The PN's IdeaMalta general convention that was held last weekend was a positive experiment according to opinionists, some of whom insisted that the Nationalist Party had emulated a successful formula first used by Labour. They also had different opinions on the PN's 'controversial' decision to invite veteran journalist Godfrey Grima to address the event.
Former ambassador Noel Buttigieg Scicluna said this was an innovative experiment that was quite well attended. Some of the speakers were not the usual names but a few of the choices were, perhaps, not the best ones.
"It is good to invite those who agree and better yet those who do not. But you have to invite people that truly wish you well to give you advice on how the party should be reformed. Godfrey Grima took every occasion to rubbish the PN throughout the years. I think he was a bad choice and his speech gave no value added to the event. His presence hurt people like myself. I do not need people like him to tell me what is wrong. Otherwise I enjoyed the event. There were a lot of good speakers and I hope that the event is held again in the future."
Emulating Labour's formula
Media analyst Carmen Sammut said the PN made an effort to show it has become sensitive to the complexities of current Maltese society. "The choice of speakers aimed to achieve this end. These were not the familiar political insiders, but bridge-builders with constituents PN had alieanated in the past. Furthermore, there was also an effort to repackage the Leader and the Party."
Dr Sammut said, however, that the 'new' packaging has a strong feeling of déjà vu. Busuttil's speech and demeanor were reminiscent of Joseph Muscat's maiden speech within the PL, the day he promised his supporters an earthquake. The political rhetoric mirrored Labour's pledge of "a new way of doing politics". IdeaMalta takes a page out of Muscat's reformed PL statute, which set up Ideat Foundation that engaged in a pre-electoral outreach exercise with civil society. According to media reports, the Convention discussed "non-political themes" such as abortion, euthanasia, a tax on fast food, a free bus service and civil unions. If such debates are not deemed 'political', I do not know what is. Moreover, I wonder how the PN grassroots will react to such issues.
The Convention was a first step for the party but I am not sure whether it has really offered a fresh approach to attract the growing segment of floating voters. It did however confirm that while our polarized political scenario is highly divisive, each of the two main parties responses to the strategies and agendas of the other. In the process it is rather amazing how parties often cross-pollinate and shape each other.
You cannot invite a speaker and criticise him for speaking
Financial consultant Alfred Mifsud shared a similar opinion. "The convention was a positive idea. It was similar to the successful convention organised by the PL in September 2012, which had heard opinions from a number of non-political people. The PL's electoral manifesto was, effectively drafted upon these opinions. The PN needed this convention because it needs to revise its position after two electoral defeats. It needs to hear new ideas, even if they come from those who do not agree with it politically.
On the criticism levelled against Godwin Grima's participation, Mr Mifsud said one cannot invite someone to speak and then criticise him for coming. Besides, the aim of the convention would never have been reached had the PN only invited people who shower it with praise.
"Godfrey Grima was never a permanent part of any political camp. He gave the opinion he saw fit to give at the time." Mr Mifsud said those who had criticised Mr Grima could be persons that refuse to listen.