Opposition willing to take part in consultations

The Labour Party is ready to take part in discussions on the reform of the local government system, Labour spokesman on Local Councils Chris Cardona said yesterday.

Dr Cardona said that although there was no formal decision yet in view of the fact that the party was still in the process of choosing its new leadership team, the party was "very willing" to participate in consultations on the reform.

He was contacted by The Times in view of his absence at the launch by the Prime Minister of the consultation process last Friday, which he had been invited to address.

He said he had to turn down the invitation because he did not have enough time to get the necessary clearance from the party in order to be able to attend. However, this did not mean that the MLP did not want to participate in the discussions, he insisted.

He said the party has the majority of councillors in local councils around Malta and Gozo and also has a strong representation within the Local Councils Association.

"The Labour Party never shied away from discussions to reform the present local government system. On the contrary, in the past the party put forward a number of ideas to improve the system," he said.

Dr Cardona said that the party had suggested changes to the way European Union funds are tapped by local councils and the setting up of a specific committee to help councils tap as much money as possible for information technology and research and development, among others.

He said the party had also proposed a reform of the local enforcement system.

"We have always been open to discussions to improve the legal framework of local councils in order to improve the way they operate.

Obviously, before official stands are taken, the proposed reform must be first discussed at party level and then the party will go back to the government with its feedback," he said.

Last Friday at the launch, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, who will be responsible for the consultation process, addressed mayors, deputy mayors and executive secretaries.

Speaking to The Times, Dr Said said the government wanted to involve the opposition in the reform process "from day one" because of the valid contribution it can give.