Eric Saliba, Ħamrun
Something for delegates to think about (1)
At last, the much-awaited moment, that of electing a new Labour leader, has arrived. This moment is not only important for the Labour Party but also for the country in general because it will shape the future of politics in Malta.
Much is at stake in this election. Perhaps many delegates who will vote tomorrow do not even realise this. They will not only elect their new leader but they will also decide if Labour will steer towards electability or face political oblivion.
The Prime Minister said that Labour has to think not only about what's good for the party but what's good for the country. Well, dear Prime Minister, what's best for the country is a new democratic Labour Party in government as soon as possible.
Who is the best of the five contestants? Who is the one who can turn a party in shambles into a force to be reckoned with? There is no doubt in my mind that George Abela is the best suited of the lot. He has got what it takes to be a good leader. He has always been consistent and pro-EU. Leadership qualities certainly put him a cut above the rest: His personality, credibility, media friendliness and, last but not least, his charisma.
He also has something which all the others lack - he is seen as a safe pair of hands by Nationalists and floating voters and this quality is of the utmost importance because it may well be the deciding factor in a general election.
The delegates have to keep one thing in mind when voting. Nine hundred delegates will vote for the Labour leader but in five years' time all Malta will vote for the new Prime Minister. Don't decide with your heart but with your heart and your soul. All the surveys have been saying one thing: That the Maltese people think that with Dr Abela as leader, Labour stand the best chance of being elected to government in five years' time. Delegates need to keep that in mind when making their decision. Time will tell if they made the right choice.
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Charles Camilleri
Jun 4th 2008, 15:50
to Paul schembri. Do you expect the Nationalist Party to stay dumb and pass no comments on the election campaign of the new labour leader? Is this what your party have done when the Nationalist were electing their leader? Please grow up and remove your old fashioned mentality. It seems that many labourites are still loath to read the defeat report of the election. They prefer to stay in their fortress mentality of fifty years ago.
Ronnie Gauci
Jun 4th 2008, 15:08
Mr. Schembri I don't think that Mr Saliba wrote this letter today.
Well said Eric, I agree 100% with what you wrote.
Maria Dolores Fenech
Jun 4th 2008, 14:24
Thankyou for remining us, Paul. A thousand apologies, but I forgot what day it is today. Good luck to them all.
Paul Schembri
Jun 4th 2008, 14:03
I never thought I'll see the day the PN will be canvassing for a new Labour Leader! Either I'm dreaming, or there's something wrong. I don't know what to think. Can this be a setup? Hope not. Delegates take care. I never saw a rival wishing his opponent to be better than him.
Paul Schembri
Jun 4th 2008, 12:49
Mr. Erica Saliba, don't you know that today is a day of silence. So will you please be quiet and leave the thinking to the party delegates. Are you so afraid that George Abela won't be chosen as leader, that you're willing to continue canvassing for your favourite, knowing that the race is over now? So please, Time Out, OK!
Maria Dolores Fenech
Jun 4th 2008, 09:29
After watching last night's Net TV programme '...bil-fatti', I agree 100% with Eric.
The Delegates have already turned down what Dr Abela proposed in the 1998 General Conference not to go to the polls, and he was proved right. They must not repeat the same mistake TWICE. Not only for the sake of the MLP but also for Malta, they must elect Dr George Abela Leader of the MLP.
P.S. For those who either missed the programme or wish to watch it again, '...bil-fatti' will be aired again today at 10am and 11.40pm on Net TV.