Delegates call for EU treaty ratification

The overwhelming majority of Labour delegates who spoke during the second day of the Labour Party general conference yesterday said they were in favour of ratification of the European Constitution.

The 31 speakers who spoke in favour of the motion presented by the MLP parliamentary group brought various arguments against the case made by former leader Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, mostly claiming that an abstention on the vote on the EU Constitution in Parliament was likely to hamper Labour's chances of victory in the next election.

In an intervention peppered with interruptions from the floor, Dr Mifsud Bonnici patiently insisted that an MLP yes would result in a loss of votes. It was true that the majority of MPs had decided to vote in favour of the ratification but it was also true that a number of deputies did not agree with the party's main line, Dr Mifsud Bonnici claimed.

The majority of delegates, some speaking very passionately and others using biblical metaphors, insisted that the party should decide on the issue once and for all and not "bury its head in the sand".

While most said they appreciated that Dr Mifsud Bonnici was genuine and sincere, the arguments favouring abstention would not lead the party anywhere, they added.

Former Labour MP John Dalli said he admired Dr Mifsud Bonnici's humility but he should declare that he would bow to the decision of the conference should this turn down his motion. "Remember that the party has already been betrayed by one of our own," Mr Dalli said.

A few delegates condemned Dr Mifsud Bonnici's insistence for an abstention, insisting that his sole intention was to split the party.

Carmelo Sciberras, who seconded Dr Mifsud's Bonnici's motion, said he would bow to the decision of the general conference.

Towards the end of Dr Mifsud Bonnici's speech two delegates vociferously challenged the speaker from the floor and ushers intervened to calm the delegates down.

A handful of delegates and security personnel shot up to the press gallery to stop a cameraman when they realised they were being filmed. But MLP general secretary Jason Micallef promptly intervened and the situation soon returned to normal.

Former deputy leader George Vella rounded up the debate on behalf of Labour MPs.

A vote will be taken this afternoon and Labour leader Alfred Sant will close the conference tomorrow.