Now for a Gonzi shuffle

The prime-minister-in-waiting was a pretty decent footballer in his university days. I am not aware if he was also interested in boxing, or whether he has heard of the famous Ali Shuffle. It was, conoscenti of the sport will recall, developed by Muhammed Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay. The man who immodestly but correctly described himself as The Greatest would do a fast shuffle that distracted bewildered opponents into his elegant but deadly rapid punches.

Even if he did not follow boxing Lawrence Gonzi may find the Ali Shuffle interesting, particularly in the context of the boxing philosophy of the younger Cassius Clay to 'float like a butterfly, sting like a bee'. For shuffle he must, as well as sting if he is to float off to the right start. The new PM must, in any case, appoint a new minister to take over the social policy portfolio he will relinquish once he moves to the daunting room at the top in the Auberge de Castille, in a few weeks' time.

He also has to replace Joe Borg, who leaves the foreign ministry by end-April to join the European Commission. Throw in the very high probability that, after 10 years at it John Dalli will not wish to stay on at finance. That is already quite a job for the man set to become first among equals. Yet, tackling just that job would not be enough.

There has to be the sharp sting of a fresh beginning. Of re-potting as well as pruning and putting in new plants. If the new PM wanted to be truly radical he could slim the bloated 14-member Cabinet, assisted by a further five as parliamentary secretaries. While that is unlikely to happen, there still has to be a good dose of daring, if Dr Gonzi is to win a strong start to his tenure. He has to devise his particular shuffle.

He will probably be bold in his own domain and promote Dolores Cristina from PS to succeed him as social policy minister. He cannot also leave her the responsibility to coordinate inter-ministerial initiatives, which heads his present list of duties. Dr Gonzi will probably add that to the portfolio of his successor as deputy prime minister though, if he really wanted to be bold, he would give the role to Mr Dalli.

The outgoing finance minister may have time to spare as foreign minister, his most likely new portfolio that can fit him, as it would be far-fetched to expect him to take over social policy from Dr Gonzi. (It would be imaginative, though, for John Dalli to be given education, at a time when the sector has to be restructured and reoriented to prepare tomorrow's society to live up to the demands of EU membership, and of earning our way in the global economy through new and more advanced skills.)

Premier Gonzi will really be scratching his head regarding who to put in finance.

Josef Bonnici seems an obvious choice, but the PM will evaluate whether Prof. Bonnici would have the grit to curb the spending appetite of his colleagues, who must be brought to heel and spend less more efficiently to tackle the public finances. Boldness could call on Austin Gatt to measure up to that challenge, allocating the budget to him along with IT and Malta Enterprise, which has to spearhead a massive drive to attract new investment and retain whatever can survive in this part of the world.

His present public investments portfolio could go to a brand new minister brought in from the backbenches. Josef Bonnici could take on economic and monetary policy, and privatisation. Dr Gonzi has promised to put the environment issue at the top of his agenda. That will see George Pullicino, who is said to have punched strongly in his backing for the new leader, secure in his position.

The new PM, though, could do worse than hive off rural duties from Mr Pullicino and place them into a better fit.

What of the rest of the cabinet, and PS posts? Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici is ripening for upgrading. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Helen d'Amato are clear backbench candidates. Space has to be made for new entrants. Prime Minister Gonzi, being human as well as a nice man, would not wish to start off by pruning dead or not so healthy branches.

It has to be done, however, and the season for it is this one. The country needs fresh vigour, new team-players with drive. As for expending political capital, no observer need tell a man who has shot to the top so rapidly that the time to dip into it is when you have a reasonable amount in hand.

The Gonzi Shuffle has to be backed with a deep sting inside the flanks of the government to spur it forward. Anything less, and butterflies will be in the national stomach alone. Opportunity knocks best when it knocks early. The best days in a season pass soon enough.