Ariadne Massa discovers that Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina and her Labour counterpart Marie Louise Coleiro Preca have their portfolio ingrained in their DNA - empathy and compassion are among their strengths.
Dolores Cristina
Who has inspired you in the social field?
Without any hesitation, I'll have to say it was my friend and mentor for many years, Mary Jane Spiteri. A founder of the National Council of Women in 1964, she was one of Malta's first social workers and definitely a very young headmistress. She had, and still has today, a passion for life and a drive that has brought about quiet revolutions in many sectors of Maltese society.
Have you ever rolled up your sleeves to do voluntary work? Which charitable cause do you support?
In the late 1980s, I was a frequent visitor to Dar Merħba Bik, then Malta's sole refuge for victims of domestic violence. One of my jobs was to chauffeur the residents to court appointments and elsewhere as necessary. That experience was the beginning of my deep involvement with the issue of domestic violence and the problems its victims faced.
At school were you a bully or a nerd?
I have fond memories of my school days. I was a sports fanatic and involved myself in extracurricular activities; anything to get away from the long hours of schoolwork. I was neither a nerd nor a bully. But when I moved into teaching, I realised I must have been a teacher's nightmare with my constant questioning, especially during doctrine classes.
When I was a girl, the worst thing I did to my parents was...
Almost burn the house down, aged four.
I was playing with some beads in the sitting room, when one of them rolled under an armchair, which had a low bottom made of jute.
I lit a match underneath it to find the bead and the next thing I know there was a blaze.
I ran out of the room in panic and kept mum until the smell became overpowering and my mother realised what was going on - pandemonium ensued. In my haste, I had left the box of matches behind, so the truth was out.
I still have the sofa and two armchairs at home, so they are a constant reminder of that incident.
The best value I learnt as a child is...
Self-discipline. My father was an army man and believed that self-discipline was the basis for all the other virtues. He was my father; my hero.
As a mother how hard is it to balance work, family and play?
Nowadays, "play" is just another four-letter word. It's tough doing a juggling act all the time and guilt trips are a constant feature in my life. I always feel I should be somewhere else fulfilling another of my roles. However, my family knows they are my priority and that I would give up my work anytime, should it be necessary.
What are the vices you're scared your children will succumb to?
The ones that all parents fear: drugs, drink... anything that makes them lose control of their life. I am also scared that circumstances might lead them to fall into a deep depression.
If my child came to me and told me he/she was gay I would...
Give him/her a hug and reach for the coffee and two mugs. I would like to believe my maternal instincts will have spotted the situation beforehand. My love for my children is unconditional.
When I see irregular immigrants reaching Malta on rickety boats the first thought that crosses my mind is...
An angry one... that anyone should endanger people's lives so ruthlessly. The second thought is, of course, a more practical one, since I am responsible for the welfare of immigrants in our overcrowded open centres.
What are your party's plans to alleviate poverty in Malta?
My party's plans are already being implemented: Economic growth, foreign investment, an increase in education and job opportunities, better health services, more personalised social services, increased and new benefits and a stronger focus on vulnerable groups. Social inclusion is not a buzzword but a way of life, which is why community services are the order of the day. Cultural poverty remains a tough nut to crack, but the poverty that arises from difficult or broken personal relationships, where, very often, children are the victims, is the hardest to eradicate.
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca
Who has inspired you in the social field?
My father. He was a teacher and did a lot of voluntary work to help those in need. My brother, George, also influenced me later on in life, through his involvement with the Christian doctrine society, MUSEUM and his voluntary work in Sudan and Albania.
Have you ever rolled up your sleeves to do voluntary work? Which charitable cause do you support?
I have helped a couple of organisations to collect provisions for missionaries in Sudan, Brazil and Albania. I still do philanthropic work with individuals.
At school were you a bully or a nerd?
I was neither. However, I was quite a ringleader when it came to playing jokes or to stirring up enthusiasm for some cause or other.
When I was a girl, the worst thing I did to my parents was...
When I decided to follow my post-secondary studies at Mcast instead of sixth form. They wished to see me pursue my studies at the University, something which I actually did much later in life. However, even worse than that, was my involvement in politics at the early age of 16.
The best value I learnt as a child is...
Love others as yourself.
As a mother how hard is it to balance work, family and play?
Very hard. I juggle all the time between family, work and finding time to rest. However, I am very grateful for the understanding and cooperation I get from my daughter Angie and my husband Edgar.
What are the vices you're scared your children will succumb to?
Now, I have no real fears, as I believe my daughter has developed a strong character and mentality against smoking, drugs, alcohol and gambling. Angie has benefited from a very good environment at the schools she attended. However, I still harp on about the harm of such vices, so as to make sure she does not disrupt her plan of life through careless or impulsive decisions.
If my child came to me and told me he/she was gay I would...
Still be there for her. She would still be my beloved daughter, who is such a treasure and gives me so much happiness. I will never abdicate my responsibilities of being a mother and best friend to her.
When I see irregular immigrants reaching Malta on rickety boats the first thought that crosses my mind is...
How unjust the world is. I feel very compassionate towards their cause and needs. I also feel angry towards those who spark such injustices and frustrated at those countries that can do so much more than us to help in this situation and instead ignore this human tragedy.
What are your party's plans to alleviate poverty in Malta?
We aim to immediately introduce a sound preventive approach, by addressing illiteracy and lack of skills. We aim to work very hard to address the lack of job opportunities, bad working conditions and low wages. We plan to strengthen all sorts of victims' support and tackle social exclusion. Unemployment, tragedies of all sorts, disability, chronic diseases, mental health and addictions are just a few causes that can overwhelm the well-being of individuals and families. A new Labour government aims to have a multi-disciplinary response team available to refer the people concerned towards the necessary support and care, among others.