GRTU in a mess

The news that Vince Farrugia, director-general of the GRTU, is contesting the European Parliament election on June 6 on the Nationalist Party ticket must have surprised many of those who have held the GRTU in high regard for its complete independence from partisan political ties or influence.

After the official announcement of Mr Farrugia's candidacy, the esteem which the GRTU has enjoyed not only among its members but also among the public, must have taken a nosedive. More so after learning of Mr Farrugia's decision to stay on as its director-general and his first politically partisan pronouncements, which contrast sharply with his harsh criticismof the Prime Minister and his government until a few weeks ago.

To add to the mess in which the GRTU finds itself now, GRTU president Paul Abela has appealed to its members to vote for Mr Farrugia, thereby effectively directing them to vote PN on June 6, since a vote for any PN candidate - including Mr Farrugia - will be considered as a vote of confidence in this government, which has made the life of thousands of business people, including GRTU members, so difficult, especially with the scandalous water and electricity tariffs, tax on plastic bags, etc. Not to mention the way the PN government has defaulted on its 17-year promise to owners and operators of businesses at Ta' Qali Crafts Village.

I wonder whether Mr Farrugia will now have the courage to face those same people at Ta' Qali and ask them to vote for him and the PN, when he has decided to help the same government which has fooled them for so many years.

I am convinced that Mr Farrugia's decision was motivated by political convenience rather than conviction - very similar to a marriage of convenience.

This is why I believe that the vast majority of PN voters will not be duped into giving Mr Farrugia their first preference. They would surely rather trust those candidates they know are "convinced" Nationalists rather than some Johnny (Vinny?) come lately.