As someone who has voted GSD (and is happy to say so) in every election at which the GSD with Peter Caruana as its head has been elected into government, I fully recognise that the GSD and Peter Caruana have done much for the betterment of Gibraltar. It is right that he should boast about this in his speech to the Casino Calpe, which unfortunately I missed. Unfortunately because I would have liked to have been there, both as a courtesy, because I am a past President and Life President, but more importantly because I would have heard his talk first hand. As it is I was unable to be there because I am on my annual holidays. I write this piece (some will say because I need my head examined) looking over the Grand Canal in Venice. Consequently, I rely (with thanks and attribution) on the Chronic report.
As a democrat, I am concerned that Peter Caruana should so openly criticise the GSLP opposition party on the basis that it has a "leadership" crisis. I am concerned that he should criticise its leader, Joe Bossano, on the grounds that having lost 4 elections, he is not worthy to be its leader. I do not agree. It may be a ground upon which the electorate might decide not to vote for the GSLP but it is not an issue upon which an election should be fought by the GSD. It is not for Peter Caruana to decide who should or should not be the leader of the party that opposes him. That is a decision for the members of that party alone. If it means that an election is lost on that ground, so be it but, at the very least the democratic process will have taken its course.
I am sure that it has not gone unnoticed that the other side of the coin of that selfsame argument is that, according to Peter Caruana, the electorate has no choice but to vote for the GSD and so install Peter Caruana as Chief Minister again. Implicit in his argument is the concept that he alone is worthy of that position of responsibility. Why? Because Joe Bossano has lost four elections so is not worthy of your vote and Fabian Picardo might do "crazy" things. This, together with the mantra that ... "Gibraltar is too astute to change good for bad ..." is a perfect argument to do away with democracy altogether. Peter, it is not you that decides what is good or bad, it is the electorate.
Perhaps he feels that Gibraltar should implement a dynastic system like that of North Korea? Should one not ask at this stage, who is in line to take over from Peter Caruana as leader of the GSD? There are many rumours about that ... and guess what ... is there anyone on the cards? I do not know but it seems to me that if the GSLP have a leadership problem, don't the GSD have the same problem? Maybe not but will Peter Caruana enlighten the electorate on that issue? Perhaps Peter Montegriffo is better equipped to answer that question.
let us make a quick analysis of the way Gibraltar has developed economically. If my memory serves me right the GSLP government were faced with a period of major transition in Gibraltar's economy from an economy virtually entirely dependent on UK Defence expenditure (and an ailing privatised dockyard) to one based on the private sector. Who laid the foundations for the changeover? If my memory serves me right, it was Mr Bossano's GSLP government. In addition to developing the pillars of the economy, finance centre, tourism, and the the port, it attracted the biggest ever (still today) foreign investment to Gibraltar in the guise of the Danish investment in Europort, which has been put to use by the GSD government, in part, as a hospital.
What has the GSD government actually innovated? Very little other than to build on the economic foundations laid down by the GSLP administration. Well, there is the Cordoba Agreement giving rise to the tripartite forum. Is this a success? Each reader can judge this for himself, but flights to Madrid, a failure, queues, well, are they much better? And now, clashes in the bay, which in another era would have possibly led to more serious consequences and which has led to even Peter Caruana questioning the effectiveness of the Trilateral forum. This statement could be considered the beginnings of an admission by him of the failure of this policy of engaging with Spain without tackling the fundamental issue of sovereignty. Oh yes, sorry, there is the joint use air terminal, but where is Spain's bit? And yes, the Instituto Cervantes, well we all know where it will be located but when will it be up and running? And without a shadow of doubt the GSD has, as promised, eradicated the tobacco trade. Has it? Still the GSD government can deliver the capital expenditure projects that it is delivering. What is paying for these in part? Could it be tax revenues from tobacco sale? All that The GSD have delivered is a more sanitised version of this trade. Let us not forget what it was the tobacco trade that resulted in the defeat of the GSLP government in 1996.
And then the excuse to end all excuses. There are no additional flights to Gibraltar because Peter Caruana says that he does not allow Joe Holliday to increase air services until the new air terminal is ready. Sorry! My understanding is that most airports and air terminals are not expanded until existing facilities are stretched. Perhaps Mr Caruana either knows different or has expert consultants who have advised him different. To boot do Ministers have any power when Mr Caruana can "... not allow ..." one of them to effectively undertake and succeed in their own ministry, or is it just an excuse for the failure?
In the end it is all about democracy, something that the GSD promised in 1996, with less centralised government nt controlled by NO 6 and greater transparency, you can judge whether the GSD has delivered on this promise. I am a fervent believer and adherent to democracy and the right to freedom of speech. If in the UK two brothers can fight over the leadership of the Labour party and still love each other, there is no reason why speaking ones mind should poison relationships. In this regard each of Joe Bossano, Daniel Feetham and Fabian Picardo have been magnanimous, they have each been critised in Llanito World and each of them have seen fit to discuss these criticisms with me, that is real democracy and free speech at work.
The Venetian air has done you good. Peter Caruana is a born lawyer and you are right to point out that he learnt Bossano's brief and has been working on it for 16 years. Both Bossano and Boruana have done well for Gibraltar although both have made mistakes and democracy and standards in public affairs are not as strong as they should be. Your last paragraph suggests that you think that Peter should be more magnanimous with you a la Milliband bros. Don't worry too much about that - be brave, hombre!What really worries me is that although I have always believed that Fabian is certainly not a realistic candidate to lead Gibraltar and Daniel still has not shown a great deal of fire although maybe he is playing the Francis Urquart from the novel House of Cards and in fact his cow towing to Boruana is part of a strategy to wrest power from him.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has also voted GSD at the past few elections, I honestly think Peter Caruana has lost the plot or become too intoxicated with power.
ReplyDeleteHe criticises the GSLP and its leadership crisis - Que verdad la que ningun jorobado se ve su propia joroba! What about the GSD? As if they on the contrary already have a candidate to replace PC if he ever chooses to abdicate!
Also "Gibraltar wouldn't change good for bad" and his insistence that gibraltar should vote GSD because voting GSLP would be for the wrong reasons. If he wasn't so far up his own back door he would have heard that many are undecided about voting GSD and that many who will probably vote GSD will do so merely out of fear that the GSLP will revert Gibraltar to the pre-96 days. Isn't that as wrong a reason to vote GSD! Isn't voting GSD because no other valid option avauilable wrong as well. Surely it makes us question the democracy we have, and explicitly ousts the King as being a bit of a fan of a more dictatorial style of Government. If he were truly democratic he would allow this to flourish and not destroy, corrupt, or buy out potential new parties / candidates. he would also not force former mebers of his team to leave just because they are more popular or because they come across as threats.
Peter Caruana has lost the plot. He runs a Government single handedly and in the main recruits sycophants who do little more than pose for photos for the Comical and fawn over him when he needs it. He insults the intelligence of the electorate and considers that most of us cannot understand most of what goes on or understand big words. he is self-obsessed and a complete control freak - now it seems he want to decide who should be the next leader of the GSLP!!!!!
Move on. Let new blood take over. We need a break! Perhaps we should all pool together and buy him a luxury pad on the other side of the world and make sure he stays there at least for a while!
Dear Robert
ReplyDeleteFabian Picardo will hopefully lead the GSLP/LIB into Government whenever Peter Caruana decides to call a general election. My family and I have complete trust in Fabian and his team. I voted GSD in the 1996 and 2000 election and since I have voted for the GSLP/LIBS. Fabian has a clear unobstructed vision for Gibraltar unlike the cynics in the GSD administration. Fabian will lead by example, by empowering the people and listening to the people, unlike Peter Caruana who does not seem to want to listen and thinks is superior to everyone else.
I note that Caruana's friends in the Cursillo movement will start praying for a GSD win in the 2011 election. Because only devine intevention will keep the GSLP/LIBS out.
I agree with Anon 22:17. Fabian Picardo to lead the Gslp/Liberals to victory over the GSD in the forthcoming election. We have complete confidence in him, something we cannot say of Peter Caruana.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous 2/10/2010 at 10:38
ReplyDeleteI do not worry about any lack of relationship with any politician arising from or an anger on their part caused by this blog. It is really their problem.
There are nearly 1550 adherents to the Llanito World Facebook page and well over a thousand voters read each piece that I write. This is approximately 8-10% of the electorate. The numbers od adherents and readers grows daily. If I was a politician I would like to reach those voters. There are enough to change the outcome of an election in Gibraltar. I would like to be undertaking democratic policies that would gain me voters. It is what politicians do.
The benefit of the internet is that via the Llanito World Facebook page I can now reach approximately 10% of the electorate directly at the press of a button. This is another popular form of democracy at work. Each recipient of my views can decide for themselves what they believe and each can post a comment on the blog, if they wish.
This is the type of democracy that our politicians are denying people by not enacting changes of electoral laws and other laws dealing with representation. These reforms have been promised but never enacted. They are long overdue.
To Anon 2 October 22:17
ReplyDeleteTo see just what kind of example Fabian will lead by all you have to do is read the judgement in the case of
Independent Trustee Service Ltd v GP Noble Trustees Ltd and others - [2010] All ER 54.
again with the Gp Noble?
ReplyDeletePlease please, people who want to go down the GP Noble line, can you just quote the extract(s) and explain why it spells disaster?
Otherwise it just seems like scare mongering...
Marilou Guerrero in GSLP line-up for general election (tweeted by Gibcrier late yesterday). Nothing in local media today? Can anyone confirm?
ReplyDeleteDear Gib Crier
ReplyDeleteI have read GP Noble and there is nothing in the case which causes alarm in fact there is nothing in the judgment which directly critises Fabian. Fabian is a great friend and a great person with human qualities who helps the needy.
Shame on you.
commuto said
ReplyDeleteHe runs a Government single handedly
well so did bossano and hassan beforehand .
all decisions had to be approved previously through their leaders . be it aacr , gslp or now the gsd . makes you think what ministers are there for .
hmm , whose approval do i need for me to comment ?
ReplyDeleteSo don't worry and be happy?
ReplyDelete:(
I don't think many people are paying attention to the GP Noble comments. This obviously a character assasination of the man and quite frankly stinks of GSD tactics. I have great faith in Picardo's professionalism and integrity. The GSD are clearly pulling out all the stops and the people of Gibraltar can smell them a mile away.
ReplyDeleteRobin
Robin
Robin:
ReplyDeleteWhatever else the GP Noble decision is a decision of the High Court of England and Wales. In this sense it cannot be the tactics of any party inclusive of the GSD. Your analysis is inherently mistaken. The decision stands or falls on its own and what it decides is there to be interpreted by whomever reads it.
Who is G P Noble? Is he a candidate for the GSLP?
ReplyDeleteGhost Says:
ReplyDeleteRV That Chianti seems to have got the better of you on this occasion. Politics by its very nature in a 21st century democratic society demands that checks and balances are placed by both sides of the bench.
It seems that you are not content at the fact that PC has highlighted (as is his democratic right) the most obvious and quite frankly undemocratic and irresponsible fact that is, the GSLP's inability to re-invent itself from four lost elections. To boot, we have the great pretender declaring his abilities as Gibraltar's next leader whilst at the same time waiting PATIENTLY for JOE to give the green light and all this having witnessed FOUR ELECTION DEFEATS......where on earth are these leadership skills?
One would expect anyone hopeful of leadership to stand up in his own right and declare that it is damn right undemocratic for a party to allow its leader to stand for election after loosing power in a landslide election and taking Gibraltar to the brink of direct rule. As if this is not enough this party goes through three further election losses under the same leader. Aqui que pasa tio, os lo han meaw to en el coco....:)
You may argue (as is your democratic right) that PC is arrogant, lost the plot, power hungry, whatever you wish, but he has policy, direction and more importantly believes in Gibraltar and our ability to grow and be successful and in all honesty he has had no opposition.
It is unfortunate that we have been deprived of an opposition capable of creating policy ideas, youthful enough to aspire to new ideas and confident enough to seek new heights. it seems that all we have had is a group of people simply wishing to attack anything good that is achieved or discredit anything that might make you proud of being a Gibraltarian....this is a shame!
Robert I will ignore your comments on what the GSD has actually done and your reference to the fact that we owe our success to the GSLP policies of old; I can only assume that by this stage you had hit the Limoncello pretty hard....;)
By all means lets be critical, but get a grip people.
Ghost.
Ghost:
ReplyDeleteI will accept your assertions of drink having got the better of me with magnanimity. I would suggest that your arguments are better made with substance rather than bald assertions and unsubstantiated insults. It really is not worth replying where there is no substance. If this is all the GSD supporters can rely on ... well we will see at the next election.
Try answering the substance at some stage Ghost.
Get a grip Robert...what a cheek...Robert is right. We support Robert and his views. He has the courage to stand up to PC unlike some who hide behind Anon.
ReplyDeleteThe Chairman
RVSC (Robert Vasquez Supporters Club)
Chairman RVSC:
ReplyDeleteThank you ... I have a grip and am laughing at Ghost. He not only lacks substance in his comment but it is bereft of intellect.
Dear oh dear where will people like him take Gibraltar. Hopefully the electorate are clever as PRC has said and will see the light.
12 October 2006 - The Chief Minister
ReplyDelete...a future GSLP/LIBERAL Government would deprive Gibraltar of the huge benefit of these agreements, and of the advantageous and safe trilateral process that obtained this normality for us.
Any comments?
Didn't Nelson Mandela spend 27 years of his life in prison?
ReplyDeleteSo what if Joe Bossano has spent just as many in the opposition benches?
Robert, not all persons are as eloquent as yourself or other lawyers. However, it is some what inelegant to insult people like ghost who are only expressing their opinion. I thought you stood for freedom of speech for all,,, or does that only apply when that speech conforms with your ideologies.
ReplyDeleteAlso perhaps you may show how balanced your blog is by explaining what GP Noble is about. Those that visit your blog are crying out to learn this, if there is nothing to it why not just say so.
Aznar's said today "Cuando no sabes si eres una nación y, además, actúas como si no lo fueras, es difÃcil defender el interés nacional de España", ha añadido antes de asegurar que España sufre "una nueva forma de aislacionismo" y se está padeciendo "una polÃtica exterior que oscila entre lo risible y lo peligroso".
ReplyDeleteSo, if we dont know whether Gibraltar is a nation, but acts as one, is it difficult to understand the national interests of Gibraltar?
So, if Spain's foreign policy oscillates between the risible and the dangerous, are the Cordoba Agreements risible or dangerous?
The Leader, Hoon and Moratinos said in 2006 all was good, so don't worry.
So, is all still good and we dont worry or is all not so good now?
'To worry, or not to worry': that is the question.
Anonymous 00:34 6 October 2010:
ReplyDeleteI have not insulted Ghost. I have suggested that he comment with substance. Freedom of speech includes the right to argue and to disagree in as strong terms as one wishes. Proof of my support for freedom of speech is that I have published Ghost's comments. Freedom of speech does not require me to agree.
I have not raised or referred to GP Noble. I do not consider that it is my responsibility to provide an explanation of references made in it to Fabian Picardo. I have read the case and do not consider that it can be said that there is "nothing to it".
"commuto said...
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has also voted GSD at the past few elections, I honestly think Peter Caruana has lost the plot or become too intoxicated with power."
Commuto how can you say that of our glorious leader? It is time fr us to acknowledge what PC already knows. He is a World leader in the making. Only yesterday as I was crossing the Street I saw a Police Motorcade, sirens blaring and lights flashing... There must be an emergency I thought, an accident.. Oh no, the Motorcade preceded our Glorious Chief Minister's car on the wrong side of the road, overtaking traffic so he didn't have to wait in traffic like the rest of us. Obama Style and truly fit for a World leader in the making. I think he should think of getting a Private Jet so he doesn't have to suffer the inconvenience of Flying First Class in a regular flight. Afer all it would be good for Gibraltar as the number of flights to Gibraltar would increase and so aide the arguments for our Spanking new airport terminal.
Ghost says:
ReplyDeleteI regret that you have found my so called "bald assertions" as "unsubstantiated" and insulting; there was no intention on my part of expressing any of the above, particularly the reference to my being insulting, I normally try to cover any possible innuendo of insult by a....:) the smiley face!
With regards to substance, there seems little point in going further, given some of the comments made, not least the comparable reference of Joe Bossano and Nelson Mandela and the quotes on references to the tri-partite agreements that apparently have lead us all to believe that this means peace and harmony with Spain forever ....and we all live happily ever after.
The Tri-partite forum is a process not a conclusion, its principle element is the fact that Gibraltar was actually recognized as an independent voice accepted by both Britain and Spain; it is a line of communication which was never open to Gibraltarians prior and which like it or not has elevated Gibraltar to a different level. The European Union is a pact an agreement a forum for European Nations to communicate, agree and disagree, argue and in some instances continue to argue issues for lengthy periods. It was created not because things were hunky dory, but because they were not and it became a platform from which to grow in their respective relationships. Interestingly it is usually financial differences that create animosity between countries and societies, what we are witnessing in Gibraltar is very clearly envy from our direct neighbors and the only way to express their frustration is by using force and creating animosity, it is all they have left inexcusable as it is. I imagine that having a neighbor with less than 1% unemployment and a growing economy (in these troubled times) is a tough pill to swallow. Funny that, Spain believes we are in good shape, but we struggle with it…or at least Mr Bossano does.
RV may be right in stating that the CM should have tackled sovereignty before addressing anything else, but we all know that this would have been a non-starter on all counts. We would be left with no voice and no avenue for communication, dependent only on Britain to protect our interests on all aspects of our future. Yes that may well have been the way to go.
I will refer back to my original point in my last posting, that being the lack of any policy from the GSLP. I have said in the past that even the Caruana would admit to his stay in power as almost undemocratic, but at the least he has been elected and right or wrong he delivers a vision with policy arrogant as it may be. On the other hand and far more undemocratic is Joe Bossano’s arrogance dare I say it, to remain in the thrown having lost four elections and depriving Gibraltar of a proper accountable opposition with a prospect of new leadership.
Ghost:
ReplyDeleteThe issue in dispute is sovereignty. I do not suggest that the CM should have tackled this issue before any other. The point is that to tackle all others without tackling that central issue simply undermines Gibraltar's position because Spain will continue to use any means by which to achieve its goal of sovereignty. This is palpably obvious as seen from within and without the trilateral process with recent examples being but just the evolution of Spain's politics toward Gibraltar.
The point is a simple one. Gibraltar wants no change in sovereignty, so we cannot engage on any front with Spain. What "normality" of relationship may exist or not exist from time to time is entirely in the gift of Spain or based on EU obligations, so there is no need to engage. The basic philosophy of UK (and that of many Western World powers) international dispute resolution is to get the involved parties talking and eventually something will come out of it, just keep them talking. This is what was done in Ireland. This is what is constantly attempted between Israel and Palestine.
The issue that needs to be tackled at a local political level is, are we right on the issue of sovereignty? This is something that needs to be answered collectively. Certainly the atmosphere does not favour any change. The question I pose, and I have posed it before, is having (according to PRC) achieved virtual independence what sovereignty issue is left over to fear from Spain? The only answer to that is that PRC's assessment of our constitutional advance does not accurately reflect reality. Therefore the fight for self-determination continues and within that fight lies also the issue of sovereignty both as concern the UK and Spain.
What say you?
And on the question of insults, do not worry I have broad shoulders and do not take these things to hearty and if I know you nothing will change at a personal level. I take all arguments objectively otherwise friendships cannot exist. This is a lesson some people need to learn.
Ghost says:
ReplyDeleteRobert I don't think we are that far apart on the question of sovereignty and our right of self determination. The position we take as a people and our ability to be strong and stick with it is where we may differ.
PRC's assessment is that it is not for anyone to tell us whether or not we have a right to determine our future and our stance should be firm, not just as a clear reminder to those who wish to break its integrity but for our children and our future and to ensure that future generations are brought up with no doubt on this.
It is Spain's right to argue its case on sovereignty, this is unlikely to go away anytime soon. It is effectively an issue that has no option but to be shelved as no conclusion is likely and in my view cannot and should not undermine any effort to create a relationship and working platform on so many other important matters that affect both sides of the fence. The principle here, indeed what you and I have both referred to, is communication, to continue to sit round a table and find ways of mutual agreement where there is agreement and respect positions where there is no agreement. This is the way it works anywhere in the democratic world.
Of late we have seen Spain (La Linea) act like a child and Madrid weak because of its political problems internally. Should our reaction be knee jerk in form or should we deal with this in a mature manner and revert to the principles that the trilateral forum sets out. It was after all PRC who made reference to the sustainability of the trilateral forum should Spain seek to continue with their territorial waters antics; and lets also be clear on this matter, it is for Britain to tackle these matters. The fact here is that PRC is prepared if necessary to call Madrid to account in it recent attitude and if it requires a period of reflection in which we deem it necessary to halt any future talks well so be it, but in the full knowledge that we are committed to a relationship, but are not prepared to be deal with child like antics. What’s the downside here and who will it affect the most? Let’s not forget that there are many in La Linea on our side; for the love of god there are people who have suggested that PRC should run for the presidency in Spain….can you imagine that ever happening just 15 years ago.
I have said in the past we seem to be driven by fear and that may well be a reflection of our colonial history; it is fear itself that we should be afraid of.
Ghost.
Why would the credibility of a future CM be at stake even though he has various pending cases in London, Gibraltar & Madrid?
ReplyDeleteCould it not be that they want to tarnish his reputation ?
llanita from gibraltar says...
ReplyDeletea more sanitised version of the tobacco trade?
RV, how can you say such a thing?
These are bonafide persons, albeit working as a team, coming in to enjoy the many delights Gibraltar has to offer, (after all, on their way in, they are counted as 'visitors' for statistical purposes).
Whilst they are here, if they choose to take advantage of our low-priced cigarettes and decide to take a carton home, good for them! (and us!)
Perhaps, if there was a real problem or threat, where, for example, we were attracting the entire low-life population of the surrounding area and they were working in gangs/ mafias. Or we were setting ourselves up by bringing to their attention, our relaxed approach to security in ordinary homes in Gibraltar, enticing the budding burglar to set up shop here, then, It seems, Gibraltarians would need to be concerned.
Should that be the case, we may need the help of Mr Holliday & Mrs Del Agua to galvanise the people into action once again!
Ghost:
ReplyDeleteI fear you are reading much into my argument that I have not written ... top marks for spin. Are you a politician? The bottom line is that the quest for self-determination and the desire to remain British are incompatible without Spain's consent. This is what the Despatch to the 2006 Constitution says and it is absolutely right and is the UK's position. The fact that Gibraltar's disagreement is included in the Despatch is significant for one reason. It emphasises the lack of cohesion in our position.
Let us ensure that our political position is coherent once and for all. If we want to remain British, as we do, then we must adopt the same position as the UK. The trilateral process then becomes an irrelevant exercise whose objective can only favour Spain and be to close the gap in its favour; so whilst Gibraltar does not have any consonance with the principle of a change in sovereignty those discussions are a pointless exercise.
Llanita:
ReplyDeleteI take your comment in the light hearted but critical manner in which I believe it is written.
Anonymous at 13:32 6 October 2010:
ReplyDeleteWhy would an English High Court Judge want to tarnish anyone's reputation? Your conspiracy theory is of the extreme type.
llanita from Gibraltar says...
ReplyDeletespot on, RV!
Ghost says:
ReplyDeleteI think you are confusing spin with interpretation and the possibilities in the real world. No I am not a politician (far worse) and before you ask nor do I want to be.
Ghost.
It is obvious from the ding dong between Ghost and Robert that they are both lawyers. Robert is clear and honest since we all know who he is but Ghost is a lawyer who is hiding. So as far as I am concerned I would believe, read and analyise what he says and writes whilst Ghost is precisely that a Ghost. Ghost's intention is to undermine all that the GSLP/lib stands for and obviously not objective. I will like to see all these people's faces and have the guts to come clean. Be that as it may I will reveal my name if and when Ghost does likewise. I say this since I have a suspicion who he is and is obviously bias.
ReplyDeleteGhost:
ReplyDeleteMine is the real world, so much so that the UK believes it, not that this is determinative but just highly persuasive.
Anonymous 17:06:
I thought the GSLP/lib have now adopted the trilateral process, want to remain British and seek self determination arguing that the 2006 Constitution, whilst advancing it, has not achieved it? Indeed the PDP has a similar position save that they support the 2006 Constitution in the same manner as the GSD, namely it grants that degree of self determination that a British Gibraltar can aspire to. What a contradiction! If it has limitations it is not self determination.
That the 2006 Constitution falls short of self determination is clear on a reading of the much ignored Despatch to the 2006 Constitution. It talks of a "modernised" constitution providing for a "modern relationship" with the UK, that Gibraltar will remain listed as a "British Overseas Territory in the British Nationality Act" and talks of support of the rights to self determination, which would be unnecessary if it had been achieved, but makes this right subject to Utrecht in any event.
So you tell me!
Robert i have not said that the ruling of the high court is a tactic used by the GSD. What I said or at least tried to say is that GSD sycophants are publicizing this as much as possible to destroy Picardo's reputation. In my view, the judgement is not damning on Picardo in any event and it is clear that he just a witness. I believe in his professional integrity and his good character which is much more than I can say about many other politicians.
ReplyDeleteRobin
To the anons that say GP Noble is nothing: try saying that to the pensioners who lost 52 million pounds. I believe 20 million is still to be recovered.
ReplyDeleteIt is not my intention to enter into a debate with anyone on GP Noble or publish opinions about it. Those who are interested can read it online. There is no need to be subscribed to any lawyers publication. It is published on the internet by the High Court of England and Wales.
ReplyDeleteSIR PETER WINSTON SMITH?
ReplyDeleteGhost says:
ReplyDeleteRobert, Britain has had quite a few positions vis a vis Gibraltar in the past, not least the Brussels agreement, their aggressive approach to ramming joint sovereignty down our throats and countless others....to date they have had little success in telling us what we should do and what our position should be. It also seems that PRC’s somewhat aggressive speech at the UN and the prospect of his innuendos in holding Spain to account on almost every assumption they make on our status, may well lead to further legal challenges and thus take us to war again. Would this be acceptable to you or not?
He also refers to the fact that Gibraltar has many other choices available to it other than just being British or Spanish; I quote:
“In June, Spain told the Special Committee that Gibraltar had to be decolonised by the transfer of its Sovereignty to Spain because under the Treaty of Utrecht, Gibraltar could only choose between continuing to be British or reverting to being Spanish. We reject that those are the only choices available to the people of Gibraltar, but the Spanish logic is in any event demonstrably false.”
What does he mean by this I wonder?
Ghost
Ghost:
ReplyDeleteI have not yet seen PRC's " ... somewhat aggressive speech ..." I do not advocate war anywhere. You try and put words in my mouth. What I am suggesting is each one to his own with respect to each other's position.
There is logic in Spain's position as quoted by you, hence, my wish that whilst Gibraltar do not want a change in sovereignty, the issue is going nowhere. Thus the trilateral process was a mistake from inception. Some people may think tha Gibraltar has many choices but I am a realist and in the real world and as the UK state in the Despatch to the Constitution, without Spain's agreement those choices are a non-starter. It is living in cloud cuckoo land politicians should come down to earth. This reality check does not equal war with Spain just peaceful co-existence.
Spain has to realise the situation also and it is for them, if they can, to convince us in Gibraltar to change our minds. They certainly do nothing to enhance their chances on that front, mainly for selfish party political reason based on a desire not to lose votes in an election, does this sound familiar because it is what happens in Gibraltar also.