George Vella speaks out against Speaker offer

The prime minister's offer to the Labour Party to nominate one of its MPs as Speaker was an insult, former Labour deputy leader George Vella said this evening.

The former foreign minister made his comment at a public activity held by Labour leadership hopeful Joseph Muscat in Birzebbuga.

The MLP has not formally taken a decision on the government's offer, but an MP nominated to the Chair would lose his original vote in the House, meaning that the government's majority would grow to two.

Dr Vella said the country needed a strong Opposition that would be able to scrutinise the government and keep its “arrogance” in check. He then went on to describe the government’s offer as “insolent”.

Dr Vella and journalist Godfrey Grima made speeches to back Dr Muscat's candidacy.

Dr Muscat kicked off his speech at the event – which is the first in a series his campaign team will be organising before the June 5 election – by thanking the other four candidates, saying that he believed they all were valid people who had a lot to offer.

“Should anyone of them be chosen instead of me I ask you to work with them,” he said.

He then went on to reiterate his vision for a modern, inclusive party and insisted on unity.

Comments

David Gatt (2 weeks, 4 days ago)

Andrew Borg-Cardona - shut your nationalist-instigated whining

Mario Sant (2 weeks, 6 days ago)

You are so right, Dr. Vella. Who is this government trying to kid? Come on Dr. Muscat, good luck!

Anthony A.Mifsud (2 weeks, 6 days ago)

That a Boy, and weldone Joseph, thank to George for all his expireance, let's keep this Arogant Govt in check.

Weldone boys.

Tony

Andrew Borg-Cardona (2 weeks, 6 days ago)

Look who's talking about "arrogance" and calling something "insolent". Wouldn't a simple "no thank you", with an explanation, been less confrontational? Clearly, Joseph Muscat's backers are Old Labour exponents, then.

saviour cachia (2 weeks, 6 days ago)

Dr. Joseph Muscat you hit the nail on its head. Yes all the contenders for the MLP leader election are valid people with vast experience in a category or other. So, I quite agree, whoever is selected as leader, should rally the other four around him and they should be the think tank of the MLP in its quest for a much needed review inside the party and a well built and credible strategy to be electable to power in the 2013 general elections.
As i remarked previously , unity should be sought in diversity, and by 2013 the MLP will be the strong party that it was prior to its last success in 1996 general elections.
With a moderate but resolute strategy, the Labour Opposition should show the Nationalist Government that it will not be bull-dozed over so easily, while fulfilling its obligation for a better future to the Maltese society.
Time for arrogance by the Gonzipn is over. I am all out for as much collaboration as possible with the Government for the best interest of our islands, but with the Opposition being shown the respects it deserve in political circumstances where our islands are being run by a government enjoying just a relative majority.
This situation leaves much room for the Nationalist Government to ponder seriously not to rush in where angels fear to tread.
Hope that the remaining weeks for the election of the new MLP leader will truly show that the MLP is back to its forte as prior to 1996.