Saturday 25 June 2011

Further Reflections on the Chief Minister's Interview

The second theme that comes through in the Chief Minister's recent interview in the Chronic is that he has an ability to sound plausible yet to contradict his own statements in a very short space of time or to make them seem very acceptable when the position adopted by him is not so acceptable. I do not know whether this is a necessary attribute for a politician, I do, however, remember the ability of Sir Joshua to start answering any interview question with the stock phrase "Well yes,no ..." or "Well yes but no ...". At least in his case the ambivalence was obvious. In the case of the present Chief Minister the ambivalence is less clear, yet it is there.

He is quoted in the interview as saying, "I am not obsessed with my own political personal longevity" I am sure there are some who could and would disagree with this statement on their personal knowledge and assessment of Mr Caruana. They do not have to, as Mr Caruana provides the answer himself in reply to the selfsame question from which this quote is taken. Just a few lines further down he says "If the people of Gibraltar ...  entrust me with the governance of Gibraltar for another four years, that would be a fifth term." Well. we all know that no other Chief Minister has ever been entrusted with a fifth term, that alone exemplifies "political longevity". The significant statement is the use of the self-obsessive  "me" in terms of governance and not to refer to his party, the GSD.

That is not, however what is principally significant. What is principally significant (and so says much about Mr Caruana's personal ambition and focus) is the reason he gives for not going on any longer, beyond a fifth term. He explains, "It is pretty inconceivable that carrying on beyond that is consistent with either what the people of Gibraltar are likely to weather, or indeed with the views I have expressed about my concern for orderly succession and passing the baton to the next generation" [this rather leaves Mr Holliday out of the running]. Well, well, well, his view has come about because he feels he may not win a sixth term (the people will not "weather" me) but, obviously, he feels he can win a fifth term.

I have already questioned (in the immediately preceding blog) his new found desire to achieve succession and continuity for his party but this statement itself belies that desire. What chance remains for his successor to succeed at the next but one election in forming government, if Mr Caruana remains as leader of the GSD? A very small one, I believe. The plain reality is that any successor to Mr Caruana would be better off with an election loss at the forthcoming election, with a view to re-grouping and seeking electoral success in the next but one election.

Mr Caruana then goes on to argue that "I ...  mean a renovation of candidates so that the people will see that, to the extent they would welcome a little bit of change in the political scene, that the GSD is delivering change ..." . This may well be his spin but, unfortunately and usually, voters do not believe that "... a little bit of change ..." is actually in the realms of possibility, especially, in a government in which the perception is that a centralised, all powerful individual, the Chief Minister, is exercising the vast majority of power. The recent conversation amongst ministers mistakenly transmitted by GBC is evidence of this, if any were needed, he rules whilst there is no electoral or parliamentary reform.

That is not the central point. The central point is that if there was sincerity in the offer of "... a little bit of change ...", then there must be an inherent risk in that change, namely the "untried" element of the new candidature, yet he contradicts himself by arguing against a change by election of  the GSLP because it offers "...untried risk".  That is the best argument that I have ever heard against democracy. The very essence of democracy is that, on a change of government, the new government is by definition "untried". Was the GSD not "untried" in 1996? The reality is that a change in the GSD candidature does not offer the electorate any change at all whilst Mr Caruana is at the helm. That is what Mr Caruana is actually saying by his obfuscatory statement.

Mr Caruana believes that "When they elect a Chief Minister, the people are not electing the most popular person. They are not even electing the nicest person, electing someone they want to be their friend. What they are electing is somebody who they believe to be the most competent, reliable, safe option to run their affairs and to give them and their family the best quality of life possible and the greatest degree of political security possible." I hate to disappoint Mr Caruana but voters do not elect a Chief Minister: voters vote for Members of Parliament. The Chief Minister is chosen form amongst MPs of the party with a majority in Parliament. Some parties extend the democratic process by electing its leader, others do not.

That said, I do not argue with much of the substance of what he portrays, save that popularity can and should be courted even whilst delivering those objectives that he identifies. Popularity is a matter of attitude and charisma in the manner that even unpleasant decisions are delivered. There is much room for improvement on this front. It is an important factor that voter do take into account at an election.

He then goes on to say "I think people will be hard put to point out a case in which I have imposed my personal view on Government let alone the community". Well which is his real opinion?  This or that he is " ... somebody who they believe to be the most competent, reliable, safe option to run their affairs and to give them and their family the best quality of life possible and the greatest degree of political security possible " which implies single-mindedness and decisiveness and that he is who decides what is best and governs acoordingly : It cannot be both.

It is his next statement that caused me the most surprise because in this same context, he goes on to say "The nearest that we came to [imposing his personal views] was with the reducing of the age of consent, and even then, I allowed my colleagues in the Government a free vote and did not impose any view that I might have on them." He "allowed" ... good god, what character trait does that indicate? The character trait of someone who is " ... not obsessed with my own political personal longevity".

What allowing a free vote did was precisely to lead to an illegality that shifted legislative  responsibility to the judiciary from its rightful place, the legislature: that is to surrender responsibility to the wrong arm of government. It is to impose one's religious and moral view by omission, The responsibilities of government include the responsibility to understand and reflect the changes in moral values of society from a secular perspective. It is the responsibility of parents, educators and religious leaders to teach religious and moral values. It was simply not good enough for the Chief Minister to "allow" a free vote. It was simply not good enough for the ministers as a collective to permit the Chief Minister to do this. They should have supported the policy promoted by Danny Feetham, the Justice Minister. They should have imposed their will on him, but will this "change" be brought about by "..a renovation of candidates ..."? If it does not, as I suspect, new candidature will be no change at all.

I  accept that the Chief Minister or, better still, the Government should be circumspect and not develop "... an obsession with tomorrow's headline or this afternoon's blog [thank you for this recognition]  but not  "... because it leads to bad decisions and bad governance".  The Chief Minister or any government, totally ignoring these is to ignore alternative opinions and to be self-absorbed, which begins to be indicative of lacking democratic credentials. The press and blogs do not deliver "... bad decisions and bad governance". It is adopting bad ideas and opinions that does so. It is through heeding the press and blogs that criticisms, opinions and ideas are heard and can be assessed as good or bad. These can enhance and improve governance and not hinder it. The press is the fourth estate and freedom of speech essential to democracy; you ignore it at your electoral peril. The Chief Minister has himself recognised the worth of the press and blogs by saying, "... the 'third limb' ... parliamentary reform is something we did not pursue as enthusiastically during this term as we set out to do", an issue that this blog has persistently campaigned for and recently brought to the fore. 

104 comments:

  1. caruana's interview and claiming that its his last term in office if elected...desperate act or genuine expression?

    elections round the corner y que se la lleva picardin!!!! eso dicen en los cafes la calles y en las colas de los civil service counters!!!

    Toma

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  2. You spoil an excellent article by saying that the difference in the age of consent was an "illegality". How can it be illegal to legislate to protect an age group which was shown to be particularly vulnerable to HIV AIDS? Caruana lost because for reasons best know to him, the soon to retire (surely) AG did not show the Chief Justice the evidence of special vulnerability. Ironically Caruana's aproach, although he was thus tripped and fell on his face shows that he is willing to confront the politically correct diktats of the sick old regime in London and that makes Cantankeruana strangely attractive as a politician.

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  3. Realist says

    Okay we vote in Picardo as our CM. He continues "assisting" (as the GSLP have sold to us) the Spanish and UK authorities in providing evidence in the pending cases.... and by summer next year he is finds himself embroiled in the case itself ...ahora que????? surely we need assurances from him that this won't happen and that it will not have adverse effects on us as a people. Surely he needs to keep us informed of what is said and not said in these cases and that there is no risk of him being embroiled in them to a greater degree. Por que si no entonces si que nos podrian comen los ingleses y espanoles con patata y huevos!!!!!!

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  4. Realist

    I do not advocate who anyone should or should not vote for. I simply highlight views (my own) that voters who read this blog may take into account in deciding how to cast their vote.

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  5. With or without prejudice: Talking about the Attorney general's position. I am a relatively young lawyer and thought of applying for the post of crown counsel advertised last month. Next time I intend to do so in the hope and expectation that one day I will be the first Gibraltarian AG. I think that a tenure of a maximum of 5 years is adequate. My question is if I become AG at say 45 and retire at 50 would it be proper for me to then join one of the big firms as a "Consultant" ;)or would that be thought imporoper in a small community like ours and would all my decisions as AG then be subject to suspicious scrutiny and bring the post of AG into opprobrium and disrepute. I am much attracted to summer hours and guaranteed pension rights as well as the interesting work and social standing of an AG but when I reach the age of 50 I do not expect that I would want to set up my own practice or move away from our dear Gibraltar but on the other hand I would not want to dirty the position of AG by getting the toungues wagging if I joined one of the BIG 5 or 6 chambers. What do your readers think? Yours sincerely, Anon Barrister-at-Law.

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  6. Realist says

    Robert you are doing a fine job.

    The people of Gibraltar need to demand these explanations from Picardo. We cannot be so complacent!!!! If he does not give these explantations then at least the press in Gibraltar should also be following the cases and reporting them to us. Come on we are talking about the leader of the opposition here....Although I am sure that the GSD is doing thier job and carrying out investigative journalism and wil keep us all informed in due course!!!!!!! menos mal.

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  7. Anonymous at 11:32

    In part, this is answered in the Judicial Code of Conduct of Gibraltar. This allows judge's to go back into private practice after serving a 1 year quarantine period. In England this is not the case. I made representations against this permissive rule but they must have been ignored - again! :)

    I do not know what the answer is. I would imagine that subjective considerations and specific factual circumstances could lead to massive issues and questions arising, which includes perceptions. This is the danger of a permissive rule.

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  8. To realist,

    yes we do need explanations but having read LEF'S post we also need explanations from Caruana
    Come on we are talking about the Chief Minister here...

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  9. Realist and Anonymous at 11:59

    Is Parliament not also the place to seek these explanations?

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  10. Realist@11:16 & 11:39

    I agree entirely. What is worse, we could get an update on "the cases" from the UK and/or Spanish press during the run up to the elections.

    It certainly gives "untried candidature" a different meaning. Apologies Robert but I could not resist that flippant comment.

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  11. RV&11:59

    Although I agree that the opposition does and should seek explanations from government in Parliament it is unlikely for the government to seek explanations from individual members of the opposition regarding their professional activities.

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  12. Yes Parliament would be the ideal place for such explanations from both Picardo and Caruana. After all Caruana has explaining to do as does Picardo.

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  13. Another great blog entry Robert, terrific stuff! It sums up my personal criticisms of the incumbent Chief Minister and his recent and much championed interview quite nicely.

    "Realist":

    As 11:59 correctly points out we need explanations from Caruana himself in the light of everything that was brought up in the last blog entry by L.E.F and everything concerning his letter to the FSC concerning Robert. Indeed we should expect transparency from our potential future Chief Minister, but surely we should expect the same from our incumbent Chief Minister no?

    LG

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  14. Robert thanks for your reply. I am not for one moment suggesting that the current AG who is a man of integrity and is to retire this year after a very long tenure would cause such a scandal by joining a legal firm as a consultant ;) or a practitioner but you are absolutely right and I agree with you that something needs to be done to ensure that if in the future an unprincipled and mercenary person is appointed AG he is not allowed to go into private practice because the implications for the reputation of the judicial process would be horrific and make Gibraltar appear like a banana republic. I hope that the minister of justice reads these lines and implements the proper controls to ensure that this never happens. Thanks, Anon Barrister-at-Law.

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  15. Anon@12:24

    If there are so many issues that need explanation by the CM then it begs the question "where has the opposition been all these years?". What sort of opposition have the taxpayers been paying for.

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  16. Anon 13:22-

    Agreed. By way of reminder, I have voted for the GSD on every other previous occasion. However, for reasons I have already explained in other blog entries I will almost definitely be voting for the GSLP this time around.

    The fact remains that Caruana owes us a duty to explain what exactly has happened in respect of the secretive letter that mentions Robert as well as the matters L.E.F spoke on within the last blog entry. Basically if GSD fanatics are taking it upon themselves to criticise Picardo for his lack of transparency, then surely they must acknowledge that Caruana has been similarly lacking in this department.

    LG

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  17. The subject of the AG is an interesting one. How on earth can he be chairing the Admissions Committee hearing on the complaint against Picardo if his own daughter works for.....Hassans!

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  18. Anonymous at 20:39 has a point, but I would take it further. What is the Admissions Committe, but a group of practitioners sitting in judgment on one of their own? Come on, people, how objective could such a committee ever be! Should we not be appointing retired magistrates or something?

    A Barrister

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  19. Robert, thanks for picking up on the "characetr traits" as read in his interview in the Chronic! I thought I had been the only one who had picked up all the egocentric statements and some traits we all know about....when I pointed some out as you do in your article algunos me miraban con cara de loco and told me I was reading too much into the interview!!!!!!!

    Thanks for making me see that I am INDEED NOT CRAZY!

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  20. Anon@20:32

    I am not a GSD fanatic and I insist that Robert's letter is hardly likely to become an election issue and neither is it likely to threaten our international standing. Any other issues should be addressed by the opposition in Parliament. "the cases", on the other hand, can only be explained by the gentleman involved with reassurance that it will not rear its ugly head from an unexpected source and at an inopportune time.

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  21. Anonymous 21:38

    I'll just copy and paste my reply from the last blog thread, even if you're not the same anon!

    I appreciate that you did say that Mr Vasquez was entitled to see a copy of the letter, however, I was hoping whether you were going to offer a view as to what the contents of the letter were likely to be considering the facts surrounding it.

    Something which again I believe to be of both great local and international significance as a seemingly clear example that has yet to be argued from ANY front that the Chief Minister has used his all pervading influence and power against Robert (or so it would seem). Considering this is an often cited criticism that Mr Caruana took the time to specifically address in his recent interview you’d think we’d receive such clarification from the man himself no? Why are you so confident that it is not of great importance?

    In my last comment I was highlighting the fact that Caruana’s had a lot more time to put his money where his mouth is in terms of transparency, an often cited criticism against Picardo in respect of his personal matters.

    :)

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  22. no ofense robert but the matter about the Picardo cases is more pressing and important that your quarrels with the FSC.

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  23. Anonymous at 22:19

    I have not raised my issue with the FSC :)

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  24. Anon@21:58

    I shall stick to my guns.

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  25. Anonymous 22:21

    Perhaps you should provide some justification for why you’re choosing your guns?

    Blankly stating that you are doesn’t really achieve anything.

    :)

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  26. Annon@22:21

    I did not say that I was choosing my guns.

    What I did say was that "I stick to my guns" which means that I am not changing my previously expressed opinion. As for not really achieving anything, so be it.

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  27. Anonymous 22:38

    I can see what you said, I was just asking you to kindly explain your position (i.e. why you chose the guns you’re sticking to).

    Your inability to answer the questions put to you suggest that you refuse do so because you are uncomfortable with expressing your true thoughts on the matter or you appreciate that the Chief Minister’s position is seemingly indefensible considering the same criticism levelled at Picardo within this blog.

    Your previously expressed opinion simply stated that you did not feel that the letter Caruana sent to the FSC concerning Robert was likely to be an election issue, you did not explain why you considered this to be the case.

    I reiterated that the letter situation was: “Something which again I believe to be of both great local and international significance as a seemingly clear example that has yet to be argued from ANY front that the Chief Minister has used his all pervading influence and power against Robert (or so it would seem). Considering this is an often cited criticism that Mr Caruana took the time to specifically address in his recent interview you’d think we’d receive such clarification from the man himself no? Why are you so confident that it is not of great importance?”

    So I ask you Anonymous 22:38, are you able to provide any justification for your opinion?

    :)

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  28. picardin se las llevas!

    Eherm

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  29. Every day I am more convinced that Caruana is what will lose the GSD the election. They should have changed leader when Picardo took over the helm of the GSLP. When the GSD lose he will run for cover and who will take over Holiday?

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  30. I’m not a GSD supporter but I think you’re both off the mark in brushing Holliday aside like that. Out of the current GSD line-up he easily surpasses all of the other ministers (aside from Feetham) as a safe pair of capable hands.

    No need to be so flippant with your comments as a whole really. Back up your criticisms with substance and they'll hold more weight.

    The Ornery Friar

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  31. Indeed Ornery Friar I am told that GSD top brass see him as the preferred successor to his imperial majesty. A sort of overgrown Tzarevich in waiting.

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  32. You're right Friar, criticisms should be substantiated with evidence, its not right to point a finger at someone without hard evidence to prove the reasons for doing so.

    However, we shouldn't confuse the lack of evidence with innocence either, that too would be wrong.

    By all means, if the GSD wish for Mr Holliday to take over from Mr Caruana, then so be it, or as Clint Eastwood would say 'Go ahead, make my day!'

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  33. Gibraltar has become a violent society under a veneer of complacancy. 8 assaults over the week end including that of a prominent politician. We are at a cross roads; either we go down the slippery slope of UK and pretent that the thugs are victims or do the logical thing and ensure that everyone who indulges in violence is severely punished. I would start by looking at the work of the magistrates court where offenders are first brought before the courts and sometimes spend months coming in an out while prosecutors sometimes seem to be writing "War & Peace" when it comes to prepare dockets, not because the dockets are big but because of the time that they take to produce. Add to this the"ambiente" and banter in the court and I recommend anyone interested in our justice system to visit the "mags" in session and you might see whilst the worst felons think that offending is not a serious affair.

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  34. llanitox says:

    Caruana & Holliday are men of expirience and wisdom. In the turbulent world that we live this is what we require. They will continue providing stable government and prosperity.
    Are we not prosperous and stable as a nation??? why change this??? Gibraltar has all it needs and keeps on improving all the time. We are the envy of Southern Europe!!! The world is falling apart and we keep on growing and prospering. Where is the unemployment???

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  35. I was shocked to read Mr Caruana's admission in Parliament that us, the tax-payers are funding a £3000 a month apartment for our new man in London.

    Can this man not commute? Could an apartment not have formed part of the plans of the new building we purchased?

    Que estamos tonto aqui?

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  36. Kaelan Joyce says:

    I concur with Anon 08:44. Offenders hardly take our justice system seriously. Members of the jury and their families are said to even be openly threatened (or so I have heard), whilst it seems no actions are taken against these offenders. In my opinion Gibraltar under the GSD is very much becoming an unruly state. The only difference being that the Winston boys have been replaced by lo "PIRATA con CORBATA". One quick look at today's Panorama (crime statistics) will confirm that crime rates are at an all time high, especially amongst the youth! Furthermore the 2009 employment survey available to all (as it is on the public domain) shows the number of non local full time workers slightly surpasses that of local workers. Then add to this the great number of illegal and non registered cross border workers and we have a set of VERY worrying figures. That was in 2009 imagine now! Could this be one cause for the soaring crime rates? Locals who have no other option but to turn to crime in order to feed their families because of intense competition from foreign labour? Could such behavior be influencing the youth? Creating a ciminal mentality that Gibraltar has not witnessed since the Winston days? Certainly food for thought! And WHY is it that for every ONE "affordable" flat built FIVE not so affordable ones are also built. In the GHA the locals are in the minority. Some private firms blatantly discriminate against Locals (ask Neil Costa he's been highlighting such issues). I sincerely believe we are being treated like second class citizens in our land and I have certainly had enough. Someone should be held accountable. There are those that will argue, we are financially "prosperous" in times of great global recession, but I ask AT WHAT COST? Those who line their pockets with CASH don't have time to think about what will happen in the not so distant future, but I certainly do. Such apathy and such greed could lead to the demise of our great microstate (well at least I consider it so). K

    THIS COMMENT HAS BEEN SLIGHTLY EDITED

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  37. I.Takatum says: Can anyone please tell me what Picardo can offer us that Caruana and Holliday do not??? Other than being more simpatico (maybe??)and trying to be Mr. Popular??? I am sorry but I do not want a CM who is simpatico. Being simpatico for me is irrelevant. I want a STRONG & ABLE LEADER. His personal character traits are irrelavant. Look at Churchill- no one could stand him yet he is the UK's greatest leader in history and won the war against the Nazis!!! Can anyone please CONFIRM that Picardo will not be further engaged in pending cases?? It appears no one can confirm this which means that this may cause issues for Gibraltar if he is elected CM.

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  38. Special K,

    People are not stupid. We do not have amnesia. Although the GSLP think we do. We will never forget the GSLP days. Gibraltar era un cuidad sin ley!! Gibraltar was a Banana Republic more like a South American rogue state than part of the EU!! So do not now go on about Gibraltar crime rates increasing....or maybe you are not old enough to remember the GSLP days. Ask your parents or grandparents and lets not forget the threat of direct rule with Bossano!!!

    One final note, lets say Picardin gets in.....Bossano que?? Minister for Employment??? Can anyone remember the Kvaerner tapes???? that was really about looking after the working class!! What a track record!! LOL

    GIBRALTARIANS DO NOT SUFFER FROM AMNESIA!!!

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  39. Llanitox, for certain Mr Holidays wisdom knows no bounds, we've got to give him that!

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  40. Anon 13:18

    The direct rule threat was a MYTH!! Anyone who knows anything about local politics knows this! Unless your Peter Cumming who stated (in the chronic) that "over port and cigars" he was told otherwise!! ENGA YA MENG!!!

    And I quote "I never heard of anyone who wished to impose such measures. I had no idea how any such measures could be imposed or implemented, or terminated" (Sir John Chapple -Governor of Gibraltar from 1993 to 1995)

    Nothing can justify the Winston Boys era! That though does NOT retract from the fact that we ALSO HAVE a BIG PROBLEM NOW.

    GIBRALTARIANS DO NOT SUFFER FROM AMNESIA and NEITHER DO I!!

    But I am talking about a NEW and totally different THREAT that needs dealing with NOW!

    Are you implying we should turn a blind eye then? Please elaborate as your comments do perplex me......

    K

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  41. The message that needs to be made clear is that people who make unprovoked attacks are not manly they are cowards and need to be punished severely if they are found guilty. There is no excuse for crime.

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  42. £3000 a month rent? Adonde? The landlord must be happy, in fact, I wonder who the landlord is, todavia es conocido!

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  43. Here here anon 16:22!!!

    Furthermore bloggers please feel free to read today's chronicle!

    Paco Oliva's great piece on the Picardo "assault".

    Glacis estate home owners being robbed in broad daylight!!!

    An increase in attempted murder and murder cases as well as knive related attacks!!

    Come on people like us not be BLINDED!! THIS IS NOT THE GIBRALTAR OF TEN YEARS AGO!!!

    We need change and NOW!

    In my humble opinion this Government has (for far too long) concentrated on the materialistic aspects of our community and long neglected its core social values!

    The words "Banana Republic" and "South American rogue state" do come to mind.............

    K

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  44. Special K, Obvously you are just not old enough to remember the "poca verguensa" GSLP days......si no otro gallo cantaria....tell someone old enough to tell you about those days....you may find that you end up voting for Caruana!!!! Maximus. Picardin esta influenciado por el bigote diga lo que diga!!! LOL

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  45. Anon 18:02

    I will vote for PETER when pigs fly :)

    Read my other postings :)

    K

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  46. ya lo que faltaba... paint-balling at the tax-payer's expense!

    This session of Parliament me esta dando ulceras!

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  47. Kaelan when Picardo's cases catch up with him I will vote for you for CHief.

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  48. Dear Fellow Bloggers

    In recent times the Courts have been handing down severe sentences with regard to crimes of violence and drugs.

    I agree with Anon that dockets are taking far too long, however, this might be due to the amount of checking there is in the process before it is disclosed to the defence. Perhaps time limits could be set on disclosure.

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  49. pero anon @ 21:44 give him a cheque or algo de cambio porque entre lo paint-balling cachondeos, el tunel sin fin, la casita del UK man y ave que ma va a salir en este session de Parliament, poco dinero le va a quedar!

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  50. And what does the AG have to say about lateness of dockets? The fact is Gibraltar has expats in key positions that should be replaced with good locals. Rhoda is what 67? Is it not time we looked to blow the winds of change through this area?

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  51. El Riki is one of life's big survivors don't worry about that. He will be there serving Chief minister Picardo with distinction.

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  52. Bob...I agree El Riki y su Senior Crown Counsel nuevo...will be waiting for Picardo and his Boys with open arms!

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  53. Special K,

    Honestly, as an intelligent Gibraltarian- Are you worried about the Picardo cases???

    Or is it blind faith en el Bigote and his crown prince???

    You can think as well right??? and have some common sense right?? or is the GSLP como una secta about to commit political suicide con Picardin??

    Maximus

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  54. "Can anyone please CONFIRM that Picardo will not be further engaged in pending cases?? It appears no one can confirm this which means that this may cause issues for Gibraltar if he is elected CM."- Anon at 13:10hrs

    You mean other than giving evidence against his assaulter?

    "Of course not", I hear you say, "that's completely different to Noble/Blueprime"

    How? As far as has been made aware, Picardo appears in those matters as a WITNESS. He is giving evidence as a WITNESS.

    Should his assaulter ever be caught, Picardo will have to give evidence as a WITNESS.

    No difference. Grow up.

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  55. Hear hear Maximus!

    Por favor el Joyce parece que no se entera!!

    Blind faith can be so dangerous indeed...


    Bigus Dickus

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  56. Maximus 22:52

    Es que tu no te enteras no?

    This is not about the GSLP, the GSD or even the PDP this is about GIBRALTAR and more importantly about the Gibraltarians!

    I am not making up these things they are public knowledge and available on the public domain, you too should be genuinely concerned!
    I don’t care who addresses these issues as long as they get addressed.

    Incidentally after 16 years in power the GSD have not done so I will be opting for any other viable option.

    PS- All politicians come with some sort of “baggage” it is part of the package deal. Lol :) Last time I checked though Fabian had not been convicted of any charges as such.

    Maybe in Disney land you can find a politician who is direct and 100% honest. In the mean time I shall settle for the lesser of the two evils :)

    K

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  57. Marlene Hassan Nahon28 June 2011 at 23:17

    'K'!

    I find your altruistic paragraph of been non partisan and 'about the Gibraltarians' worthy of a Hollywood oscar!

    I say this because when I wrote vis-a-vis the 'fire' and made apolitical comments, you immediately dived at me 'accusing me' of been GSD, substantiating it with you 'knowing who I was and knowing FOR A FACT that I was GSD....' thereby attempting to undermine my contribution, by sheer virtue of who, according to YOU i endorsed!

    Now now K! It was ME who was trying to 'unite the Gibbos' by trying to stay on the positive when YOU irrelevantly launched into a partisan attack on me!!

    You are notorious for endeavouring to discredit people for what party YOU believe they stand for. Subsequently, you expect a loss of credibility on their part for what they express, simply by pointing the finger. So please don't be a hypocrite and pretend you are making all this 'non partisan'!!

    Eso se lo cuentas a otro dahling......

    Marlene Hassan Nahon

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  58. Dear All

    I have read that the GSLP have a Youth Wing called the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Youth Section. What is the aim of such an association?

    With regard to Fabian Picardo, I have every faith that he will champion the socialist view unlike the PDP and the GSD. Like with every new administration we will have a new AG appointed and a new set of civil servants at 6 convent place.

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  59. Hear Hear Marlene!!!

    Maximus

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  60. Picardin socialista??? has visto la choza que se ha comprado??!! LOL Maximus

    Who remembers the Bigote Kvaerner tapes??? was that socialism???

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  61. Dear Marlene Hassan Nahon....you are a member of the GSD Facebook webpage. So by association we can all assume you are GSD.

    Be honest with yourself.

    GSLP supporter

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  62. Marlene te cuento el quento de la buena pepita? :) lololol

    I don't care what you think or anyone for that matter nor do I pretend to be something that I am not (unlike others).

    Furthermore I made it clear (see last posting) I will be voting for the best viable option........the GSLP.

    Facts are facts and totally nonpartisan, the rest is subjective as are your assessments.

    K

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  63. Marlene Hassan Nahon28 June 2011 at 23:49

    Dear GSLP SUPPORTER AT 23.24,

    SHAME that whilst you were prying into my Facebook Profile, you failed to note that i am also a member of the PDP website! I am open minded enough to belong to most websites that i am invited to, it makes me feel more balanced and fair (I dont expect you to understand that seeing as you were 2 dimensional enough to assume that I will be voting GSD because i was invited to their website and i accepted!)

    I hope for your sake that you will have a busier summer than you are having right now, seeing as you have time to pry into other people's web pages lol!

    Laila Tov! (Goodnight) as we say in hebreo!

    Marlene

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  64. ui, como esta el patio tonight, tiene que se el levante! Aqui musho rollo de abogao y corte y el pin-pon, no de Wimbeldon, si no de la misma leshe de siempre.

    Do you think all of you can put down los wipi y lo palos for a second and take a view on the situation before us TODAY ?

    Anybody see the news on GBC? Anybody LISTENED to the news on GBC?

    For the Police to come out with a warning to residents in Laguna and Glacis (that's the 2 estates on either side of the road as you approach the airport) to be extra vigilant as there have been a spate of robberies in broad daylight and advising them to install bolts, etc as yale locks are not enough, tiene que esta la cosa jodida y puesta al sol, oh no?

    Is this okay with you guys and gals? porque a mi me escama bastante.

    Is it any coincidence that Glacis and Laguna both have a handful of the new tobacco kiosks that are cropping up all over the place?

    These kiosks, by the way, are set up in Government premises, so presumably Government is aware of what is going to be sold when they give out a licence to someone to use a particular outlet.

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  65. Keva anon 00:33 nadie ve na!

    Aqui estan enplan, Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no EVIL.

    Que lastima me da!

    K

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  66. I was a shocked when I realised most of these tobacco shops are housed in Goverment property.

    Surely Government should be setting an example!

    However, today I read Government is auctioning the seized tobacco instead of destroying it. I wasn't aware we needed the money so much. Weren't we swimming on available cash? Surely the negative effects on
    people's health should over-ride our need for a little extra cash in Government's more-than healthy coffers!

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  67. Robert, slightly off topic, but maybe you should champion the implementation in Gibraltar of legislation similar to the English Public Interest Disclosure Act?

    It doesnt altogether surprise me that there is no equivalent in Gibraltar or any protection at all for whistle blowers, as maybe it would not in the interests of the super elite, but I firmly believe that if we had an equivalent some of the scandals that Gibraltar has faced may have been detected earlier and you may even find that more people would not post anonymously on your blog!

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  68. Marlene please do not give Mr Kaelan Joyce the dignity that he does not deserve by replying as though his radical comments were relevant to the society in which we live.

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  69. anon @ 19:47, I have news for you... we live in a DEMOCRACY and even if you don't agree with Mr Joyce's views, he is still entitled to hold, and voice them!

    your snobbish, patronising and condescending attitude is no longer relevant in this day and age.

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  70. Marlene Hassan Nahon30 June 2011 at 22:38

    Anon @ 19.47

    LOL

    Thanks so much for your comment, I will seriously take it on board!

    Cheers.....

    Marlene

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  71. Anon 19:47

    "Radical"??? I was merely stating FACTS.

    Please feel free elaborate.........:)

    K




    K

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  72. You must have a lot of work on your plate Rob. A bit slow posting comments ain't you.

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  73. I must admit Anonymous 22:38, I’m quite disappointed you weren’t able to offer any explanation or justification for your opinion. Not to mention your refusal to answer any of the questions put to you.

    Shame the discussion had to come to a stop.

    :)

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  74. Does no one have anything to say about the new boy in town, Joe Cortes?

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  75. Anon @ 23.23, other than him being an exemplary individual with an excellent reputation, a hard worker with a wealth of experience to bring to a Department of Education that is sadly lacking in ideas despite the professionalism of our teachers, no I have nothing else to say.

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  76. I wonder if any of these self proclaimed "Socialists" have checked the definition of this economic system. If what they mean is that they are behind the "workers" I would remind them that until the non socialists came to power in 1996 we were the highest taxed country in Europe. I remember when workers used to refuse working overtime because "el tax" took half of what they were likely to earn. Remember when there was no "low income earners allowance"?

    Oh ! I forgot; we did accumulate a substantial "war chest". Much appreciated by the "workers" that was.

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  77. It is embarrasing that the Government of the day felt the need to issue a press release addressing a specific rumour, and not any of the many others making the rounds concerning the same matter.

    Of course many of the other rumours cast the GSLP in a negative light so why should any time be dedicated to those!

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  78. anon 9.22
    why do you say the dept of ed is lacking in ideas? I would have thought that that was a particularly successful and smooth running govt dept? ke vamos critica for the sake of it. If its the GSLP's intention de ponerlo como minister for education and then claim the dept's success is due to him that would be farcical now wouldn't it?
    come on, man don't be so one-sided

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  79. question: if Government takes a moment to refute a 'rumour' everybody knows is not true and doesn't need refuting, where does that leave all the other rumours, we all know are true, but don't go unrefuted?

    By implication, does that mean they can't refute them?

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  80. anon @ 13.58...

    reminds me of when David Beckham 'llevo por corte' to a woman on a newspaper claiming she'd slept with him, but somehow he never sued Rebecca Loos!! lol

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  81. I have to agree. Makes you think why Govt has taken the time to refute the Picardo rumour....but at the same time has never done so with so many others.....food for thought! someone has either lost the plot or has unwillingly had to issue this Press Release on orders from the CM!

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  82. Another misfire by the GSD.

    Genuinely surprising, and I mean that sincerely. The fact that the GSD chose to attempt character assassination on Picardo so early on as opposed to shortly before the election was confusing and unexpected, but now that they've decided to issue this clumsy press release it seems to this observer that the once cunning minds at the GSD propaganda seem to have lost their once extremely accurate touch on the pulse of the people of Gibraltar.

    Whoever's responsible with coming up with the idea of issuing a press release on this one specific rumour at the expense of mentioning and refuting any of the others should be shown the door as they're not doing the party any favours.

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  83. The board of education is certainly far from flawless.

    Read my article that made the Panorama's front page last week titled "Discrimination against sexes in Gibraltar" to find out more on an education system that needs “attending” to and pronto!

    http://www.panorama.gi/localnews/headlines.php?action=view_article&article=7547&offset=0

    Ps - Thanks Anon 20:55 :)

    K

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  84. I agree with those who say that Caruana's clumsy reaction to the Picardo rumour that nobody seems to have heard could show that Caruana's razor sharp mind is now blunt.I think that is a tragedy for Gib which has benefitted from his intelligence. Has MI6 put something in Caruanas jelly beans? Who put the idea of the press release in his head, Golt? Armstrong? Feetham? Holliday? Pardo? Whoever did it has done Caruana a massive disservice. Next question = was it done on purpose or well meaning stupidity.

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  85. I don't read the panorama mate.

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  86. KJ@18:06

    Have you taken up this matter with the Shadow Minister for Education?

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  87. the problem with Mr Joyce is that he is so blatantly partisan that people do not take his views seriously - a bit like the chld who kept crying wolf, nobody took him seriously when he had something serious to say.

    If Mr Joyce really wants our attention, he should tackle all political issues fairly instead of being a GSLP propagandist designed to saturate this blog.

    returning back to the topic of the CM, it seems that the GSLP propagandists (we can only assume with the consent of the upper echelons of the opposition) have uploaded a southpark cartoon video of the CM signing about taking it "in the but-but".

    is this funny? maybe. Is it juvenile? definitely. is it likely convince any undecideds to vote GSLP? definitely not!

    Mr Joyce, since you seem so connected to the GSLP propagandists can you please tell us if this is something that you approve of, or is this video just a taste of things to come if the GSLP have their way?

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  88. Anon@10:46

    I agree with your comments KJ. I have not watched the video that you refer to but I can imagine the content. What I find concerning about most of KJ's comments is that it makes me wonder what the opposition has been up to for the last 15 years. If things are as bad as he says it shows the GSLP as an ineffective opposition that fails to bring to the attention of our Parliament most of the matters that cause him such concern.

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  89. I've noticed how in times of crisis and embarrassment, GSDites feel the need to come out and ridicule in an attempt to cover up the party's/CM's misgivings.

    I suppose you have nothing to say about the last rumour-quashing that has taken place? Nothing to say either about other rumours going round? What about a comment on the state of play on the financing of the mid-town project?

    Instead you ridicule Mr Joyce, who's views on employing locals seem to have been echoed this week in Westminster. Radical Conservatives, perhaps? LOL

    You're really all quite sad and your desperation is showing in the temper tantrums we are witnessing, but by all means, continue as you are, the more you ridicule, the more ridiculous you sound!

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  90. there you go again! El GSD esta fatal!

    Just like the CM's press release informed Gibraltar there was a rumour going round that nobody had heard about, anon@ 10:46 has just informed Gibraltar about the existence of a video, nobody knew anything about either.

    By the way, anon @ 10:46, que esta en u-tube? Tiene el link?

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  91. Anon 10:03

    No I haven’t maybe I should do though. :)

    Anon 10:46/11:50

    GSLP propagandist? jajajajaja

    I have been called many things but never that!

    On this same blog I have criticised the GSLP on many an occasion! The only reason I criticise the GSD more regularly is because they are the party in power!

    Just because I think the GSLP is the most viable option at the moment does not mean I think the party is infallible!

    Why don’t you read the article first before jumping to assumptions? You might then note that I am actually quite complimentary towards a certain GSD minister.

    K

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  92. Anon@15:59

    If by "character assassination so early on" you are referring to Mr Picardo's "cases", I would just comment that Mr Picardo brought it upon himself by relating it to the Necora case during the GBC interview.

    The closer we get to an election the more that "the cases" will be mentioned unless Mr Picardo reassures us about the well documented consequences.

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  93. Anon@10:46

    Could Mr Joyce be a GSD mole?

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  94. "The closer we get to an election the more that "the cases" will be mentioned"

    Is that the plan then, anon@14:36? How unimaginative!

    Robert, please note this forewarning or maybe even slip of the tongue (or fingers!), it would be a pity if you allowed your blog to be hijacked in this way without even an attempt to address the current topic, or even current thread.

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  95. Mr/Mrs “@”! Welcome back (I assume you’re the same anon I’ve been in discussion with lately ;)

    The “cases” (nice touch) are indeed important, and I imagine attention will be given to them in due course by all sides. By character assassination I meant that the GSD had set out to tarnish Picardo’s image to the electorate by openly presenting the cases in which he is providing evidence to the people of Gibraltar, as well as mentioning the fact that he has a couple of Bar Disciplinary matters (one of which has since been quietly resolved). In my opinion it is clear that they did this so as to coerce the people of Gibraltar into concluding that as a result of these circumstances that perhaps he isn’t the best suitable candidate to act as Gibraltar Chief Minister in the future. That’s a valid view to have and the GSD are entitled to argue that point and the GSLP are entitled to rebut it as they deem fit. Whether they do so by choosing to explain Picardo’s involvement in the cases or emphasising that the party moving forwards is de-centralising decision making is up to them. The reason I mentioned the GSD’s attempt at character assassination was that I personally felt that the timing was off, as opposed to being a knockout blow that could’ve been delivered in the final weeks leading to an election it was delivered way too early into the fight, giving the GSLP an opportunity to try and recover from the damage that was dealt.

    In my opinion it was therefore a misfire on the GSD’s part.

    By the way, Picardo’s reference to the Necora case was flawed and there is no defending that. One cannot defend the indefensible.

    With that in mind I note that you’re still avoiding the issue as to Caruana’s letter to the FSC concerning Robert? Specifically what the facts suggest as to the contents of the letter and Caruana’s style of running things as a whole.

    :)

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  96. WTW

    You make unsubstantiated insinuations that could amount to defamation, that is why I have not published your comments. If you have evidence of what you insinuate please give it to me. I will then publish ...

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  97. Lo que faltava ya un GSD mole dice hahaaah

    Now I have heard it all! lol

    K

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  98. So Picardo has baggage enough to fill an Antonov AN 225 airliner. Maybe he is fit for office maybe he ain't, that is up to the electorate. True, the elctorate needs to have full information otherwise we might as well change its name to "the mugs" ("The mugs of Gibraltar have spoken"). Remember also that the people (electorate a.k.a. mugs) gets the government that it deserves. But hey, fellow dupes and suckers we DO have a government and Picardo is not in it. What we really need to be asking is what Caruana and Holliday and their "merry men" (remember? lol) have been getting up to - there may not be any "cases" (power can avoid cases, wink nudge) but there are many opaque "matters" which the public who has stumped up all the wonga needs to have an account for. So you bloggers who curtsey low to the GSD and spit on Picardo and those others who would elect anyone even a severely hemorroidal ape to be shot of the GSD be careful you are making arses of yourselves. I agree with the wise man (guy) who said that if we do not like what is on offer we do not need to vote. I think that at the next election the intelligence of the Gibraltarian electorate will be measured against the level of blank votes

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  99. Anon@22:28


    It appears that your main objection to the Government’s Press Release on “the cases” was that the timing was off. The timing was triggered off by Mr Picardo’s GBC interview and his reference to the Necora case. To say that his reference was “flawed” is an understatement; it was an unfounded and ill judged bit of mischief that has backfired on him. If you consider the timing of the Government’s response as a misfire on the part of the GSD so be it, however, I strongly disagree with your suggestion that it should have been delayed and brought up a few weeks before an election as it could have lead to the main issues that should really matter to the electorate being relegated to the background. “The cases” issue should be clarified well before the campaign starts in earnest, that is, if the electorate is to be properly informed and able to make a well judged choice based on the policies of the contesting parties and the quality and commitment of the component members of each party.

    Furthermore, if I have not commented on Mr Caruana’s letter to the FSC it is not because I am avoiding it for the reasons that you may have surmised, it is simply that, unlike you, I do not believe that it is or ever will be a major political issue either in Gibraltar or internationally.

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  100. Anonymous at 18:09

    Although I have at all times agreed that the letter from the CM to the Chairman of the FSC about me itself is not a major political issue it is, as I have already said, potentially a"perfect storm" example of autocratic CM involvement and interference in matters.

    Insofar as the international aspect, I beg to differ. The International Monetary Fund ("IMF") are very keen to ensure that there is no political interference in financial supervision. It will be interested to know whether it considers that any exists, when it next inspects Gibraltar and its FSC, This is especially pertinent as just days after the last clean bill of health, the government passed an amendment to banking legislation enabling it to refuse a bank licence to an applicant despite that the FSC has approved its grant ... well, well well. I wonder what the IMF will make of that also! If the IMF find there is political interference in financial supervision in Gibraltar the consequences to the finance industry's growth could be significant.

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  101. Anon 18:09, thank you for your response!

    You are correct that my main objection to “the cases” was that the timing was off (although that isn’t completely accurate for reasons I will go on to explain) and I agree that your assessment of Picardo’s mention of the Necora case is a fair one.

    Firstly, as I’ve said from the outset I believe that the electorate has the right to be fully informed about every piece of relevant information pertaining to electoral candidates. As such I agree with the view that the GSD were correct in informing the people of Gibraltar of Picardo’s professional matters and letting them draw their own conclusions and inferences from the facts arising from those (even if they kindly chipped in with their own opinions).

    What I meant by the timing being off was that the GSD clearly did this so as to try and undermine Picardo’s credibility as the potential Chief Minister at a time where the GSD’s leader has reached new levels of unpopularity. It would have been more effective of them to have done so shortly before the election so that the important failings of the GSD in the last 4 years in their ability to deliver on all of their manifesto and election promises would have been overlooked and people would have instead simply been concerned about Picardo’s ability to lead without giving the GSLP enough time to reassure the people of Gibraltar about the GSLP’s capacity to effectively lead Gibraltar in whatever manner they chose to do so.

    Indeed, the GSD were entitled to and right to bring these matters to the forefront of public awareness, but one would have to be very naive to believe that they had done this for any other reason than to tarnish the GSLP’s image (especially taking into consideration the clumsy and accusatory press release concerning the rumour surrounding Picardo’s attack). Therefore, in terms of effectiveness that hit should have been delivered later in the day. I’m sorry you disagree with that assessment.

    With respect to your last paragraph I can assure you that you have most certainly not addressed the questions concerning Caruana’s letter to the FSC concerning Robert! I’m afraid I’m going to have to subject you to another copy and paste quote from one of my earlier replies in order to again sum up my thoughts on the matter:

    “Your previously expressed opinion simply stated that you did not feel that the letter Caruana sent to the FSC concerning Robert was likely to be an election issue, you did not explain why you considered this to be the case.

    I reiterated that the letter situation was: “Something which again I believe to be of both great local and international significance as a seemingly clear example that has yet to be argued from ANY front that the Chief Minister has used his all pervading influence and power against Robert (or so it would seem). Considering this is an often cited criticism that Mr Caruana took the time to specifically address in his recent interview you’d think we’d receive such clarification from the man himself no? Why are you so confident that it is not of great importance?”

    So I ask you Anonymous 22:38, are you able to provide any justification for your opinion?”

    It seems that again, you refuse to express any thought on the matter beyond stating that you do not consider the matter to be a major political issue. A shameless copout that holds the equivalent argumentative weight as saying “I am right because yes.”

    If you’re not capable of backing up an opinion...what’s the point of expressing it on a political forum of debate?

    :)

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  102. Robert@18:34

    We shall just have to wait and see won't we.

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  103. Anonymous at 19:21

    A timely retreat ... :)

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  104. Anonymous at 18:09

    I should have added that the Financial Services Commission Act that gives the CM so much involvement in appointment and removal of Commission members was also enacted soon after the last IMF inspection. I guess we will have to wait and see whether that influences its conclusions also :)

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