Former Labour Party president Toni Abela yesterday said he was considering submitting his nomination for a leadership post at the MLP but would not be drawn into saying which one.

"I am potentially interested in any position," he told The Times.

Dr Abela returned to the Labour Party some years ago after he was expelled from the MLP during the party's general conference in October 1989, following a decision by the party's Vigilance and Disciplinary Board.

He was then Party President but resigned together with Wenzu Mintoff, who was then Whip of the Labour Opposition. The two had criticised the party for not doing anything about what they claimed were corruption and violence within it. They went on to help set up Alternattiva Demokratika.

Dr Abela said yesterday he believed the people coming forward as candidates for party leader had a lot to contribute to the party.

Earlier in the conversation, he said he would not go for positions which were being contested by people he believed had a lot to offer the party.

"My wish is to transmit my beliefs and try to convince people about them in a bid to strengthen democracy...

"It is in the interest of the country that the MLP becomes stronger as this will contribute to a stronger democracy.

"There has to be an opposition which speaks strongly and with conviction, without hurting anyone," he said.

The declared candidates for the post of MLP leader on June 5 so far are Joseph Muscat, Michael Falzon and Evarist Bartolo. Other possible candidates include former party deputy leader George Abela, Anġlu Farrugia and Marie Louise Coleiro.

Names floated as possible candidates for the election of deputy leaders on June 12 include Gavin Gulia and Chris Cardona.

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