Although the programme has not been finalised, Mr Evers told The Malta Independent on Sunday that the visit by the Irish Liberal MEP will be of a few hours duration. Mr Cox is expected to meet with the Prime Minister, the President and the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Evers said he will also try to organise a working lunch for editors with Mr Cox together with a fully fledged press conference.
There has been much speculation on Mr Cox’s future after his term as President of the EP comes to an end. Some sources have indicated that he is one of the favourites to take up the position of President of the European Commission after Romano Prodi. Sources also told The Malta Independent on Sunday that Mr Cox could also be nominated to the post of European Commissioner for Ireland. This is being seen as an astute political step by Irish PM Bertie Ahern, which should foster cross-party co-operation as Mr Cox is a Liberal while Mr Ahern comes from the conservative wing of Irish politics.
Earlier yesterday, a debate organised by the Malta – EU Information Centre had to be called off as Labour MEP candidates, John Attard Montalto and Joe Debono Grech failed to turn up. The PN MEPs drafted for the discussion were Michael Falzon and David Casa who spoke to The Malta Independent on Sunday about their recent campaign. Both candidates said they were very much involved at present campaigning with the Prime Minister in various districts throughout the country. They claimed that enthusiasm among the electorate is spreading. Mr Falzon stressed the importance of convincing the people that the European Parliament is vastly different from the current party politics system in Malta.
MIC Head Carmel Attard told The Malta Independent on Sunday that the current programme of Saturday morning debates is to be discontinued due to poor attendance. Further media events such as press conferences or briefings are being considered.