George Abela, one of the contenders for the leadership of the Labour Party, yesterday pledged to unite the party and make it the "natural choice" for the electorate in future general elections.
Addressing a sizeable crowd at the Regatta Club, in Cospicua - away from party clubs in a bid to reach more people, the 59-year-old lawyer said he had always worked for unity within the party and when he disagreed, he simply stepped down.
During the meeting, which lasted just over 90 minutes, Dr Abela drove the point home that his primary aim was to change the general perception of the party and portray it as the "natural choice".
Until now, he said, the perception was that the Nationalist Party was the people's natural choice to the detriment of the MLP, which had suffered "defeat, after defeat, after defeat".
Dr Abela, who was given a standing ovation before he started his speech by those who packed the hall, spoke at length against the "factions" within the MLP and the various "cliques" supporting one person and not another.
"This mentality has to change. We cannot continue talking about those inside the Labour fortress and those outside. We have to talk as one team, with one voice and one vision. I am one of those fighting from outside this so-called fortress and I will work to bring down the obstacles that cross my path. The MLP needs competent and consistent people," he said, to loud applause.
Dr Abela also made it a point to clarify what had happened in 1998 when he resigned from MLP deputy leader after the party chose to call an early general election.
"I want to clarify this story, which is being given a spin to my disadvantage. I never agreed that it was time for an early election and I was never shy to express my conviction," he said.
"We are still suffering the consequences of that mistake. I never agreed with how the party dealt with the (former Labour Prime Minister Dom) Mintoff issue. Back then, I had said these words: 'I have to stop here' and that is where I stopped. For 10 years I have suffered in silence. I have suffered seeing you suffering," he said.
The MLP was now at the crossroads and did not only need a change but a leadership that was accountable, credible and offered continuity and peace of mind.
"Our party cannot afford to lose again and it cannot afford to get its choice of leadership wrong. Certain policies have to change and we must do away with the cliques, which have never been of any benefit to the party. We must be united and inclusive. We must open our doors to everyone," he said.
He also spoke about his idea for wider voter participation in the choice of the party's new leader. "Whether this idea is accepted or not, I will still offer my candidature for the election," he said, warning people not to be scared to be seen as his supporters.
Among those who spoke during the event were Labour MPs Adrian Vassallo and newly-elected Marlene Pullicino, with the second saying the party needed someone like Dr Abela to bring unity.
Concluding the meeting, Dr Abela said: "I am not telling people to vote for me. At this stage, I am saying people have to use their heads not their hearts to make this important decision".
"No one is excluded as long as they want to work with us. Be courageous. This decision is important for the party's future. We do not have to choose who is popular today but who will continue to remain popular, even in five years' time."