The race for the MLP leadership is on, and it has become immediately evident that two of the main contestants for the post are MEP Joseph Muscat and MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, who both confirmed yesterday that they are considering the possibility of contesting the post.
Contacted for comment, 34-year-old Mr Muscat made it clear that he is taking his time to think about the implications of his decision to contest the MLP leadership post.
“Contesting such a post would be a momentous decision for anyone. I am taking my time, particularly to discuss the matter with my family. My wife and I had twins five months ago, so you can imagine what my situation is like.”
He said many people have been approaching him, asking him to consider contesting the post. “However,” he said, “both the party and I have to reflect on this.”
Asked how he believed he could bring about change in the MLP, should he be elected the new Labour leader, Mr Muscat said he would draw up a concrete work plan.
“I think my track record in Europe speaks for itself,” he said, adding that he would undoubtedly work in the best interest of the country’s future.
Ms Coleiro Preca also confirmed she has been approached by a number of people to contest the post. Like Mr Muscat, she too said she is mulling over the possibility of contesting the party leadership post.
“It would not be a promotion for me. If I do decide to contest the post, I will want to work to strengthen the MLP, making it a winning party,” she said.
While deputy Labour leader Michael Falzon is possibly the main contestant for the MLP leadership post, former Labour candidate Alfred Mifsud has also shown an interest in the post.
In yesterday’s opinion article in The Malta Independent Mr Mifsud said: “It is imperative that the leadership decision is well considered and not rushed to exclude those candidates, the undersigned included, who showed their loyalty to the party, by leaving, rather than by staying on to participate in the betrayal of Labour’s own interests”.
The Malta Independent also got in touch with former deputy Labour leader George Abela, who refused to comment, and former Labour Finance Minister Lino Spiteri who said he is out of politics and will stay out. Both left the party during the 22-month Labour government between 1996 and 1998.