Disappointing predicted turnout in Gibraltar Euro Vote 2009

I am rather disappointed to read the predicted low turnout in Gibraltar, of around 35%, in its second ever participation in a European election.

Reading Brian Reyes' report in today's Gibraltar Chronicle is depressing and sad, especially after the right to vote in EU parliamentary elections, which Gibratar did for the first time ever in 2004, was so hardfought for... and only achieved after a EU court ruling!

In his Chronicle report, Brian Reyes says Gibraltar’s electorate "appeared to be largely indifferent".

"Throughout the day there was slow activity at the 12 polling stations around town, a trickle of voters compared to the last EU election in 2004.

Outside the polling stations, the police officers on guard duty looked bored. Inside, the civil servants idled the hours away and looked relieved whenever a voter stepped in.

The polls were open until 10pm and a surge in numbers was possible. But as this edition went to press, the indication was of a markedly low turnout by Gibraltar standards."

As polls closed at 10pm last night, the Chronicle reports just 7,166 voters had cast their ballots. That's only around 35% of eligible voters and well below the previous election in 2004, when the turnout was around 57%, a figure that Gibraltar has been proud of as it is significantly higher than the average turnout across Europe, which stood at just over 45%, for the 2004 elections.

The Chronicle reports that the ballot boxes are now securely locked up at the Supreme Court. They will remain there until Sunday evening when the votes will be counted, following the conclusion of all voting across Europe. Gibraltar’s results should be officially announced late on Sunday night, 7th June.

I'm hoping even with the low turnout... that the LibDems will still nevertheless, produce a good 'showing'... fingers crossed!

Footnote on being the 1st

Speaking about the LibDems, as regular readers of my blog will know, I have much enjoyed supporting Jonathan Stagnetto (seen casting his vote yesterday on the picture right - courtesy of Panorama), who is the first Gibraltarian to stand for election under the Liberal Democrats list in Thursday's vote. He is however, the second Gibraltarian ever to stand for election in a European Parliament vote, and I much enjoyed helping him with his campaign in a small way, with a little contribution helping to run his Facebook Group.

I was therefore interested to see this headline in Panorama: First Gibraltar candidate in a European election casts his vote for mainstream party. Not exactly a very clear headline (nothing new there from Panorama) or possibly accurate... but I do know what they mean... I think!

The Panorama report pictures Jonathan Stagetto voting and describes him as "the first Gibraltarian candidate to stand in a European Election with a mainstream party".

"Standing for the Liberal-Democrats, Jonathan Stagnetto - member of the Liberal Party of Gibraltar - was making local history as he cast his vote."

As Brian Reyes (journalist for the Chronicle and blogger) himself pointed out to me recently, when I first started excitedly blogging about Jonathan Stagnetto's standing for the LibDems in Gibraltar's Euro vote, he was not THE first Gibraltarian to stand for one of the main parties, in a Gibraltar (or any other) European Parliamentary election. That credit goes to Lyana Armstrong-Emery, who stood for the Green Party in the 2004 Euro vote. By most people's yardstick, these days, the Green Party IS 'one of the main stream parties' albeit not one of the 'big three' but it cannot be dismissed as a minor party any longer. Obviously I don't know what their vote will be in this election as yet... but I suspect it will be significant. Enough to be regarded as a 'main stream party' anyway!

So, either way, whether Panorama meant the 'first Gibraltarian candidate in a European election' or standing for one of the 'main parties' in a European election... I would have to dispute that... especially after their journalist colleague picked me up on it. In my defence, I did know Lyana had been the first ever to stand... only in my excitement... I forgot! Perhaps Panorama have made the same mistake? Then again, I might be 'splitting hairs'... Funny though!

Follow the EU Election Results

You can follow the European Election and view the results as they are announced here: BBC NEWS | Special Reports | Election 09

Gibraltar voting today in European Parliament elections

For the second time in its history, Gibraltar is today participating in elections for the European Parliament.

Over the next few days, some 375 million voters in 27 countries will go to the polls across Europe.

Gibraltar is part of the South West England Region constituency which also includes the Scilly Isles.

Writing in the Gibraltar Chronicle today, Brian Reyes reports the polling stations in Gibraltar opened early this morning and will remain open until 10pm tonight.

He recalls how Gibraltar had to fight hard to win the right to vote in European elections. The first time it did so was in 2004, when 57% of voters turned out to cast their ballot papers and included the first ever Gibraltarian, Lyana Armstrong-Emery who stood for election for the Green Party.

That percentage was significantly higher than the average turnout across Europe, which stood at just over 45%.

There are 20,413 eligible voters on the Gibraltar electoral register and officials are hopeful of a high turnout today.

"Despite high-profile canvassing by many candidates over recent weeks", writes Brian Reyes, "yesterday on Main Street there was none of the fevered discussion associated with a general election".

There was a general air of indifference, though some voters were passionately discussing – often in close detail – the pros and cons of voting for any particular party or candidate.

For many voters, the EU election presents them with a confusing array of choices.

At the polling station today, voters will have to pick from a list of 16 parties and candidates that campaigned in the South West region of the UK, the Scilly Isles and of course, Gibraltar, which has been visited recently by the 'big guns' from most of the main parties, including, Douglas Hague for the Conservatives and Simon Hughes from the Liberal Democrats.

Graham Watson MEP, who has been relentless in his support for Gibraltar and its interest in the Strasbourg Parliament during the last five years, particularly on human rights and the environment, also visited to support his local Liberal Democrat colleague and candidate, Jonathan Stagnetto (on the right of the picture with Graham Watson), the only Gibraltarian standing for this election.

It is largely due to Mr Watson, with his support for a Gibraltar candidate, that Gibraltar has its own Gibraltarian representative, in Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing within the list of the only major party that has shown this important initiative on Gibraltar's behalf.

Some of the other candidates, says the Chronicle report, will be well known to everyone, including the three main UK political parties, while others may be more obscure. Still others will be known for different reasons, including one independent candidate Katie Hopkins who is an English Reality Television contestant, businesswoman and journalist, best known for her 2007 appearance on the third UK series of TV reality programme The Apprentice.

The South West/Gibraltar region has been allocated six MEPs, reduced from seven seats at the last election. The voting system is based on proportional representation and voters must pick just one choice out of the list of 16 on offer.

The party or independent candidate with the most votes will win the first of the six seats.

The subsequent seats will be allocated using a quota system designed to give a chance to parties or candidates with a smaller voter base than the main contenders.

The more seats a party wins, the harder it is to gain extra seats.

That means that the overall allocation of seats is more proportional to the number of votes received.

Parties have presented up to six candidates and each of the seats they win will be allocated in running order.

That means, writes Mr Reyes, "that candidates at the end of their respective lists – for example Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing with the Liberal Democrats and is the only local candidate – are highly unlikely to win a seat". Quite so... but you never know!

Although the voting is taking place in Gibraltar today, the ballots will not be counted until Sunday evening and the results will not be known until later that night.

Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Government yesterday evening issued a statement that calls on voters in Gibraltar to "participate in the elections by casting a vote".

"In the Government’s view, people in Gibraltar should vote for the party that in their judgement and opinion, is best for Gibraltar, our sovereignty, self-determination and EU interests. This requires an assessment of past record, as well as, the commitment as a party to uphold Gibraltar’s interests in the future."

To my mind... no question who that might be. The Liberal Democrats win hands down... all due to the great work Graham Watson the LibDem MEP has done on Gibraltar's behalf at the European Parliament!

I have much enjoyed supporting Jonathan Stagnetto, helping his campaign on his Facebook Group. In a 'thank you' note to the Group last night, Jonathan wrote:

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for the tremendous support that you have all given me as the only candidate from Gibraltar contesting these European elections.

It has made life much easier for me to know that so many of you actually took the time to sign-up to this Facebook Group in support of my campaign.

I would also like to thank the Liberal Democrats for having included me on their list. They have shown that only a visionary political party like the Liberal Democrats had the courage to make a commitment of this type and at this level. I have no doubt that this decision to include a Gibraltarian in their list has made these elections more relevant to Gibraltar. It has proven the Liberal Democrat commitment to Gibraltar, particularly that of current MEP Graham Watson and his team.

I urge all of you who are eligible, to go out tomorrow, Thursday 4th June and vote Liberal Democrat!

Hopefully this campaign can prove to be the prelude to greater Gibraltarian involvement in Europe and a greater participation in future European elections.

Thanks again for your support!!

I think Jonathan has fulfilled his wishes. He has conducted a very dignified campaign and, in my somewhat biased view admittedly, I think he has "made these elections more relevant to Gibraltar". It's certainly proven the Liberal Democrat's and Graham Watson's commitment to Gibraltar, that's for sure.

For myself... it has been a pleasure and a privilege to help, albeit in a small way and I offer the Liberal Democrats in Gibraltar and Jonathan Stagnetto in particular, my very best wishes for the future, whatever the outcome is in Sunday's result!

You can follow the Election and view the results when they are announced here: BBC NEWS | Special Reports | Election 09

Duff refuses to answer questions on being British

You may have read my post a couple of days ago, where I laid into my incumbent LibDem MEP, Andrew Duff (the 'Old Duffer'), in the East of England EU constituency, about his apparent anti-British, anti-democratic and anti-Gibraltar stance.

My discovery of his attack on Gibraltar and how proud Gibraltar was when celebrating 300 years of being British, calling it "tawdry nationalism", incensed me. I am particularly aggravated by his support for Spain's continual bullying of Gibraltar and his disregard for the freely and democratically expressed wishes of 30,000 European British citizens!

This put me in a bit of a quandary as to who to vote for today. To resolve my quandary I contacted Linda Jack (who is listed 2nd in LibDem East of England list) and she, unlike the 'Old Duffer', had the courtesy to reply... in fact within about half an hour.

This is what Linda Jacks had to say on being British:

Where I stand on Britishness. Like you I have served in the armed forces and continued to serve my fellow citizens in public service since.

I consider myself patriotic, if elected I will not only be representing the interests of the East of England but also the nation as a whole. Because of my commitment to my country I am also committed to seeing the success of the EU, we truly will be "stronger together". I am certainly not a little Englander, and frankly, like many of my fellow citizens would not be here at all if it hadn't been for cross European immigration!

There is much to do to reform the EU to make it more democratic and effective - to ensure it truly upholds the very values expressed in the Lisbon Treaty.

That's good enough for me... and I thanked Linda for her candid, courteous and prompt reply. She WILL have my vote!

I AM still very pissed off with Duff

As for the 'Duffer'... I am still very pissed off with him... especially since he has not had the courtesy to reply to my two emails and various Tweets on Twitter!

Clearly... he does not want to answer... or considers he can avoid answering my questions without regard for me... or for the electorate. That in itself says a lot about him!

I shall continue to pursue him for an answer on where he stands on being British.

With this in mind, I have contacted all the local newspapers and one or two of the nationals too... (not my comic but The Sun likes a good rant about EU anti Britishness so I included them!) hoping to interest them on the news... that Andrew Duff evades the straight question on where he stands on being British... and why does he negate the rights and freely and democratically expressed wishes of 30,000 European British citizens!!

Does Duff support 'Britishness' and the British in East of England EU election and Parliament... I don't think so!

I was going to be voting for the LibDems in this week's Euro Elections... but now I'm not so sure. One thing I AM sure of... I won't be voting for the 'old Duffer'!!

As my regular readers will be aware, I have been supporting the efforts of Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing for election, under the Liberal Democrats list in Thursday's vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar, the Scilly Isles and South West England Region constituency.

But I actually don't live in that constituency. My constituency, since I live in the wilds of East Anglia, on the Suffolk / Norfolk borders, is in fact the East of England, a constituency which, I am delighted to say, is yet another where the Liberal Democrats are in a good position to gain a second seat in the European Parliament at the election this Thursday! For this long standing LibDem supporter, that's good news!

The door-to-door campaigning is intensifing across the region and I recently duly received my expected leaflet from our LibDems and our incumbent MEP, Andrew Duff, who is as it happens, also Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party.

Now, I have to admit, while I follow UK politics quite closely, when it comes to Europe, like many of us, I'm afraid I find myself yawning regularly and getting quite irritated, not to say concerned, by the way we are relentlessly relinquishing our (Britain's) legislative powers, now about 75%, to the European Parliament.

In short, I'm afraid to say, I find myself more and more in two minds about the whole issue of our participation in the European Union.

In principle, I'm all for a free trade market, as the old EC was intended, which I voted for in 1973. As far as peace, security and stability is concerned, I do believe the European Union, by and large, gives Europe a better chance for this to prevail... than otherwise would be the case.

But I do have a problem with the way the EU is slowly being pushed more towards a 'Federal Europe'. I do also have a problem, as I already said, in the way Britain is relinquishing it's own legislative powers and I definitely have a problem as to how much it all costs.

Now you might wonder, since I feel like this, the party I should be voting for is UKIP right? Wrong!! For me, UKIP are a single issue party. I rather like old Nigel Farage. He is a very persuasive speaker... though I do wish he would stop interrupting people constantly on Question Time!! But Farage is just about all UKIP have going for them.

Over the years, the Liberal Democrats' passionate support for the European Union and the single currency has not exactly seduced British voters.... myself included. But... as the LibDem Euro Election manifesto says, Stronger Together, Poorer Apart - On balance, I have to agree! I think Britain does benefit from membership of the European Union, as do we as European citizens... but there are many things I would like to see changed and reformed, not least many aspects of the Lisbon Treaty, which I must say I have a great deal of respect for Ireland, for having kicked it into touch. I probably would have voted the same... if only we had been given a referendum as promised! I still live in hope, but since we haven't been given the chance, what I am saying is, that we have to remain in the game, but change some of the rules!

Now... getting back to the East of England and my incumbent MEP Andrew Duff. Here, I have another quandary!

This business of us voting in Euro Elections get murkier and more complicated by the second... as if things, issues, weren't complicated enough already!

I like much of what Andrew Duff says. For instance, he highlights the anger we all feel about the Westminster expenses scandal and says this "is turning into a more serious effort to engage with the political reform agenda that Liberal Democrats have advanced for years", and I would agree, that's good.

He also says the "huge challenges posed by the financial turmoil, economic crash, climate change and international insecurity make a powerful case for a stronger and better European Union"... and I'm with him on all that too.

"Liberal Democrats believe that Britain has a choice between being stronger together in Europe, or poorer apart"... Yep, I said so myself earlier!

I also agree with this, from Mr Duff:

"We are well known for getting things done in our county councils, and for providing real opposition at Westminster. As leader of the Lib Dems in the European Parliament, I am helping to ensure that Europe delivers benefits for our region, our country and the wider world.

Voters would be wise to avoid single issue parties which have no answers to the big political agenda.

I hope that the nationalists and isolationists are heavily defeated in the East of England. It is frankly a disgrace that we have had two UKIP MEPs for the last five years who have been either useless or embroiled in corruption scandals.

As people react against failing Labour and avoid a Tory vote that would further marginalise the UK in Europe, they are turning to the Lib Dems.

Engaging with the electorate we find encouraging support."

Yes, well all good so far.... Mr Duff was more or less guaranteed my support... until I started delving further and I came across this little rant by my LibDem candidate for Europe... denigrating my homeland of Gibraltar!

Andrew Duff's Affront to Gibraltar

It seems that our Mr Duff's "serenity" was impaired during a week's holiday in Andalucia back in 2004, "by a series of front page press photos of Geoff Hoon".

Mr Hoon was, at the time, the UK's defence minister, and the picture that so discomfited Mr Duff was of Mr Hoon "looking as smug as can be, seated next to an over-dressed senior naval commander", at a military parade during Gibraltar's Tricentenary celebrations, which included a visit of support by Princess Anne.

Well, I don't mind Mr Duff having a go at Geoff Hoon... but I do mind and I take great offence at the tone of the rest of what he wrote and had published in the Liberal Democrat News on Fri 13th Aug 2004, particularly, his very disparaging and insulting remarks aimed at the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar:

The jolly occasion was mounted to celebrate the seizure of the fort by an Anglo-Dutch fleet on 4 August 1704 - a relatively minor incident in the War of the Spanish Succession (between the Habsburgs and the Bourbons). Ten years later, at the Treaty of Utrecht the Rock was assigned to Great Britain.

Both the War and the Peace were controversial. The reaction of William Penn, the English Quaker, was to campaign for the convening of a 'sovereign or imperial Diet, a Parliament or State of Europe' in which rulers would bury their differences and arbitrate disputes. Yet even today, despite the vindication of the Enlightenment in the constitution of the European Union, Gibraltar is left behind as the last colony in mainland Europe.

Nobody would deny Gibraltarians a party. But the smugness of Mr Hoon, the military nature of the event, and the tawdry nationalism that pervaded the event have caused the Spanish, who are a courteous and anti-militaristic people, to seethe. Spain well knows how the genius of European integration works on the side of liberty, democracy and human rights. The Spanish are right to castigate a British government which completely failed to use the Gibraltar anniversary as an opportunity to advance the social, economic and cultural integration of Gibraltar with its Spanish hinterland. It is bad enough that the nationalists have defeated Foreign Office attempts to open up the question of sovereignty. It is worse to learn that this government will not accept the request of the new Spanish government to use the EU to soften their border dispute. It is shameful to see 21st century Britain celebrate the military occupation of the territory of an EU partner. Down with Hoon! Up with Penn!

Well... I'll tell you what you insulting 'old Duffer'... what is shameful is to see a British LibDem MEP supporting Spain against the wishes of 30,000 British people in Gibraltar!!!

Up with British Gibraltar! Down with stupid old Duff!

Gibraltar is left behind as the last colony in mainland Europe? Hmmmm!! Well I hope Mr Duff did not miss the news of the referendum approving Gibraltar's new Constitution in 2006, which de facto, by an act of self determination, decolonised Gibraltar.. even though the UN is having some difficulty coming round to that realisation!

"Tawdry nationalism that pervaded the event" that caused the Spanish, "who are a courteous and anti-militaristic people, to seethe"??? ha ha!! Courteous and Anti militaristic? Yeah... just as they are showing with their recent transgressions of Gibraltar's British sovereign territorial waters! Great courtesy that!! Don't make me laugh Mr Duff!!!

How about this one... it really takes the biscuit!

"The Spanish are right to castigate a British government which completely failed to use the Gibraltar anniversary as an opportunity to advance the social, economic and cultural integration of Gibraltar with its Spanish hinterland. "

So... Duff... you clearly do not believe in democracy eh? I mean, why take into account the freely and democratically expressed wishes of the huge majority of Gibraltarians, who in at least three referendums (referenda if you like) since 1967, have consistently and unequivocally expressed the wish to remain British! Nothing to do with the UK Foreign Office! Gibraltar says so... that's the freely expressed wishes of 30,000 European British citizens... which you are rudely brushing aside... as if they don't matter. Why... just to have a go at Hoon? Hmmmm!!

Mr Duff... your experience of the Spanish... clearly does not extend as far as mine does (or indeed of Gibraltarians who know the Spanish for what they really are)! Your view is obviously formed and restricted to nice holidays sunning yourself in Spain or from the diplomatic confines of a sterilised and hypocritical European Parliament who is continually sucking up to Spain... while they mug us for all it!s worth, for endless EU funded projects... which no doubt Mr Duff you helped to approve!

I wonder if in the intervening years, since he wrote that in 2004, has Mr Duff reflected on his rather anti Gibraltarian (if not anti British) views?? I would suspect not!

So Mr Duff... one simple question... what's wrong with being British?

Here's another, when it comes to supporting Britain in Europe... or other European countries such as Spain... who can the electorate look forward to you supporting... that of the British interest or Spain's??

So now what? Who to vote for?

Well, after I discovered this little gem from our great European... who finds a problem with being British... and with democracy, there's no way I'm going to give him my vote!

Trouble is... Duff or no Duff... I still want to support the Liberal Democrats as I've always done. What a quandary!

Oh... but hold on... Linda Jack is also standing for the LibDems and she has a good chance of becoming our second MEP in this week's elections in the East of England. Hmmmm... I wonder where SHE stands on being British and on democracy!??

It appears that the Lib Dems need only a 3% swing on the 2004 result to win two seats in the European Parliament this time around. Well, I'll have to check her out now before I decide who I give my vote to... as I'm damn sure I'm not ever going to vote for this old Duffer again!

But Mr Duff... really needs to state clearly where he stands on being British! Does this 'old Duffer' support Britain and Britishness... in the EU... or not?? The East of England electorate... should really be told!!

As for me... I am even more confused than ever! I've written to Linda Jack, asking her to answer the same questions I've posed to Duff! Watch this space!

Update - 4th June 2009 - Election Day

As I said above, I contacted Linda Jacks and she, unlike the 'Duffer', had the courtesy to reply... in fact within about half an hour. This is what Linda Jacks said on being British:

Where I stand on Britishness. Like you I have served in the armed forces and continued to serve my fellow citizens in public service since.

I consider myself patriotic, if elected I will not only be representing the interests of the East of England but also the nation as a whole. Because of my commitment to my country I am also committed to seeing the success of the EU, we truly will be "stronger together". I am certainly not a little Englander, and frankly, like many of my fellow citizens would not be here at all if it hadn't been for cross European immigration!

There is much to do to reform the EU to make it more democratic and effective - to ensure it truly it upholds the very values expressed in the Lisbon Treaty.

That's good enough for me... and I thanked Linda for her candid, courteous and prompt reply. She WILL have my vote!

I AM still very pissed off with Duff

As for the 'Duffer'... I am still very pissed off with him... especially since he has not had the courtesy to reply to my two emails and various Tweets on Twitter!

Clearly... he does not want to answer... or considers he can avoid answering my questions without regard for me... or for the electorate. That in itself says a lot about him!

I shall continue to pursue him for an answer on where he stands on being British.

With this in mind, I have contacted all the local newspapers and one or two of the nationals too... hoping to interest them on the news... that Andrew Duff evades the straight question on where he stands on being British... and why does he negate the rights and freely and democratically expressed wishes of 30,000 European British citizens!!

Gibraltar MEP candidate Jonathan Stagnetto interviewed in Gibraltar Chronicle

Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing for election, under the Liberal Democrats list in Thursday's vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency, is interviewed in today's Gibraltar Chronicle.

Talking to Paco Oliva, Jonathan Stagnetto says he is delighted to think he may be "setting a trend and opening the way for other Gibraltarians to form part of party lists at future European elections". He says his presence at these elections is "a positive development" which will serve to make them more relevant to the Gibraltarian electorate.

"Without a Gibraltarian presence, the people (of Gibraltar) would have been faced with a choice of UK parties and UK candidates that they would have found even harder to relate to.

Jonathan Stagnetto believes that, in political terms, the Liberal Democrat decision to select him reflects a solid commitment to Gibraltar "which has not been matched by anyone else" and adds that his "responsibility" will be "to provide an input of Gibraltar matters directly into the party line-up".

"The LibDems already had binding policy resolutions adopted at Conference, supporting Gibraltar at a UK, European and global level. My candidature takes this support and commitment to Gibraltar one step further."

Jonathan has also consistently declared, as he does again in the Chronicle interview, that his personal view has always been that Gibraltar should have its own MEP, its own seat and its own representation in the European Parliament. However, he also realises that, whilst this is something he would want to work for, this is not how things are at the moment and accepts that "we need to work within the system that exists at present".

This is one of the fundamental reasons I decided to support him... as I too have been saying for a long time, even before Gibraltar got the European election franchise in 2004, that Gibraltar should have its own representative in the European Parliament!

In the interview, Jonathan goes on to assert his belief that the current system has its advantages "since the Rock will have six MEPs as opposed to just one".

"It is up to the local electorate to remember which of them perform for Gibraltar, and which ones should no longer be considered worthy of the Gibraltar vote!"

No points for guessing who his choice might be!

For myself, I think both Graham Watson MEP and Neil Parish MEP have both supported Gibraltar very well in the European Parliament during the last five years.

Sadly, and even though I support the LibDems I say this sincerely, Neil Parish has now set his sites on Westminster and will be stepping down. He’s hoping to win a usually safe seat in Devon currently held by Angela Browning MP. Mr Parish has been a regular campaigner on the environmental issues arising from the Campo industries and in the Bay of Gibraltar and I will be sorry to see him go. I wish him well.

My own support, were I to be voting in this constituency, would be firmly with Graham Watson, who has also been relentless in his support for Gibraltar and its interest in the Strasbourg Parliament, particularly on human rights and the environment.

It is largely due to Mr Watson, with his support for a Gibraltar candidate, that Gibraltar has its own Gibraltarian representative, in Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing within the list of the only major party that has shown this important initiative on Gibraltar's behalf.

Mr Waston is also the Leader of the European Parliament's Liberal Democrat group (ALDE - the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe).

So my vote would be very much a vote for the Liberal Democrat list... to ensure that Graham Watson remains one of the principal MEPs to represent Gibraltar. A vote for the Liberal Democrats, not only will ensure Mr Watson is re-elected but with enough support for the LibDem list, not just in Gibraltar but elsewhere in the constituency, the unlikely possibility of Jonathan Stagnetto winning a seat in the European Parliament, could become a reality. A slim chance I know... but a possible one! We can dream can't we?

As for the other main party's candidates, I have no idea where they've been over the last five years... and I follow Gibraltar politics closely!

About Jonathan Stagnetto

Jonathan Stagnetto is the only Gibraltarian who is standing as a candidate in the elections for the European Parliament.

He has been an Executive Member of the Liberal Party of Gibraltar for 18 years and is a past party chairman and election agent. He is standing as part of the Liberal Democrats list.

Support for Gibraltar MEP Candidate - How you can help

Support for Jonathan Stagnetto, on his Facebook Group, has grown rapidly during the short time since it was set up, with over 370 members as I write.

If you haven't done so already, why not join us and help support Jonathan's Campaign for Europe?

If you have family or friends in Gibraltar or living or perhaps studying in the constituency areas of the UK, you can also help by inviting them to join the Facebook group and support and vote for Jonathan.

Support our Gibraltarian candidate... Vote for the Liberal Democrat list on the 4th June and help elect the first Gibraltarian to the European Parliament!

Gibraltar and the European Elections 'Early Day Motion' tabled in UK Parliament

I was very pleased and encouraged to hear of an 'Early Day Motion' tabled in the UK's House of Commons last week, by Lindsay Hoyle MP (Labour, Chorley Lancs), the Chairman of the 'All Party Gibraltar Lobby Group' in Pariament.

'Gibraltar and the European Elections' - 'Early Day Motion' - 14.05.2009 - Tabled in the House of Commons

"That this House notes the great enthusiasm demonstrated by Gibraltarians in exercising their right to vote in the European elections as part of South West England constituency; notes with admiration that in 2004 the turnout at 60 per cent. was nearly double the UK average; acknowledges the battle that Gibraltarians fought for their right to vote at the European Court of Human Rights; commends the level of political awareness and eagerness to express themselves democratically; and hopes the high turnout tradition will be recognised and influence the wider European electorate."

Four MPs (to date) have joined Mr Hoyle and signed the 'Early Day Motion'. These are: David Crausby, Jim Dobbin, Peter Bottomley and Andrew Dismore.

As Chairman of the 'All Party Gibraltar Lobby Group' in Parliament, Mr Hoyle is a long time supporter of Gibraltar and regularly promotes and highlights many issues important to Gibraltar, with questions in the UK House of Commons.

Support for Gibraltar MEP Candidate - How you can help

Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto (on the right) has put himself forward as a candidate and will be standing for election in the forthcoming vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency on 4th June 2009, as part of the UK Liberal Democrats List.

You can support Jonathan Stagnetto, in his campaign to put Gibraltar 'on the map' during the European Parliamentary Election, on his Facebook Group. If you haven't done so already, why not join over 300 people who have already voiced their support for Jonathan's Campaign for Gibraltar in Europe?

If you have family or friends in Gibraltar or living or perhaps studying in the constituency areas of the UK, you can also help by inviting them to join the Facebook group and support and vote for Jonathan.

Support our Gibraltarian candidate... Vote for the Liberal Democrat list on the 4th June and help to try and elect the first Gibraltarian to the European Parliament!

Read more about Jonathan Stagnetto, his candidacy and campaign for Gibraltar and the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliamentary Election here

BBC News on how Gibraltar can sway UK poll results... is no news at all

As regular readers will know, I am supporting and helping Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto, in his campaign for election in the forthcoming vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency on 4th June 2009.

I was therefore quite interested and a little excited to see this headline, 'How Gibraltar can sway UK poll results' from BBC News, in my Google alerts this morning.

Unfortunately, when I came to read this article, I found it rather lacking, very disappointing... and I have to say, the headline is very misleading!

Writing for the BBC News website, Stephen Chittenden has missed (or chosen to ignore) a rather important point.... when he wrote:

As Gibraltarians prepare to vote again, there is talk in some newspapers of getting an MEP all of their own. That remains an unlikely prospect in a place with such a small electorate.

An 'unlikely prospect' maybe... but the fact is, in this Euro Election, Gibraltar will have the opportunity to vote for our very own Gibraltarian candidate, namely, Jonathan Stagnetto (right), who is standing under the Liberal Democrat List!

This salient fact is, not only historically important, but also very exciting for most Gibraltarians, who can vote in the hope of getting our own Gibraltar voice in the European Parliament, and Mr Chittenden, one would have thought, is aware of it and should have said so in his article!

Now... is the possibility of getting Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto elected an 'unlikely prospect'? Possibly. There are 88 candidates standing for election in the constituency of Gibraltar and the South West Region of the UK, including the incumbent MEP Graham Watson (who has done a very good job for Gibraltar during his tenure) and Jonathan Stagnetto among the total of 6 in the Liberal Democrats list. This, to elect only 6 MEPs. So yes, the prospects for Gibraltar to elect our own representative is unlikely. Nevertheless, the fact remains... since he IS standing, it is a possibility!

However, to my mind and as Jonathan himself states in his 'Mission Statement' on his Facebook Support Group, the important thing is... "to make these European elections relevant to the Gibraltarian electorate". I agree and I believe he is certainly doing that.

Gibraltar can sway UK poll results?

I was also disappointed with this article, because having titillated this reader with the headline, 'How Gibraltar can sway UK poll results', Mr Chittenden does absolutely nothing to explain why he thinks Gibraltar can sway the UK poll results. Having been made curious by the headline... I remain completely mystified!

Gibraltar enthusiasm for Euro Poll

While Mr Chittenden makes a few good points, such as the fact that Gibraltarians vote with far greater enthusiasm than their UK counterparts, (at 60% turnout - double the turnout in the last Euro election than the UK managed) other facts seem to me to have been a little 'rushed' if not badly researched.

Mr Chittenden claims that "approximately 18,000 voters of Gibraltar will help to choose who represents South West England in the European Parliament". In fact, only last Friday, a report in the Gibraltar Chronicle quoted Gibraltar's Electoral returning officer Melvyn Farrell, the Clerk to the Gibraltar Parliament, who said that as of 17th April 2009, there were 20,357 persons in Gibraltar, registered and eligible to vote in the European Parliamentary election on 4th June 2009.

All in all... a rather disappointing article from the BBC's man, reporting on Gibraltar's participation and 'swaying of the UK poll' in the forthcoming European Elections. Must and can do better methinks!

The resulting BBC report was broadcast on BBC Radio 4's 'PM' programme yesterday. It is available for the next seven days on the BBC's iPlayer here.

The Gibraltar clip, including Jonathan's 15 seconds of 'fame and glory' is on minute 46' of the programme.

Please bear in mind this clip is only available on the BBC iPlayer during the next 7 days. (You can listen to radio in BBC iPlayer if you are outside the UK. As long as the computer you are using has RealPlayer correctly installed, you should be able to listen live and listen again normally, just as you can in the UK. Find out more in this guide).


Support for Gibraltar MEP Candidate - How you can help

In a matter of days, support for Jonathan Stagnetto, on his Facebook Group, has grown rapidly and is now standing at 252 as I write.

If you haven't done so already, why not join us and help support Jonathan's Campaign for Europe?

If you have family or friends in Gibraltar or living or perhaps studying in the constituency areas of the UK, you can also help by inviting them to join the Facebook group and support and vote for Jonathan.

Support our Gibraltarian candidate... Vote for the Liberal Democrat list on the 4th June and help elect the first Gibraltarian to the European Parliament!

Correction

I am indebted to Brian (see comments below) who has quite rightly corrected me on the fact that Jonathan Stagnetto is NOT the first Gibraltarian to stand for the European Parliamentary elections. In my original post, I wrote that this was the 'first time ever' that Gibraltarians can vote for a Gibraltarian.

In fact, that credit belongs to Lyana Armstrong-Emery.

In the 2004 European Parliament election, the first time Gibraltar was able to vote in these elections, Lyana Armstrong-Emery, the former leader of the now defunct Gibraltar Reform Party, secured a place on the UK's Green Party list for the Gibraltar and the South West region and stood as the first ever Gibraltarian candidate. Her campaign helped the Green Party to third place in the election in Gibraltar.

I have now corrected my post... and thanks again Brian. My apologies to Lyana!

More information here: Lyana Armstrong-Emery - Information @ Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Support grows for Jonathan Stagnetto Gibraltar MEP Candidate campaign on Facebook

As you may have read in my post last Thursday, Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto is standing for election in the forthcoming vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency on 4th June 2009.

As a lifetime LibDem supporter myself, I was particularly delighted to hear of his standing, not only because I have been longing for Gibraltarian representation in the European Parliament for a very long time, but also and especially, because Jonathan is standing as part of the list of the Liberal Democrats party.

In order to give Jonathan my support, I offered my help and I am delighted to say I am now one of the Admins on the Facebook Group that has been set up in support of Jonathan Stagnetto - Gibraltarian MEP Candidate.

This Facebook Group has been set up to provide a focus and forum for news updates about Jonathan's campaign and gives supporters an opportunity to comment and share their thoughts and ideas on ways to promote his campaign. The Group is open to everyone and of course, we would very much welcome your support!

Please visit the 'Jonathan Stagnetto - Gibraltarian MEP Candidate' Facebook Group page to learn how you too can help in Jonathan's MEP Candidacy Campaign... and help get the first ever Gibraltarian MEP elected to the European Parliament!

European Parliament Election preparations

The European Parliamentary Constituency of Gibraltar and South West England Region of the UK comprises the ceremonial counties of Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Voters, both in Gibraltar and the UK areas of the constituency, have begun receiving their poll cards by post as preparations for the forthcoming European elections gather speed.

According to a report in the Gibraltar Chronicle today, as of 17th April 2009, there were 20,357 persons in Gibraltar, registered and eligible to vote in the European Parliamentary election on 4th June 2009.

Last Friday, Gibraltar's Electoral returning officer Melvyn Farrell, the Clerk to the Gibraltar Parliament, urged anyone who has not yet received their poll card to check with his team at Parliament House. Mr Farrell warned:

"If they haven’t received their poll card, it could be because it hasn’t been delivered yet or because they are not on the electoral register."

The deadline to ensure voters are on the register is 19th May 2009. That day is also the deadline for registration to vote by post.

Gibraltar voters have in the past turned out in high numbers to elect their representatives to the European parliament.

At the last election in 2004, some 57% of eligible voters in Gibraltar cast their ballot papers, well above the UK average which was 30%.

The elections are being held across Europe during the first week of June, with different countries polling on different days.

Gibraltar is included within the South West Region constituency of the European Parliament. For the first time ever, a Gibraltarian, Jonathan Stagnetto, is standing for election as part of the Liberal Democrats candidate list.

The region is being managed by the regional returning officer Paul Morris, who will visit Gibraltar later this month. This will be Mr Morris' third visit to date, to talk to the local election team.

In the coming days, Mr Farrell and his team will begin physical preparations for the count at the John Mackintosh Hall.

Although the election is on 4th June, the count will not take place until several days later, with the ballot boxes kept in the Supreme Court during the interim period.

As in local elections, there will be 12 polling stations in various districts around Gibraltar. "People can expect to vote where they normally go,” Mr Farrell said.

As well as Mr Farrell’s election team, a further 60 volunteers from the Civil Service will be drafted in to help run the polling stations. Another 36 volunteers will help with the count itself.

Support for Gibraltar MEP Candidate - How you can help

In a matter of days, support for Jonathan Stagnetto, on his Facebook Group, has grown rapidly and is now standing at 204 as I write.

If you haven't done so already, why not join us and help support Jonathan's Campaign for Europe? If you have family or friends in Gibraltar or living or perhaps studying in the constituency areas of the UK, you can also help by inviting them to join the Facebook group and support and vote for Jonathan.

Support our Gibraltarian candidate... Vote for the Liberal Democrat list on the 4th June and help elect the first Gibraltarian to the European Parliament!

Liberal Democrat Policy for Europe

In addition to representing and supporting Gibraltar's interests and issues in the European Parliament, Jonathan Stagnetto will also be supporting the Liberal Democrats policies for Europe.

These policies include greater focus on policy reform and improving existing common policies in order to bring about real change within the EU, through whatever institutional framework exists; stronger environmental policies; transfer of 30% of agricultural expenditure into a Rural Development budget, focused on environmental improvements; vigorous support for further economic reform and for the completion of the Single Market; strong UK backing for measures in the Freedom, Security and Justice (FSJ) area, such as tackling terrorism, fighting international crime and better justice for UK citizens within the EU; more accountability in budget-setting in general and in regional policy; fines for member states for poor financial management of EU funds; and leadership from the UK on improved EU defence co-operation including on procurement.

You can view more detailed Liberal Democrats policies for Europe here.

Gibraltarian LibDem candidate in June Euro parliament elections

I read with great interest, that Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto (on the right) has put himself forward as a candidate and will be standing for election in the forthcoming vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency on 4th June 2009!

I am particularly delighted, being a long time LibDem supporter myself, to see he will be standing as part of the list of the UK Liberal Democrats.

A report in Friday's edition of the Gibraltar Chronicle said Mr Stagnetto "hopes Gibraltar’s electorate and voters in England’s south-west region will make him the first Gibraltarian MEP... and so do I!

Mr Stagnetto, who is married and has four children, comes from a very well known, highly respected and liked local family. He is the founder and managing director of Form-A-Co a Trust management business dealing with the registration of yachts, businesses, residency and offshore related matters in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar's Liberal party leader Dr Joseph Garcia welcomed the news and said:

"This is a very positive move which means that voters in Gibraltar will now have the choice of voting for a list which includes a Gibraltarian."

According to the Chronicle, Mr Stagnetto has been an Executive Member of the Liberal Party of Gibraltar for 18 years. He is also a former Chairman and Election Agent of the party.

He has attended Liberal Democrat party conferences in Brighton twice and was also at the Bournemouth conference in 2008. Mr Stagnetto has also participated in Liberal International political events in Oxford and Gibraltar.

The inclusion of Mr Stagnetto in the Liberal Democrat list has followed lengthy discussions between the Liberal Party in Gibraltar and the South West Liberal Democrats in the UK. This was agreed in principle with the region’s Liberal Democrat MEP Graham Watson some time ago and advantage has now been taken of the opportunity to include a Gibraltarian in the coming elections.

Commenting on the new candidate, Dr Garcia said:

"Mr Stagnetto’s position as a candidate is therefore a reflection of the strong links which exist between the Gibraltar Liberals and the UK Liberal Democrats and it reaffirms their strong commitment to Gibraltar.

It will be recalled that the party has adopted and supported policy resolutions in the past in defence of the European rights of the people of Gibraltar and of the right to self-determination.

The decision that a Gibraltarian should stand is also a reflection of Graham Watson’s personal commitment to the people of Gibraltar. This has been evident since before he became Gibraltar’s MEP."

Mr Watson has been very active as a supporter of Gibraltar. In 2002 he chaired a meeting of the European Liberal Democrats in Bath which adopted a strong resolution backing Gibraltar in Europe. This support was also further seen as recently as six months ago when he brought here a group of Liberal MEPs from 12 different countries to learn more about Gibraltar. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) is the only political group from the European Parliament that has officially met in Gibraltar. This is due to Graham Watson’s efforts on Gibraltar's behalf... efforts which I also have noted and been very grateful to him for in the past.

Commenting on his candidature Jonathan Stagnetto said he is "doing this for all of Gibraltar" because he feels very strongly that "there should be a Gibraltarian element in these European elections".

"The decision to include me in their list shows a level of commitment to Gibraltar on the part of Graham Watson and the Liberal Democrats that speaks for itself.

I will now be able to provide a Gibraltarian perspective to the line-up and am looking forward to the invaluable political experience of standing for election in Gibraltar and South West England."

My congratulations to Jonathan Stagnetto! I will certainly be offering my support to him... in the hope that we can finally get Gibraltar's own voice and representaton in the European Parliament. Something I have hoped and asked for, for many years!

Support for Jonathan Stagnetto

A Facebook Group has now been set up in support of Jonathan Stagnetto - Gibraltar MEP Candidate. I just joined and I very much hope you will join me in supporting Jonathan and getting our first Gibraltarian (and Liberal Democrat to boot) voice in Europe!!