Muscat promises to 'heal and unite' MLP
Labour leadership candidate Joseph Muscat promised MLP delegates in Gozo this evening that as leader he would unite the party and give it a leadership that was firm, dynamic and visionary.
He said he was confident that as leader he would be able to “heal and unite” the Labour Party.
“I will sit around a table with my colleagues, hear their views, and ensure that everyone has a role in the MLP. Then I will lead the creation of a movement for progressives and moderates,” he said.
Referring to an opinion survey, he welcomed the fact that he was shown as being the preferred candidate among Labourites, floating votes, those who had voted for the small parties and those who had not voted at all, as well as young people, saying it appeared his message was getting through.
Dr Muscat said the MLP needed a strategy for Gozo, especially in view of its unemployment rate, which was consistently higher than Malta’s.
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saviour cachia
Jun 1st 2008, 15:56
Allow me to edit previous comment:
Hope i am not still in a state of stupor and dreaming like D. Fenech. But for the best interest of the MLP and Malta , I would like to forward this suggestion:
In the coming days prior to the Thursday election of the new MLP leader, a compromise is sought, with the blessing of the five contenders and maybe the National Executive, and a motion by the National Executive is forwarded by which;
Dr. George Abela will be declared leader and Dr. Joseph Muscat deputy leader, while the other three contestants withdraw their nomination. I appreciate the good work they did during the campaign, but such a move will be in the best interest of the party. Dr. Muscat may at the moment honour his term as MEP, but once this period is over, he will not contest again. But Dr. Muscat will be guaranteed a place in Malta Parliament for this legislature. Will contest the 2013 general elections and will take over the post of leader of the MLP at the opportune time. The interest of the party and Malta are first and foremost.
saviour cachia
Jun 1st 2008, 12:25
Hope i am not still in a state of stupor and dreaming like D. fenech But for the best interest of the MLP and Malta , I would like to forward this suggestion:
In the coming days prior to the Thursday election of the new MLP leader, a sort of compromise is sought, with the blessing of the five contenders and maybe the National Executive, forwarded a type of motion by the National Executive is forwarded by which;
Dr. George Abela will be declared leader and Dr. Joseph Muscat deputy leader, while the other three contestants withdraw their nomination. I appreciate the good work they did during the campaign, but such a move will be in the best interest of the party. Dr. Muscat may at the moment honour his term as MEP, but once this period is over, he will not contest again, but will be guaranteed a place in Malta Parliament, till it would be time to take over the post of leader of the MLP. Pls. Can this dream becomes a reality? The interest of the party and malta are first and foremost.
PS: contenders for other post, pls wait.
JOHN SCERRI
Jun 1st 2008, 09:02
May whoever wins have the courage and support to 'walk one's talk'.
A lot , maybe too much has been said , promised, critcised.
The people of Malta wish to have an opposition who will prove with facts to be a valid asset for the maltese economy to move forward and hence be a valid alternative choice for those who will vote for change in the next elections.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL.
A word to those who are eligible to vote :- Keep the Block Voting OUT . - This is a very dangerous tool and does necessarily give the desired result...(I know what I am talking about)
Vote with your brian not with your heart or because you have been influenced by anyone.
All delegates should have enough sense in their minds to look to the future and realise who of the contestants is really in it for the benefit of the party and for Malta and who is in it for personal self esteem.
D Fenech
Jun 1st 2008, 07:12
It is one thing to talk and another to execute! In my opinion ,both Muscat and Abela are very valid but one must learn to walk before one can run. The fact that one is well prepared academically and has natural attributes is not enough. Like good wine a Leader and future Prime Minister needs to mature and also attend the University of Life.The age and experience factors are vital here. In my opinion, the ideal for the Party and for Malta at the end of the day ,would be for Abela to take the helm now with Muscat as Deputy. This would enable the latter achieve the 'maturity.' Yes they ought to learn from all and each other, then, when the moment is right the former retires and the younger takes over. Malta simply cannot afford any more misjudgements! This issue is much more imperative than party politics. But maybe I am a dreamer!
saviour cachia
Jun 1st 2008, 01:42
Mr. Dear Frans, I give you all credit because you are a master in the Maltese Language. You are a well learned 'head' master. But it seems that in politics, you are perhaps rushing in, where angels fear to tread. The only period I remember the MLP was in appearance as being united was between 1996-98. The time when it returned to glory. But still internally there strived the battle between the 'old labour' and the 'new labour', because of difference of ideology that was moving the party from the left, to the centre-left and perhaps today the party is out rightly on the right.
This has caused us dearly, and I do not envisage that such a wound could be healed so easily. Reflect on the report about the defeat of the 2008 general elections. The party does not merely need a retouching, but a complete overhaul and such a responsibility should be left in the hands of a mature leader, and a new set up. A younger leader, despite his good intention, possibly can have obligation to all the master's voice and sponsors. Delegates reflect this delicate situation and look towards 2013.
David Gatt
May 31st 2008, 22:15
Best of luck Joe, hope you win this 'cause you've been the most positive candidate throughout. Labour needs you!
Frans Sammut
May 31st 2008, 21:17
That's the spirit. 'Atta boy, Joe! There should be no victims in this race. All opinions must be heard, weighed and measured. But after the counting of the votes, all must return to the fold, united as never before.