Sunday 11 April 2010

Caruana or Bossano, GSD or GSLP?

"I know that many of you will support the government's determination to look at the rules and regulations, and if necessary to change the law to ensure that he is able to enjoy an old age pension ..."

Those who remember the Hon Joe Bossano's GSLP government can by forgiven for thinking it is a quote from him from that period.  But no, it is not Mr Bossano speaking, it is none other than The Hon Peter Caruana QC who is quoted.  Those selfsame people will remember criticisms made by the GSD in that period of alleged abuses by the GSLP government of the legislative process and their abuse of power.  We seem to have reached the same destination with Mr Caruana's GSD Government.

As soon as changes in law become subjective and personalised (irrespective of how noble the objective might be) we are not only on dangerous (not to say perilous) ground but on the slippery slope by which the democratic process is corrupted.  In the same way as the very personal view of a Chief Minister can be translated into legislation for purposes that might be perceived widely to be good, so can it be used for nefarious and anti-democratic purposes with supporters of a governing party excusing such measures as being for the greater good of a community.  Objectivity is lost and despotism and personalised prejudices take over to the detriment of any concept of democracy.  This is one of the motivating factors that has taken Mugabe's Zimbabwe to where it is today. 

It is at this stage that an electorate has to decide to flex its democratic muscle.  Comparative assessments of what Mr Caruna or Mr Bossano or their respective parties cease to have the same importance.  Change becomes the main and most important consideration.  Change in order to remind a government that has been in power too long that it is the electorate that govern in a democracy and not any individual or government, who think he or it knows best.

It is at times like this that an electorate has to take difficult decisions.  It should not shirk from taking them.  Change always brings some good.  It is a decision that can be reversed in 4 years but the effect of change is salutary.  

One issue is, why do people have to rely on blogs such as this one to create controversy and debate?  Unfortunately faced with a neutered news media, GBC paid for by government and the Chronic heavily indebted to government, and in the absence of backbenchers that can call a government to order, this is what is left.

Democracy reigns in Gibraltar? You decide .

65 comments:

  1. You have created THE debate, those in power huge controversies and problems.

    Ruling for the peace, order and good government of the Gibraltarians?

    Stephen Neish is a brave Gibbo - 10 out of 10.

    http://www.gbc.gi/television/tv-player.php?programme=61&episode=1677

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  2. what about Keith Azzopardi

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  3. Who? See earlier blog "Opinion Polls -Smoke and Mirrors" of 13th March 2010.

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  4. just because Mr. Azzopardi has a gloomy face does not mean that he is not a good politician but I agree that he has to be a bit more active

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  5. You either choose to miss the point or miss it. It is not the gloomy face. It is his inability to make inroads into the electorate as shown by the polls.

    His ability as a politician has to be measured by his increasing/decreasing popularity, especially as the two main parties are losing support, yet his PDP is not gaining support.

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  6. I do n't care if his face reminds of a grave yard on a rainy day either. The point that I am trying to make is that he is still very young and should be given a chance.

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  7. Again you choose to miss the point. It is only the electorate that can give him a chance. He makes no inroads despite the increasing unpopularity of both the GSD and the GSLP, according to that particular poll.

    A brighter face would only improve his chances but would not improve his policies.

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  8. But that is what I was saying that he needs to be a bit more active in his policies and all you seem to focus on is his ill favoured expression. He is only extemely young and when he finds his feet in 10 or 20 years he may be able to replace Bossano and Caruana. There is no other choice at the moment unless you count Fabian Picardo but that would be strtching it a bit. Give Mr. Azzopardi a chance.

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  9. 10 or 20 years!

    He needs to make his chances not get given them!

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  10. well name anyone else who can take over from Bossaruana and Carsanno?????????

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  11. Keith Azzopardi...is he the politician who walks through Irish Town so as not to meet the masses in Main Street. The once Deputy Chief Minister by default who only took number 2 after Peter Montegriffo decided to stand down. The one who could not field 10 candidates at the last general election. Who?? Perhaps we could look and support Fabian Picardo who continously engages with all classes, who does a lot for those less fortunate of society.

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  12. Dear Anonymous

    It is Fabian Picardo all the way to Number 6 Convent Place!! Peter go the Governor and ask him to dissolve Parliament...lets bring on a General Election!

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  13. So you are telling us that we are lumbered with Borruana because the only alternative looks likes an undertaker?????

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  14. I am not telling anyone anything. I am juts giving my opinion.

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  15. How many anonimi are there on this blog? (I am the anonymous who thinks Mr. Azzopardi should be given a chance).

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  16. I don't know but I have asked people to adopt pseudonyms, so please feel free to do so.

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  17. How do you get a pseudonym without having a degree in computer studies? (I am the anonymous who thinks Mr. Azzopardi should be given a chance).

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  18. On that basis my understanding is that in the box below where you comment there is a pull down menu and you can type in a profile ... otherwise just type it in every time you write!

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  19. I agree with anonymous!!

    (I am not the anonymous who thinks Mr.Azopardi should be given a chance but is tired of Bopiruanaldo)

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  20. Azopardi had his gloomy chance in government. His next chance is in opposition for the next 4 to 8 years. Is Feetham the future, an effective leader for government or opposition?

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  21. I'm with Anonymous. Give Keith a chance! We need to be shot of Carussano and Bossuana, but not if we are going to replace them with mini-mes in the shape of Picham and Feetardo. I'm the other Anonymous.

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  22. Perhaps Robert Vasquez shoukd take the plunge!

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  23. John Gomez (is that Harry?) and Robert Vasquez; I don't beleve it - now there is a real blast from the past. What are you guys doing these days?

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  24. Robert Vasquez? What a random choice ... maybe he should be approached. his letters to the Chronicle make a lot of sense!

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  25. We've had enough of Bossano, we've had enough of Caruana, we've experienced the inability of Azzopardi and Picardo has demonstrated he is not up to the job. We need a fresh thinking person like Mr Vasquez who will unite Gibraltar and deliver the electoral reform which we all want.

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  26. Fred says,

    Is Robert Vasquez more "simpatico" than Azzopardi, and more engaging than Picardo?!

    I always thought he came across as as stiff salted cod, or maybe that's just the demeanour reserved for us plebs!

    I'm voting for Harry!

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  27. Surely not stiff salted cod? More like best Scottish smoked salmon!

    He is great fun to have a drink with too! Ask Harry they have been drinking pals for 35 years!

    Is it possible that he writes this blog?

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  28. You just can't keep a secret, can you Robert?

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  29. Fred:

    I'm always looking for serious drinking buddies. Quite keen on single malts - the heavy, peaty, West Coast stuff

    The Riberas are rather nice too at the moment.

    Robert (?!), I hope you will allow this move away from politics for a bit, and encourage others to name their favourite tipple.

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  30. sorry for the late inclusion into the thread, but my view is the following:

    Caruana and Bossano have bled our politics dry for the last 20 years.
    gone is the motivation, the desire for any up and coming youngster to involve himself in politics. what is the incentive ? what is the prize? does one see himself following in the footsteps of Caruana? god forbid there will ever be anyone else like him.

    yes Gibraltar has improved, yes its a better place now than it was 15 years ago i hear his followers cry. my question to them is this: had Caruana not been there, would Gibraltar be where it is now?

    and the opposition, what purpose do they serve...all they do is oppose! yes a silly comment one may think...but think of this....who can give me examples of situations when the opposition instead of "opposing" have actually come up with a suitable alternative? when have they come up with a plan, with a startegy which shows their forward and innovative thinking!

    and dont get me started on the ministers... puppets on a string!ministers only by title as we all know that Caruana makes all decisions including the colour of paint for gods sake. is that what we are to become, puppets on a string you asked why there is a lack of talent, you are wrong. there is talent, but the talent would rather be elsewhere. and do you blame them?

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  31. Robert is well know for his expertease in tipples. His generosity at buying rounds is well known also. His favourite watering holes are known to be the Piazza Grill, Gibraltar Arms and Royal Calpe.

    So, Fred, try your luck ...

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  32. Fred says:

    Carlo is right. El opposition musho critica y poca alternativa.

    I have always been sceptical about the airport project in the mannner in which it is being executed. However, I have to concede that Caruana defended in an acceptable fashion in terms of future investment. I for one have seen the transformational effect of such projects to the economy of other places. A case in point is Hariri's insistence on developing Beirut airport.

    As for those who argue that Azzoopardi needs more time all I would say is that the chap is a fully grown adult into his forties - how much longer does he need? Does he have to be drawing a pension to qualify for government?!

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  33. Carlo, you reflect the sentiments of many locals and in increasing numbers. CHANGE?!

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  34. Fred says:

    Los anonymous are getting annoying. Do they understand that all they have to do is to start a sentence with:

    "Fred says:
    "Peter says:
    "Paco says: "

    ..then continue typing... and finish my clicking on "Comment as: select profile...ANONYMOUS"?

    Conyo, que no es complicau!

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  35. MARCUS says: AXCOPARDI ni en pintura lo queremos ni lo votaremos!

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  36. Notes on Quotes Said:

    Peter Caruana on Gibraltar's modern constitutional relationship with the UK

    "The UK regularly passes Orders in Council making laws in the overseas territories, in the case of Gibraltar they have always agreed, at least since we’ve been in office, to allow us to do things by local legislation rather than have them do it by Order in Council”

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  37. Robert Vasquez to join his sister in the PDP line-up at the general election next year?

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  38. Robert Vasquez in the PDP? has the moon turned blue?

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  39. Shortly after writing the above comment it has been brought to my attention that:

    "Volcanic ash can also create the appearance of a blue moon, if the particles are the right size (experts say that means one millionth of a metre or a micron)." (see the Daily Mail, MailOnline today)

    In view of this please read pink for blue!

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  40. Fred says:

    I'd vote for Mr Vasquez as I can trust someone who likes a good drink.

    However, if both Mrs Sene and Mr Vasquez jump into the ring to take on Mr Caruana does it mean that Gibraltar will have a civil war given that they are cousins? Are they preparing the barricades in the Triay offices?!!!

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  41. Maybe ... but Mrs Sene and Mr Vasquez will not be on the same side!

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  42. Fred says:

    Great! It'll be a multi-sided civil war, just like Bosnia! As if we did not have enough with the EU and the UN Committee of 24, now e'll also have Blue Helmets!

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  43. Honey Bee says

    Well... no one gave Nick Clegg ( as the third party ) much of a chance prior to the Leaders debate but that seems to have changed. It`s more than evident that people in the uk have tired of the politics of old. But then Clegg was not banned from participating in the televised debate as was the case with Azopardi prior to our last Gen Election.
    Personally, I`ve tired of our own `politics of old` and the `peleas de patio` that have become synonomous with politics locally and I think there are many people who share that view. If there were no third party I wouldn`t bother voting at all !

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  44. Robert and Gigi not on same side? Even more difficult to get into Parliament as an independent, surely.

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  45. Born brother and sister but not with the same brain/mind!

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  46. Congratulations to Honey Bee for being the first on this forum to spell 'Azopardi' correctly with one 'z'. Not that it matters much, I know. Substance more important than form.

    I still think that the PDP needs a strong leader like Robert Vasquez if it is to become a third force in local politics. The departure of Marilou and Leo so soon after the formation of the party in 2007 sounded its death knell to some extent - but it somehow survived. However, it hasn't managed to move above a three per cent share in any poll so far.

    It was brave of Keith to forge ahead with his new party, rather than capitulate and merge with another party as Danny's Labour did. But Keith is not universally popular in Gibraltar and carries too much GSD baggage.

    Deputy Leader Nick has not been in office with the GSD so carries less baggage with him. Nevertheless he has so far shown no sign of appetite for a leadership challenge. This opens the way for Robert to take over as PDP Deputy Leader, at least. I think he is far more popular and therefore more electable than Keith and would be more of a counterweight to Peter C.

    Of course Keith might be able to pull off a Nick Clegg victory in a televised leadership debate (assuming GBC doesn't again bar him from taking part) but I still think the PDP needs a popular 'heavyweight' political figure like Robert if it is to seriously challenge the two main contenders in next year's general election.

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  47. Fred says:

    Mark all good stuff, but why should Mr Vasquez have to join the PDP? Surely he would seek to form his own team? (But he would have to prove that he is "simpatico" first!)

    As an aside I would say that perhaps we should refrain from comparing our Parish Council set-up to the political debate in a nation of almost 60-million seems. It's these inflated ideas of ourselves that seem to drop us in the poo.

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  48. Honey Bee says

    Remember that both the GSLP and the GSD were also once third parties and at the height of the AACR`s and subsequently the GSLP`s popularity noone would have thought there`d be room for the third party - strictly a two horse race. And that appears to the pattern generally.
    And then there`s the Bossano factor - until he removes himself from the driving seat (and the back seat too ) there are still too many people who would rather vote for the lesser of two evils - it`s not about voting a party in but about keeping the other one out. This obviously does no favours for the pdp or any other party that might present itself.
    But hey... I had high hopes that the US would vote in Obama whilst I heard many say americans wouldn`t vote in a black man. Sometimes strange and good things happen !!

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  49. Fred ... have a drink with him ... de verdad you will be pleasantly surprised!

    Piazza Grill, Gibraltar Arms or Royal Calpe most weekday evenings!

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  50. Flutterby says..

    "Robert Vasquez in the PDP? has the moon turned blue?"

    Careful what you say Robert..... 2010 started with a Blue Moon on New Year's Eve!

    oh and... "Born brother and sister but not with the same brain/mind!" That is patently obvious! Thank God for small mercies!

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  51. Flutterby says...

    "Your comment will be visible after approval" Hahahahahahaha!!! Delicious!

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  52. Flutterby

    ... you will see I changed the colour to pink subsequently...

    I do not know what you mean by your second comment but comments have to be moderated to ensure that no legal issues arise like defamation!

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  53. Flutterby says..

    Quite!

    Isn't defamation "Any disparaging statement made by one person about another, which is communicated or "published,"?

    Hmmm... there seem to be a few of those on here already..

    Hum ho.... I shan't tell anyone if you don't :)

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  54. Its not quite that simple ... but if anyone objects, their views will be taken into account!

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  55. Fred says:

    I agree with Honey Bee - we all seem to vote for the lesser evil... whether we like it or not Mr Bossano had his Waterloo with the launches. The question is whether the age of consent issue will be Mr Caruana's.

    I vaguely remember that truth is still a defence in defamation. I do not think that anything untruthful has appeared on this blog - despite my more drunken and angry efforts! (Thank you LlanitoWorld).

    Cuando pueda me tomare una copa (o doce) con Mr Vasquez... y que conste que no toi en Sotogrande!

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  56. Y que conste Mr ROBERT Vasquez no vive en sotogrande ni ha vivido alli nunca ni ha tenido casa alli nunca!

    Estaras confundido con FREDDIE Vasquez???

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  57. Fred says:

    Tranquilo LlanitoWorld, I was not implying that Mr Robert Vasquez lived in Sorogrande. I was merely pointing out that I was not.

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  58. Mark, can you explain why Marilou and Leo left the PDP at the time of the 2006 Referendum?

    Or shall we ask Marilou and Leo to tell us the truth behind it?

    Democratic deficit in the PDP perhaps?

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  59. Anon

    Marilou and Leo left because of a row to do with the party executive being asked (instructed?) to vote 'yes' to the new constitution. Keith didn't have much choice because he had formed part of the Select Committee that produced the new constitution. Thought this was all common knowledge. Unfortunately it severely hampered the launch of the new party shortly after at its inception. Shame because it could quickly have become an important third force in local politics. Loss of well-known public faces - particularly Marilou - was a serious blow.

    Llanito World

    Freddie tampoco vive en Sotograde. Vive en Guadiaro - al no ser que se haya mudado recientemente, lo cual lo dudo. Al menos, yo no he oido nada de una mudanza.

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  60. Amonimous says:

    Have you noticed the striking similarities in political terms between Nick Clegg of the Liberal Party in the mother country and our very own Keith Azzopardi?- maybe if he had appeared in the leaders debate at the last election Keith could have done encaje de bolillos with Bossano and Caruana. We will never know because he was refused a place in the 2007 leaders debate and sent some other guy to the other deabtes. Remember you read it here first Nick Azzopardi is Gibraltar's answer to Keith Clegg. I do not know whether Mr. Azopardi lives in Sotogrande or Guadiaro and am not sure who is intersted where Freddy Azzopardi lives although I remember that Freddie appeared in a debate before the 2006 referendum although he did not have a Clegg moment and as I remember got into a bit of a muddle.

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  61. I am not sure who Freddie Azopordi is but if he stands for election with Robert Azzopardi I may vote for him. Who is Keith Clegg? This blog is really very difficult to follow and the Blog meister, whoever that might be should provide us all with a glossary of names so that we all know what we are talking about. Apart from that this is one of the finest blogs that I have raed in many many years.

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  62. Well, as far as I know, although Keith, like Peter C., has a house in Sotogrande, he lives in Gib - as does Robert Vasquez. Freddie Vasquez lives in Guadiaro; we have established that. Not that it matters much where anyone lives anymore as this distinction is increasingly being blurred e.g. certain legislation now extends the definition of the "Gibraltar-resident directors" requirement to include nearby Spain, certain justices of the peace live in Sotogrande when they should be living here to be available to sign warrants etc etc. Gibraltar now seems to increasingly include the hinterland. I wonder whether there will be a Sotogrande constituency at next year's election?

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  63. Or whether the hinterland will end up as part of the territory of Gibraltar (wishful thinking for Sotogrande aficionados).... Rather them than me.

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