An alliance with the grassroots

Louis Galea refuses to be written off in tomorrow's contest. In an interview with Herman Grech, he says he knows the Nationalist Party better than anyone else and insists he is the right person to steer the party through any uphill struggle.

You've been a minister since 1987. On a scale of 1 to 10, how do you rate your performance as minister?

I always find it difficult to assess myself. Does a student correct his exam paper? All I can say is that I contested several elections and have always been elected, sometimes from two districts. I humbly say that I was voted into parliament with many votes. I can also say that Eddie Fenech Adami has always assigned me to responsible ministries.

Some contenders have said there are decisions that need to be taken. What was to stop you all from taking them in the past?

It's a mistake for anybody to assume that decisions are suddenly going to be taken because there is a race for the leadership. I'm sorry but I disagree with this statement. The biggest decisions have actually been taken - from independence to the association agreement with the European Community to EU membership.

Dr Fenech Adami has taken hundreds of decisions. He is the ultimate decision-maker and he has taken them irrespective of the impact they might have had on his personal popularity.

I've formed part of Dr Fenech Adami's Cabinet since 1987 and since then Malta has changed drastically. But there are always new decisions to take.

The important thing is to take the right decision using the right methods. Dom Mintoff also thought he was the best decision-maker Malta ever had and that he could have an impact everywhere. And there he was putting his finger in every pie.

But is that the type of decision-making we want today? Or do we want reflective, inclusive and incisive decision-making? I am in favour of good decisions taken in the shortest time possible and in the best national interest, with dialogue and with consensus.

Alfred Sant has challenged you to consider revoking the pardon to Joseph Fenech.

That was a conscious Cabinet decision. The advice I have is that the issue no longer depends on the political will of any prime minister or Cabinet.

The Constitution and ordinary law remove such an issue from the purview of the government. It is only the constitutionally-independent office of the Attorney General and that of the prosecution that has the power to evaluate and decide the issue you raise.

You recently expressed your desire to bridge the gap with the Labour Party. Isn't this optimistic considering the gulf that exists between the two parties?

I believe a country can prosper and capitalise on the challenges ahead, not only through its prime minister or its government, but we have to do this through everybody's input.

We simply can't afford to miss out on the contribution the opposition can make - and in Malta, the Labour Party still garners a lot of support. Some decisions need a collective effort, despite the diversity of opinions.

But the relationship between Dr Fenech Adami and Dr Sant is practically non-existent. How hopeful are you in kick-starting a relationship with the opposition leader?

I believe every leader should emulate Dr Fenech Adami and George Bog Olivier and extend the hand of friendship. I believe we should now turn a new leaf and try and bridge the gap with the new leader. And we can do this by behaving differently towards each other; we even have to change the language we use with each other.

I wish to see a prime minister who is heard by everyone and not have half the electorate listening to him and the remainder covering their ears.

You've been active in the party for several decades. Do you consider that to be an advantage or might you be perceived as one of the old guard?

I think the councillors will primarily study the contestants' track record even more than the experience.

And what will they think about you?

They will see a person who knows the party more than anyone else. The councillors are aware that I can feel our supporters' pulse and they know that I walk my talk all along at all times. What distinguishes me from others is that I've been there in both good times and bad times. And I believe I've been able to carry out huge reforms within the party and within the government.

What criteria do you think the delegates will use when choosing whom to vote for? Do you think it will be character or performance?

I have met a substantial number of them and I know they will use different criteria. Ultimately, however, they will take the country's interest into consideration. The vast majority would not base their vote simply on what would suits the party. After they analyse this, they would take into consideration the characters of the candidates.

Do you think the councillors' votes should reflect public opinion?

The councillors represent every section of society and I believe an opinion poll of 870 of them is very reflective.

Tomorrow's election is perceived by some as being a contest between two - Lawrence Gonzi and John Dalli. Is it a two-horse race?

Absolutely not!

Is that based on a hunch or is it because of feedback?

It's based on the fact that I know the party councillors very well.

Don't you think that your candidacy will ultimately suffer because of the cutthroat competition there seems to exist between Dr Gonzi and Mr Dalli?

All three of us have valid credentials. All I can say is we will know the result tomorrow.

What would you describe as your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

I would rather leave that to the judgement of those who know me and to the public at large.

What prompted you to contest?

When I decided to get into politics I chose a vocation. Politics is the best tool to change society. Over the years I gained a lot of experience among the best politicians and I believe there have been several instances where I showed my leadership qualities - from home affairs to culture issues.

There are rumours that Dr Fenech Adami himself urged you to contest. Is this correct?

No comment.

Both Dr Gonzi and Mr Dalli have cited or hinted at other ministers' names backing their cause. Whose backing do you have?

I have the backing of the grassroots.

Any ministers?

They are part of the grassroots. I have made one alliance - with the grassroots.

If you lose in the first round, who of the other contenders would you back?

It's something one considers in light of the result achieved.

And then what role do you see yourself occupying?

I will continue working to ensure that the issues I am raising in my campaign will be carried out.

The party is saying that this is a race between friends. Is this really the case?

Undoubtedly. I've known both Lawrence and John for 30 years. In a political party, friends will still retain their shifts of emphasis. Naturally, during a contest like this you expect the contestants to insist on their programme.

Ultimately, all of us have been in situations where we promoted our particular causes and, ultimately, one of us was chosen. Despite this, we continued working together like friends.

Do you think the contest will be decided tomorrow or will it go to a second round?

I believe we shall need at least a second round.

If elected leader, will you change the Cabinet and how extensively? Do you see any tired faces?

It's still premature to answer this question. I think it would be presumptuous of me to express an opinion.

So if I had to reword it to ask whether you believe the government is working to its optimum level, what would you say?

I have no doubt that, yes, there is space and need for improvement.

It's perfectly natural for any party to face an uphill struggle after two electoral victories. With Louis Galea at the helm, what are the PN's chances of winning the election in 2008?

I think what I excel most at are uphill struggles.

Such as?

Mention all the uphill struggles we had - the 1970s, the 1980s, every election, the running of ministries, the negotiations with unions.

I believe as leader I will give my valid contribution and this will regenerate the party and give new space to the way politics is done in Malta.

This will reap both social and economic benefits. And I am certain that the results we will obtain would regale the Nationalist Party with another victory.

Profile

Age: 56

Political career: President of the PN Youth Movement between 1974 - 1977 and general secretary of the party between 1977-1987. Elected to parliament in 1976 and re-elected in every other election since. He was Social Policy Minister between 1987-1992, Home Affairs Minister and Social Policy in 1992 and Education Minister since 1998.

Status: Married to Vincienne. One son and three daughters.