I was a member of the MUT council for 25 years, occupying posts including that of representative in the CMTU council.

I would like to air my views about the suitable values necessary for a president of the MUT. I was a member during the presidency of both Mr Giglio and Alfred Buhagiar. Both had succeeded in their own ways in leading the union successfully, also in difficult circumstances. They had the ability to discuss, listen and act wisely.

One of the council members at the time was the present MUT president John Bencini. His calm and his tactics were an inspiration to the other council members and to the members of the union who looked up to him as a suitable successor to the previous presidents.

He created an atmosphere of dialogue, never acted alone, listened to all and acted with determination. He led the union in a professional way and gained esteem even abroad. Mr Bencini has worked hard and is still discussing better conditions for the teachers. Through his hard work and determination many problems which individuals have faced have been solved.

His international contacts brought new ideas and consolidated his main aim, the innovation in education. He is continuously discussing improvements of the teachers’ working conditions and at the same time he works hard for the good of the students in all schools.

May I conclude by saying that in my opinion Mr Bencini would be the ideal person to be the president of the MUT.

He has experience and a way of dealing with others without unnecessary confrontation. I hope the teachers will appreciate the work he has done and is still doing by electing him again as president of their union.

My last word goes to Mr Bencini himself. Thank you for all your efforts and I wish you luck.

Victor Abela

Sliema