A well-known proverb goes: “Measure 100 times before cutting the drape.” This proverb comes to mind when considering the coming election for a deputy prime minister. The Labour government had only four years in the previous legislature. During those years some deputies proved themselves quite admirably in their respective positions, some more than others. This was recognised by the electorate through the results attained.
This election has introduced new young elements as members of Parliament coming up from the Labour Youth section. Young, intelligent, professional deputies, but for me most of all with conviction in what Labour is for and all about.
Parties have had the tendency of approaching popular candidates to stand for election due to their popularity in their electoral districts. For me this is a mistake as these individuals do not profess the deep belief and convictions of what Labour stands for.
That time round Labour has elected a good number of MPs from the Labour Youth movement is just wonderful.
Therefore the youth elements of the previous four years together with this now new element of elected MPs, have the opportunity and chance to prove their worth during the next five years in government.
Edward Scicluna is being nominated for the post of deputy prime minister. Others may also be contemplating this post. I opt for Scicluna, not just because he is one of the best elements, a capable and correct person that the government has, but for other reasons too.
Most of all Edward Scicluna has exceeded expectation by leading the country and achieving almost the impossible
Scicluna is what I call “a non-political animal”. He has sacrificed (with others) his position and income from the post at the European Union. Not only that but he resigned from all the personal positions and business he was part off. This resulted in Scicluna losing directly and indirectly a huge income from his personal business.
How is that for one dedicating his energy, capital, tranquillity for the hustle and bustle that a political life demands? Due to his non-political extremism, he was recently voted by the public as the most popular minister from all. This is an achievement for someone who is in a way non-political.
Most of all Scicluna has exceeded expectations by leading the country and achieving almost the impossible (as others used to say) by giving our islands the first surplus since 1981.
When in Europe as an MEP he was vastly respected and liked by all those who came in contact with him. All those who visited Brussels or Strasburg can vouch for this. Scicluna wished that he would like to give something back to his country, which I for one applaud wholeheartedly.
Scicluna is not a young man any more. He is in the 70s. In another five years he will not be in a position to continue as a leader.
But, and this a big but, he can provide an interim period for the new elected elements to prove themselves in this legislature: if they are capable, productive leaders and have leadership qualities.
This is one of the main reasons that Scicluna can be the most appropriate person to fill the post for the coming five years. Some may not like it as others also have their hopes for this position.
While not criticising any other candidature of their abilities or leadership qualities, I do believe that the Labour Party has time to really be able to decide who the next leader will be. In the coming five years each member of Parliament, especially the new blood, will be able to prove themselves.
Then at the end of five years, let the real contest for a new leader begin. So Scicluna can act as a sort of interim deputy leader, with his quiet and smooth gentlemanly manners in creating a good atmosphere where all members of Parliament can prove their worth.
On the other hand, if a veteran politician is elected, he/she would be very hard to dislodge and thus close the future to others’ leadership aims and hopes.
Lino DeBono is a former Labour MP.