Vote Joseph, get Glenn... or Debono Grech?

Labour's runners-up in the 2004 euro-parliamentary elections have at least one good reason to support the nomination of Joseph Muscat for party leader - it would give them a chance to occupy his seat in the European Parliament.

Should Dr Muscat win Labour's June 5 leadership election, he would have to vacate his seat as a Socialist MEP to take over as Opposition leader in the Maltese parliament.

The candidates polling the highest number of votes after Dr Muscat, John Attard Montalto and Louis Grech (who were all elected) were Glenn Bedingfield, Joe Debono Grech, Owen Bonnici, Robert Micallef and Wenzu Mintoff.

Technically, all those taking part in the casual elections should start on an equal footing. However, if the voting pattern in 2004 is anything to go by, then Mr Bedingfield and former Labour MP Joe Debono Grech have a considerable headstart over the others.

Mr Bedingfield had polled 13,435 first preference votes and Mr Debono Grech received 14,080. The next in line, Dr Bonnici, secured just over 7,200 votes.

By the 13th count, the situation had changed to 16,113 for Mr Debono Grech and 16,956 for Mr Bedingfield, and the latter - who remained in the race for another count - soared to 21,978 votes on the 14th count.

Contacted for their comments as to whether they would be interested in contesting the post, both remained non-committal, citing the MLP leadership race as the priority at this stage.

"I can't really say now, as I don't know what will happen. It's still too early," Mr Debono Grech said. "Whatever the case, I'll do what the party instructs me to do, as I have always done." Mr Debono Grech, known for his brash style and close ties with Labour's grass-roots, failed to be elected in the March 8 general election, though he can still make it to the Maltese parliament through the casual elections.

Mr Bedingfield also said it was too early to say whether he would throw his hat into the ring, pending the outcome of the leadership contest. "I think that's the most important thing right now. Everything else comes after that. We'll see."

Since 2004, Mr Bedingfield has turned himself into a restaurateur and assisted former Labour leader Alfred Sant during the election campaign.

Whatever the case, the prospective MEP, even if for a brief stint, can look forward to a handsome package and a potential platform for the next European Parliament election in June next year.