MLP executive discusses proposing another referendum

The Labour Party is actively considering proposing the holding of another referendum if it wins the April 12 general election in which the electorate would be asked to choose between membership and 'partnership', according to party sources.

The sources said the MLP national executive has discussed the possibility of holding a referendum in a bid to win back the Labour supporters who voted 'yes' in the referendum, defying the party line.

The thinking is that promising this opportunity to wayward supporters to express themselves would get "the lost sheep" back into the party fold for the April 12 general election.

The sources said it was not yet clear whether the MLP would refer to its proposal as a referendum.

The issue was brought up at a recent executive meeting by Labour leader Alfred Sant himself and there was broad agreement on the idea in the executive as this was seen to be an "honourable way out for those Labour supporters who voted yes".

Dr Sant made the proposal last week, that is, since the referendum result was announced, and after the party leadership defied all referendum logic to argue that 'partnership' had won.

"The party is talking of consulting the electorate, and because of the way the referendum law is worded, the law would have to be changed to enable the government to put a choice between 'partnership' and membership. As the law stands, voters have to have a clear choice between 'yes' and 'no'," the sources said.

Speaking at a political discussion at Sta Lucija on Sunday morning, Dr Sant said the MLP was willing to meet the wishes of those Labour supporters who wished to be given another opportunity to express themselves on EU-related choices.

"This chance would be given as a new Labour government implements its 'partnership' policy," Dr Sant said without elaborating further.