GRTU boss expected to run on Nationalist ticket

Vince Farrugia, director general of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU, is considering entering the political field as a Nationalist Party candidate for June's MEP elections.

Sources in the GRTU and the PN confirmed his intentions; however, when contacted, Mr Farrugia did not commit himself, although he did say he was interested.

Mr Farrugia, 64, told The Sunday Times that his first loyalty remained with the GRTU, although he admitted that running for the MEP elections was "one of the options currently being promoted by others," stopping short of mentioning names.

Asked directly whether he decided to join the political fray as a PN candidate, Mr Farrugia would only say he believed he still had a lot to do at the GRTU and he had the support of practically all its members to carry on.

At the same time he admitted that a job in Brussels also interested him: "It is true that the European Parliament interests me and it's a logical extension of a career like mine. I know I can be a very effective member."

When pressed, he confirmed that many were approaching him to contest.

"It's an issue I have to decide in consultation with many people. I will decide when I'm sure it's the best for our country and for the people I love. Then it's up to the voters and the Almighty. At my age, it will be a great honour to serve my country as an MEP," he said.

Earlier this month, Mr Farrugia was decorated with the state's Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika by President Eddie Fenech Adami for his work at the helm of the GRTU for the past 15 years.

The Sunday Times is informed that Mr Farrugia's candidature will not be made public before the GRTU's next annual general meeting scheduled for mid-January.

Mr Farrugia's candidature is considered to be a controversial one by many PN insiders due to his political background. However, sources close to the GRTU said Mr Farrugia's decision had the approval of the PN leadership, including that of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

A convinced Europhile who openly backed Malta's EU accession in the 2003 referendum, the GRTU's boss is also considered as one of the main contributors towards the PN's last electoral defeat in the 1996 elections with his crusade against the introduction of VAT.

Mr Farrugia's political baggage includes close collaboration with former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff and other prominent Labour ministers in the 1970s and early 1980s. At the time, he was entrusted with many sensitive positions in that administration including that of chairman and chief executive of the National Tourism Organisation.

During his career, Mr Farrugia has also been appointed by both Nationalist and Labour administrations on the board of various government agencies, including Mid-Med Bank, Bank of Valletta, Maltacom, Go Mobile as well as chairman of the Mediterranean Film Studios.

Currently, Mr Farrugia is also a board member of Malta Enterprise and the Building Industry Consultative Council.