The metamorphosis of the Nationalist Party is well under way and has generated a wave of positive energy amongst activists, helpers and new faces drawn to the hub of activity that this process is creating. As I had predicted, Simon Busuttil has been elected to lead the party, however, as the man himself constantly reminds us, it is not about the new leader but about the new leadership team of the party.

The party needs everyone, and anyone willing to work in the party’s interests is welcome on board

The selection of the new PN leader was conducted in a most amicable and gracious fashion leaving everyone in no doubt as to the contenders’ intentions. This was no contest to satisfy personal ambitions but was a civil process of selection for a party seeking to regenerate and re-consolidate. The sentiment of unification was top of the list of councillors’ priorities as they pondered over the choice of a new leader.

Was the PN divided before the last general election? Internal dissent had certainly reared its ugly head and in politics if people perceive you as divided, then divided you are. After all, every family has its own black sheep! The genuine emotion generated at the last campaign activity held by all four candidates instilled an astronomic sense of belonging and a fervour to rejuvenate a party which has given so much to this country.

It is to the four contenders’’ credit that such a regeneration was possible at this time.

This sense of unison was further entrenched by Mario de Marco’s speech at the end of the first round of the election.

De Marco reminded us in a very emotional way about two important sentiments.

Firstly, that being a gentleman can be far more difficult than not being one and secondly that the party’s best interests should always surpass one’s personal ambitions. Recent history in the Nationalist Party has brought forth a fierce sense of loyalty and de Marco sealed this with elegance and dignity.

Confirmation of Busuttil as leader gave way to jubilant celebrations. The choice of a new leader is always a time of hope and development and Busuttil is perceived as being able to bring important changes to the PN’s internal structures.

Serving in government for so many years had left the party’s structures depleted and the need to inject new energy and ideas had long been felt. Busuttil is pretty much aware of what is needed to re-invigorate from the grass roots up... only this is no one-man job.

Straight after his acceptance speech, the new leader started working on his idea of a leadership team and rendering the party more inclusive.

The formula is really very simple. The party needs everyone, and anyone willing to work in the party’s interests is welcome on board. Knowing full well what lies ahead of him, Busuttil immediately sought valuable advice from the other three candidates in the leadership race.

He then moved on to propose a radical change to the party statute enabling him to be supported by two deputy leaders rather than one.

Any move by Busuttil from now on will be attacked and dissected by the media and the Labour Party seeking to unearth ulterior motives. There is no hidden meaning here... an elected deputy leader for party affairs and an elected deputy leader for parliamentary affairs will be another step towards reinforcing a leadership team.

The process will be further consolidated with the election of the new members to sit on the executive committee which will then see the selection of other crucial party officials such as the general secretary.

The entire designation process should be over by mid-June. Traditionally a time when the Maltese head to the beaches, this will be a critical time for the leading team to get back to basics and embark on this course of restoration. With councillors, members and activists pledging their support to the new leadership team, the party faces intriguing times. With not a moment to waste, the Nationalist Party will swiftly return, sustained not only by internal regeneration but also by the belief that it will be able to re-convince the electorate that the PN’s political vision for Malta as a European country is not only still valid but will prove to be a credible and reliable alternative in times ahead!

info@carolinegalea.com

Caroline Galea is a member of the PN executive committee.