Our utility bills are not higher than average in absolute terms. As regards to relative terms, it should be obvious that international oil companies do not give two hoots about PPP, so that is a moot point – to put it politely.

As regards to inefficiency, only the blind can say it’s not there – and PN should shoulder the blame. If, on the other hand, anyone thinks that PL can do better, I’d ask them about their ‘glorious past’ and ‘brilliant present’ (with a dentist as energy spokesperson).

Just as a reminder, refer to a The Times report on a GWU-ordered strike at Enemalta (http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050317/local/action-at-power-station.96115):

“Another issue related to the dismissal of a worker last month. According to Enemalta, the worker had been disciplined for irregular behaviour and threatening his superiors 36 times.

The union also opposed a decision to give an allowance to district employees who catch people tampering with electricity metres in households, the ministry said.

Another dispute related to the fact that Enemalta wanted to stop the night shift of the Gozo enquiries office, where Enemalta pays two workers for working a night shift. As the office receives a maximum of 200 calls a year, Enemalta planned to close the Gozo office at night and to redirect all calls to Malta.”

Brian is right, the power cuts are a blow to our standard of living, both directly and via their effect on the economy (e.g. e-gaming).

Having said that, there are no prizes for guessing which party made sure that the Delimara power station extension plans got delayed by mostly useless debacles – just like they did for the Mater Dei hospital.

Even worse, the same party is promoting an energy solution (Sargas) that most European countries deem too experimental (and this when typically they have dozens of power plants, hence can ‘afford’ a dud, and are connected to the Euro power grid – whilst we, on the other hand, have just a couple of power plants and are furthermore isolated on a flippin’ rock with no energy backup).

Silvio, you are conflating PN with the country. Likewise, you are conflating PN with some jerks within; the simple solution is not to vote for the jerks, and instead vote (and provide financial and other support) to the decent PN candidates. What could be simpler?

@mattie

Qed tara kemm inti bravu…

We have been following the PN for the last 35 years or so and we have also seen (very closely) what three and a half Labour goverments can do to our economy.

As in my case, Malta’s economy comes first, against lanzit and hdura. I would rather remain how I am at the moment (quite well compared to my colleagues in half of Europe) than risk it all with Hamburger Joe’s policy-by-popular-congress way of governing.

Dear Daphne, It must be the first time we heard this new word–Mussolinjan– sounds nice and to some, ( not to me) it might even bring happy memories

Do we also have Gonzinjan, Muscatjan , Dallijan and Franconjan.?

On my part I would like to be called a Daphnejan. I’m sure Baxter will like it as well.

Snoopy, if you really want the nearest way out,just follow the P. N. and you will be out in no time.

@ Lino

I may seem to be impetuous with my previous comment. Yet, I don’t believe that I am exaggerating or being politically biased, God forbid.

Sometimes the truth hurts and yes I do believe that somewhere out there ‘qieghed impaxxi certu nies’.

That’s not the way I see it, to hell with them I say. I believe that any Enemalta ‘top brass’, reponsible for the lack of professional foresight, must hold themselves accountable.

After all, that’s what we lesser mortals have to face, when we unfortunately screw up at our place of work.

With regards to the costs of our local utility bills, they are one of the highest in Europe. Just compare our PPP to other European countries.

Hey Brian, stilla kollox ha jkollok meta jidhlu tal-PL.

@ C Falzon

Stop being so silly now. Did I mention or praise Joseph Muscat?

As for Lino Spiteri’s comparison of Muscat to Fenech Adami, this calls his credibility into question.

I would equate Muscat to KMB.