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New MT survey on divorce reconfirms positive trend, but contrasts with report in establishment newspaper
MaltaToday on Sunday today publishes a nationwide survey carried out this week, which reconfirms findings of another MaltaToday survey two weeks ago that registered an overall majority of 59% in support of the introduction of divorce.
The survey’s findings reconfirm similar levels of support for divorce as the Sunday Times’ survey last week, but proves that the STOM-Misco poll must have ignored registering who qualified their support in favour of divorce “in certain circumstances.”
A fundamental difference in the STOM and MaltaToday surveys is the lead question that was asked. The Sunday Times asked people how they would vote in a referendum and registered 40% who ‘would vote in favour of divorce’; MaltaToday asked people if they agreed with ‘divorce for couples who have been separated for four years’, and registered 59% in favour – specifically 41% who said ‘yes’ and another 18% who replied they favour divorce “in certain circumstances.”
In fact the proposed bill by Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando recommends that divorce is only granted to people who have been living apart from their partner for at least four of the previous five years – allaying fears of instant ‘Las Vegas-style’ divorce.
MaltaToday is reliably informed that in supplying pollsters Misco with questions they had to ask respondents, the Sunday Times was propping up Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s position to hold a referendum on divorce.
Misco were directed to ask respondents how they would vote for in a referendum, even though reservations were expressed that the question was flawed: because referenda propose concrete laws for voters to decide whether they should pass or not.
Gladio •
Just try posting a comment opposing strongly the narrow confines of the Times editor's mind(thats on almost any subject) and see how far that will get you...nowhere, oblivion that's where, straight into the bin without ever being seen again.So much for free speech. They have us well stitched!
Norman Buckle •
Well, according to Fr. Joe Borg, in his newest Sunday-sermon published on the timesofmalta.com, Malta Today is not a credible newspaper and therefore, its survey shouldn't be believable.
So, there you have it!
Hey, this man is not just an ordinary priest ... he is, theologian, head of this and head of that; and that, and that, and that too. Plus, he is a journalist -- print and broadcast -- and lectures at the University. And when he balances an argument on it head, don't anyone dare say it ain't right-side up.
In short, he is God's gift to Malta. Eat you heart out, Saviour Balzan!
Adrian Busuttil •
This is hardly surprising - it seems that the Times survey, whilst not necessarily "doctored" uses very selective respondents. Using the same tactics one could carry out a survey in which a majority would be in favour of reintroducing the feudal system in Malta. The most annoying thing, second to only the fact that the Times treats much of it's readership like nincompoops is that the majority actually believe the results of such dubious surveys and polls.
emmanuel gauci •
These percentages of surveys by local papers make very, very little sense. If papers want to be valid and credible they need to include also the "number of actual voters" against these percentages. There is no value in percentages of unknowns! 60% might easily mean 3 out of 5 voters. And this puts the real perspective to the survey. Besides, respective local papers tend to capture voters from a particular spectrum of readers.
•
ll available indicators amply show that the time is ripe for Malta to introduce a divorce legislation on the basis of that presented to Parliiament. From now on, Government may be seen as being an obstructionst in Malta's need to join the world (let alone europe and the european union) in giving society a stronger legislative framework in the interest of families and children. we can now ask Government 'why are we waiting?'.
Gladio •
should read 'four miserable years'
Gladio •
It needn't and shouldn't take four miserable yours to untie that which is broken.Along the actual prolonged misery,the very real needs of the children seem to have been forgotten.If it's rotten,get rid of it.
'Times' polls ought to be taken with the pinch of salt they deserve. They very nearly always reflect the views of a very narrow minded establishment,unless it's such a minor issue that it is not worth the effort.
