Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/38216
Title: Simon`s Hobson`s choice
Authors: Deidun, Alan
Keywords: Busuttil, Simon, 1969-
Fowling -- Malta
Referendum -- Malta
Non-governmental organizations -- Malta
Hunters -- Malta
Pollution -- Europe
Issue Date: 2015-01-25
Publisher: Allied Newspapers Ltd.
Citation: Deidun, A. (2015, January 25). Simon`s Hobson`s choice. The Times of Malta, pp. 1-4.
Abstract: Prior to pronouncing himself on the spring hunting referendum, Simon Busuttil must have been in an unenviable position. On one hand, trying to the endear the Nationalist Party to {or at least, not further alienate it from) environmental NGOs, following years of sparring between the two sides regarding dubious decisions taken by previous administrations, and handling the albatross around his neck - his active involvement in obtaining from the EU a derogation for Maltese hunters to be able to practise their 'pastime' even during the spring season. By declaring his intention to vote in favour of retaining spring hunting, Joseph Muscat effectively served Busuttil with a Hobson's choice. Busuttil chose to opt for damage limitation and to steer clear of the 'inconsistency' minefield, as declaring a different position would have handed brownie points to detractors pointing to hisinconsistent stance. While I understand that politics is all about choosing your battles and that constant fire-fighting comes in the way of upholding your principles, I feel that Busuttil should have been bolder. U-turns are generally perceived to be anathema to good governance, but reasoned ones are certainly not.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/38216
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - FacSciGeo

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
Simons_Hobsons_choice.pdf851.33 kBAdobe PDFView/Open


Items in OAR@UM are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.