Crucial time for MLP (1)

The general election has come and gone. In our democratic system of government the electorate has sent its message. The end result is what it is.

The Christian Democrats of Malta have won by a whisker. The Malta Labour Party, barring unforeseen circumstances, will sit on the Opposition benches until the next general election.

Alfred Sant, who was elected leader of the Labour Party in March 1992, tendered his "irrevocable" decision to step down as captain of the party.

To Dr Sant, to whom I have always been loyal, I extend my thanks for having turned the party around during the past 16 years and injected in it methods that befit a modern political party.

Dispassionate historians will, in future, evaluate the real good that this sincere visionary contributed to the party and country during his years of tenure of office.

Thank you Dr Sant.

What of the future of the Malta Labour Party?

There must not only be soul searching but serious planning, a vigilant approach laced with an acute reading of the times and always under the strong spotlight of prudence.

Only fools rush in where angels fear to tread!

Time is not only a great healer. It also helps the mind to control the emotions.

This is my strong message to the party members and delegates who will be called to determine who the new leaders, the thinkers, the galvanising factors with solid organisational abilities will be so that "Dunkirk" will be craftily crafted into a "Normandy".

It is the beginning of wisdom to remember that eternal vigilance is and will always be the ultimate price of victory.