Malta Labour Party leadership contestant Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca yesterday appealed for party delegates’ decision to be based on a clear conscience.

Speaking yesterday at the Marsaxlokk market and the Classic Car Show held in Qormi, the notary said she trusted that party delegates would make the right decision which would not be based on obligations or sympathies but on what course should the party take in the future.

She spoke in favour of the party’s democratic systems and stressed the need for transparent leadership and deputy leadership elections.

The leadership contestant exhorted her rivals not to abuse of the party’s structures or rely on private marketing tools which could exert extra pressure on delegates.

The notary said unity should be preserved and that no one must be allowed to divide paid up members against delegates. The MLP, she said, can only inspire people’s trust through its unity and its beliefs in social democratic values.

Notary Coleiro-Preca said this would lead to activists “ignoring other people’s ambitions or personal agendas that unfortunately place egoistic interests before those of the people and the party.”

While she was impressed with the exhibits at her hometown, she spoke both to buyers and sellers at the market and listened to their problems.

While market-goers complained about inflation, hawkers complained about the reduced purchasing power of people that is inevitably reflected in a drop in sales.

Business people closer to the tourism industry complained about the lack of marketing of Marsaxlokk as a tourist attraction. Notary Coleiro-Preca pledged that she would raise the matter in parliament so the authorities see to give due importance to the fishing village and promote tourism, thus increasing business in the area.