Alternattiva Demokratika has said that it fully understands PL spokesperson Michael Falzon’s statement to MaltaToday that AD’s agreement to a proposal for a moratorium on fireworks manufacture is "stupid" and "ridiculous." "Michael Falzon is thus confirming that his and the PL’s priorities in politics is not saving human lives but trying to get as many votes possible, at all costs, from the "dilettanti tan-nar" community."

Ralph Cassar, AD Secretary General who had said that AD joined the call for a moratorium initially proposed by The Times and supported by a military expert in explosives said, "The excuses brought forward by Michael Falzon, if it is Michael Falzon the Labour MP or Michael Falzon the fireworks factory representative we still don’t know, show his fanaticism even in the face of repeated accidents and deaths. Michael Falzon mentions a rush to produce fireworks once a moratorium is over. Not if authorities are serious enough and limit the material available to firework factories. Not if the moratorium period covers all the feasts for a long enough period to prevent hasty work. Not if all material is quarantined with immediate effect."

"If Michael Falzon and others do not realize the seriousness of the situation and cannot resist manufacturing fireworks until a proper and in depth review of the whole industry is carried out then they should not be considered responsible enough to be licensed to go anywhere near fireworks."

Prof. Arnold Cassola, Spokesperson on EU and International Affairs, stated: " Michael Falzon’s stance is deja vu! The PL can keep on flirting with the votes of hunters, dilettanti tan-nar, etc. we at AD, being responsible politicians, prefer measures to preserve life rather than play with fire and death in order to gain votes."

Arnold Cassola concluded by saying that, "Alternattiva Demokratika was a prime leader in the EU movement because it wanted our country to join a political block that works for the highest standards in all fields, including that of health and safety. Through their actions, Labour and PN, and their leaders Gonzi and Muscat, are clearly demonstrating that they have once again formed an alliance against the common good of the Maltese and Gozitans."

Photograph is by Xavier Wambergue.

Permalink: We value lives & do not play with fire & death for votes – AD