Sant holds his cards to his chest

Alfred Sant yesterday kept the country guessing about his intention on the party leadership as he made his first public appearance following the MLP's huge defeat at the polls.

He would not say whether he intended to reconsider his declaration not to submit his name for the post of party leader at the party's extraordinary general conference - there have been calls for him to think again since he made his intention known.

Asked whether he believed the entire MLP leadership should be replaced, Dr Sant reiterated that he had no comment to make.

Senior party officials yesterday convened at Castille Square to mark the anniversary of the death of Manwel Dimech with a flower-laying ceremony at his monument.

Dr Sant said the ceremony was held yesterday instead of last week so it would not clash with Holy Week activities - Manwel Dimech died on April 17, 1921.

The MLP executive is to meet this week to discuss the election result and choose a date for the extraordinary general conference which will confirm or replace the party leader - several names have been mentioned as contenders if Dr Sant sticks to his decision to call it a day.

Prior to yesterday, Dr Sant's only public statement was made during Manuel Cuschieri's radio programme a day after the Labour Party lost the general election by a wide margin, and five weeks after the EU referendum was won by the pro-membership lobby.

At yesterday's ceremony Dr Sant described Manwel Dimech as a great patriot, who founded the Maltese identity, and who worked for the freedom of his country.

"We thank him, and we promise we will keep working towards his same goals, and towards what inspired him throughout the years," he said.

Accompanying Dr Sant in Valletta were deputy leaders George Vella and Joe Brincat, and party general secretary Jimmy Magro, among others.