Huge support for Grech as Labour deputy leader
Louis Grech promises ‘tangible’ change
Louis Grech and Joseph Muscat (right) yesterday. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
MEP Louis Grech was overwhelmingly approved as the Labour Party’s new deputy leader for parliamentary affairs yesterday, replacing Anġlu Farrugia who was made to resign last week.
Promising to deliver “tangible” change for everyone, Mr Grech also had a strong and timely message for politicians: “Politics is not just about Christmas greetings... We have to earn respect, not buy it.”
Mr Grech, who was the only candidate in the running, won 97 per cent of the valid votes cast, with a total of 724 votes approving his candidature.
The 65-year-old MEP and former Air Malta chairman addressed the press after being elected and said he was aiming to deliver meritocracy, accountability, transparency and impartiality in governance.
“We cannot keep being a country where an election means trauma for half the people... where 50 per cent of us feel threatened,” he said.
He stressed that society needed an “upgrade of values” and his aim would be to ease prejudice and make Malta less judgmental.
The Government, he added, should not make promises it could not keep and should be honest with its citizens if anything went wrong. He appealed for Maltese politics to embrace irony and develop more of a British-style sense of humour.
He said the Government must ensure a competitive economy while safeguarding the interests of the environment and vulnerable people.
Citizens, he added, should be empowered more than politicians.
Labour leader Joseph Muscat said Mr Grech was a “formidable” deputy leader and his “enormous” approval by the party’s grassroots was a strong sign of confidence.
He said Mr Grech would contribute to the country through his vast experience, his understanding of the business sector and his European credentials.
“The spirit he brings is that March 10, the day after the election, will be a day like any other,” said Dr Muscat, confident that voters would feel secure with Mr Grech as Deputy Prime Minister.
Dr Muscat confirmed that Mr Grech would contest the election and said he was “more than convinced he will be elected”. The districts he will contest have not yet been chosen.
Asked whether this election was a “one-horse-race” similar to the one by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi earlier this year, Dr Muscat said this was an election to fill a vacant post whereas Dr Gonzi simply challenged himself for no reason.
Speaking about Dr Farrugia’s resignation, Dr Muscat stressed that his former right hand man was not kicked out of the party and remained “relevant”.
Mr Grech said he had not yet spoken to Dr Farrugia because it was not the appropriate time to do so but he would as soon as possible. He stressed that he was not involved in any way in the party’s call for Dr Farrugia’s resignation.
“I hope to be a good politician but, more importantly, a good human being,” he said, adding that he had respect for Dr Farrugia, who remained a “valid” person.
Dr Muscat rubbished claims that the Labour Party’s statute does not allow for an MEP to contest the post of deputy leader of parliamentary affairs.
The statute says that “only members of Parliament are eligible to contest for the role of deputy leader for parliamentary affairs”.
When asked about this point, Dr Muscat said the election of Mr Grech was totally in conformity with the rules because the statute listed MEPs as part of the parliamentary group. He added that he was more than convinced that Mr Grech would be successful at the general election.
The election to appoint a new deputy leader was rushed through the Christmas season to be concluded before the start of the upcoming campaign, starting January 7, for the election on March 9.
Out of 789 party delegates eligible to vote, 749 voted but six votes were invalid. Out of 743 valid votes, 724 voted for Mr Grech, 16 against and three abstained.
The party said 36 voters said they could not make it because they were sick or abroad.
To be confirmed as deputy leader, Mr Grech needed more than 50 per cent of the valid votes cast. The election was coordinated by the party’s electoral commission chief, Tony Abela, and the district secretaries.
Dr Farrugia was asked to resign after he accused a magistrate of political bias over a judgment about vote rigging. His claims are being investigated by the Commission for the Administration of Justice.
His resignation also came just days after a widely criticised performance he gave during a Xarabank debate against the Nationalist Party’s new deputy leader, Simon Busuttil.
Dr Busuttil was elected late last month, succeeding Tonio Borg who was appointed European commissioner, replacing John Dalli who was forced to resign after a damning investigation by the EU anti-fraud agency, OLAF.
Mr Grech, a widely respected Oxford-educated MEP, was best known for his role at Air Malta. He rose through the ranks of the airline’s management to be appointed CEO and later chairman, leading Air Malta under Labour and Nationalist administrations.
He sits on the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets.
Popular Stories
Old buses, drivers to return
Former Judge Ray Pace found dead
Updated: Minister apologises for...
Three new Nationalist MPs elected –...
Where’s Everybody staff is given notice
Updated - Director of Prisons submits...
Update 3 - Woman trapped as car crashes...
Revealed...the face of a Maltese woman...
Update 4 - Eddie Fenech Adami stable...
In Discussion
Old buses, drivers to return
Updated: Minister apologises for...
PL reacts as PN labels Franco Debono's...
Updated - Director of Prisons submits...
Enemalta seeking minimum five year gas...
Protected birds shot and trapped as...
Mario de Marco, Zammit Dimech concede,...
PN postpones salaries as financial...
Updated - PM's offer to Opposition MPs...
30 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
George Calleja
Dec 28th 2012, 15:58
This contest reminded me of that boxer who took the ring but not having an opponent. After a few jerks the referee( in this case Joseph Muscat) declared the sole boxer as the winner of the fight. Anglu Farrugia was elected with the delegates' votes and so he should have been ousted with another delegates' vote
Carmel Camilleri
Dec 28th 2012, 15:11
Still the big question remains. Had Joseph Muscat any right to sack Dr Farrugia from the post of Deputy Leader when he likes L. Grech was elected by the majority of party delegates.
In my opinion a call for party delegates to do the job was the right thing to do. Actually Joseph a dictatorial act.
Michael Magri
Dec 28th 2012, 13:34
CONGRATULATIONS MR LOUIS GRECH and a VERY WELL DONE to the 97.4% of the PL Delegates.
With this very STRONG vote, you all showed and approved how right Dr Muscat was in taking such a hard decision in the appropriate moment in time, being a few weeks before a general election. Ofcourse, this is something that GonziPN & Co were strongly wishing NOT to happen eh! LOL :)
THANK YOU DR MUSCAT.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 28th 2012, 14:54
@ Michael Magri
91.7% & not 97.4% of PL delegates voted as decreed by their MASTER!
The PL should have done its Homework well! Simple arithmetic!
That's not bad for a sole contender, a one-man show!
It seems that a cue has been taken from d North Korean election of d heir to d throne!!
Now the taste of d pudding is in d eating!
I hope it's not a pie in d sky instead!
Alfred A Falzon
Carmel Camilleri
Dec 28th 2012, 15:16
For a one horse race it is a good result. The whole episode was well thought of and well executed.
LIke dictators who hold sham elections he got nearly all the votes,
Carmel Camilleri
Dec 28th 2012, 15:17
For a one horse race it is a good result. The whole episode was well thought of and well executed.
LIke dictators who hold sham elections he got nearly all the votes,
George Camilleri
Dec 28th 2012, 16:08
@Carmel Camilleri
Maybe they took notes from the Franco Debono and the PN Leader saga, with regards to dictatorial behaviour.
First you destroy Anglu and then you 'stick up for him'. The real question is, who the hell do you think you're kidding?
You and some others should stop commenting and thinking readers are thick enough to turn your partisan garbage into sensible, political thought.
Michael Magri
Dec 28th 2012, 16:56
Mr A Falzon please read.. "Mr Grech, who was the only candidate in the running, won 97 per cent of the valid votes cast, with a total of 724 votes approving his candidature." GOT IT..!!
Mr C Camilleri.. So like what/whom did Dr Gonzi Do..!! .. As you said.. "..LIke dictators who hold sham elections..." AS WELL..!!
As you see guys, both of you made a big booboo with your comments.. LOL:):):)
Alfred Falzon
Dec 28th 2012, 21:45
Mr Michael Magri: there were 789 registered delegates eligible to vote. Some failed to turn up, others abstained or cast invalid votes. These amount to 65, or 8.3% of those who were expected to kowtow to their Party Leader.
Now that implies that 91.7% of Party delegates voted for Mr Grech.
Those r d correct figures not d biased ones as announced on ONE TV!
That's black on white!
aaf
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 09:32
Micheal, you should have taken a look at facebook before you commented, as it seems that not ALL PL supporters are of the same opinion! Joseph is a meer copycat. PN got an MEP as deputy, who is helping in the election programme. Joseph WANTED the same. So now, PL has an MEP as deputy, like PN. He is helping in the electoral programme, like PN. What next? Probably Louis will shave, like Simon
Michael Magri
Dec 29th 2012, 18:21
A Falzon.. I am more than sure that you know very well what the rules of the official results of any election are, despite your continuous failed exertion, (tqanzih), in trying to interpret the L. Grech`s result otherwise..!
Joe M Borg.. I decided to take your childish comment with a pinch of salt, you know..!!
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Dec 28th 2012, 13:28
Without any doubt the PL is much more stronger with MEP Louis Grech as Deputy Leader than the PN with Deputy Leader MEP Simon Busuttil.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 28th 2012, 14:25
@ Vincent Williams
Don't try to do a Nostradamus!
He was not all that precise!! Hallucinations were somewhat his weak spot!
Only time will tell, since a week is a long time in politics, quoting from a favourite quote of Labour MP Evarist Bartolo who sent University students (including those who could'nt afford the fees) to borrow loans from Banks!!
Alfred A Falzon
Alfred A Falzon
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Dec 28th 2012, 17:30
@Mr Alfred Falzon
According to the Nationalists economic policy, I quote: "id-dejn mhu xejn".
That is why every PN Government has been borrowing millions and millions of LM and Euro since 1988!!!! That is why every day the country is paying thousands of Euros. Every single person, including every student, is carrying thousands of debts each day. Besides, such debts means Greece, Italy, ect.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 28th 2012, 22:00
Mr Vincent WILLIAMS: The deficit incurred by Govt is worrying but should education suffer, or for that matter our Univ/MCAST student population, especially those who hail from working class families that can hardly make both ends meet?
Depriving students of stipends is shortsighted & Labour MP Mr Evarist Bartolo was in d wrong.
D PL today has lost most of its social conscience!
Alf A Falzon
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 09:37
Vincent. Check on facebook to see whether PL is stronger than PL. Keep also in mind that Simon BROKE alltime records regarding number of vote statistically. Also, if you have the time, check on www.europarl maltese meps, as have a look at their work records. ONLY THEN you can claim your assertions! If you STILL have some time, go on facebook, and check out Ctherine Frrugia. You'll 'like' it!
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 09:39
Vincent. It's me again. You mention Greece, Italy.... BUT WHY didn't you mention Cyprus??? Probably because your 'accountable' leader (not according to Catherine!), had suggested to Gonzi to copy their 'success'. Very luckily, Malta has Gonzi as PM, NOT Muscat, and Gonzi chose THE OPPOSITE to MUscat's suggestion. If not, it would be Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Malta...
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Dec 29th 2012, 09:55
@Alfred Falzon
Thank you for confirming that the deficit is worrying. But also the millions of debt that every Nationalists Administration did IS ALSO WORRYING. Look at Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain. Every student under the present PN Government is suffering regarding education. Because GonziPN is spending more money to pay for the debt's interest than on education
Victor Borg
Dec 28th 2012, 13:15
To all those against the election of Louis Grech yesterday why not wait for 9th March and see how he fares, better still why not wait to see who will be governing after the election.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 29th 2012, 08:59
@ Victor Borg
If you think I underestimate Mr Grech you're wrong!
He butted in at the wrong moment, replacing a gentleman who should have not been treated so crudely by Dr Muscat!
Otherwise Mr Grech has been doing sterling work as an MEP!
I HATE seeing people being persecuted or haunted and hunted by those who wield power!
Ours is a civilised community!
Alfred A Falzon
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 09:42
We waited in 1996! The trouble in NOT who will be governing Malta, but HOW. If we had Joseph as PM, he would have chosen Cyprus as a model. Gonzi vs Joseph means the HOW to govern. Not to mention OTHER successes to Joseph's genius: No to VAT; No to EU; No to Euro; Iceland.... Want more??
Alfred Falzon
Dec 28th 2012, 13:07
With due respect to Mr Louis Grech who has entered d local political scene on a domestic level, d following comments may b relevant:
1. It's incorrect to state that 97% voted for Mr Grech. Out of eligible 789 delegates 724 voted for him, equivalent to 91%!
2. A truth we share with Mr Grech: Politicians "have to earn respect not buy it"!
That's exactly what Dr Ang Farrugia did!
Alf A Falzon
Mr Conrad V. Busuttil
Dec 28th 2012, 14:37
Mr Falzon,
Maybe you have misunderstood the figures stated, hence reached to a wrong statistic:
Eligible votes: 789
Votes casted: 743
Votes for Mr Grech: 724
Therefore: total turnout of 91.76% of eligible votes, with 97.44% of the votes casted in favour of Mr Grech, and a total of 2.56% against/abstained votes.
Your conclusion is similar to that of the MLP in the Euro referendum.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 28th 2012, 15:08
@ Mr Conrad V Busuttil
A Party election has nothing to do with a referendum.
All eligible delegates were expected to vote according to Party rules.
Out of 789 delegates (on the decrease this year) 724 cast their vote for Mr Grech.
That means 65 delegates opted to stay out of the fray!
Equivalent to 8.3%, that leaves us with 91.7% not as stated by PL!
Alfred A Falzon
Mr Conrad V. Busuttil
Dec 28th 2012, 17:13
Dear Mr Falzon,
You seem to fail to understand the statistic results of an election. The article above states that Mr Grech obtained 97% of the votes CASTED in his favour.
Your argument is not wrong but on different statistical lines, ie that the candidate obtained 91% of ELIGIBLE votes.
In any election, results show the % of votes obtained by each respective candidate/party on votes CASTED.
pat muscat
Dec 29th 2012, 09:31
@ Mr Alfred Falzon. You are worrying too much. Let go and enjoy life.
Charles Cremona
Dec 28th 2012, 11:51
huge support support for Grech, of course he will have as he was the only candidate !
Ronald Borg
Dec 28th 2012, 13:28
Well some may have opted not to support eh?
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 09:44
Ronald... Opted? And risk another Anglu? Another stabbing in the back a'la'Joseph? No thanks! YOU do that!
P Caruana
Dec 28th 2012, 11:40
Well Done to Louis Grech. Another positive result for PL. Role on March 9th so that the Hippocrates who write stupid comments get the reply !!
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 09:48
P Caruana. Spare some time to have a look at facebook, because the word 'hypocrite' (not hippocrates) was addressed to Joseph. Othe facts that emerge from facebook, relating to Joseph and his 'United Team': too young; inexperience; similar to Sant; split the party; Please check for yourself on facebook, as I don't have the space to include ALL titles. Good luck.
paul camilleri
Dec 28th 2012, 11:05
well what would anyone expect if you do a private lottery and you keep all the tickets??
ANTHONY PAVIA
Dec 28th 2012, 09:31
I am sure that this appointment would give a far more rounded feel to the new Labour Movement. In Malta, a more centrist, and less politically infused environment is essential.
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 09:50
I would refrain from using the word 'new' when dealing with PL. Some faces, like JDG, AST, M'LCP, et al...go back to Sant, KMB and even Mintoff. NEW????? The tactics Joseph is using in this NEW PL, go back even further!!
S.M. Cuschieri
Dec 28th 2012, 09:20
of course he won!!!! He was the sole contender!!! LOLOL!!!
Joseph Vassallo
Dec 28th 2012, 09:45
It was ridiculous for Gonzi to contest alone in February but now it is perfectly acceptable for Louis Grech to contest alone! Lol!
What hypocrites!
I think PL's credibility is close to zero!
They will probably still win because many people did not get the favour they wanted!
Ronald Borg
Dec 28th 2012, 10:38
Mr Vassallo,
Dr Gonzi decided to go for it himself.
In the case of PL, it was a mandatory exercise.
Do you see the difference?
S.M. Cuschieri
Dec 28th 2012, 11:14
@ Joseph Vassallo
I totally agree Joseph :).
Joseph Vassallo
Dec 28th 2012, 11:58
Ronald Borg, in the case of Gonzi he decided to go for it himself, but anyone was free to contest against him and in the case of Louis Grech it was the PL party leader who decided to create the contest! Do you see the difference?
JPO, Mugliett and Debono could have contested, had they wanted to! I am sure they were not going to listen to Gonzi had he told them not to contest!
Ronald Borg
Dec 28th 2012, 13:26
Mr Vassallo
your logic is as flawed as it gets.
Gonzi decided to hold a 1 man election
PL had to elect a deputy. All were eligible.
Now do you see the difference?
If not I give up.
Philip Andrew Ransley
Dec 28th 2012, 14:43
Oh Shut up Mr. Borg. The PN is free for all and if anyone wanted to be PN leader then all he had to do is nominate him/her self BUT he/she had to be sure that they are responsible and good enough to be a leader and handle the party and the country. Now if JPO, Mugliett and Debono had the guts they should have contested but they new they did not have it in them. As regards the PL deputy, well !!
Joe M Borg
Dec 29th 2012, 09:53
Ronald . In the Gonzi episode, NOBODY was stabbed in the back, like Anglu!
About the PL case being 'mandatory'! Why not ask Anglu's opinion? Or even Catherine's?
Please choose the reason of your report below: