An on-line poll on The Times website shows equal support for Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Finance Minister John Dalli in the Nationalist Party leadership race.
Four names are listed in the poll: Dr Gonzi, Mr Dalli, Education Minister Louis Galea and Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech.
By 5 p.m. yesterday, the poll had attracted about 1,400 voters.
Throughout the week, the occupier of the number one spot has been fluctuating between Mr Dalli and Dr Gonzi. Yesterday they both were both registering about 42 per cent of the votes, while Dr Zammit Dimech had 10.47 per cent and Dr Galea 4.88 per cent.
The poll has also attracted hundreds of comments from people wanting to explain their choice.
One voter said he preferred Dr Gonzi for his human side and Mr Dalli for his assertive side: "I think right now Malta needs Mr Dalli until we are back on our feet, when Dr Gonzi would be more appropriate".
Another comment read: "John Dalli should be the next prime minister: We need a person who is capable and tough enough to control his fellow ministers".
Not all the voters agreed with that suggestion: "God help Malta should Mr Dalli succeed as party leader and prime minister. The island is already on a downhill and it will certainly end up swallowed by the surrounding sea!"
Another voter said the next leader has to be strong, consistent, popular, honest and charismatic: "Dr Gonzi probably leads the field when all these issues are taken into consideration".
None of them should be leader, suggested another voter, adding that they have all put Malta in a fix due to unemployment and deficit.
One voter mentioned IT and Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt, even if he was not part of the poll: "Dr Gatt should be the next leader. Austin has charisma and is a 'doer'. The country needs a disciplined and tough leader".
Indeed, a substantial number of voters want to see Dr Gatt in the race. Others mentioned Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg and one person mentioned former Nationalist MP Josie Muscat.
Another voter noted that now was the right time for Eddie Fenech Adami to step down: "However, I also believe that he should do so after May 1 and not before. In my opinion Mr Dalli is the best man to take over as Mr Gonzi appears to be weak, despite his charisma".
One voter said he doubted whether "we can have a better prime minister than Dr Gonzi. A real straight and no-nonsense man, who has courage, and yet patience with anyone who meets him. Dr Gonzi will make the best prime minister ever".
Another voter said that both Dr Gonzi and Mr Dalli have the best qualities to become leader of the party: "However, with Dr Gonzi at the helm, the PN stands a better chance of getting out of the present overall situation and can also consolidate its position in the second district in the next general election".
A person of Maltese descent who lives in the UK had this to say about the leadership: "I listened to Dr Gonzi on numerous occasions and I believe he has a superb power of speech. He is very firm in his beliefs, does not beat round the bush. He reminds me of Thatcher - the UK was a mine of gold at the time thanks to her policies. John Dalli is not popular with the Maltese and I see him as rather arrogant and definitely does not deserve to be prime minister. Good luck for Dr Gonzi !"
Another voter was convinced Mr Dalli should be at the helm: "Mr Dalli is the politician of the moment. He is the best for the position. Though he lacks that charisma yet he will be polished into a great leader through the party".
A disgruntled PN voter did not mince his words: "There should be new blood in the party and not the same old faces (dinosaurs). I voted yes in the EU referendum and in the election I voted for the Nationalists. But now I am fed up with their lies and I will vote for another party in the next election."
www.timesofmalta.com