Family income, corruption within the Nationalist government, and the Malta Labour Party’s vision for a new government were among the main themes mentioned during the second session of the MLP’s annual general conference yesterday.

At the beginning of the conference, the first motion, which was discussed on Thursday, was approved. Entitled Ensuring Social Protection, the motion focused on the cost of living, health, the environment and education.

Yesterday’s conference discussed the second motion – Ensuring a better life through creating more jobs.

Labour International Secretary Joe Mifsud gave a brief introduction before UK State Secretary for Health Alan Johnson, who was one of the two main speakers, was welcomed to the podium by a standing ovation from the audience.

Mr Johnson jokingly started his speech saying that he hoped that Dr Mifsud said “complimentary things about me because I didn’t understand what he said” – obviously since the introduction was made in Maltese.

He said that the atmosphere in the hall reminded him of when the UK Labour Party won in a landslide election – much to the delight of the audience.

Mr Johnson told the audience that he felt very close to Malta because when he was 17 he worked in a supermarket and his supervisor was Maltese.

“He had a formative influence on my youth,” he said.

Mr Johnson also said that, earlier in the morning, he had a meeting with Opposition Leader Alfred Sant and described him as a man of great vision and intelligence.

He also expressed his satisfaction at Dr Sant’s quick recovery and said that he is fit and ready to lead the people through the election.

“We spent many years in opposition too – we know, and have felt, the futility of being in opposition as there is very little you can do for the people you represent,” he said.

The state secretary said that only the MLP could lead Malta into the future with its vision and integrity.

“History is being made in this country – I wouldn’t have missed being here for anything in the world,” he concluded to an applauding audience.

Several Labour delegates passed remarks about promises made by President Eddie Fenech Adami during the electoral campaign when he was still prime minister to increase the number of jobs and how he ended up becoming president.

The delegates also spoke about various subjects including improving tourism for Malta and Gozo, solving the problem of early school leavers and the high rates of unemployment.

Labour MEP John Attard Montalto said that although the Nationalist Party (PN) is claiming that the family income has increased, only those of the party’s inner circle of friends has increased – not the rest of the population.

He also jokingly pointed out that it is often said that he likes going on cruises. “However, as you all know – when money is tight, holidays are the first to go. The number of Maltese who went on a cruise last year decreased by 4,000,” he said.

There were many references to Dr Sant’s health and how there is a constant attack by Nationalist Party.

Former Labour Minister Karmenu Vella said that when Dr Sant’s illness was announced, there were many Nationalists who wished him well.

“However, there were many Nationalists who led a crusade against Dr Sant and don’t like it that he is recovering so quickly – to these people I can only say that the best is yet to come,” he said.

Mr Vella told the audience that the Nationalists often claim that many jobs will be lost under a Labour government.

“I can tell Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi that at least 16 jobs will be lost – yours and those of the people around you,” he said, much to the amusement of the audience.

He also spoke about corruption.

“There is in the Nationalist administration – they have been scratching each other’s back for so long that their skin is rubbed raw – you should take note Ton (referring to surgeon Anthony Zammit)” said Mr Vella to a laughing audience.

In his speech, acting leader Charles Mangion said that MLP plans are based on today’s realities of living in a globalised world.

He said that the Nationalist government has stopped working for the best results in the public’s interest.

“The Nationalists have left us with a legacy of debt – over e3,000 million,” he said.

Dr Mangion said that corruption and bureaucracy are the symptoms of a tired, stagnant administration.

He told the audience that the time where they will have to make a choice is coming closer.

“The taxes imposed by Dr Gonzi’s government are eating away at your quality of life – your wages are not enough,” said Dr Mangion.

He also said that overruns on various government projects cannot be tolerated – a clear explanation needs to be given.

“I am telling all those who want to work with us under a Labour government that we will not tolerate any corruption – transparency and responsibility will be demanded of you,” he said.

Dr Mangion also mentioned a recent survey commissioned by the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU).

“An independent study has stated that the statistics issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) are dubious – are Maltese families truly feeling that they are living better?” he queried.

The three motions that are being discussed in the general conference encompass the vision of a modern Labour Party – a party that implements what it promises and creates opportunities, while providing the tools, for everyone, he concluded.