Speculation that Anġlu Farrugia could be appointed Speaker is being seen as a move that may “heal the wounds” between the former Labour deputy leader and the new Prime Minister.

Joseph Muscat forced Dr Farrugia’s resignation just a few weeks before the start of the electoral campaign. His decision had prompted Dr Farrugia to accuse his former leader of backstabbing in an incendiary interview with The Sunday Times.

Observers said yesterday it was becoming increasingly clear that Dr Muscat would not offer the Speaker’s post to the Opposition, despite the unprecedented nine-seat majority in the House.

Back in 2008, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had offered the Speaker’s post to the Opposition despite having a wafer-thin majority. However, Labour declined the offer seeing it as a poisoned chalice, given they would have effectively lost an MP to the Government since the Speaker only has a casting vote.

“It takes a wise man to heal the bridges and heal wounds,” said journalist Godfrey Grima and a close friend of Dr Muscat.

“I think that the post of Speaker should not be given to the Opposition but to Anġlu Farrugia. There are many more functional posts which could be given to members of the Opposition,” he said.

The same opinion was expressed by former Labour minister Lino Spiteri who said Dr Farrugia was a suitable person for the post, though he cited Charles Mangion – who failed to be elected – as another possible contender.

Pointing out it was not the norm in Maltese politics to award the Speaker’s post to the Opposition, Mr Spiteri said he would not be surprised if Dr Farrugia was given the post.

“The Government might consider appointing one of its own sitting MPs considering the large majority it already has in the House. However, politics being politics, I would not be surprised if Dr Farrugia is given the post,” Mr Spiteri said.

For anthropologist Mark Anthony Falzon, the Prime Minister may choose to opt for the “consolation prize” of appointing someone who feels left out or short-changed following the circumstances of the election and especially the Cabinet appointments.

“A possible strategy would be to use the post to buy peace and get a potential troublemaker out of the way. I’m not surprised Anġlu Farrugia’s name cropped up,” he said.

There are also growing demands for Alternattiva Demokratika to get the Speaker’s seat in light of the 5,500 first-count votes obtained in the election, but which left them shorn of a parliamentary seat.

The Speaker is elected through a simple majority on the first day Parliament reconvenes.

Until then, Michael Frendo will remain in the chair.