“You have not won the political authority to be deputy leader but, as a result, you have moral responsibility to represent all those that have either voted for you or abstained from voting. Try to seek those who are disgruntled within the party and try to bring them onboard.”
That was the message I received from a friend of mine shortly after the result of the Nationalist Party deputy leadership election came out. At first, I thought of disregarding such an advice, so close after a hectic campaign and a result which, though close, was hardly elating. Yet, as tranquillity set in, I heeded my friend’s advice and made it a point to meet him and ask him to further elaborate what he meant.
His response was even more incisive: “There are people who trust you but feel estranged from the party. You must be their voice, their representative. You must bridge those who share your values with the party from which they feel alienated.” To be honest, I tried to ignore this advice but similar ones kept cropping up. Following my failure to get elected as deputy leader, I was tempted to take a back seat. These last weeks have been both hectic and trying. However, the result itself and the advice of many made me realise I had a serious responsibility cast on my shoulders, not so much in terms of party leadership but with regard to the needs of the party and our people and society as a whole. Even though I had no position in the party’s hierarchy, I feel that popular will has given me a duty to act as a bridge between those who are disaffected and the party.
The solution must be a renewal of our party
This is a responsibility I feel is unprecedented in my political career, acting as a go-between with those who are still uneasy with our party’s leadership. We have seen in recent years that the PN, despite its glorious past and noble ideals, has now become estranged to a section of its former followers.
I am stating all this out of personal conviction, as a Christian involved in politics and on the basis of what I experienced during my campaign trail.
Notwithstanding all the positive influence our party has had on society, the reality is that a section of those who normally vote PN are disillusioned. The solution must be a renewal of our party. The PN must be rebuilt and renewed.
The party must resume the role it had in the past of being an agent of change for the better.
A renewed PN must be the one that breaks away from the status quo and lead our people towards a more equal and just society. However, it must first reconnect with our grassroots, dialogue with all sectors of society and help grasp the realities of Maltese society.
Proper distribution of wealth, real meritocracy and, most of all, good governance and respect for the rule of law must be the real aims of a future PN administration. Still, the seed must be planted now. And I am ready to reconnect with our grassroots to show that the future of the PN is now.
I appeal to those who feel hurt or disgruntled or, worst, alienated from our party not to dump their trust in the PN. I will be there to make sure their grievances are heard, their needs looked into and their aspirations cherished by our glorious party.
As always, I will be at their service and, together, we can work for a better party, a better country, hope for a better future for our people, where values will be the basis of our political challenge.
Yes, I will take the challenge and my friend’s advice.
Edwin Vassallo is a Nationalist MP.