Comments on: Define the national interest

By: Lorna saliba

Lorna saliba — Sat, 07 May 2011 18:37:35 +0000

Daphne, the EU laws only seem to apply for defensless microstates like us. The French saw fit to barricade the Schengen treaty by stopping the Tunisians at Ventimiglia, something which is perfectly legal within the freedom of movement area.

We, on the other hand are unable to stop the influx of migrants and what Normal Lowell said is that we should also participate in the sea border protection together with France and Italy and disallow entry to illegals.

While I do symapathize with the plight of these people, we cannot and must not become vulnerable and open ourselves up. Xenophobic and racist mentalities are not basic human nature. They evolve through circumstance and it is episodes of weakness smothered with humanitarian excuses that fuel resentment.

It is also a fact that sowing resentment promotes right-wing parties who gather momentum and popularity which people will invariabley follow as a temporary but firm political option. Marine Le Pen in France is a living example of the growth in popularity of the hard right. And this regrettably is not an isolated case. Right-wing movements are on the steep ascent in Germany as well as in the UK. A chain of events which will become inevitable if we continue to be lax in our immigration policies!

By: ciccio2011

ciccio2011 — Sat, 07 May 2011 10:20:56 +0000

In reply to El Topo. Oh, I thought it was an Alfa 159 saloon, with space for 2 more in the back, not a Spider!

By: Kenneth Cassar

Kenneth Cassar — Sat, 07 May 2011 07:38:22 +0000

In reply to D. Azzopardi. When the "national interest" goes against human rights and justice, the only moral way is to be a "traitor".

By: El Topo

El Topo — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:35:49 +0000

In reply to ciccio2011. That's a maximum of 2 votes. Forget it.

By: ciccio2011

ciccio2011 — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:24:29 +0000

Having attracted Norman Lowell into his Moviment tal-Progressivi Moderati, Joseph Muscat might now have his eyes set on Emy Bezzina’s Alfa Party.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7KfZ3egKPs&feature=player_embedded

By: Reuben Scicluna

Reuben Scicluna — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:52:56 +0000

“Presumably, this means that he will see no reason to contest the next general election, and will tell his supporters to vote Labour, which they probably do already anyway.”

This is a link I always make subconsciously. I don’t know why, but Lowell’s appearances always remind me of the rabid marmalja Mintoffjana waving their flags like there’s no tomorrow … seems like I’m not the only one.

Still doesn’t make me a PN supporter, though, does it?

By: yor/malta

yor/malta — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:35:32 +0000

In reply to Interested Bystander AKA non-Catholic outsider. I think we are going for a roller coaster ride under his tutelage. Let's hope the others get their act together. Before you ask it, I do not for one iota of a second believe that he has the brains to make capital out of the current political situation .

By: Farrugia

Farrugia — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:10:03 +0000

I am not sure that the concept of national interest is a thing of the past, as you claimed.

I think it is in Malta’s national interest to fend off claims by Italy, Tunisia and Libya over our continental shelf that shackle our right to drill for oil. That kind of national interest seems quite fine to me, unless you expect Malta to divest itself of its sovereignty on what is rightfully ours.

[Daphne – That’s not national interest. That’s territorial rights.]

By: Neil Dent

Neil Dent — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:59:21 +0000

Frankly I was surprised Lowell was so readily kicked to the kerb, after so much dross has been publicly welcomed back into the club with open arms in a forgive and forget style, or even persuaded back to make up the numbers!

By: VR

VR — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:56:54 +0000

Norman Lowell’s official stamp of approval! It cant really be better.