Sunday, 16th March 2008

'Jason Micallef is not the party' - George Abela

Former Labour deputy leader George Abela yesterday said it should be up to the party's paid-up members - and not general secretary Jason Micallef - to decide how and when the election for the party's top post is held.

Ten years after quitting the party, Dr Abela said he was prepared to contest the post of MLP leader after receiving messages of support. But he said that the voting process should have a wider representation.

Dr Abela said that society had changed and it should not just be the delegates to decide the future of the party but also the paid-up members, as he called for a report to analyse who was responsible for Labour's third successive election defeat.

But speaking on Xarabank on Friday night, MLP general secretary Jason Micallef effectively dismissed Dr Abela's suggestion, describing it as far-fetched, and saying that any changes in the election process might only take place after the leadership contest.

He also made it very clear that he will not be supporting Dr Abela's bid: "I understand why George Abela has no faith in the delegates, since they are still upset after he abandoned the party mid-way through the (1998) election." Contacted yesterday, Dr Abela said it was up to the party to reflect on his suggestion: "Jason is not the party," he told The Sunday Times.

No less than 10 candidates are expected to battle for the Labour leadership, though the majority are reluctant to confirm whether they are throwing their hat into the ring.

Kite-flying remains the order of the day ahead of Tuesday's MLP executive meeting, which is expected to set the ball rolling to select the successor of Alfred Sant who resigned after 16 years as head of the party.

Deputy leader Michael Falzon has appealed for a clean election (see interview pages 8, 9), Evarist Bartolo has warned against turning the party into a tribal minority, and Helena Dalli said Labour should think more and talk less at this stage.

Dr Sant's announcement that he would be stepping down after a third successive defeat has prompted strong lobbying among Labour's 700 delegates ahead of the contest, which is expected to take place by mid-April, even though there appears to be a lobby to push the date back.

Labour MEP Joseph Muscat, 34, considered by many as having the right qualities to be party leader, is also non-committal.

"I'm seriously contemplating it, but I'm taking my time to think and discuss the situation with my wife. I have two five-month-old daughters," he said yesterday."

Asked whether his age could pose a handicap, Dr Muscat replied: "I'm the youngest of the five MEPs, but the results speak for themselves."

Labour sources say former deputy leader George Vella, who enjoys widespread respect both with delegates and rank and file, is supporting Dr Muscat's candidature.

On the other hand, one person who is clearly backing Dr Abela is Alfred Mifsud, who is also toying with the idea of contesting the post, though he has a hurdle to clear before being considered. He has written to the party's vigilance board asking it to reconsider a warning it had issued against him in 2003 (following a series of critical articles against Dr Sant) so that he would be able to rejoin the party.

Echoing Dr Abela, Mr Mifsud also insisted that the election for the post should not be held at once but that the delegates should spend months of soul-searching to make sure the right leader is chosen. The MLP also needs to see what the floating voters want.

"Only when everyone assumes their responsibilities and a detailed report is drawn up, should we choose a leader. A lot of valid people are out of the party. I sincerely believe that myself and George Abela can pull a lot of floating voters," said Mr Mifsud, adding that the party should even investigate who made the request for an hour's extension in voting time on polling day.

Gavin Gulia, Labour's former Home Affairs spokesman, surprisingly failed to get elected this time round, overtaken by surgeon Anthony Zammit, who soared to Parliament from relative obscurity after he successfully operated on Dr Sant last December.

"I've been approached by a number of delegates... Yes I am considering contesting the post of deputy leader for party affairs," Dr Gulia said.

Helena Dalli, who was elected from two districts, said she would consider anything that is in the interest of the party.

"I don't have any ambitions but I will do whatever is in the interest of the party. I was approached for both posts... at the moment there are a lot of discussions going on. I think emotions are running high and the tendency is to think with our hearts rather than our heads. I think we should let things settle down, think more and talk less at this stage," Ms Dalli said.

While confirming that he will be running for the top job, Evarist Bartolo also said he expected the rest of the leadership to resign. He said last Friday he was convinced that had the party won, all three leaders would have claimed victory - likewise, since the party was defeated, he expects the rest of the leaders to assume their responsibility and step down.

"Despite putting my name to this contest, I believe there are other people who have the right qualities to become leaders. I think that such an important decision should be taken in a sober moment when the fever has gone down. We need to take a hard look and elect a person who has the support of people in the party but also in the country.

"We cannot elect someone who is OK within the party but who then does not enjoy much popularity with the electorate. I think there are people who have the necessary skills and charisma for the party to move forward and to make sure it is not turned into a tribal minority," said Mr Bartolo, who had faced Dr Falzon in the contest for the post of Labour deputy leader for party affairs, but lost out. Anġlu Farrugia said he was receiving a strong response from delegates to contest the election.

"I seem to be gaining more support, apart from those who voted for me in 2003," said Dr Farrugia, who had received 26 per cent of delegates' votes in the leadership race five years ago.

"The Labour Party needs an open leader, who guarantees continuity, but who can win us more credibility. We need to put our message across better. The MLP is taken seriously, but we are not liked," he said.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Chris Cardona and Charles Mangion are other names being mentioned as potential leadership contenders.

Next article • 'I tried calling Sina on her mobile but it switched onto voicemail'

Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Saturday, November 21, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Peter Xuereb (on 19/3/08)

Sarah Grech – I do not see that what you wrote had anything to do with the subject of this article, but since you suggested once again that I, and the PN as a whole, are tolerant of corruption, in the interests of maintaining a degree of impartiality in this column, a response to this is required.

Did I ever mention Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando (JPO), or praise him as you imply? And did I ever suggest tolerating corruption? You yourself admit that the Prime Minister did not promote JPO to higher office – in order to uncover the facts before making any such decision. Is this not in itself proof that the PN is not tolerant of corrupt behaviour?

Also bear in mind that we live in a country where a person is innocent until proven guilty, so until the facts are known it is not correct to pass judgement – as people like yourself are clearly happy to do – on JPO or anybody else. Would it not therefore have been an injustice had we made such unsubstantiated judgements on the eve of the election – especially when Dr Sant, after he threw his mud, kept running away from JPO at every press conference? Indeed, perhaps it was precisely this behaviour which resulted in JPO being elected in not one, but two, districts!

Why save your mud for a general election if you are so sure about your facts? Anybody who is truly against corruption should uncover it, and be prepared to defend their allegations, as soon as they discover it. What does this say about those who sit on such information until it is convenient for them to release it?

Shame indeed! Shame on anyone who sees corruption and looks on because it is in their own interest to do so! Is that how you and the Labour Party respect your children?

Gabriel Camenzuli (on 18/3/08)

Dear Byron. I am amongst those who five years ago believed that the Nationalist Party should not be elected again. Unfortunately in this election I had no alternative than voting PN.All us floating voters crave for a credible and strong alternative to the Nationalist Party. This can only happen if the Labour Party open its doors to all criticism which may be right or wrong, but I am sure it is never harmful. Alfred Mifsud, Lino Spiteri, George Abela are all persons who do not want to harm the party. They are pure socialists and they believe in the party. So in my opinion they should be included as soon as possible in the party since they have so much to offer and finallly we can have a bidu gdid in the Labour Party.

Leonard Bonello (on 18/3/08)

Has anyone ever heard of reverse psychology?! PN push George Abela because they know they will harm his candidature by doing so. People stupidly will not vote for him "ghax dak iriduh in-nazzjonalisti". Same goes for Jason Micallef - they criticize him to make sure you keep him there. Come on! Make their day!

Joe Martinelli (on 18/3/08)

So much importance is being attached to the election of a new MLP leader. It takes more than a leader to gain the trust of enough voters to return a party to power. The MLP will have to first clean up their administration, outline their goals and then give a new leader the product to sell to the public, If their policies remain similar to those of the 80's and 90's they will not sell. Unless there is an unequivocal and clear embrace to the EU membership and unless they declare that their past policies were flawed (in lieu of an apology since it appears that this will never be forthcoming), then they have nothing new to offer. For those who think that George Abela will fix everything pronto, think again. Dr. Abela has to have the full backing of the party and no back stabbers lurking in the shadows. And one other thing, if Dr. Abela is elected leader and there are those who expect a drove of Nationalists to move over to the NP, it is more likely that those NP supporters who became indifferent to return to their party rather than vote MLP.

Michael Attard (on 18/3/08)

George Abela is Mintoff's legacy! I can already imagine the headlines on PN media after he is elected on how we are heading back to the past. Are some people so afraid of the required change needed ? The labour party is already 5 years too late in refreshing itself. Shall we send it 20 years back? Shall we demolish all the good work Alfred Sant did in weeding out the bad grass and building a clean party?

The Labour Party should really take some notes from Blair's rise to power and how he reformed British Labour. It's high time Labour realises that just by ranting pro-socialist and left inclining ideas it will not get elected.

Labour needs to become more popular with businesses, graduates, and middle class earners. I am one labourite who is finding it increasingly difficult to identify myself with the party. Partit tal-Haddiema .. agreed .. but much more! And this provincial opportunism by George Abela is surely a sign of the past! George Abela belongs in history books with all the errors and mistakes that he already did.

Byron Camilleri (on 18/3/08)

To Adref Cassar - get the hidden message behind the net news and their talkers.

I know a lot of MLP supporters, and while there are some who would like George Abela back, others swear they do not vote MLP again if George Abela is leader, while they might accept him as deputy leader.

For me the leader should be Dr.Joseph Muscat.

Alfred Cassar (on 18/3/08)

to Byron Camilleri:
Who told you PN is supporting Dr George Abela?
Go and ask labour supporters yourself, you will have the answer.

Dane Cauchi (on 18/3/08)

From all the candidates that have exposed their interest in the post of MLP leader without any doubt George Abela is the most suitable of all.
The MLP has always claimed that it is a party that listens to the man in the street. Now is the time to see if this is true. It is clearly evident that most of the genuine supporters want George Abela.

Byron Camilleri (on 18/3/08)

To Gabriel Camenzuli - It is not a sign of weakness and lack of transperacy. Labour supporters are afraid of more harm to their party because things are done 2 ways 2 measure in this country.

Watching Xarabank last friday, instead of focusing in the general elections it ended up in former labour activists insulting and harming their 'own' party. The idea of putting Anna Mallia and Sharon Ellul Bonic their was obvious.

Bondi+ yesterday - clearly giving an advantage to George Abela ( the candidate the PN is supporting) by having Alfred Mifsud on the panel, and by a more lengthy feature on George Abela than the others.

Labour supporters can't take more of this. Things are not fair, and in this way - candidates will not take off from the same grounds for the race.

Also I am noticing that those who wrote in here a few weeks ago, and just wished that all labour supporters will be burned, now are offering their views on the leadership race and who should be selected.

Quoting in Maltese - Hadd ma jghidlek ahsel wiccek halli tkun ahjar minnu.

E.Grima (on 18/3/08)

Alan Attard - you have to judge loyalty throughout the whole campaign, and that is loyalty to your party and to your leader, so how can you judge someone by the last hours, I am sure Mr. Jason Micallef and Mr. Charles Mangion were not relaxing on some sofa, drinking coffee. Can we just forget so quickly what a campaign we had, I feel proud with what we have achieved, and we can strengthen that. I feel all the administration has worked very hard, and I feel Jason Micallef is a great asset for the party, that’s why it’s on PN’S agenda to get rid of him. At this moment in time any praise coming from any nationalist towards whom we should elect as leader and whom they consider should resign really makes me think? Do they want the best for us? I do not think so.

Alan Attard (on 17/3/08)

I have read with interest the previous comments by the various readers and contributors and who should be the new leader of the MLP.

George Abela would be a good bet given that he hailed from Laurence Gonzi's class together with his widespread popularity and confidence with floating voters. Only this section of the electorate can make the Labour Party a winning team.

Michael Falzon would likewise be a good leader; credible and gentlemanly especially in his attitude and loyalty. Where was Jason Micallef after his couple of hours showing at Naxxar's Counting Hall? Where was Charles Mangion after his couple of hours showing at Naxxar's Counting Hall? With an improvement in his public speeches I trust that Michael Falzon who has contributed every ounce of energy to the party in last last decade is the candidate most suited for the MLP leadership.

Gabriel Camenzuli (on 17/3/08)

It seems that Labour supporters and militants feel uncomfortable with the fact that the election for the Labour leadership will be a public debate for the following weeks. Is this a sign of weakness and lack of transparency. If it is acclaimed that the hopefully new Labour leader should be a popular leader and not just for the MLP supporters (unless they want to lose another election) what's wrong with providing suggestions and giving opinions!! We all hope that for the next election we are spolit with choice or else the list of regrets will be too much to sustain!

Joe Camilleri (on 17/3/08)

I don't understand all your critisism against Jason Micallef give this guy some credits he'd worked hard for the party, he's young he's modern vision and can still give a lot in the future to the mlp. Don't fall for the media/pn game they want to get rid of our best elements. Lets look to the future and choose our leadership wisely. As for George Abela I am a mlp member and honestly I would never vote for him we need to move forward not backwards.

E. Grima (on 17/3/08)

Michael Catania - I totally agree they wanted to crucify Joe Saliba before the election and now they are glorifying him , with Jason it is the opposite, can we forget just like that , when all the people involved ( administration, helpers and us the supporters) in this campaign gave their all their time. Looking back it was a beautiful campaign, and all those who voted labour should be proud, I am proud I voted against corruption, I am proud I voted against arrogance and yes I am proud I voted labour, and I do not feel we are in a minority, we are equal apart from 1500 votes, ( who are all abroad by now) so let us not pull ourselves down. We did not win the battle but we will win the war. Let us not let anyone interfere with our decisions. Do you think the nationalists know who is best and would they want the best for us? I am sure they want to get rid of the best qualities we have in the party. So let us strengthen what we have and calmly we can decide who will be the best leader who can strengthen what we already have.

Jennifer Tabone (on 17/3/08)

How come the choice of the MLP leader is of great concern to all the PN supporters? Personally, I think that their responsibility is to make certain that what Gonzi PN has promised us, is delivered. As to all the others who say that they have at heart the MLP and all they do is to slag the party thank you but no thank you. Perhaps they should try and form their own party so they can pencil in a set of rules which please their likings and could be changed when it pleases them. If I am not mistaken Ms. Mallia a brainchild; MLP 2 lasted less than a week. Likewise Mr.George Abela who thinks is indispensable to the party not only deserted the party but also with the GWU. It seems that Mr. Abela was incapable to put up with the leadership wherever he was participant and consequently harm the respective organization when ever what he dictates is not executed.

Joseph Bilocca (on 17/3/08)

Joseph Muscat has the right qualities to become party leader. The new young generation should be given the opportunity.

David Gatt (on 17/3/08)

A;bert Gauci Cunningham-one question for you: were you given the opportunity to choose the PN leader during Gonzi's election as head of the PN? If your answer is NO, then why are you making a fuss that MLP is doing likewise?

Michael Catania (on 17/3/08)

To all those who are criticizing Jason Micallef I have one thing to say. Have a look at Joe Saliba's behaviour over the past few months. Like during the PN general council and other activities and then come and tell me who is the better man. As for George Abela I'M sure he will be more comfortable in the PN camp. In case you have forgotten he was once the GWU legal rep. but he abandoned ship when the going got tough. I am not a member of the MLP but I still would not want him in the party.

rodianne fenech (on 17/3/08)

it has to be JOSEPH MUSCAT the new leader of the MLP.

Sarah Grech (on 17/3/08)

Peter Xuereb - Those baseless allegations of corruption left Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando out of Dr. Gonzi's cabinet inspite of his election from two districts. Do you still consider JPO to be the incarnation of innocence?

Have a little respect, if not for yourself, for our children. Is this how we want to instil respect and reverence for the environment in our kids? By tolerating corruption?

Shame!

rodianne fenech (on 17/3/08)

I think that JASON MICALLEF should resign... he is doing more harm to the MLP,and also both fo the deputy leader and micheal falzon should resign as well not only alfred sant... and also there need to be alot of changes in the party...if only the political leader is changed.. then labour will lose once again the next election. I think the best post for leader of the opposition would be dr evarist bartolo,george abela or jospeh muscat!!! the ap-rty would be better off without jason, and mangion.... especially JASON. yo have to accept it jason, u r are better off.

Sarah Grech (on 17/3/08)

Fleur Hili - Thank God Alfred Sant had a different plan for Mater Dei as we would be stuck with a state-of-the-art hospital with less beds then there are today.

With regards to the Labour party 'messing' with our educational system, well, our educational system is already messed up and failing us considering that we lag behind nearly all EU countries when it comes to youth educational attainment, not to mention the high illiteracy rate we have.

But I'm sure you must have peace of mind on most of these issues now that PN is once again in government!

Peter Xuereb (on 17/3/08)

Wally Vella Zarb seems very upset. He should be, because although he says that less than half of the population voted PN, the MLP still lost the election ... and for good reason, for they had nothing to offer whatsoever! Their only tactics were baseless allegations of corruption. Well, learn from it -- mud slinging didn't get you anywhere!

A;bert Gauci Cunningham (on 17/3/08)

I think that both Joe Muscat and Dr,G. Abela could potentially be very good leaders ( at least as good as Gonzi!!!) so the obvious question emerges..............if the MLP knows that J.Muscat is good and that the MLP die hards ( delegates, tasserati and grassroots) still haven't forgotten G.Abela's "betrayal" then why is the MLP caretaker leadership afraid of allowing the paid members to vote? Is it because they are too afraid of completely loosing their grip on the Party? ...........If the MLP wants to be taken seriously it should give a voice to those who have dedicated their lives to Labour!! anything less would be tantamount to throwing away money in a skip!!...........and just before somebody screams that I should mind my own business let me say that it is in our interst to see a capable leader at the helm of the MLP......if some of you can't go beyond the point of petty politics that's your problem!!!

martin Borg (on 17/3/08)

I think that choosing a Labour Leader is a bid hard decission. It's not an easy task at such times. But if someone like Ms. Marlene Mizzi be chosen, well then, good brains shouldn't be wasted.

Wally Vella-Zarb (on 17/3/08)

Dear Steve Busuttil, Allen Galea et al.
I too turned up to vote on the 8th of March. It was for the first time in many elections, the last time being in the 70’s.
The reason that I did turn up this time was that I was sick of continually being bombarded by bile, venom and hatred directed personally at Dr Alfred Sant, of seeing what he said being blatantly twisted and warped out of all recognition. I was sick of all the scaremongering being perpetuated by ‘correspondents’ to this newspaper. I was sick of being told ad nauseam how well things were going in this country, until the last weeks when it was suggested that we should consider changing only the sparkplugs, the brakes, and other defective parts – but not the entire car. My reaction was that, since the driver had been telling me all along that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and that, in fact, it was performing faultlessly, then I figured that it was the driver himself who ought to be fired!
People here continually mention the pre-1987 years. I don’t know how old many of them are but in 1987 I was approaching the peak of my career. Then came the change in government and I, together with many others found myself being sidelined from an average of 12 hours of work per day to ZERO! It is true that I was still getting my salary - out of public funds – but I could no longer boast that I was earning it. I threw an open challenge that, if there was any wrongdoing in my past employment I would myself resign. That challenge was never taken up.
Why were we sidelined? Simply because we had worked under a Labour government and had done our jobs. At that time I did not exercise my right to vote because I believed – erroneously, as it turned out – that as a prominent public official I should not be committed to one side or the other.
Of course, such things are never mentioned in the media like NET or NET-2, the ex-PBS; people seem to prefer ‘TV spazzatura’ the likes of Xarabank and the venom that is spouted elsewhere by the F-word ‘woman’ and others of her ilk.
It is true that, legally, GonziPN now have the right to govern.
However, it is also true that LESS than half of the voting population want them there. The numbers are there and will continue to speak out loudly for the duration of this legislature – regardless of who is leading the MLP!

marika sammut dimech (on 17/3/08)

George Abela is the only person who can save the MLP and if it fails to seize this opportunity to renew itself it is doomed for further years in the opposition. For many MLP supporters he might seem to have forsaken the party in 1998, but he had very valid reasons to leave. He could not work with Alfred Sant - he did not agree with his measure to increase the electricity and water bills, he did not like the way Sant treated Mintoff, and calling the 1998 election was political suicide. George could have stayed there pretending nothing was wrong, smiling to the cameras as many actually did! But he did not - because he is a man of great integrity . His one mistake was that he did not explain why he was actually leaving - he did not want to divide the party! He could have said that he couldn't work with Alfred Sant and that his policies and decisions were harming the MLP! Moreover the decision taken in favour of the 1998 election by the party delegates was taken the day after George Abela's speech - giving space and time for lobbying and brainwashing on the delegates leaving them no alternative but to vote in favour, as the vote had been manipulated into one of “fiducja fil-leader”!
George Abela is not a “laghqi”- that is why he left. How could he offer his help during these years?! Anyone who was anti-Sant either left or was made to leave - there was no opportunity to voice your opinion and if you did, you were labelled as a traitor or PN ! George Abela was ready and willing to contest the post of MLP leader even in 2003 but having Sant in the race made the election a farce! With George Abela as a leader MLP will win its credibility, attract new votes and those PN voters who are fed up with their party but who had no other choice but to keep voting PN as long as Alfred Sant was our leader! George Abela is respected for his honesty and integrity by all those who know him and have worked with him. His excellent organisational skills will strengthen our party and lead it to victory in the next election.

charles baldacchino (on 17/3/08)

when labour lost in 2003 the two deputy leaders lost their places, but varist did not ask his leader's resignation. now that dr sant has resigned he is asking the deputy leaders to resign. how consistent

fleur hili (on 17/3/08)

Well here goes. I support P.N. and yes I want to have my say.
I would be happy if whoever is elected front man of the Labour party they will (if the labour wins the next election)
1) Icontinue the projects, PN would have started and not stop them them, start them all over with a different plan , like Dr.Sant did with Mater Die and so many other projects.
2) He will not mess with the education system.
3) He will not try and fill our heads with "we will renegotiate with EU" talk.
So yes we are all anxious about MLP`s new front man, so in the next elections I will not have to worry about my children`s education and my country`s future if Labour won!!! I will know that everything will go on as if no election took place.

steve busuttil (on 17/3/08)

Dear Wally Vella-Zarb and like minded Labourites,

Your comments are the exact reason I turned up to vote on the 8th March.

the MLP should be thinking about the country not about power within the party with a proper policy looking to the future within the EU.

Bring on Dr Abela, I am sure he will be able to get rid of some dinosaurs and finally hand Malta a real alternative government. Once this is done I will finally have an option as to who to vote for!

This is the only way for Labour to win an election, winning over the floating voter and not the die-hards who will inevitably vote for whoever is placed as leader.

Allen Galea (on 17/3/08)

Wally Vella-Zarb, the way you think, takes me back about 30 years. I have been a PN supporter for years and I would have no problem voting MLP if it was in my best interest and that of my family and the country. Having the right people in MLP would rest my mind that we won't have a repetition of what happened in 96 - 98. Most of the leaders in MLP MUST got before they see my vote and that includes Jason Micallef, Charles Mangion, George Vella and others. I am terrified that these people would one day govern Malta. I think it's in everyone's interest that the MLP elect the right leaders! Fingers crossed.

Byron Camilleri (on 17/3/08)

Alan Attard - what I wanted to mean was that Dr Muscat obtained the highest number of votes from among the labour candidates in the 2004 MEPs' elections.

Wally Vella-Zarb (on 17/3/08)

I have a suggestion for all these PN 'advisers' who regularly fill the media with what the MLP should or should not do.
Why don't you yourselves contest the vacancies? Who knows? Perhaps you will even succeed in contradicting the old Maltese adage that "Hadd ma jghidlek tahsel wiccek biex tkun isbah minnu", loosely translated as 'nobody will tell you to how to become better than he is' !

Alan Attard (on 17/3/08)

Mr Byron Camilleri - it seems you have forgotten that Dr Simon Busuttil polled 22000 votes more than Dr Joseph Muscat - just for the record.

David Gatt (on 17/3/08)

No to George Abela and Alfred Mifsud. They are just opportunists who only want power, or else they leave. Anyway they're too old for the job now too.

Joseph Muscat is the best candidate for this post. He's young, fresh, and full of new ideas. I'm sure he can build bridges where Labour ha failed to build in the past.

A Azzopardi (on 17/3/08)

Elements within Labour are anxious for a scapegoat to justify the consecutive failures at the polls, say Dr.Falzon, when the cause of these repetitive defeats are the party delegates who had acted like goats when choosing the Party leaders. The Labour Party has been without proper leadership since Mintoff, even though the latter became his worst enemy and threw away his past good work for Malta and the Labour Party by his obstinate ways and by turning a blind eye to the violent element within the Party. Sant never demonstrated leadership qualities, a leader does not show disrespect to a former Party leader.

David Farrugia (on 17/3/08)

It seems funny how pro PN people and PN officials are trying to push George Abela upon the pedestal. Imagine AC Milan, suggesting a new coach for Inter! That is how ridiculous the whole thing is! One must not forget that George Abela bailed out when Sant called the election in 1998 and then, what else did George Abela do? He vanished for 10 years. He is definately not a leader. He's an opportunist.

Claire Pace Harmsworth (on 17/3/08)

Jason Micallef must resign. He is doing more damage than good to MLP. Whoever gets the leadership must start 'the pjan ta bidu gdid' properly! Old members who are only there to stir trouble must be removed. I am sure MLP have very good people within their group to take on the leadership of the MLP.

Sarah Grech (on 17/3/08)

Jason's behaviour on Xarabank last Friday contributed to more pain and anger among Labour supporters, including myself. It was very clear that Jason was uncomfortable and his uneaseness manifested itself in a defensive and almost rude behaviour. The most honorable thing he can do now is resign.

Since I acquired my right to vote, I voted Labour, but my vote for the next elections will now depend on the choice of the new MLP leader. The electorate has sent a powerful message in these elections; a sensitive one, as a matter of fact, but one which needs to be addressed; the importance of a leader who can win a crowd.

If a good leader is judged by looking at his heart, attitudes, life decisions, values and skills, then, in my opinion the Malta Labour Party had a great leader. If, on the other hand, a good leader is judged by how relational and charismatic he is or how passionate his vocal capability is, then, Dr. Gonzi is definitely a winner.

Whatever it is that makes a good leader, it certainly must appeal to the majority and charismatic leadership seems to do the trick!

Joseph E Briffa (on 17/3/08)

I am sorry to say that Jason Micallef's appointment as general secretary was not a good choice. In the first place he is too young, too full of himself, he comes across as arrogant, aggressive and loves being smug. Not only does he lack charisma, but antogonises people before he even opens his mouth. His behaviour during his first appearance on Xarabank proved all this; he turned the programme into a rowdy circus show. He seems to be incapable of participating in a serious debate and seems to take sheer delight in playing for the gallery. Judging by his behaviour in public one can well imagine how he conducts himself behind closed doors. He would have been a good performer in the MLP set-up of the 70s and 80s when debating meant shouting people down instead of calmly pushing one's ideas across. Those tactics are not conducive to bringing about consensus; they only result in making enemies and appeal solely to the uneducated lot. Moreover they don't help at all to erase from people's minds the image which the MLP projected a generation ago: on the contrary these tactics strengthen freedom- loving people's resolve not to trust labour as it has basically remained very much the same. These tactics are no longer in fashion and they strengthen the perception that labour is not even good enough to be the party in opposition let alone to be the alternative government. Labour has to do alot of soul- searching if they want to move on.

M. Brincat (on 17/3/08)

Hi everyone. First of I'm an MLP supporter. So there goes my bias.

Secondly, I would back any of the following - George Abela, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Michael Falzon and Joseph Muscat, in that order, based on age, since both have the potential - in my opinion - to win the election.

Why age? Simple - because if Joseph Muscat will not lead the party now then he will have opportunities in the future to be at the party's helm. The same cannot be said for the others though.

I don't agree with those saying that the PN don't want the best for the MLP ... come on, I haven't seen so far any PN supporter lobbying for Anglu Farrugia or Charles Mangion! But they all look so keen on a moderate leader that would allow for a strong MLP!

And no. I don't agree with George Abela about how the leader is elected because it's George Abela says so. However, I would consider changing the rules if the majority of the candidates agree. That's the way forward though. Definitely.

Michael Attard (on 17/3/08)

Yes, sure! Let's place George Abela as leader. And then we can bring out the moth balls, and place right next to him Mintoff and Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici.

Yes, FUTURE choice indeed!

Joe Galea (on 17/3/08)

Please pinch me as I think I am dreaming; are PN supporters so kind to really want to help their beloved enemy MLP? OMG I am awake this is unbelievable, how can these people wish well to MLP when just a few days ago they shot their cannons against the Party attacking each move and proposal it made. I think PN = Pinocchio Nation, where lying and hypocrisy are the only factors governing the country.
I think MLP has to do it's homework well and the best solution, in my opinion is Joseph Muscat and fresh team of deputy leaders and secretary general. The other members should then pull the same rope for the benefit of the party and at the end for the benefit of the country.

antoine micallef (on 17/3/08)

Mr Jason Micallef I might understand your fears but it was not a good political idea to say those things out in public and and a tv station. Let's find a leader who can win us new votes new voters and accepts everyone.

m vella (on 17/3/08)

The prospective labour leader should not be chosen only on the basis that he or she may attract the floating voter. Floating voters are not stale voters, meaning it is not the same persons who opt to shift from one party to another. The floating voters rotate and are substituted by other voters who shift from one party to another from time to time. It is virtually impossible to determine a category of floating voters, or better still identify the floating voters, hence it is a fallacy to state that the chosen leader must be a person to attract the floating voter.

The leader to be must have all the credentials to suffice the needs and aspirations of the citizens from all walks of life. It is equally important for the chosen leader to possess a high degree of intellectual and humanistic qualities, as well as, an honest and humble reputation. I believe that there is room and place for everybody to contribute for the good welfare of the party and the country, but what is most important at this point in time is to elect a leader with all the necessary qualifications to bring back the scattered sheep, to retain those voters who have put their trust in us and to build the necessary trust to attract new voters. The post of a political leader is not a post of power and gain, but a post of sacrifice and hard work.

Louis F Cassar (on 17/3/08)

What the MLP should be looking for is a leader with the qualities of a Statesman, not just somebody to lead the Labour Party. Hence, I cannot agree more with Evarist Bartolo's comment about not wishing Labour to become a tribal minority. The choice of leader should therefore be based on the candidate's ability to lead the country not simply the party, since such person may well become Malta's PM in the future. George Abela's desire for a wider representative vote is likewise valid, if not crucial. With such a small pool of Statesman-calibre politicians, Malta can ill-afford mediocre choices for its front-line leaders. This is a time when the MLP needs to think and act way beyond parochial lines.

Stephen Florian (on 17/3/08)

A female with grass roots and heart in the maltese working class with deep knowledge of what people are going through. This would be a good transformation for MLP. It would further help to debase rampant male chauvinism in Maltese politics.Marie Louise Coleiro Preca has these qualities if she is ready to bear the cross of leadership. I am sure there are other ladies in the MLP who could also bring such a change. At least we would experience a factual change and not see more of the same, and perhaps PN would learn from this too. It is time for genuine change and we should face this with courage. Europe is change and we are in Europe aren't we ? Malta continuosly resists change and EU developments. I think that if we really welcome change than we should start from home. A woman at the helm of the MLP would be a real New beggining. What do you ladies think ? After all it had to take a general election to empower prime minister Dr. Gonzi to conduct a reshuffle in his cabinet as not many people like change as they love power more. I do not know any of the ladies at MLP personally but I think they should start campaigning right away if they feel they are up to it. There is too much hypocrisy and conservatism on this archipelago. Liberalise now, look ahead, bring in real change once and for all.Change or die, and problems for MLP will spell problems for PN with a razor thin majority in government.

Byron Camilleri (on 16/3/08)

Victoria Grech, what are you suggesting then, PN supporters voting for the MLP leader? I hope not. The argument that George Abela is bringing, the thing were he wants the paying members voting too is totally unacceptable. This system is easily fraudable, both by candidates and the opposing party. Candidates will try to get paying members as much as they can, and who will get the most paying members will be apointed as Leader, and it can also be used by the opposing party by hiring people to get a subscription and then order them how to vote. The system he is proposing cannot work.

Regarding that the new leader must appeal to both mlp supporters and not. George Abela may appeal to non-labourities but you cannot have a leader which is not only accepted by the party's followers. I think this situation is worse. Besides George Abela also broke up with the GWU, by helping workers by being their lawyer to get out of GWU, and make their own Union of port workers. One must keep in mind, that the GWU's daily newspaper is the only pro-labour printed newspaper in Malta. This will lead to more lack of support from the media.

That is why I think that Dr.Joseph Muscat is the best possible leader for the MLP as in my opinion he will attract both labourties and floaters.

Jennnifer Tabone (on 16/3/08)

I do not know how Mr. Abela even have the impudence of putting himself forward for the leadership of the Labour Party may I remind you all that ten years have passed since he has forsaken the party and did he ever in these ten years give a helping hand to the party. NO. Instead here we find him again putting his egotistical self forward and tell us, labourites that the we are greatly in need of people like him, who abandon the party in times of great need of unity. Undoubtedly personal glory and I told you so are really not necessary at this point. And by the way I am a paying member of the Labour party.

david magro (on 16/3/08)

Let the Labour supporters speak through the conference. The conference should be open to Labour supporters, Party members and Delegates. We have had enough of show time. We have ample time to decide, but once we decide we must sound our voice for half the population ( less 1580) who is Labour. As Dr.Abela is a party member he has the right to speak, and if he has backing then he would be elected as the Leader. My final word is for the executive and all heads of MLP to resign with immediate effect and a Conference is called. The Agenda and running of the conference is to be drawn by the elected MP`s who will appoint a board to run the conference. In doing so there would be no conflict of interest.

Corinne Vella (on 16/3/08)

Byron Camilleri: The fact that George Abela appeals to non-Labourites is good news for the Malta Labour Party. If non-Labourites were clamouring for someone who would lead the MLP to a sure defeat, they have plenty more people to choose from. It's only acceptable for the MLP to run itself like an exclusive club as long as it's not in goverment. If the MLP leader is to become a good prime minister that person needs to appeal to people other than the 800-odd MLP delegates.

David Farrugia (on 16/3/08)

It has to be Dr. Joseph Muscat. Well composed, intelligent, charismatic, young, energetic, already delivered results. You name it, he's got it.

Victoria Grech (on 16/3/08)

Mr Byron Camilleri, I would marginally accept your argument that the PN are meddling in the election of a new MLP leader purely for their own ends if they were pushing any other candidate other than George Abela. For George Abela is way head and shoulders above all the rest in terms of anything that you can throw at him and therefore he can offer a serious challenge to the PN.The interest regarding the choice of the MLP leader should not only be resitricted to MLP supporters, for one day, this person may be Prime Minister of this country.

Byron Camilleri (on 16/3/08)

The thing that PN's media is pushing George Abela is an indicative. How come your enemy offer advice? No way!

They're pushing the candidate that is the best for their interests.

Byron Camilleri (on 16/3/08)

I think that Gerge Ablea wants to play the game but with his own rules, and there are rules to be respected in the labour party. He left MLP when the party needed him most.

As a youth with socialist ideologies I would like to see Dr.Muscat as the party leader for various reasons.

1st the results he obtained in the European Parliament speak for themselves, Undoubtly the best of the 5 Maltese.

2nd. He's the one who no one could say the he's an EU skeptic.

3. He's young, he represents the new generation

4. He's charismetic

5. already stood an election for the MPS which was country-wide and he obtained the most votes.

Marco Brincat (on 16/3/08)

Only George Abela can lead Labour to victory against Gonzi. If they choose Evarist or Mangion... not much would be changed...I'm afraid!

M.Avellino (on 16/3/08)

Jason, go back to your TV programme. You were better there. Accept defeat, accept responsibility for your actions, then resign. Your party will be better off without you in your present position.

Joe C. Azzopardi (on 16/3/08)

Dr. Abela knows quite well that the Party's Statute, as it now stands, do not allow members to vote directly for the election of a leader, but it is their Delegated representatives who are eligible to cast their vote in favour of an interested party or not.
As to the choice of Leader, i would choose a young charismatic person appealing to the general public and has a public appeal.

A ELLUL (on 16/3/08)

Labour needs to make a root and branch reform if it is to return to power. Many of these reforms wil be spearheaded by the new leader but some may needxed before the new leader is chosen, precisely to allow the best person to be chosen. Jason Micallef's insistence that te rules of election are there to stay , at least until the next choice of party leader is against this trend of reform, but very much within his own personal scheme of things. Problem is that he is too transparent, in all the wrong ways, by far.

emmanuel Buttigieg (on 16/3/08)

Are some of these people who advocating to change the rules to accomodate their favorities, the same people who few days before election were contributing in these same columns with an anti-Sant campaign.

It is very clear your interest is not the MLP gain but other motives.

kenneth spiteri (on 16/3/08)

please....leave jason on board so we PN...can continue....the glory........viva l-pjanti.......hehehe

Mario degiorgio (on 16/3/08)

The less Mr Jason Micallef talks the better. Being part of the old gang he should be one of those to resign.

Karl Abela (on 16/3/08)

Jason Micallef is not the party, but unfortunately for MLP he has done alot of damage everytime he has arroganly opened his mouth to defend the undefendable. I think that he should take some public speaking lessons and be more humble. Maybe Joe Saliba can give him some private lessons...

J.Buhagiar (on 16/3/08)

I am sorry but if you are saying that the rules cannot be changed so that prospective candidates like Dr. Abela and Alfred Mifsud, etc that have EARNED the respect of many Maltese especially floating independent voters; you are simply going to turn this election into an opportunity for the PN again.

There is no way you will ever win enough independent voters and/or win the elections with Gonzi in place unless you put all aside and simply go for the best independent election. #

If you elect one that we can trust and one that we can depend on, you will change your chances to an all time high.

If not, with Dr. Gonzi in place and no opposition leader that can equate his qualities, chances are that if Dr. Gonzi brings malta the results that he promised, you will fail again.

John Mallia (on 16/3/08)

It is quite certain that Labour has a greater core support than PN. So it is the floating voters - those not affiliated to any party, those that can make change happen - that Labour has to target. The party needs a leader that reflects trust, affidability, humility, no-nonsense and who believes in true socialism. I think this can only be achieved if leadership goes to either George Abela, Evarist Bartolo or Marie Louise Coleiro. A real breath of fresh air into the Maltese political sphere is what we badly need ... and who says this breath of fresh air can't come from Labour?

Silvan Mifsud (on 16/3/08)

The choice is clear. Labour either chooses to cling to its 'rules' and risk remaining in the opposition ad infinitum, or otherwise, realises that after 25 years in opposition it is high time that it does a complete internal reform on how it operates and changes all the things that can prohibit it from winning the next general election. It can start by changing the way the leader is elected to make sure that the one chosen already has a good basis of popular support. This, for once, can make Labour more innovative than the PN, after Labour has been trailing PN on a number of issues be it local councils, VAT or the EU. However, the real problem is that some persons within the party do not really want such a change as they are more interested in keeping their power position than doing what is necessary for the best interest of the party! This is the legacy of Alfred Sant to which we should be so thankful!

Francis Attard (on 16/3/08)

In my opinion Jason Micallef initiated the course towards labour defeat, when he told supporters that a labour government would be for labourites. Such a declaration, a person in that position shouldn't even cross his mind.

ALBERT FENECH (on 16/3/08)

Let us not blinker ourselves with paradigms. The new MLP leader must be chosen on popular choice, and, if rules have to be changed, they should be. At grass roots level Dr. George Abela is a widely acclaimed popular choice and his name is currently being mentioned in many quarters. Ultimately, it is the voters who cast their votes during a General Election that count. Let us all MLP supporters keep that strongly in mind.

martin saliba (on 16/3/08)

The longer it takes for the rules to be changed the longer people like Jason Micallef can cling to their job whether well done or a complete failure. personally i think that Jason should be watering bushes in a remote desert

Elaine Grima (on 16/3/08)

Jason Micallef on Xarabank said that at the moment delegates are those who can vote for the leader and George Abela cannot assume that out of the blue they change the rules just for him! I don't think rules can be changed over night.

'Jason Micallef is not the party' - George Abela

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