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Divorce? No thanks – why Adrian Vassallo won’t run for Labour in 2013
Labour MP Adrian Vassallo will not be contesting the next general elections for Labour - ‘vote for divorce? I won’t even be in parliament'
Adrian Vassallo, a general practitioner, has been the conservative bulwark of the new Labour party for the past 15 years. But yesterday he admitted in a MaltaToday on Sunday interview that he will be calling it quits by the time of the next general election.
Vassallo says he will not be voting against a private member’s bill by Joseph Muscat to legislate in favour of divorce, “because [he] won’t be in parliament by then.”
Muscat’s bill to introduce divorce is one of his most important political pledges in his bid for government, but Vassallo says he still doesn’t have the full support of the PL parliamentary group.
“I have no doubt that divorce will be an issue come the next election. And the Nationalist government will use it against Labour, and the Church will also pipe in. I don’t it’s fair going for a parliament vote – it should be a referendum. After all, why should us 65 MPs decide for the rest of Malta?
“With Joseph Muscat’s system, this bill won’t pass. If it had to take place today, it would not pass. There are some four to five MPs who wouldn’t vote for it. I don’t understand how he challenged the prime minister to a free vote on divorce. I think he should legislate through electoral mandate, rather than leaving it up to the MPs.”
Vassallo’s frank admission is the first from an MP who, without declaring it, appears uncomfortable with Muscat’s ideological direction.
Vassallo says he has been absenting himself from Labour party meetings for its parliamentary group for the past 10 years. “I toe the party line… I don’t speak in parliament anymore, perhaps some PQ here and there. The ones which make the most noise.”
He says that in the past he had the opportunity to tell former Labour leader Alfred Sant that he did not agree with him on divorce, and has even told Joseph Muscat he could not support his line on divorce.
“I told him that I could never agree with him on the stand he took on divorce. I mean, I do have the right to disagree with him….
“However, I did take offence at Muscat when he said that there was no space for people in the party who don’t believe people should have a second chance.”
Vassallo says Muscat was referring to, amongst others, Labour MPs who did not agree with divorce.
Vassallo also hinted that Labour’s progressive and moderate umbrella may yet prove unable to attract everyone, but claims that the Opposition is proving very effective against the government.
But, he adds, the Opposition remains hampered by a pro-government media – naming The Times and Where’s Everybody as the face of the media which tends to belittle the issues that Labour champions.
“We know where certain independent media stand with respect to government. The Oppositions tends to be belittled because of this media bias. I can name it too: The Times for one, and Where’s Everybody is today the national broadcaster.
“The problem with the Labour party is that the Nationalist government has a vast network that allows it to win over aspiring Labourites to their side. Even secretaries to Labour ministers have today become Nationalists. The PN has a way of attracting people with contracts.”
Saviour Balzan •
The only problem with the divorce issue is that it will be turned into an electoral issue and the election will not be won or lost because of what the new government will be doing about the economy, public finances etc but whether it supports the church in its battle against divorce.
From past experience the PN is very good at this and the PL will suffer. Who does not remember the HOFRA. If was said the iwas a HRAFA but turned out to be so real that in spite of the PAR IDEJN SODI, the EU still says our long term finances are in shambles.
Joseph Fiorini •
I will never support divorce legislation.Although one can argue that the law should be there and who chooses can use it .By dividing a family you create more chaos .I dont want to be part of the chaos.
Jason Deguara •
I am not going to bring in the fore the beliefs and preaching of my church in this article; although one should.
I believe that with drug legalising, there will be more drug takers.
I believe that with no door locks, there will be more thefts.
I believe that with less police, there will be more crime.
I believe that with an abundance of alcohol and sweets, consumption of these items will increase.
and I believe that, with the introduction of divorce, as in all other countries where divorce came in, there will be an increase in the number of broken families.
Now experts are already telling us that members of broken families are more inclined to fall into the poverty trap.
So one can deduce..divorce = poverty; the state comes in, more expenditure, more social benefits, more abuse, more good money wasted and more taxes which could have otherwise been employed better.
I deeply regret the situation of many individuals who end up not seeing eye to eye with their partner [i have witnessed this amongst family and friends]; however, when I look at the overall picture, I still believe that divorce should not be legalised.
Disclaimer: I do not represent anybody; I am merely expressing myself as I have a right to, [as long as the writer does not offend anyone with an opposing view.]
Anthea D'Amico •
Very simple dear good Doctor. Make way and vacate your parliamentary seat. No, we do not want to be controlled Like China or any other similar country. It's bad enough as it is, practically no freedom of speech.
anthony vella •
So, lets have a go at this subject ! Divorce in Malta is needed and needed badly. Who's ever fault it is that the marriage failed its just not fair that the other half is stuck in 'limbo' - we are not allowed to receive holy communion, even when we have kids, that we are obliged to show them the 'right way' and teach them the Catholic religion. Our kids grow up, receive their first holy communion but alas the parent is not allowed to receive holy communion with his/her child - why can't you receive holy communion asks the child (answer that question to the child dear church). So anyway, the church goes on about marriage and the vows that we took which cannot be broken etc. etc. - but why then, dear church can a priest take his vows and then fancy a woman, leave priesthood and get married ??? double standards ??? Grow up Malta, grow up !! In ten years time we will be laughing at the idea that divorce took so long to be introduced in Malta - that is if, we do open up out closed minds within the coming 10 years !
Rita Brincat •
As a doctor he is not giving a very good example about smoking!!!
Posing for a picture with a pipe looks like a picture from the 50's,
progressive hahahah
Jurgen Axiaq •
I simply cannot understand how a European country with so many broken families can still be discussing divorce in 2010.
This is not a question of a referendum. The majority cannot decide for the minority in such cases.
I do believe that the Labour Party has to continue pushing the divorce issue in Malta. There are so many individuals that do deserve a second chance in life!
