Comments on: The other two members of The Winning Team vote against George Abela

By: John Schembri

John Schembri — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:00:22 +0000

A day before George Abela’s name was leaked, I saw him queuing with his wife at Mater Dei Hospital.
Other retired VIPs don’t do that.

By: Tony Pace

Tony Pace — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:37:42 +0000

@ ae
nicely put.

@Lorenzo Vella
you boobed. apologise and all is forgiven

By: ae

ae — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:58:17 +0000

@ Lorenzo Vella – Everyone is entitled to an opinion. You expressed yours, I mine. Just keep in mind that yours may not be the right one. In fact, your last statement is totally wrong. I have never voted for Labour. I would like to have the option to do so, but so far I haven’t felt confident that they had the skills to lead this country. With George Abela at the helm they might have had a chance but with Joseph Muscat at the helm, who may be considered by some a nice guy but is so inexperienced, and with henchmen such as those by his side, it seems unlikely that I’ll be able to vote for them the next time round either. So much for your opinion. Its a pity that you marred an otherwise valid contribution until you resorted to becoming personal. It seems some can’t resist becoming personal and simply cannot accept opinions different to their own.

By: Lorenzo Vella

Lorenzo Vella — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:29:10 +0000

@ ae

I beg to differ! George Abela has done a lot for this country. Politically speaking he was one of the few honest politicians we had. He resigned when he did not agree with an idea imposed by Dr. Sant showing integrity and strong character. Other politicians just decided to hang on to their seat for power and glory! George Abela chose not to. Don’t forget he contributed to Malta’s accession in the EU.

He contributed in the voluntary sector by helping Kerygma and other charities. He was a respected professional – never arrogant and always fair. He was involved in trade unionism. He was involved in sports and last but not least, has always been an exemplary family man, not falling under the pressure made on him because of his families mixed political beliefs.

So there you have it an exemplary Maltese individual who should and has all the attributes to become the next president.

But thinking about it seriously, I think you are just a Labourite disguised as a Nationalist just to criticise Gonzi when you know that this decision has taken Labour by utter surprise. And I can tell out of experience being one of the ex-Elves :)

By: kev

kev — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:12:04 +0000

“[Daphne – The president can’t refuse to formally approve legislation (like divorce) and stay on. He would have to resign. But I can’t see that happening.]”

You seem to be aware of what annoys George Abela, Daphne. He is known for his conservatism.

By: ae

ae — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:18:05 +0000

I have nothing against George Abela; on the contrary repected him and was hoping he would be the leader of the Labour Party as he seems to have what it takes to make it a real alternative. However, in accepting the presidential nomination, Abela has shown that all he was looking for in his political ventures is glory. In nominating him Gonzi has neutralised him. I am sure Abela could have provided some true value to the Maltese people by becoming an MEP. What has he done for the country otherwise? Un bel zero – unless being the unelected deputy leader of the MLP for a short time or the paid legal consultant to the GWU counts. Not that being in politics should be a pre-requisite to becoming president, but some sort of service to the country should be. I am not sure if Gonzi was being Macchiavellian here or taking care of an old university friend. I think a bit of both. Abela on the other hand has, I am afraid, shown his true colours and the Maltese taxpayer will be saddled with having to pay him a pension from a relatively young age and all the perks that come with being president. I am sorry Dr Gonzi, this time I think you failed us – surely you could have found at least one other person out there who is truly worthy of being President.

By: D Fenech

D Fenech — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:40:40 +0000

Funny, those same people who did not want Dr Abela as Labour leader are now saying that they want him as head of state. Xi haga ma tikwadrax. But I have some questions that you may have an answer to, Daph. X’jigri jekk Dr Abela jhoss li ma jaqbilx mal-politika ta’ Dr Gonzi? Jista’ jwaqqa’ l-gvern? X’poteri ghandu President? Jekk ma jaqbilx ikollu jirrizenja? Nafu kemm Dr Abela huwa bniedem tal-punt (ma tkunx l-ewwel darba li rrizenja min kariga minhabba li ma qabilx ma certi decizjonijiet), u nahseb qieshom dawn l-affarijiet. Imma jekk le, jista’ jkollna president li jirrizenja minhabba li ma jaqbilx?

[Daphne – The president can’t refuse to formally approve legislation (like divorce) and stay on. He would have to resign. But I can’t see that happening.]

By: Kev

Kev — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:14:29 +0000

George Vella could now hope for the top EU bureaucrat job for Maltese citizens: a Komissar. Many support the idea of kicking Vella upstairs since his sell-by date expired last century.

By: taxpayer

taxpayer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:51:12 +0000

Sorry Dr GEORGE ABELA was not kicked upstairs by PL but his choice was dumped on the PL . Joseph Muscat simply could not object to his nomination and besides he lost the opportunity of claiming a win in the president choice . DR Gonzi won hands down

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:07:21 +0000

@Silvan Mifsud

Your analysis is on the mark, with one caveat though. If by any chance the MLP gets into power then without doubt Joseph Muscat will return his heavy debt and forcefully back Sant for the president post. If Sant stays in good health we may someday see him as president. Life is up and down. I agree with you today that he is at the nadir of his political life, but tomorrow may not be. Time will tell.