Last Saturday the Nationalist Party councillors cast their votes to elect a new leader. This was no easy task. It was a decision that merited careful discussion, review and consideration simply because the newly elected leader will spearhead the party in the years to come and will build on the work done by the preceding leaders of the Nationalist Party since its origins in 1880.
The Nationalist Party councillors were fortunate to have had a line-up of four interesting, capable and professional people who were all willing to take on this challenge. They did this because they have at heart the Nationalist Party and their country.
Busuttil’s vision augurs well for a stronger Nationalist Party
Simon Busuttil won the first round of elections with a notable vote of 50.3 per cent. This was no surprise as Busuttil had left a positive impact in the electoral campaign – his political vision for the Nationalist Party aligned very well with what the party needs today.
His political programme clearly showed that he wants to be close to his people; he wants the party to be inclusive and not exclusive, a party in which all are given the opportunity to be listened to.
He wants the party to have a person at its helm who has a hands-on approach, who leads by example and who could be an inspiration to many to contribute towards the success of the party.
Busuttil’s vision augurs well for a stronger Nationalist Party in the months and years ahead. His remarkable political track, record including nine years as a respected and hard working MEP in Brussels, has brought him close to the people. He never lost contact with the electorate. He always found time to listen to what people were saying and made some significant contributions in the European Parliament that left a positive impact on our country.
In 1999, in his role as head of the Malta-EU Information Centre (MIC) and member of the Core Negotiating Group and the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee, he was again close to the public and endeavoured to convince the Maltese that accession to the European Union was the right choice for our country.
His pledge during the last campaign to knock on the doors of people to lead by example is testimony of his commitment.
Busuttil will be the sole contender in today’s round of the election. He will require two thirds of the votes to be formally confirmed as the next Nationalist Party leader.
The first example of unity was demonstrated in a very admirable way by the two runners-up – Mario de Marco and Francis Zammit Dimech. They decided to withdraw from the race because they felt that the majority have already spoken very clearly through Saturday’s vote. Their decision displayed in a very clear manner that the party came before their personal aspirations. We now need to build on De Marco’s appeal during his emotional speech on Saturday night to support Busuttil as the new PN leader.
Busuttil is a man of integrity who never compromised his principles. In all the public offices he held, he has shown enthusiasm, dedication and always striven to be of service to others. His untiring commitment to serve clearly augurs well for his new role as party leader.
He will be the seventh Nationalist Party leader and will follow six other statesmen who occupied this role so distinctly and whose contribution to Maltese society left a notable impact: Fortunato Mizzi, Ugo Mifsud, Nerik Mizzi, George Borg Olivier, Eddie Fenech Adami and Lawrence Gonzi.
After tonight’s vote, the party should unconditionally unite behind Busuttil as the new party leader. He requires the support of all the parliamentary group, the party, supporters and volunteers to lead a strong and constructive Opposition which is undoubtedly important in any democracy.