The PN’s decision to ditch the weekly “Sunday sermon” by the party leader has been welcomed not only from within but also among political commentators and to a certain degree even by the Labour Party.

Columnist Godfrey Grima yesterday said the move would help ease some of the intensity in the Maltese political arena, especially with the general election still four years away.

Former Nationalist minister Michael Falzon remarked that with summer fast approaching, this was the right move as the PN needed to do some soul searching.

“I would say it is the correct move if followed up by deep strategic thinking,” he said.

The PL was much more measured in its reaction, saying that it would welcome any move intended to ease the burden of politics on the people. A PL spokesman noted that the Prime Minister had already highlighted the fact that the country was suffering from electoral fatigue.

On the other hand he questioned the PN’s decision on the basis that such a move was not consonant with a party that was simultaneously arguing in favour of a local council election every year.

Former Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami welcomed the move.

“This is testament to a party that is trying to adapt its way of communicating to the times,” Dr Fenech Adami said. The most crucial thing was to remain close to the people, he added however.

Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this was a positive move but declined further comment. “I admire Dr Busuttil’s initiatives to bring about a fresher style to convey his message,” he said.

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