“With experience and loyalty together for success” is the slogan announcing Malta Labour Party Deputy Leader Michael Falzon’s intention to run for the party’s top post.

Speaking to the press in Attard yesterday, with wife Anna and children Martina and Nathaniel in attendance, Dr Falzon gave the reason why he had chosen the slogan, since he had gained considerable experience since he started working in the MLP in 1992.

He added that he had always fulfilled his duties with the utmost loyalty and that he believes that the MLP should be an inclusive party that is able to take constructive criticism from both within and outside the party.

He referred to the MLP’s string of election defeats and its supporters’ disappointment. “In politics there are no prizes if you come second,” said Dr Falzon, “you either make it or you don’t.”

Dr Falzon, who is a lawyer and a banker, also referred to the backdrop at his press conference, which bore an uncanny resemblance to the ones MLP used in the election campaign. He pointed out that he had placed the MLP emblem and the Maltese and EU flags as a sign that the Labour Party would, under his leadership, strive to uphold its founding principles, unite the Maltese who have such a unique identity, as well as making Malta a key player in the future of the EU. He added that he believes in Christian, democratic values as well as those of the Left.

Dr Falzon said that he would abide by the rules laid out by the party and its delegates and insisted that he would not impose conditions. It would be unfitting as he wanted to enjoy the trust of the party delegates and had no cause to be anxious in their regard. The delegates must choose whether to change the system on how to elect a leader, he said, adding that he would be contesting anyway. But he did not elaborate on the subject, as he did not want to prejudice the process.

The Sliema-born lawyer also reiterated his will to shoulder the burden of electoral defeat, saying that he was ready to acknowledge his responsibilities, as he had been part of the team. “Once I managed to assume my responsibilities on 10 March at 3am, I think I can take on anything,” he said in clear reference to his conduct at the counting hall that had attracted praise from friend and foe.

Dr Falzon said that he is not considering any other post other than that of party leader and, if not elected, he would serve his term as MP and then step down.

Asked by this newspaper whether he thought the number of leadership hopefuls (four to five) would create division within the party, Dr Falzon said the MLP was not divided into factions, the existence of which was only an outside perception used by the media. “If elected leader,” he promised, “I will strive to eliminate such perceptions.”

When asked about a possible pairing agreement in Parliament, Dr Falzon said the Nationalist Party was enjoying a one-seat majority “because quite plainly; it did not deserve better”. He was quick to point out that there was “no perverse result” and said that he would be open to discussion, which he would certainly not start by being inflexible.