However the energy, the enthusiasm and the talent are there. The beginning of this young European leader is very promising. Of course it is still too early to pass any judgment but at least the general feeling in the Labour camp improved and maybe even other people outside of the Labour Party feel a breath of fresh air. Maybe this time round we are really experiencing a new way of doing politics and not as we were promised by the PN leader a couple of years ago.

The first priority that Joseph Muscat is working on is unity within the party. Not that the Nationalists are a happy family, but they appear united while in the Labour camp we air our views in the public. The first signals are positive but even in this case we need to allow more time to see if the efforts that are being made will bear any fruit.

I wish Joseph all the very best in his new task as leader of the Malta Labour Party and to never look back and continue to work in the interest of the party and the country. One final suggestion to my leader. Please do ignore certain comments by some contributors, especially those with a double-barreled surname whose interest is known to everyone.

Labour Party’s deputy leaders

We needed a second round vote to elect two deputy leaders to assist the party leader in his work. I was eliminated from this contest since I garnered 190 votes, which made up 22.5 per cent of the total valid vote. In this contest I was the only contender from the south, from where the Labour Party always gets a large number of votes but also lost a few in the last general election.

On a personal note I must say that I am disappointed but at the same time satisfied with this first internal test that I participated in last Thursday. The experience was positive and after the general election campaign I entered into an internal campaign for the second most important post within the party. Thanks is due to my family, especially my wife Melanie, for her constant support and to other friends who gave their support and time to go from one locality to another to meet with local committees and delegates to explain to them my vision and suggestions of what to do to improve the internal structures and communication within the party.

I would also like to thank all those who voted for me and supported me in a way or another. I really felt that even those who did not vote for me, in the vast majority, appreciated the contribution and message that I shared with them. Finally a big thank you is due to the party electoral commission under the chairmanship of Joe Falzon who worked day and night to have a transparent and just electoral process.

Now we have to look ahead and continue with the other internal elections, those for the administration of the party. I believe that the earlier these elections are over the better. This will allow us to concentrate on restructuring the party and on being a valid opposition to the present administration.

Of course now we have to see that all the promises made by the Nationalist Party before the general election are kept. From experience I can say that when the PN was in government promises were not kept at all or else they did the opposite of what they had promised.

I wish the deputy leaders who were elected all the best and hope that they will positively contribute to strengthen the party to make it more modern and lead it to victory.

Cultural activities

As shadow minister for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture I am invited to a number of activities related to my portfolio. With pleasure I try to attend these activities since it is my way to give support and show appreciation to these people who, I am sure, make a lot of sacrifices. Most of these are volunteers and as such they need to be praised for their sterling work.

Recently I was invited to a concert given by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, named Movie Spectacular. It was conducted by Kevin Abela, a very promising leader who also forms part of the orchestra. This concert was very well attended and credit is to be given to each and everyone who showed the talents that the orchestra possesses.

On Sunday, 8 June I was invited to a rock concert organised by a group from Vittoriosa named Square Wheel Entertainment. The talent is excellent and the organisation was top class. I can easily say that the show can be performed abroad easily if provided with the necessary funding.

Well done and keep it up.

Carmelo Abela is Deputy Speaker and Labour Member of Parliament

www.carmeloabela.org