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Personalities talk of Europe as ‘IVA’ launches countdown to the referendum

What do Mike Spiteri, Carmel Busuttil and Harry Vassallo have in common? Probably not much, apart from the fact that yesterday they chose to present a personal view on Malta’s bid to join the European Union.

The event was held at the Hilton by ‘Moviment Malta fl-Ewropa’ to mark what the movement called the beginning of the ‘countdown to the referendum’.

The theme was reinforced by a significant slogan hanging over the heads of the ‘IVA’ executive with the word ‘Lesti’, (we are ready) and an egg timer.

Prof. Kenneth Wain, presiding over the conference, said that the movement had invited a number of speakers from all walks of life to express their opinion on why Malta should be in Europe.

One of the most notable interventions from the guests was that made by Pierre Grech Marguerat a Jesuit priest, who reminded the audience that the debate should not be left to the political parties.

He said that the Archbishop had called for an intelligent debate. Grech Marguerat said that a civil society existed, which could not be forgotten. He said that choices that needed to be made for Europe had to place the protection of the work place, tackling unemployment, and ending poverty as the central issues.

Other speakers brought up their personal experiences. The very popular footballers, Carmel Busuttil and Ernest Barry, were clear about their stand on Europe, as was singer Mike Spiteri who said that one could not miss out on such a golden opportunity.

Town planner Paul Gauci related his experience of town planning and the importance of upholding the European culture in this field.

On a personal note, Tersten Spiteri spoke as a youth about the opportunities that Europe offered to the younger generation of Maltese.

Marika Bayliss put forward her views as a mother, saying that the future of her children depended on the opportunities of the European Union.

Dr Harry Vassallo, on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika, insisted that the decision on Europe could not rest with the two parties.

"This goes beyond the two parties – it is a national issue," he said.

He underlined the positive impact of environmental directives on Malta, but warned against expecting miracles.

‘IVA’ chairman, Joanna Drake concluded the conference, by calling on the general public to stand up and be counted.

She emphasised the issues facing the country, the danger of being isolated and of staying out. She drew parallels with other countries who had chosen to go slow on Europe but had later realised their mistake and redressed their Eurosceptic stand.

Announcing that with this conference IVA was launching the countdown to the referendum, Dr Drake explained that the issues facing the public were not party-oriented, but formed part of a national issue.

"We must be aware that this decision will have ramifications for the country in 10, 20 and 30 years’ time," she said, before launching the countdown.