ef- Before closing the press brief- Muscat. posals are the idea of having an fort to reduce taxes so there can ing, Muscat said that AN was Azzjoni Nazzjonali leader According to the party leader, auditing company, having the be more money in hand. Muscat the only party who was not Josie Muscat yesterday pre- other important matters were president elected by the people. further said that there should scared to talk openly about cru- sented citizens with a contract left out. As noted by him, these A recurring AN commitment be a substantial increase in the cial problems which Malta is comprising the 10 points of its would include topics involv- is to have a smaller parliament, national pension, as pensioners facing including illegal immi- electoral campaign, including ing alternative energy and the fewer cabinet ministers and are most at risk of falling below gration, the importance of the making Gozo an autonomous health system. fewer local councils. Tough the poverty line. family and hunting. region “governed by Gozitans”, Muscat noted: “They did talk measures to protect citizens The country should have Muscat’s stressed on the fact at a press breakfast at The Pal- about health, but no one men- feature measures to reduce bureaucracy that Malta is a country which ace Hotel in Sliema. tioned how it shall be reformed Other AN proposals are that Maltese entrepreneurs. has “political parties but no “If one had to analyse the con- and financed. They say that our the state should have an inde- Muscat said that Gozo should politics”, saying that it is time tent of this electoral campaign, health system is free, but noth- pendent council, and to pro- be an autonomous region and it for politicians to mature, so one would realise that politi- ing is free. We pay National In- mote unity within the family. should be led by Gozitans them- that people can start trusting cians talked about reception surance and VAT.” AN believe in having a just selves, as no one knows better politics again.

AN’s Martin Degiorgio and Philip Beattie Anglu Xuereb at war with Sliema council over yellow lines Sabrina Agius Xuereb presented the MEPA yellow lines along the pavement a permit by MEPA has been is- un/loading bay as coaches are permit which states “the ap- in High Street. sued, do not feature an applica- blocking the road. proved drawings show a coach However, the statement issued tion for a new hotel but an ex- “The treatment meted out lay-by which is currently being by the Sliema council insists tension to The Victoria Hotel.” the Palace Hotel by the Sliema AX Holdings chairman and AN used for car parking spaces. that the lines “have been car- The Sliema mayor persisted Mayor is very different from deputy leader Anglu Xuereb has This runs counter to the ap- ried out on instructions of Mr that the hotel needs an MTA that afforded to other hotels in accused Sliema mayor Marina proved plans permit. To this Angelo Xuereb, without seek- permit to operate and another the area” said Xuereb. He made Arrigo of deliberately ignoring effect MEPA, is giving 15 days ing authorisation from ADT permit should be sought by reference to the Plaza Hotel, MEPA’s instructions that the notice from the date of issue of and from the council.” ADT for an un/loading bay belonging to Mrs Arrigo’s fam- Palace Hotel in Sliema should this letter to rectify the situa- Throughout her statement, in the area. As yet, the Sliema ily. Xuereb presented some have its own coach lay-by. tion.” Sliema mayor Marina Arrigo council is saying that the hotel photos featuring the respective During a press conference In response to the threatening refused to call the hotel by its does not have these permits. lay-bys, with these hotels hav- held yesterday morning in enforcement by MEPA, Xuereb name, claiming that “permits Xuereb replied that it is nec- ing loading and unloading ar-

front of his High Street hotel, felt that he had to paint double related to this hotel, for which essary for the hotel to have an eas reserved. PHOTOGRAPHY BY G ilbert C alleja 10 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 11 Vassallo threatened with imprisonment on election eve

Charlot Zahra company in which he has not years. I could not make a pub- ma police station had informed sallo’s press conference.” been involved for the past 10 lic campaign on this situation Dr Vassallo that “he had to reg- AD insists PN lost all sense Kurt Sansone of decency RAPhael Vassallo years. as I have a direct and personal ularise his position about these KARL SCHEMBRI However, he was still regis- interest in it. warrants”. But AD’s deputy chairperson tered with the VAT depart- “However, now that the PN “The allegations made by Dr Stephen Cachia was unmoved In a last-gasp twist to the elec- ment as the person responsible has used this personal situa- Harry Vassallo are totally dif- by Saliba’s and the prime min- toral campaign, the police de- for the company. tion for its own benefit, I am ferent from what is being re- ister’s replies, accusing the PN livered two arrest warrants to “I have been present for vari- happy that this thing has come ported by the Sergeant. There- of losing “all sense of decency A lt er n at t i v a D e mok r at i k a (A D) ou s cou r t sit t i n g s i n con ne c t ion out in the public and therefore fore the Police Commissioner and sense of the truth when Chairperson Harry Vassallo in with this case and I explained I can promise that I will wage a ordered an immediate inves- trying to convince people that connection with a VAT-related that I could not present the re- campaign so that law enforce- tigation to establish the whole it had nothing to do with to- case, four hours after a NET turns of a company for which ment is carried out in a reason- truth about this case,” the day’s events with regards to TV journalist had asked him I have not been employed for able manner and when there statement concluded. Vassallo.” about the case. more than 10 years. are a couple of missing papers Meanwhile Media.link’s man- “Once again the PN has used Speaking during a press con- “As the law stands at present, the people are not treated like ager claimed her organisation the last days of the electoral ference at the AD headquarters it seems that the court did not violent criminals,” a resolute had “no link whatsoever with campaign to try to discredit in Sliema, accompanied by his have any other option but to Vassallo said. actions that the Police and the AD with mud-slinging tac- wife, two kids and other AD impose fines and I requested a Courts took against Dr Vas- tics. The facts of today’s events officials and candidates shortly Presidential pardon since I was Net TV informed before sallo”. speak for themselves and need after the arrest warrants were being fined thousands of Liri, Police Commissioner She said: “Media.link, like any no further comment. delivered, a resolute Vassallo not because I did not pay taxes In a press release issued other media organisation, is “These are the same tactics said that the electoral cam- but because the returns had around 7.30pm, the media expected to investigate infor- the PN used in the 2003 Gen- paign “has reached the pits” not been filed during the years manager of Media.link, Lou- mation that reaches it about a eral Elections and in the 2004 with this episode, and that the while I did not have control iselle Vassallo, said the organi- political party leader who has European Parliament Elec- PN was repeating the same over the company since I had sation was informed as early Court sentences against him.” tions,” Cachia charged. tactic adopted by in the 2003 resigned as Director”. as Tuesday – a full day before “Joe Saliba and Media.Link general elections when former Vassallo explained that his re- the police commissioner – but Joe Saliba alleges frame- have absolutely no credibility Prime Minister Eddie Fenech quest for a presidential pardon avoided the question of how up against PN in this regard and it is clear Adami had dumped AD dur- was denied and he asked for a they got to know about the Contacted by MaltaToday Joe that the manner in which this ing the PN last mass meeting reconsideration of the case. prison sentence. Saliba denied any knowledge of case was orchestrated by the at Luxol. “I do not know whether the “Media.link received infor- the case, still less any involve- PN media, unfortunately with “The Nationalist Party has President of the Republic mation yesterday (Tuesday) ment. the complicity of the Police, been cooking up this booby- would like to consider my case that Dr Harry Vassallo was “You don’t think we would be clearly shows that the PN is in a trap for the past five months or not. If for the second time found guilty in court cases that stupid enough to do something state of panic and has exceeded since instead of informing me he thinks that I should be sent amount to Lm6,000 and that like that right before an elec- all limits of arrogance. immediately with what had to prison for two years because about them he had requested tion? From what I’ve been told, “We appeal to all voters to happened in court, this file somebody else did not file a a presidential pardon, that was the court decision was taken give a strong message against was left in a drawer somewhere VAT return, then I will go to refused. five months ago. Why did this arrogance by voting for to be used by the Nationalist prison. “On the first opportunity they go to arrest him today? It AD next Saturday. Party in the most squalid elec- “What I can say is that ir- we had after this information doesn’t make sense. I think this “AD salutes the courage of all toral campaign that it has ever respective of whatever hap- reached us, that is during an is a sign of the sorry state we those voters we are meeting led,” he insisted. pens during this election and AD press conference today have reached, that some peo- everyday and who are clearly Vassallo explained that at the whether I am sent to prison afternoon, we took Dr Harry ple would go to such lengths to stating that they will be voting end of a press conference at the or not, I will wage a campaign Vassallo’s own comment to get damage the Nationalist Party. I AD next Saturday,” Cachia in- party headquarters at 12pm to eradicate this damning bu- his version about this case.” think this is a frame-up (mon- sisted. yesterday, a NET TV journal- reaucracy,” a resolute Vassallo Harry Vassallo however said tatura) intended to damage ist approached him and asked said. the Net TV journalists had our electoral chances. This is VAT department denies him for his reaction for the Since Vassallo was appointed asked him specifically about his spin.” involvement fact that a fine imposed by the AD leader, he has not practised prison sentence before he even Asked if he thought that AD “Of all days, did they have to Courts for him in connection his legal profession, still less knew about it and four hours itself engineered the frame-up, go today?” was Finance Par- to non-filing of VAT returns involved himself in business before police officers turned up Joe Saliba avoided giving a di- liamentary Secretary Tonio had been converted into a two- activities. at the Green party’s office. rect answer. Fenech’s immediate reaction year prison sentence. “My income has become Contacted yesterday evening, “I can assure you that I want when called yesterday night. “This was the first time dur- Lm400 a month as an employee Commissioner for Police John to find out who is responsible as “This is news to me. I don’t ing this electoral campaign of the party. I do not have the Rizzo said he did not know much as AD does, if not more. know anything about this, ab- that a NET TV journalist and financial means to pay these about the case and wanted to Whoever gave the order for the solutely. The VAT department cameraman attended an AD fines,” he said. investigate the matter. arrest to be made today, is re- wouldn’t be involved in enforc- press conference. At the end There are thousands of peo- “I am not informed of every- sponsible. I don’t know who it ing a court sentence, as far as of the press conference, the ple who have passed through thing that happens in the Po- was. It could be someone in the I know.” NET TV journalist asked me such trouble and others paid lice Corps. I am reading Harry public service who has a grudge Fenech is politically respon- for a comment and asked me huge fines when they did not Vassallo’s press release now,” against us.” sible for the VAT Department. whether I knew that a prison owe a single cent of tax. Rizzo said. Still, Saliba had no explana- VAT Commissioner Joe Sam- sentence against me had been “I think I was the only one When asked why the police tion as to how his own party mut also said he was “absolute- delivered. that was informed about my decided to proceed with the media knew and acted upon ly unaware of the case”. “This was news to me because situation by a NET TV jour- arrest yesterday, just four days this story despite its politically “As far as the VAT Depart- I only learnt about the court nalist, one day before the elec- before an election when the explosive nature. ment is concerned I was in- decision, which was taken five tion campaign ends and five court order had been issued in The Office of the Prime Min- formed that a company of months ago to convert the fine months after the court’s deci- October last year, Rizzo said ister declined to answer ques- which Harry Vassallo was a di- into a prison sentence, four sion,” he said. these matters took time. tions but sent a standard reply rector had not sent in its VAT hours after the NET TV jour- Vassallo said he was still of “I don’t agree with the tim- to the media claiming it had no returns for a number of years. nalist left,” Vassallo explained. the opinion that it is not rea- ing,” he said. “But not every- idea who was behind the arrest Early last year the VAT Depart- Four hours after the PN sonable that somebody contin- body reasons things out this warrant. ment, as is customary in these journalist approached him, at ues to be fined thousands of liri way.” “The Prime Minister has no circumstances, referred the 4.15pm yesterday, two police because bureaucracy asks him Asked on who within the po- idea whose initiative this was,” case, along with others, to the officers went to AD’s head- to fill these returns on time. lice corps would have issued the head of the prime minister’s police to proceed. Some five quarters in Sliema and gave “Neither do I believe that such an order, Rizzo said: “I secretariat Edgar Galea Curmi months ago the courts decided him a copy of two “Documents somebody should be sent to will have to investigate and will alleged, adding GOnzi hoped to levy a fine for every day that For A Person To Be Detained prison because in reality he be issuing a statement on the this would be established in the the missing returns are not in Prison” dated 27 September does not owe any money in matter.” police investigation. filed. 2007. connection to tax that he has In a press statement issued “The Prime Minister does not “Turning the fine into a pris- However, the police did not collected or on income that he shortly afterwards, the police agree that a Conviction Ticket on sentence is drastic but the execute the arrest warrants as has made. I have not earned an- said “it was normal practice for issued on the 27 September VAT Department has nothing Vassallo informed them that he ything nor collected any VAT such arrest warrants, which are 2007 be executed more than to do with the case at this stage. had filed for a reconsideration during all the years for which I very common during the year, five months later and during It is the court that decides the of the presidential pardon. have been fined,” he said. to be sent to district police so such a sensitive time. The Prime matter. Vassallo explained that this Vassallo said that until now, they are executed from there”. Minister was not aware of any “When the VAT Depart- judgement was delivered in he had made his battle with The statement added that tip off that the NET journalists ment refers cases to the police connection with the non-pay- the tax authorities in private a preliminary investigation had about this issue, and only it is privy to the individuals ment of Lm6,000 in fines for “with a lot of personal trou- showed that around 4pm, a po- learned about these develop- involved, especially when the AD Chairperson Harry Vassallo flanked by colleagues and friends as he holds the arrest warrant yesterday non-filing of VAT returns for a ble and for many months and lice sergeant posted at the Slie- ments following Dr. Harry Vas- case refers to a company.” PHOTOGRAPHY BY GILBERT CALLEJA 12 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 13 Gonzi makes appeal to protest voters ‘Put national interest before your pastime’

Julia Farrugia ernment. warning of a protest vote, al- just words, or will you see that will have to pay a high price.” In his appeal to protest vot- luding to the 1996 Labour vic- action and justice is done, in- The Prime Minister then tar- ers, Gonzi alluded to voters tory. “Maybe you’re right. You cluding with those who said geted another sector whose in- to consider the national inter- suffered. That Labour vote has lies?” Bundy asked. terests have been one of the pet Prime Minister Lawrence est ahead of pastimes, a veiled to be cast in favour of the PN – Gonzi said that in his four- subjects for far-right Azzjoni Gonzi yesterday launched an reference to hunters. “What is let us not forget the lessons we year premiership, whenever he Nazzjonali, namely army sol- appeal to protest voters and in the country’s interest? The learnt in the past.” had received any allegations he diers. Answering a placed ques- vouched he would do his utmost pastime or the family, your Gonzi said that just a cou- had handed all information to tion by Bundy, Gonzi appealed “for Malta to move ahead”. mother, your father, your wife, ple of votes could make a dif- the competent authorities for to the electorate to appreci- Interviewed by TV personali- the elderly or your kids… we ference “exactly like what had their investigation. Gonzi said ate the efforts of what soldiers ty John Bundy at a public meet- can’t leave the country deterio- happened in one particular that whenever he had taken and police officers do for their ing outside the Parliament, rating for things which are not election” this step, he had no cameras country. Gonzi was yesterday lauded by important!” Then John Bundy asked Gonzi along with him, and attached In a reference to the medical Bundy himself for his “photo- Then to tone down his emo- over the accusations of corrup- Sant’s attitude for first calling brain drain, Gonzi also said genic looks” referring to his lat- tional appeal, Gonzi joked that tion leveled at the Nationalist the Commissioner of Police a that Maltese doctors were go- est billboard in which a solemn everybody sees his own inter- Cabinet, and asked what action “smokescreen” and then asking ing abroad not because of low looking Gonzi is portrayed ests – pointing out that despite would be taken against those him to investigate allegations wages or their working condi- along the statement, “Your his injured thumb, he kept up who lied. on the Mistra permit. tions, “but because they are so mind is at rest with Gonzi”. with his mission to convince “If next Monday you’ll be up A stern Lawrence Gonzi good that other countries are Gonzi drove the point home people to vote PN. there,” pointing his finger to- pledged that “if the results show taking them away from us.” saying people could only be But Gonzi told voters to put wards Parliament, “what was that there is something which serene under a Nationalist gov- their interests aside while said on corruption will remain is not correct, the one to blame [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja 14 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 15

Sant condemns ‘unacceptable’ attempt to muzzle Harry Vassallo

Matthew Vella to this day. Worse than that, it “The government of GonziPN Gonzi of repeatedly lying on a full-time cry-baby (bekkej).” was a NET TV journalist who has turned into a corrupt gov- Cabinet’s discussions over intro- “Pullicino Orlando said he informed Harry Vassallo before ernment that stinks of arro- ducing fees on public healthcare. didn’t know of the project on Opposition leader Alfred the police did,” Sant said. gance. We’re dedicated to giving “Gonzi said I should apologise… his own land when his archi- Sant yesterday expressed out- “We respect the democratic people an efficient and cleaner he will get no apology from me tect had informed him of the right condemnation of the arrest process… this is Malta, not administration that will not for calling him a liar; it’s he who application by registered let- warrant issued against Altern- Ukraine. It is unacceptable that waste tax money or corrupt will have to apologise.” ter,” Sant said. “It’s another attiva Demokratika chairper- arrogant acts like these take people, but one that reassures He listed the entire catalogue lie and I won’t discuss it with son Harry Vassallo, after the place… We condemn what hap- people their money is being of accusations Labour launched Pullicino Orlando anywhere company he was part of 10 years pened today, and we condemn used wisely.” throughout its electoral cam- except through my lawyers and ago had failed to submit its VAT Gonzi’s complacency on cor- “Love us or hate us, we’ve al- paign against the Nationalist in court.” returns. ruption. This is what’s wrong ways said the truth, even when Cabinet. “How could you trust He also accused Gonzi of “It is shameful that Gonzi acts with our country.” this wasn’t always a palatable someone who has lied to the not taking the case serious- in this manner. If the PN are Sant’s address in Zabbar yester- one,” Sant said. Maltese and Gozitans? They ly. “Gonzi defends him and scared of AD, they should tackle day, a familiar penultimate stop “They accuse us of being too have a record of incompetence propped him up for a TV press the party democratically,” Sant for Labour’s electoral campaign, serious, but we’d rather be se- that is hard to believe and it’s conference to face me. If Gonzi said yesterday in Zabbar, where drew a large mass of supporters rious than sport a smile of un- as if nothing happened: Gonzi said he referred the case to the Labour held its last public gath- who greeted Labour officials truth. We’ve never fooled you, has defended all his ministers.” MEPA auditor, why did he pro- ering before today’s mass meet- with fireworks and squibs. and we never will.” Sant did not omit Nationalist vide Pullicino Orlando the cre- ing in Gozo. Sant paid tribute to the nu- Sant said the Nationalist gov- MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, dentials for a press conference? “They had to issue an arrest merous supporters in attend- ernment had increased the tax who earlier on the meeting was As Gonzi head we were going warrant today… on the eve of ance yesterday, saying that on burden by 20% in four years to described by Labour deputy to the Commissioner of Police, an election, after knowing that 8 March, voters will have to Lm50 million a year. He again leader Charles Mangion as a he asked the commissioner to procedures had started back choose between a government pledged refunds on VAT from “part-time politician, part-time investigate the case.” in October 2007, but instead of arrogance and one of honesty education. farmer, a part-time dentist, a they postponed their decision and efficiency. He also accused Lawrence part-time journalist… and now [email protected] Lunch for a new beginning Labour dines and wines journalists at the height of an electoral campaign that comes to a close this evening. KURT SANSONE was present

Labour leader Alfred Sant The subject of cancer was also the third bomb, I suggested, to looked confident, cool and re- broached. which Sant smirked and kept laxed when he entertained jour- “You look into the mirror and silent. There is talk of Labour nalists to a lunch just two days see a different self,” he said of his coming up with a last minute before the close of the electoral harrowing experience. “It makes bombshell to shock the Nation- campaign. you look at things from a differ- alists, but none of the party of- Sitting next to me, Sant was in a ent perspective.” ficials yesterday would confirm jovial mood shifting the discus- All around the Labour entou- or deny the rumour. We will sion from serious political mat- rage looked relaxed, oozing con- probably be kept guessing until ters to more trivial issues such fidence that people would vote today’s debate between the lead- as his dietary requirements. their party back into power after ers on TVM. For the inquisitive, Sant has no 10 years in the wilderness. Yesterday’s lunch reminded special dietary needs. The ad- The lunch, held at Mamma me of another similar event or- vice Sant has been given by his Mia restaurant in Ta’ Xbiex, was ganised by the Labour Party in doctors is to eat everything in informal with no pre-assigned 2005. Then asnow, a rather re- moderation, and he has no ban seating arrangements. It was laxed Labour delegation hosted on hot spicy sauces. Though he Labour’s way of saying “thank journalists for lunch on the eve did refrain from drinking a glass you” to the journalists that fol- of local elections that gave La- of wine. lowed the campaign. Even NET bour a resounding victory. Briefly, the discussion turned TV journalists Amanda Ciap- Sant would relish the prospect towards the troubles of people para and Keith Micallef were of having that victory repeated stuck in hospital waiting lists. present. next Saturday. To see whether He reiterated his shock at the Sant then asked me what sto- the electorate would allow him case of a 90 year old woman who ries were brewing and half-jok- that possibility, we will have to was given an appointment for ingly said that as a party they ferring to the leaked PN cabinet Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando Mistra wait until Sunday afternoon a cataract operation four years provided us journalists with fod- document suggesting payment scandal. when lunch would be served at

PHOTOGRAPHY BY G ilbert C alleja down the line. der during the past few days, re- for healthcare services and the We’re waiting for you to drop the Naxxar counting hall. 16 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 17

Photography by A day of campaigning in pictures Gilbert Calleja

LARGER THAN LIFE: Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi addresses a “taht it-tinda” meeting in Valletta SIZE MATTERS: Gonzi specifies a fine economic point at a Business Breakfast at the Westin Dragonara in St Julian’s

GO TO JAIL, DO NOT PASS GO: AD chairman Harry Vassallo, accompanied by family, tells the press of his presentation with an arrest warrant

FLAGGING SPIRITS: Never a dull moment for the kids at Labour’s Zabbar gathering RIGHT SAID FRED: Labour leader Alfred Sant in a rousing moment from yesterday’s Zabbar meeting

LABOUR IN WAITING: Leader Sant and deputy leader Michael Falzon PN candidate Georg Sapiano stresses a point at yesterday’s Business Breakfast WOMEN’S DAY: Marlene Mizzi discusses gender equality with Alfred Sant LAUGHING MATTERS: Josie Muscat in one of his lighter moments 18 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 19 Georg sapiano sues it-torca Emmy Bezzina and nATionALiST candidate Georg Sapiano took issue with the way Sapiano filed a libel suit over alle- the editorial referred to his per- gations made in his regard on last sonal earnings claiming that it Sunday’s editorial of the Union ran into hundreds of thousands norman lowell file Print weekly newspaper it-Torca. of Euros over the past two years, A court application claim- and the subsequent comparison ing damages of over €11,500 made to his earnings of when he (Lm5,000) for libellous content carried out some legal work with was presented against Union former PM Karmenu Mifsud protest against Ba Print director Lino Cassar and Bonnici, when Sapiano had just Torca editor Alexander Farrugia. graduated. Sabrina agiuS of public airtime to present their their disgust towards the “abu- political message was “humiliat- sive and discriminatory attitude Hamrun mayor sues nazzjon editor ing”. in their regard” during election norman Lowell’s political time. ELECTion 2008 will most nazzjon on 14 november 2007 FRinGE candidates Emmy Bez- broadcast was cancelled by the The two said they are holding likely qualify as the election tarnished their reputation, by zina and norman Lowell, re- BA after its legal consultants the BA chairman and CEo per- with the largest number of libel falsely implying that they had spectively lawyer and his client, agreed the message could not be sonally responsible for “abusing, suits filed during the campaign acted in a discriminatory way but also sole candidates for the broadcast because it was deemed deceiving, discriminatory and period. and that they were responsible Alpha Liberal Party and far-right to be inciting racial hatred – arrogant acts against them”. Yesterday MLP candidate and of maladministration. imperium Europa respectively, which is against recently enacted Bezzina is contesting the first Hamrun mayor Luciano Busut- Both the Hamrun mayor and have filed a joint judicial protest BA guidelines. The judicial pro- district, while Lowell is contest- til, together with local council executive secretary insist that against Broadcasting Authority test claims the censorship goes ing the eleventh and twelfth dis- executive secretary Philip Mas- the contents of the article con- chairman joseph Scicluna and against the country’s broadcast- tricts. sa, filed a libel suit against naz- tain false statements inten- CEo Kevin Aquilina, claiming ing laws and the Constitution. zjon editor Alex Attard. tionally meant to damage their the allotment of just five minutes The two candidates expressed [email protected] Busuttil and Massa insist that public reputation. Dr justine an article in the Pn daily in- Caruana signed the writ. PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHereSe DebONO

page 4

“why should we take a decision on the destiny of our kids on the basis of fear?” Tables Which party has the best policy on job creation?

Pn 51.1 MLP 35.9 AD 0.8 An 0.7 none 3 no reply 8.5

MLP Pn AD An none no Reply PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja 18-34 40.4 47.4 0.6 0.6 3.2 7.9 35-54 36 41.3 1.2 1.2 5.6 14.6 55 34.4 55.2 0.2 0 2.4 7.8

Best policy on job creation according to voting intentions:

Pn MLP AD An none no Answer Pn Voters 0.6 96.3 0 0 0.9 2.3 MLP Voters 5.9 83.7 0.3 0 1.6 9.4 non committed 51.7 26.9 0.5 2 4.5 14.4

Methodology This survey was held between Monday 25 February and Wednesday 28 February. A total of 1,735 persons were contacted, 900 of whom accepted to participate in the survey. Respondents were randomly chosen from

This is a paid advert by the Nationalist Party the telephone directory. The survey results (except for the shifts between 2003 election) were weighed ac- cording to age/sex distribution of the population. The survey’s margin of error is +/-3.26%. 20 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 21 A prelude to PBS’s swan song?

Charlot Zahra Gibraltar and Hungary have (Lm0.5 million) for programmes Tourism and Culture to PBS for removed the television licence, which are considered as Extend- public service programmes is while Liechtenstein, Luxem- ed Public Service Obligation currently under investigation by The Nationalist Party’s pledge bourg and Monaco have never programmes. the European Commission. in the 2008 electoral pro- had such a licence. It is the Ministry for Tourism The EC investigation was gramme, approved at the party’ Until four year ago, the fees and Culture which allocates launched in October 2006 fol- extraordinary general council, collected from television licenc- these funds and decides on an lowing a story carried by this to remove the television licence es passed on directly to public annual basis on which kind of newspaper a month earlier de- fee “because it is outdated” has broadcaster PBS. However, in programmes they have to be tailing how the state broadcaster come as a surprise to most me- 2004 when the infamous re- spent. failed to use a staggering 33% of dia analysts. structuring took place, a new All the other programmes, in- the EPSO funds earmarked for In Europe, a majority of coun- Broadcasting Policy was adopted cluding the news and sports bul- quality programmes and instead tries still have a television li- by the Ministry for Investments, letins, have to be financed from used them for operations. cence fee which partly or wholly Industry and IT (MIIT), which is income from advertising and the As a result of the restructuring finances the public broadcast- politically responsible for PBS. farming out of programmes. four years ago, the total number ers it the respective countries. Under this policy, PBS gets However, the allocation of of employees at the public broad- Only Belgium (Flemish region), a yearly grant of €1.17 million these funds by the Ministry for caster was brought down from Dominic Fenech 178 to 64. Asked to explain the ration- ale behind the PN proposal and why the PN ha s stated that the television licensing system “has now been superseded” when a majority of European States still maintained such a system, a spokesperson for the Ministry for IT and Investments told Mal- taToday: “The electoral promise is made as you rightly point out by the Nationalist Party. Though of course we are a Nationalist Gov- ernment I think it is proper that you put your questions to the party rather than to the Govern- ment,” he said curtly. The Ministry spokesperson pointed out that “PBS has not been funded from TV licences since 2004. TV licences to date are collected by the Malta Com- munications Authority and the revenues are transferred in fa- vour of the consolidated fund. “PBS is run from its own re- sources and revenues generated commercially. PBS also has a Public Service Obligation con- tract with the Government that has, since 2004, provided PBS with €1.17 million in exchange of the obligation to transmit public service content. Asked whether the decision to abolish the licence fee was a prelude to closing PBS down, the “why should we MIIT spokesperson said curtly: “It is obtuse to suggest that an take a decision electoral commitment to abol- ish TV licences is equivalent to on the destiny an intention to abolish PBS. “The standing Public Broad- of our kids on casting Policy of the Nationalist Government is explicit in that it the basis of considers the existence of public TV and radio as an obligation of fear?” the state. We have every inten- tion to continue to live up fully to this obligation,” he told Mal- taToday. The MIIT spokesperson failed to reply to questions put by this newspaper as to whether the stakeholders, such as PBS man- agement and workers, have been consulted by the Nationalist Party before this proposal was included in the electoral pro- gramme or not. On her part, Helena Dalli, the Labour Opposition’s main spokesperson on broadcasting, told MaltaToday that “a new La- bour Government is committed to giving to the Maltese people the national television station that it deserves and which many other countries have. We are not going to sacrifice quality for commercial reasons. “The Maltese people deserve a much better television station than the one it has today. The 3 This is a paid advert by the Malta Labour Party 22 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news maltatodaynews survey Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 23

7 Nationalist Government has there would be nothing outdat- reduced the National television ed about it. On the contrary, the station to a purely commercial notion of taxing a service in or- television station where the der to keep up the quality of that skills of its highly-experienced service is a modern one,” the his- workforce were discarded and tory professor said. work was instead given to con- Asked for his view on how the tactors which nowadays have a public broadcaster should be fi- Pn leads labour monopoly over this station. nanced in the current scenario, “Many people are sick of the whether through a system of fact that they have to pay for a licence fees, a grant or through - 6% Labour voters favour PN policy television licence for a station advertising, Fenech told Malta- which instead of being a national Today: “It should be financed in station, has ended up as an excel- all the ways you mention, within lent business for four blue-eyed the limits of fiscal reason. Once contractors. you tax a service, in this case on healthcare “With the pledge that it is mak- through licence fees, it makes ing, the Government is trying to sense to dedicate the revenue to alleviate a bit of this discontent- the improvement of that service. JaMeS Debono ment and the fact that the people “Advertising revenue of course are feeling that they are not get- is always welcome, provided that THE nationalist party has been ting good value for their money. the broadcaster does not become judged to have the best policy “I believe that if the people have over-dependent on advertising on healthcare despite the MLP’s a suitable national television sta- to the point of perverting the revelation of a report issued in tion, they would not hesitate to public broadcaster’s mission. 2004 which proposed fees for contribute to it because besides “Advertising follows ratings, public health services. the fact of having a station which but ratings don’t follow quality. The report claims that the really makes us proud, they Indeed bad practice and medioc- Cabinet had agreed in principle would also be getting good value rity has been known to get great with the report but would not for their money. This is, after all, ratings,” he warned. implement it because what people in other countries Asked by MaltaToday whether, of its “political under- do. in his view, this decision was a pinnings”. The Prime “There are also EU structures prelude to closing down PBS or Minister denied that the where, in the case of a national not, Fenech said: “It is difficult Cabinet had ever consid- station, the Government would to say what the PN will do with ered charges on health be able to provide help,” Dalli public broadcasting if re-elect- and declared that he told MaltaToday. ed. would resign if a future “Four years ago the govern- The experts’ view Pn government were to ment launched a new broadcast- impose such fees. Asked for his assessment of ing policy, which downsized PBS Fr Joe Borg: “I think this should provide us with the occasion to review the National Broadcasting Policy which Although the report the PN’s proposal to remove the with the aim of turning it into a was published in 2004.” PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHereSe DebONO confirms that Gonzi had television licensing system if “leaner” company, established a resisted pressure to in- elected, PBS Editorial Board act- fixed annual government grant assessor of pro- income from the TV li- troduce charges on health ing chairman Dominic Fenech to promote programme quality gramme quality, cence to PBS, as used to services during his term told MaltaToday: “There’s little and basically told PBS that it will in addition to its page 4 happen under Dr Alfred in office, it made a mock- to assess. The string of promises have to raise its own money to fi- other obligations Sant. It was more or less ery of Gonzi’s earlier claim which even the dumbest voter nance its operational expenses. regarding fair- another tax, very little that the Cabinet had never will have no difficulty translat- “Most importantly, it claimed ness, impartial- of which was forwarded discussed the imposition of ing into pocket money continues to restore full editorial free- ity, among other to PBS on a thousand any such fees. to get longer,” he said. dom to the station as far as pro- things. and one conditions,” he The Pn has countered the Questioned as to whether he gramme content was concerned, “What hap- said. MLP’s campaign by remind- agreed with the PN’s claim that and for this purpose established pened however Questioned as to ing voters that a Sant-led the television licensing system an Editorial Board. was that the Edi- whether he agreed with government had imposed a “has now been superseded”, “This was supposed to be au- torial Board was the PN’s claim that the fee on people collecting free when a majority of states in Eu- tonomous in its decisions, an doing its job so television licensing medicines. rope still maintained such a sys- autonomy limited only by the well that certain system “has now been While 39% favour Labour’s tem, or not, Fenech said: “It has company’s need to stay finan- quarters became superseded”, when a health policies, 47% favour become outdated in the sense cially solvent. uncomfortable majority of states in Eu- PBS as we knew it the Pn’s policies. The survey that it has become just another “Since the same new broad- with its inde- rope still maintain such reflects public satisfaction tax, of which none goes to PBS. casting policy presumed that pendence. a system, or not, Flores with the new Mater Dei hos- “If on the other hand, the mon- the bulk of programming would “The Board of Directors start- National Broadcasting Policy said: “This is complete bullocks. pital which has been hyped ey collected from television li- be outsourced to commercial ed to impose itself whenever it which was published in 2004,” State broadcasting everywhere up as one of Lawrence Gon- health policy 91% of MLP voters breast cancer screening pro- patient. public health. cences were to be put back into production houses, this Edito- disagreed with decisions of the Borg said. in Europe and many other zi’s major accomplishments. favour their party’s policy. gramme. Alternattiva Demokratika fo- Azzjoni nazzjonali – a party public broadcasting, then no, rial Board was given the role of Editorial Board, making a farce “We should examine its places in the world has indeed The Pharmacy of Your Choice in its electoral programme the The Pn has also proposed an cuses its attention on health pre- whose two leaders are involved of the so-called new broadcast- strengths and weaknesses and been rationalised to a great de- scheme which allows patients MLP has committed itself to e-iD card which will include vention and primary healthcare, in private healthcare – is the ing policy. the new challenges and threats gree, but the new trend is that to collect medicines from phar- reduce waiting lists by 15% and the medical information of each insisting that a health centre in only party favouring the pri- “The politicians who had in view of the digitalisation of the while there is no way it should macies was another electoral to ensure that in the outpatients person and the introduction of each district should be open on vatisation of the health system themselves drawn up the policy sector. The financing of the pub- go back to the days when State trump card for the incumbent department the maximum e-medicine through which pri- a 24-hour basis. AD is the only while retaining free healthcare repeatedly failed to intervene to lic broadcaster should be part of broadcasting was the one and administration. waiting time will be less than a vate doctors, health centers and party to address issues like the through a national insurance stop this abuse of power, thereby the items under scrutiny since only voice, it should however The survey shows that Pn vot- month. The nationalist Party hospitals will be able to access impact of electromagnetic pol- covering everybody’s health- encouraging it to go on. So defi- the financing methodology has a be able to exist and to compete ers are more enthusiastic on the has also promised to set targets information on each particular lution from base antennas on care. nitely, a returned government lot to do with way the company comfortably with the private their party’s health policy than to reduce waiting lists. by the same party will lead to a is managed and with the content stations, obviously retaining an Labour voters. While 94% of Pn Both the Pn and MLP has also revision of public broadcasting it broadcasts. exclusive right to public service voters favour their own party’s proposed the introduction of a policy. “In this scenario I would argue programmes.” mt sUrvEY “In that case PBS may continue in favour of a financing system Asked for his view on how the to exist, but I doubt whether the which be based on a three-year public broadcaster should be fi- WHicH PartY HaS tHe beSt POlicY ON HealtH care bY VOtiNg iNteNtiON (%) notion of public interest broad- government contribution for the nanced in the current scenario, MlP PN aD aN NONe NO aNSWer casting as we know it will really Extended Public Service Pro- whether through a system of MlP VOterS 91.1 1.2 0 0 1.5 6.2 survive,” Fenech warned. grammes of the station. licence fees, a grant or through Login now. www.maltatoday.com.mt daily On his part, Fr Joe Borg, media “I would also argue in favour of advertising, Flores told Malta- PN VOterS 0.5 94.2 0.2 0.2 0.7 4.5 analyst and advisor to the Minis- a public broadcaster which will Today: NON cOMMitteD 25 46.5 0 1.7 4.4 22.4 try for Culture on Media Policy, depend more on this kind of con- “The BBC model in the UK of- welcomed the opportunity to re- tribution than on commercial fers ample guidance on how we WHicH PartY HaS tHe beSt POlicY ON HealtH care bY age (%) PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja discuss the National Broadcast- sources,” Borg told MaltaToday. could tackle national broadcast- MLP PN AD AN NONE NO ANSWER ing Policy. However veteran former broad- ing on this small island. A good 18-34 33.8 46.3 1 1 1.5 16.4 Borg told MaltaToday: “PBS caster Charles Flores was more licence system and a clearer does not take one euro cent from dismissive of the PN’s proposal policy of what PBS should or 35-54 41.6 42.8 0.5 0.5 2.9 11.7 the licence money. As a result it to remove the TV licensing sys- should not broadcast are pre- 55 38 51.6 0.3 0.9 2.1 7.1 is wrong to imply that removing tem if elected to Government. requisites,” he insisted. the licence fee is equivalent to “Having already brought the Asked by MaltaToday whether, WHicH PartY HaS tHe beSt Methodology the removal of the source of fi- national station to its knees, this in his view, this decision was a POlicY ON HealtH care? (%) nancing of PBS Ltd.” could be the coup de grace. It is prelude to closing down PBS or MlP 39.3 This survey was held between Friday 29th February He said at the moment the of course what those who, over not, Flores said: “You’ve said it PN 46.8 and Tuesday 4th March. A total of 2,115 persons were EU Commission was studying the past few years, have usurped all. As a mere relay station, PBS contacted, 1,200 of whom accepted to participate aN 0.8 in the survey. Respondents were randomly chosen whether or not to review its 2001 PBS that would be jumping for quite naturally would not need aD 0.7 Communication on state aid joy. any licences, let alone the few from the telephone directory. The survey results were NONe 2.3 to public service broadcasters. “One must bear in mind the fact scraps still available today.” weighed according to age/sex distribution of the “I think this should provide us that the Nationalist Government DON’t KNOW 10.1 population. The survey’s margin of error is +/-2.82%. Helena Dalli: “We won’t sacrifice quality for commercial reasons.” with the occasion to review the did not automatically transfer its [email protected] NO rePlY 0.3 24 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 news opinionnews Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 25

So here we are, hours before an election, and this happens. if this isn’t arrogance, and a well thought out suicide plan by someone with a mission, then what is? History repeating itself t’s been an eventful paper that this is whelming majority (132) of granted week for the Pn, a frame-up. in the presidential pardons concern pardons first with jeffrey sense that the arrest or reductions in prison sentences for Pullicinoi orlando and warrant for Harry VAT-related offences. Why Harry the confusion at Mis- Vassallo was ill-timed Vassallo’s request was denied is un- tra, and now this: two and meant to harm clear. days before an elec- the Pn. People with serious crimes have tion, Harry Vassallo, So who organised so here we are, been granted presidential pardons. leader of the Greens, the frame up? Surely But then i guess Harry Vassallo is not is asked to report to it was not the Com- hours before an zeppi l-Hafi. a police station to missioner of Police. “ i could of course speculate, but i commence a two-year or was there some election, and this will leave this to our readers who imprisonment term for Saviour secret subversive unit have enough imagination and para- not paying two court of the Labour party happens. if this noia to imagine why some people are XXXX fines related to VAT Balzan that infiltrated the more equal than others. fines. police force to desta- isn’t arrogance, if the nationalists had any sense The decision to send [email protected] bilise the Republic of they would have revealed Harry him packing to Kordin Malta? Please, come Vassallo’s two-year prison term at “ was taken in october, on… pull my other and a well thought the very beginning of this campaign. but implemented now on the eve of one. now, Harry Vassallo has become a an election. But if this was the case, why did out suicide plan martyr and if history repeats it- it gives more ammunition to the nET TV rush four hours before the self, then it is clear that martyrs get Labour party and Alfred Sant. police, to ask Vassallo for his com- by someone with remembered… most especially in if no one realised, this is kind of ments about the case? elections. action can only work against the And if Saliba was so concerned a mission, then nationalist party, and work wonders about this volatile incident which, as is this the end? for the opposition parties, namely he says is a frame-up, could he not what is? The nationalists launched a cam- Alternattiva Demokratika. So really, have pulled a few strings to ensure paign based on the premise that Sant if someone wants to blame anyone if that the arrest warrant is postponed and his policies do not lead to good AD wins anymore votes… they should to another day? governance, and that the Pn poli- point their artillery at the bravy that i nearly forgot that joe Saliba never cies can take this country forward. planned this suicide mission. phones ministers to complain about in many respects that might be very And then i was reminded by a good the way things are happening. true. friend of the decision taken some But AD’s campaign has been com- And Gonzi launched an offensive years back by a select few not to allow pletely organised and financed by the on many of the MLP’s flimsy ideas an electoral contest to take place in Pn with the generous intervention and yes, many of the MLP’s ideas the Marsa and zejtun local councils from hysterical women who eat and are bound to have problems when it by retiring enough candidates as sleep before their PCs. comes to implementation. The tax on required to render a no contest. it was overtime and halving the surcharge an awful mistake. Harry and home economics are two examples. Harry Vassallo is, as all those of us But Labour has had a great advan- this one is worse who know him, a rather disorganised tage. in the last week, it literally set Last night i spoke to some bigwigs person when it comes to his personal the agenda and landed behind enemy from the Pn and they were shocked home economics. i know him as a lines, creating havoc. instead of to hear that someone had decided person who is forgetful and inept at continuing with the attack, the Pn to make a martyr of Harry Vassallo. caring about his personal finances. decided to defend, and worst of all, They knew all too well that the last But he is not a tax evader or a fraud- put jPo as their frontman. thing they need is a sympathy vote for ster. And yes, he should have declared They landed themselves in a mine- Vassallo. openly his problem with the courts field with Alfred Sant launching his But yesterday’s action will only before the campaign. corruption grenade at everyone. work to inflate the sympathy for the But that is beside the point now. This last opinion before the election Greens, who whether you like it or if the political parties want to take was meant to be a sober assessment not have policies which should be on the Greens and convince the elec- of these last four weeks. The Vassallo “why should we welcomed. torate that they are not fit to be in the affair has clouded my vision. in my it is difficult for me to believe that milieu of politics, this is not the way DnA i still cannot fathom a dirty no one in the Pn did not know what to do it. tricks campaign. My DnA tells me to take a decision was happening. When four hours But Vassallo’s case is months old, stand up and talk about the underdog. before the police came knocking on and the ugliest part of the story is But it does not change the fact that on the destiny Vassallo’s door, nET TV journalists that the two sentences which were at the end of the day, the next five were asking Harry Vassallo about the converted to two years’ imprisonment years cannot be decided on the whims of our kids on case? led Vassallo to make a plea to the of a select few who planned such a President Edward Fenech Adami. The stupid suicide mission. the basis of Not without his consent plea made was a direct request to the Yet i am afraid what happened today nothing at the Stamperija takes President for a presidential pardon. may have mutated the DnA of other fear?” place without a green light. Even the now from an article penned in this people who cannot understand how flies have to ask for permission to newspaper, it is clear Edward Fenech this could have taken place. Someone suck on the toast in the canteen. Adami has granted 141 presidential will have to do a lot of explaining Mr joe Saliba has told this news- pardons since 2004 and the over- after next Sunday! ELECTION SpECIaL maltatoday Will be bacK NeXt MONDaY - DON’t MiSS OUt This is a paid advert by the Nationalist Party 26 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 opinionnews editorialnews Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 27 OP Joseph Muscat Depletion and restructuring alue-for-money is the sectors. There is huge pressure thumb being that little or no down of the yard might be its the nationalist Government name of the game when from the Socialists in the Euro- EU involvement is needed if preferred option. it might also mentioned the word “restruc- it comes to the use of pean Parliament to have a fully- the service being subsidised be an option favoured by a sub- turing”, it only meant reloca- publicV funds, which is to say fledged Framework Directive to does not have an impact on the stantial part of the population. tion of workers from publicly- taxpayers’ hard-earned cash. safeguard such services. internal market. i beg to differ. owned enterprises to other Thus the issue of subsidies – Labour will fund incen- What Labour will refrain The real choice is between parts of the public sector and PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja or rather, incentives – should tives for other services which from doing is intrude in the trying to get more time to early retirement. “Depletion” ideally be tackled within this would produce value-added to market in such a way that the really restructure the yards, would have been a better term. Every private wider context. This would in- our economy. The helicopter subsidised services compete as Labour is proposing, or a Take Public Broadcasting clude notions that are relatively service between Gozo and with those offered by the pri- hotchpotch restructuring à la Services and the Malta Ship- vehicle costs new to our society, such as the Malta is a case in point. The vate sector. The time for such Pn. yards itself. The restructuring “ cost of not providing subsidised public money invested in such interference is long gone by. in 1997, Labour took the bold only deprived the enterprises you €14 (lm6) services or even the cost of an operation would have an on the other hand, Labour step of drastically changing of some of their best human re- politics and politicians. exponentially positive ripple does not want to cut subsidies the management structure at sources and left them in a more But that would take too much effect in the local economy and just for the sake of doing so. the Malta Shipyards. it did so difficult position to compete. per day. that’s time and space! is fully justifiable. Moreover, it Take the Malta Shipyards. it while paying a high political Furthermore, while the relo- Labour’s policy is that of conforms to EU rules. is evident that unless a major price since its traditional base cated workers are still on the a heck of a lot ensuring that all those serv- it is interesting to note that breakthrough is achieved in the was adverse to such a change. public payroll (courtesy of the ices that are essential for the over the past few years, the next few months, the targets of nevertheless, it was something taxpayers), these enterprises of money economic and social wellbeing European Commission has the restructuring plan negoti- that needed to be done – and it are recruiting more workers to of the country, but which might been reviewing state aid rules ated between the nationalist was done. The only thing that manage their operations. not be viable without the neces- in a way that makes it easier Government and the European stopped this thorough restruc- This is nothing but shoddy sary subsidies, are maintained. and less bureaucratic to help Commission will not be met by turing was the sudden change window-dressing. Labour in EU talk, these are called these services. The number of year-end. of government in 1998. Thus, wants real restructuring. Services of General (Economic) cases where the assent of the The Pn is non-committal on Labour can and knows how to interest (SGi). Public transport Commission is needed has what it will do in such a situa- really restructure. Joseph Muscat is a labour and health are two SGi-packed been reduced, with the rule of tion, even though the closing on the other hand, every time a Labour MEP government“ will be a good listener and a faithful public Jose Herrera servant 1st District Editorial MaltatODaY, MeDiatODaY ltD, Vjal ir-riHaN, SaN gWaNN SgN 9016 • MANAGING DIRECTOR: ROGER de GIORGIO • MaNagiNg eDitOr: SaViOUr balZaN • ACTING EDITOR: KARL SCHEMBRI Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 • Fax: (356) 21 385075 • Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt • E-mail: [email protected] G. Mangia The decision is in your hands Valletta GEnERAL elections are moments of sig- a value judgment on whether Lawrence Their respective programmes also need Equally important are the social, eco- nificant importance in our lives and in Gonzi or Alfred Sant is the better person to be analysed. nomic, cultural and political reforms re- the destiny of a democratic nation. Un- to lead the country in the next five years The highlights of the nationalist pro- quired to making our country a modern like local elections or elections for the needs to be taken. gramme include tax cuts, reform of liberal democracy where diversity, toler- Hamrun European Parliament, the elected party’s That is if none of the smaller parties MEPA, anchored under the prime min- ance, accountability, and transparency manifesto charts the direction that the manages to get a seat in parliament. ister, sustainable development, surplus are the order of the day. country will take for the ensuing five When casting one’s vote we are ef- budget projected, reformed car registra- We encourage the incoming govern- years. fectively placing our future and that of tion tax, increased transparency in ap- ment, four years since our entry into the Accordingly, casting one’s vote goes far our families in the hands of a preferred pointments and an eco-Gozo. European Union, to cement a European Pieta beyond pencilling in a personal prefer- choice. The Labour programme includes a way of doing politics high on its agenda ence for a party and particular candi- This choice is made on the basis of an reduction in the surcharge, no tax on list. dates. it is a statement on where one’s informed opinion, an open mind and a overtime, the immediate introduction While appreciating fully the need for For unique hand-knotted interests lie, together with an apprecia- dispassionate value judgment on the of a Whistleblower Act, reduction of bu- the government on joining Europe to tion of the country’s interests; it is a pref- record of the men in office and also of reaucratic red tape, a grant to first time have an economic focus to reduce the Floriana erence for a particular vision of society the political programmes being present- home buyers, strengthening of the legal deficit and to qualify for the Eurozone, which the parties are projecting. Since ed to the electorate. mechanism controlling cost of living and the incoming government will have to oriental carpets although the two main parties are fight- The two-year stint as Prime Minister of scrutiny of public regulatory authorities. place on its agenda social and political ing to capture the centre ground of local Alfred Sant is not a matter for historians We attach particular importance to the issues which have been surfacing for politics, they do not share the same vi- but a fresh memory to be factored in be- management of the European project years including party financing, elec- Part of Marsa/ THE FLYING CARPET sion, priorities, targets and political pro- fore casting one’s vote. and to an appraisal of whom of the two toral reform, increased accountability, grammes, nor do the two party leaders Equally, the four-year Gonzi adminis- leaders can make a better success of our transparency and acceptance of diver- St. Venera OLD RAILWAY TRACK, ATTARD have a common style of leadership. tration needs to be looked at closely; af- place in Europe. sity in lifestyles. These issues will not go over the last days this newspaper has ter all we are probably voting to give a This involves management of the Eu- away and are to be placed on the politi- attempted to provide an informed opin- second administration to one of the two ropean funds and how best they are to cal agenda if we are to be at the heart of Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 3pm ion to our readers highlighting the re- party leaders. be allocated; with the nationalist party Europe. spective programmes, the highs and lows Their records should be based on their having clear targets on how to utilise After days of high tension and un- Importers of: Various hand knotted carpets and of this campaign. Yet it is clear that when performances on the management of the these funds – mainly to upgrade the en- speakable mud slinging on all sides, the the cookie crumbles it will very proba- economy, job creation, social commit- vironment, while the Labour party has electorate is being asked to decide. Who- Kilims, Non Slip Underlay, Dry and Liquid shampoo. bly be one of the two main parties that ment and general administration of the been less forthright to date on how the ever is elected must continue to work to Mobile No. 7953 7664 will assume office. With this is in mind, country. funds will be used. take this country forward. 28 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 opinionnews news Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 29 OP Victor Galea

Breaking the wasted vote myth - 6% Labour voters favour PN policy eard the one about AD? other parties, one ensures that if They say that a coalition is questionable. AD’s criticism of if it is aware that you will vote for Have you received an the AD candidate is not elected, impossible because of the recent the MLP’s surcharge proposal is it again out of fear. email about what they’re the second preference candidate changes to the electoral law. A a case in point. Criticism should They say that a vote for the new Hup to? Listened in to the whis- will “inherit” his vote and has coalition government is possible not be perceived as an attack and candidates of either major party pering campaign? Sat in on the a chance of being elected. AD when either of the major parties is necessary in a democratic so- will bring about change any- spin? Well here’s to putting the welcomes cross-party voting and does not obtain an absolute ma- ciety. only despots try to crush way. This is based on the shaky record straight and stopping the encourages voters to give their jority (50% plus 1). in this case, out criticism. The Pn has been presumption that all the present spin and scaremongering. Here, 2nd or any subsequent prefer- and with AD having elected a in government for 21 years. it underperforming ministers lose we try and clarify the situation ence to other favoured political representative/s, the party hav- cannot expect to be above criti- their seat and are replaced by Every private so you may vote freely for the po- parties. This would ensure that ing a relative majority may link cism and scrutiny. newcomers. This is a highly im- litical party of your choice hav- no vote is wasted. up with AD to form a coalition They say that if AD is a probable scenario. Voting for the vehicle costs ing all the facts at your disposal. They say that people vote AD government. coalition partner it will have same party which has allowed “ We do facts not fiction, sincerity to teach the Pn a lesson. is this They say that AD wants to a disproportionate amount of these ministers to get out of you €14 (lm6) not spin. true? Voters vote the way they form a coalition with the MLP? power and will render the gov- hand means that you are allow- They say that a vote for AD is do for a variety of reasons. They AD will form a coalition with ernment unstable. it would be ing it to happen again. A political per day. that’s xxxxx a vote for the MLP. is this true? vote for a party such as AD the major political party which self-defeating for AD to hold its party apologizing for its inaction incorrect. This statement is which has been consistent and agrees with its priorities for the coalition partner to ransom and or inability to change on the eve a heck of a lot based on the assumption that all honest regarding a number of country as published in AD’s act unreasonably as this would of the election is an admission of “ the people who vote for AD have issues such as its pro-EU stance, manifesto. These points have translate into a certain defeat at failure and a gimmick. previously voted for Pn. This is need for a culture change, been made public for the sake of the polls the next time round. They are saying that a change of money would not implement it because very far from the truth. AD’s po- environmental and economi- transparency and public scrutiny There are many countries such of government might bring of its “political underpinnings”. tential voting pool comes from cal improvements, civil rights and may be viewed on www. as ireland and Germany where about withdrawal from the EU. The Prime Minister denied that a wide variety of sources. There and integrity in public dealings. alternattiva.org.mt. coalition governments ensure AD in a coalition government the Cabinet had ever considered charges on health and declared PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja is a core Green vote consisting if another party has not been They say that a coalition can’t representation of a greater part will resist all moves which are of people who have always voted consistent or credible about be formed because Gonzi is not of the electorate and which are intended to undermine the elec- that he would resign if a future for the Greens, new voters (over these issue it is natural that vot- keen on the idea. it is the elec- stable and efficient. torate’s European aspirations. Pn government were to impose 17,000), people who have voted ers will not be inclined to vote torate which decides whether They say that it is better to try Who are “they”? You will such fees. for the MLP and people who for it. After all votes have to be a coalition should be formed. and effect change by working notice that the anti-coalition Although the report confirms would not cast their vote if the earned and no party is automati- Politicians cannot ignore the within a major party. This has brigade is mostly made up of PHOTOGRAPHY BY tHereSe DebONO that Gonzi had resisted pressure Green Party was not contesting. cally entitled to votes regardless sovereign wish of the people. been proved incorrect through- persons who are linked to a to introduce charges on health By no stretch of the imagination of its performance in the 5 years if people have voted for AD to out the last 20 years where a major political party such as services during his term in of- can it be stated that every person between elections. form a coalition government, major party has reused to fall ex-ministers and chairmen fice, it made a mockery of Gonzi’s who votes for AD intended to They say that it is impossible dismissing this possibility is in line with EU standards, haspage 4 of public corporation. other earlier claim that the Cabinet had vote for the nationalist party. in for AD to be elected to Parlia- rather arrogant. if the people refused to budge regarding commentators have business never discussed the imposition of any case votes do not “belong” ment. if approximately 2500 in want an AD-Pn coalition, then spring hunting, has retained its connections with major politi- any such fees. to any political party but to the one district vote for AD then it would be very strange for a Pn discriminatory position on di- cal parties and have a lot to lose The Pn has countered the voter who may use it as s/he it is very likely that AD will politician to discard this unique vorce for the rich, has refused to if “their” party is not elected. MLP’s campaign by reminding pleases at different times. elect a member to Parliament. opportunity, preferring to have amend the unjust rent laws, has These considerations should be voters that a Sant-led government They say that a vote for AD is a Considering that AD has been the MLP governing instead. ignored questionable conduct by kept in mind when weighing the had imposed a fee on people col- wasted vote. our voting system working very hard to explain and They say that AD criticises the ministers and has condoned dis- credibility (or lack of it) of the lecting free medicines. allows voters to ensure that their promote its vision for a coalition Pn only. over the years AD has astrous land use planning poli- obsessed anti-coalition brigade. While 39% favour Labour’s vote is not lost or wasted. By vot- government for all the Maltese criticised both the Pn and the cies. There has been no impetus health policies, 47% favour the ing for AD and then continuing people, the prospects of this hap- MLP if the major parties for change and there will be no Victor Galea is an Alternattiva Pn’s policies. The survey reflects to vote for other candidates from pening are very good. policies and actions are incentive for major party reform Demokratika candidate for Gozo public satisfaction with the new a labour Mater Dei hospital which has been hyped up as one of Lawrence government Gonzi’s major accomplishments. “ The Pharmacy of Your Choice will be a good Charles Attard “why should we listener and a OP take a decision faithful public on the destiny servant of our kids on Reforming taxation the basis of he runaway cost of living through better productivity, cushion the economy from any worked during the Mintoffian is a hot election issue. less bureaucracy and better use shocks. era, but definitely not today. fear?” Malta is no exception of public funds, all areas where Due to the sharp increase in Unfortunately today we have Tand the rise in the cost of living this government has proved its oil prices it is imperative that we three political parties who are is a problem which needs to be incompetence. start seriously considering alter- promising more and more ben- tackled urgently and efficiently. An feels that overspending native energy sources because efits before the election. What it is no secret that many people and deadline over-runs in capital the rise in the price of electricity nobody is telling the citizens is are finding it hard to make ends projects cannot be tolerated any an feels that is making our industries uncom- that benefits are paid from our meet till payday. Voters have longer. An cannot digest the petitive. Families also experience taxes and not from the fund to make a decision and chose a fact that public project costs are overspending further reduction in their pur- raising of the political parties. Login now. www.maltatoday.com.mt daily party which can deliver prosper- overrun by millions. These extra “ chasing power. MLP promises of An is not promising heaven on ity, has a vision and proudly puts costs are borne by the tax payers. and deadline a 50% cut in surcharge and AD’s earth like the other parties. We the national interest before all These extra costs can be saved proposed different rates system are telling the electorate, that we else. through better management re- might be contrary to EU law. have to work together to really

There are various factors sulting in lower taxes and more over-runs in Even the present government improve our standard of living. PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja which influence the rise in cost money in people’s pockets. subsidies to Enemalta with the An was formed because we of living. An knows that price An is proposing a complete capital projects aim of keeping the surcharge low have different ideas of how a increases cannot realistically all change in the tax system. A flat are subject to EU investigation. country should run. We believe be blamed on the government. tax rate system will be intro- cannot be There is a strong possibility that that competition is healthy and it is AD and MLP that are using duced. The first Lm6,000 will be the ruling will be that just as that it results in lower prices this cheap election tactic. An ac- tax free, because today nobody tolerated any we cannot subsidize the ship- for consumers. Subsidies, on JaMeS Debono knowledges that the major cause can live decently on Lm6,000. yards, then the same will apply the other hand, increase the of price increases is the spiraling over Lm6,000 income, a flat tax longer to Enemalta. An proposes that current public expenditure on THE nationalist party has been judged cost of oil and cereal products, rate of 18% will be introduced, a dual tariff is introduced, and unproductive work, resulting to have the best policy on healthcare something which Malta has no encouraging those who are will- during the night different elec- in lower competitiveness with a despite the MLP’s revelation of a report control over. ing to work, and will not end up tricity rates apply. Also tax on consequent drop in the citizens’ issued in 2004 which proposed fees for However we do have con- paying out almost half of their oil should be reduced so that the purchasing power. public health services. trol over some other causes of earning in taxes. This will be burden on consumers is lowered. The report claims that the Cabinet had inflation and we can limit their done gradually so that there is Subsidies are not the solution Charles Attard is AN candidate agreed in principle with the report but effect. This can be achieved a smooth transition which will in year 2008. They might have and president 30 maltatoday election special | Thursday 06 March 2008 sportsnews sportsnews Thursday 06 March 2008 | maltatoday election special 31 Football Football Formula One Massa happier with alonso at renault Juventus keen on lampard FELiPE Massa says he is feel- nen and Lewis Hamilton. ing much happier that Fernando “My main rivals will be Kimi jUVEnTUS look set to make an and European success. Alonso has moved to Renault and Lewis,” he said. “it’s a lot bet- roma stun real Madrid approach for Chelsea midfielder juve director Gianluca Pessotto rather than continued at McLaren ter that Alonso is driving for Re- Frank Lampard after admitting has admitted the Serie A giants and expects the championship nault than McLaren, because they RoMA have eliminated Real round the base of the just enough to clear they will be able to buy players ‘of are monitoring Lampard, and has this year to be a three-way fight aren’t on the same level and that Madrid to reach the Champions upright. the danger from six his class’ this summer. hinted they are lining up a swoop between himself, Kimi Raikko- should make him less of a rival.” League quarter-finals by winning However, Roma went yards. Lampard has 14 months re- for the England international at 2-1 in Spain with Rodrigo Taddei even closer with two Perrotta nodded maining on his Blues contract but the end of the season. and Mirko Vucinic. stunning efforts from a Cicinho cross off has long been linked with a move “He is an excellent player,” Pes- The Giallorossi travelled to Aquilani on 18 minutes. target, but Doni had abroad. sotto said. i feel we will be able Madrid with a 2-1 first leg lead Aquilani pulled a right- his palms stung by a juve boss Claudio Ranieri signed to buy players of his class in the to protect and managed to re- foot snapshot out of no- swerving Mahama- Lampard from West Ham during summer.” cover juan from injury, but David where to cannon on to dou Diarra attempt his time in charge at Stamford Lampard could leave for as lit- Pizarro was on the bench for Al- the woodwork from 20 metres. from distance. Diarra went off for Bridge. Ranieri is now looking to tle as £6million in the summer if berto Aquilani. Cicinho got the The move continued and Aqui- attacking winger Royston Dren- assemble a squad at juventus ca- Chelsea cannot tie him to a new nod ahead of Christian Panucci lani had another strike pushed the, as Real had 30 minutes left pable of challenging for domestic Frank lampard contract. to face his former club. Real had out for a corner one-handed by a and needed to run more risks. many fitness concerns, as they desperate iker Casillas. Raul’s header from a Guti free were without Ruud Van nistel- A mistaken De Rossi clearance kick was over, the Doni did well rooy, Arjen Robben, Christoph sent Baptista clear, but he fired to anticipate Drenthe on a ball Milan prepare summer changes Metzelder, Pep Saviola, Wesley over from eight yards under pres- over the defence. Miguel Torres Snejder and the suspended Sergio sure from Philippe Mexes. replaced the injured Michel Sal- roma’s Francesco totti of italy, right, celebrates with Simone Perrotta MiLAn President Silvio Ber- is targeting three players, most need a prolific target man. Ramos, but Robinho was back. Mancini’s solo effort was de- gado, while striker Mirko Vucinic lusconi is set to open his wallet notably Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has netted 14 times so Aquilani had the first chance flected over the bar and Aquilani came on for an unhappy-looking this summer after what looks Drogba. far in 2007-08. after seven minutes when a cor- hit another long-range low drive Mancini. corner. got a decisive touch to a header likely to be a season of disap- The ivorian has interested the Another contender to part- ner was rolled out to the D, but just wide, while Doni comfortably Yet the Giallorossi hit the bar Real would not be beaten and back across the face of goal, but pointment at San Siro. Via Turati club for some time ner Alexandre Pato is Lyon he lost his footing. Francesco smothered Baptista’s attempt. for the second time in the match fought back within a minute in he was behind the ball. The Rossoneri went out of and a bid is being prepared to sensation Karim Benzema, but Totti also failed to make contact Straight after the restart Baptis- with the substitute. Max Tonetto controversial circumstances. Roma put the fixture beyond Europe’s premier club compe- entice the unsettled hitman he has seemingly ruled out a from the edge of the box, but ta curled a free kick from 25 me- combined with Vucinic, whose Raul was clearly offside when doubt in stoppages with another tition last night following a 2-0 away from Stamford Bridge. move to San Siro. there were nervous moments at tres over the wall and down on to first time left-foot shot cracked he gathered from Robinho and away goal. Panucci thumped a aggregate defeat to Arsenal in Earlier this season DD re- Azzurri star Gianluca zam- the other end when Alexander the top of the crossbar with Doni against the woodwork. placed an angled drive past Do- free kick between Casillas and the second round. vealed the Rossoneri had brotta has also been linked Doni missed Guti’s free kick and rooted to the spot. Robinho had a free header at ni. Fabio Cannavaro for Vucinic’s The Champions League and made an offer for him in the with a switch to the club, as Amantino Mancini had to clear Roma threatened too with a the back post, but Drenthe’s Pizarro replaced Perrotta, but header from six yards to silence Club World Cup holders have past. “Milan came in for me Milan are looking to sturdy the danger. great opportunity. Cicinho was cross was too weak and he nod- the Spaniards were pouring for- the Bernabeu. also disappointed domestically last summer and it was very their defence in view of Paolo Doni did rather better soon af- in acres of space down the right ded wide. ward in desperation now and a in other games Chelsea - the Diavoli are currently fifth tempting,” remarked the 29- Maldini’s retirement in May. ter, getting down well to palm a and his cutback found Perrotta, Pepe hauled down Vucinic as deflected Drenthe cross settled cruised into the quarter-finals - and need fresh investment if year-old. The Rossoneri have also high- deflected julio Baptista free kick but Casillas nd his defenders did he tried to run into the box from on to the roof of the net. of the Champions League with they are to challenge for hon- The Diavoli have struggled lighted Fiorentina goalkeeper the byeline and it was his second Cicinho wasted a golden oppor- a comprehensive 3-0 victory ours next term. for goals this season - Ricky Sebastian Frey as a replace- Yesterday’s results bookable offence, so Real Madrid tunity on the counter with three over olympiacos at Stamford To stop the decline, Milan’s Kaka is the club’s top scorer ment for the out-of-favour First leg agg. Second leg were reduced to 10 men for the Romanisti against as many Real Bridge and Manuel neuer was director general Ariedo Braida with eight in Serie A - and nelson Dida. Schalke - Porto 1-0 (1-1) 0-1 final 20 minutes. defenders, as he attemptedpage an 4 FC Schalke 04’s hero, capping (Schalke advance on penalties 4-1) Roma - Real Madrid 2-1 (4-2) 2-1 Roma took immediate advan- audacious chip from 25 metres. an outstanding performance Olympiacos - Chelsea 0-0 (0-3) 0-3 tage and took the lead at the The former Madrid full-back with two penalty saves, as the Bernabeu. Tonetto whipped in a made way for another Bernabeu Bundesliga side won through to Pursuits March 11 2008 brilliant cross and Rodrigo Tad- habitue’, Christian Panucci. the UEFA Champions League Liverpool- Internazionale 2-0 (2-0) 11/03 dei got in front of Heinze for a Moments later De Rossi was quarter-finals at the expense of across powerful header into the far top flagged offside when he almost ten-man Porto. Sudoku 3. Wonderful (8) 9. Trademark (5) 10. Affi rmative vote (3) 11. Haul (3) 12. Coins of small denomination (5,6) 14. Semisynthetic textile (5) 16. Radiograph (1-3) 17. Precipitous (5) 19. Leased (6) 20. Nevertheless (3) 22. Person who operates a farm (6) 23. Tawdry (5) “why should we 25. Possesses (4) 26. Fabric of jeans (5) 28. Painting executed in oil (3,8) take a decision 30. Adult males (3) 31. Very small (3) on the destiny 32. Entrances (5) 33. Diamond (8) of our kids on the basis of Down Sudoku rules are 1. Mountains (4) fear?” extremely easy: Fill all empty 2. Puncture (7) 4. Like a mother (8) squares so that the numbers 1 5. Emaciated (6) to 9 appear once in each row, 6. Cut off (9) column and 9x9 box. 7. Ungainly (5) Answers to the MaltaToday crossword will be published in the next issue 8. Start (5) 13. Property debt (8) Yesterday’s solution 15. Capsize (8) 18. Infl ammation of the lungs (9) 8 21. Feeler (8)

Chess 7 Today’s Weather 24. Smokers receptacle (7) 25. By the clock (6) 6 26. Destroy by immersion (5) 8 WarNiNgS: Nil 5 27. Titles (5) 4 29. Sudden blast of wind (4) 7 WeatHer: Partly cloudy becom- 3 ing rather cloudy in 6 2 the afternoon 1 5 ViSibilitY: Good A B C D E F G H 4 Yesterday’s solution White had play and WiND: Light to moderate 3 mate in three moves Southwest (force 3 to 4) becoming light 2 1. Ne4+ Kg2 (Kh3) MOSTLY CLOUDY Northwest (force 3) 2. rf2+ Kg1 (Kh3) 1 3. Qh2# 19ºC / 14 ºC Sea: Slight to moderate or becoming light A B C D E F G H 1. .... Kh3 UV INDEX: 4 White to play and mate in three moves 2. Qg8 Kh2 3. rxh4# Yesterday’s solution This is a paid advert by the Alpha party 32maltatoday maltatoday election election special special | Thursday | Thursday 06 March 06 March 2008 2008 news First count votes not to be counted before late sunday morning

Charlot Zahra rated from those boxes. day evening. if the timings of the 2003 gen- At the 2003 elections, eral elections are followed, an in- 2,377 voting docu- CHiEF Electoral Commissioner dication of the first count vote is ments remained uncol- Edward Gatt said at a press brief- expected in the afternoon. Five lected, when there were ing yesterday that the counting years ago, the sorting of the first 294,106 eligible voters. of the first count preferences for count votes started at 10 am. This time there are the next general elections will not By one and a half hours later, 314,358 eligible voters, be held until 10.30 am on Sunday the party agents had a clear in- of which 993 were with- morning. dication that the election had drawn by the Electoral However, the process might be gone the Pn way, and party sup- Commission because further delayed if voters mix up porters rushed into the streets to the voters had died or the local council with the general celebrate. for some other ineligi- election ballot boxes. But if none of the parties ob- bility. This would mean that the local tains a 50% majority, the country of these, 285,205 council boxes where the voters will be on tenterhooks till the last were delivered by the mixed up the votes would have to count to see whether AD or An police, of which 29,159 be opened and the general elec- would elect a candidate, as that remained undistrib- tion votes would have to be sepa- would change the whole scenar- uted. the whole electoral process io as the Constitutional for the general elections Louis Fsadni, manager amendments agreed to should be concluded till at the naxxar Counting between the two main tuesday evening, save any Hall, said ballot boxes parties last year would not last-minute hitches will be opened imme- enter into force. diately on arrival at the MiKe turner if only the two main naxxar counting hall. parties are elected to Par- will take place in 23 localities in Gatt insisted that under the There will be 591 boxes, ciSK lager liament, then the Con- Malta and Gozo, will be counted terms of the General Elections plus an additional 13 boxes-for St leagUe PHOTOGRAPHY BY gilbert calleja stitutional amendments next Saturday week, 15 March. Act, no voting documents can be Vincent de Paule Residence (one would ensure that there is The Electoral Commission is handed out after that date, even for each electoral district), and Stompers tgiFri- a proportional result even currently distributing voting in the case of voters arriving from another 13 boxes to receive the day if none of the parties ob- documents to those voters with abroad. votes of the Assistant Electoral 37 tained a 50% majority. mobility problems, such as eld- At this stage, voting documents Commissioners, who will vote at globalair Overseas The whole electoral proc- erly persons, who have still not can only be collected by the voter naxxar tomorrow. 13 ess for the general elec- collected their votes. whose particulars appear on the The Commission will be doing tions should be concluded The documents have to be col- document. its best so that no one minute is SToMPERS started till Tuesday evening, save lected personally by eligible vot- Gatt said some 7,500 voting wasted in the whole process lead- with a bang and were any last-minute hitches. ers from the Commission’s of- documents had still to been col- ing to the official results. straight into a series The votes for the Local fices at Evans Building, Valletta, lected from the offices of the [email protected] of hard running and Council Elections, which up to midnight. Electoral Commission by Tues- driving attacks. How- ever, overseas defence held out well and when a fine kick by Duffy cleared the line to launch their own

“why should we take a decision on the destiny of our kids on the basis of fear?” This is a paid advert by the Malta Labour Party