The general election is now over. However the aftermath of this election is still there. This is more obvious for the Labour Party, of which I proudly form part. The Labour Party had different aspirations, not just to gain more votes following the 2003 election but to win the majority of the popular vote as well, something which we failed to do. But even the Nationalist Party or gonzipn failed to do so. And this is something that needs to be taken into consideration by my colleagues in the other major party. Although the PN managed to remain in power, it did not gather the majority of votes. Both parties need to analyse this situation.

It is clear that the Labour Party is passing through some difficult times since we have to elect a new leadership and administration. The dates for the election of the leader and the deputy leaders are known to everyone. Subsequently, at a later stage, even the administration of the party will have to be confirmed or otherwise by the general conference. I wish that everyone – both those who are at the core of the party and those who are not – keeps one simple thing in my mind: the interest of the Malta Labour Party.

It is good to have people who want to contribute to the party always keeping the interest of the party in mind, me included of course. I wish that certain comments that were made in the last days were only mentioned internally, in the party structures. However everyone should be responsible for his/her actions and words. As always, people will judge us.

Of course the disappointment is still there; however we need to look ahead with courage knowing that we are still a strong party and the potential to become the major party even nationally is there.

A word of thanks

A word of thanks is due to Dr Alfred Sant who led the party for 16 years. Not only this; during this particular election he led the party in spite of have just undergone a major operation. I wish him well, both professionally and health wise.

On a personal note, I would also like to thank my constituents of the second and third districts, the latter being the district from which I was elected for the fourth time in a row, for their faith in me. I promise to continue working in their interest as I did during the last 12 years as their representative in Parliament. It is a wonderful experience to be chosen among other valid candidates to serve the people and I do not have enough words of gratitude for this honour.

I Fagiolini

My wife and I were delighted to accept an invitation by the British High Commissioner and the British Council for a concert by an English group named I Fagiolini. This group is renowned across the world as the most innovative contemporary British vocal ensemble specialising in early Renaissance and Baroque music. They also perform contemporary music; however in Malta they opted to delight us with the music of Claudio Monteverdi, an Italian composer who lived between 1567 and 1643.

I must say that I was really impressed, not only with the professionalism of the group members but also with the clarity and almost perfect Italian accent. This group was founded in 1986 by present Director Robert Hollingworth who himself is a renowned Monteverdi expert. The instruments used are also similar to those that were used at that time. With just two violins, a theorbo and a harpsichord they managed to create the necessary atmosphere. One must not forget to mention the good combination of the seven voices of the group.

I would like to commend this initiative taken by the British Council in bringing this group to Malta. We need more exchanges of the sort that is having foreign groups coming to Malta and likewise Maltese going in different countries. Thank God in Malta we have a lot of talent and these can be our first ambassadors – one of them is Josef Calleja, who is considered to be one of the top tenors in the world. For sure he does make us proud. Like him however there are others who may need some help.

The Labour Party had planned to do so if entrusted to lead this country. This was what we meant by a new beginning. I hope that the present administration will have a look at our proposals as it did in the past and adopt them in the national interest.

Carmelo Abela is a Labour Member of Parliament