Labour MP elected deputy speaker

Labour MP Carmelo Abela was yesterday unanimously elected deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. The motion for his appointment was moved by the prime minister and seconded by Notary Charles Mangion, deputy leader of the opposition.

Dr Fenech Adami said there had been contacts with the opposition and agreement had been reached on the nomination of a deputy speaker by the opposition. The opposition had nominated Mr Abela.

Both Dr Fenech Adami and Notary Mangion congratulated Mr Abela.

Notary Mangion, who served as deputy speaker in part of the 1992 legislature, said he would recommend to Mr Abela to put the interests of all the members and the dignity of the House first.

Mr Abela thanked the prime minister and Notary Mangion and promised his collaboration with the Chair. He also called for the cooperation of all MPs so as to ensure orderly proceedings in the House.

Mr Abela said it was his impression that he would be the youngest ever deputy speaker, something which reflected the confidence of the House in young people.

The House then unanimously appointed Nationalist MP Mario de Marco as deputy chairman of committees. The motion was also moved by Dr Fenech Adami and seconded by Notary Mangion.

Dr de Marco thanked the prime minister and Notary Mangion and said he wanted to assure the House that he would perform his duties to the best of his abilities.

He said that the fact that he had been appointed by unanimity was a good augury. He believed that there were more things on which both sides of the House agreed than they disagreed, and he hoped this would serve as an example of collaboration in the interest of the nation and the House.