The Nationalist Party’s executive committee should lose no time in meeting to discuss, and, more importantly, decide on the way forward in the wake of the serious allegations made about its leader, Adrian Delia, and the mess it is in. Indeed, the administrative council and the parliamentary group should also convene urgently too to address the sensitive situation.
Dr Delia should either resign or suspend himself from all party activities until the situation becomes clear following the accusations made by his estranged wife and the news that he is being investigated by the police on the strength of a report by the government’s anti-money laundering unit in connection with a prostitution racket in London years back. Dr Delia denies any wrongdoing, insisting his involvement was purely in his capacity as lawyer.
Yet, he remains defiant, preferring to continue to point fingers, including at the independent media, which could be his biggest ally in ensuring the government is kept on its toes. Now he also uses language and a tone that expose traits of aggression.
The PN has no time to lose in dealing with the matter. It faces a major test in just five months’ time when the local and European elections are held. Dr Delia and those closest to him may have been encouraged by recent polls showing he has gained in popularity. But there can be little doubt that Dr Delia is the Labour Party’s best asset in Opposition.
It, therefore, beats all logic why it should only be the president of the executive to publicly admit he is worried with what is happening. So far, he stands alone in echoing the feelings and fears of all genuine PN supporters who increasingly find it difficult to identify themselves with the party they once knew.
There surely must be many members within the parliamentary group, the administrative council and the executive committee who feel the same way too. So what is keeping them from standing up to be counted? From putting the good of the party and, more so, the country, before their own careers? From not falling into the trap of arguing that one should wait for a court decision before drawing any conclusions? From realising that political accountability and transparency applies to both Cabinet ministers and members of the Opposition? From understanding that one cannot demand that Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri should go in view of serious allegations but treat the Opposition leader differently?
The PN has three choices to make now. It can decide to maintain its present course that can only lead to a split or, worse, self-destruction.
Dr Delia may decide to resign and start a fresh succession process, hopefully not as rushed as was the case in his election.
There is a third way, which he himself can propose. That would require him to suspend himself, allowing the party to appoint an “eminent person” or groups of persons to ‘manage’ the PN and start nurturing future leaders irrespective of whether Dr Delia is ultimately ‘rehabilitated’ or will have to go.
The PN must prove to its supporters but also the electorate it is still resolved to put country first. That could win it some support and compassion, rather than disdain, when it faces the popular tests in May.
This is a Times of Malta print editorial