Many an interesting episode is taking place in Malta these days. The election of Labour’s secretary general has taken the back burner, due to the transportation strike, its effects, and scars that still have to develop. A secretary general is a top post, and in direct and close collaboration with his leader. For a leader, the post is very sensitive, and the chosen one has to work hand in hand, observe and obey the decisions taken, even if not in accord with them.
This transition was successfully held within the Nationalist Party. The smooth hand over has been given, without any publicity. It was low-key normal business. And that’s how it should be. The outgoing secretary, Joe Saliba, has shown wise judgement, and the way he has done things, even in his departure, leaves us but to salute the guy as a gentleman. Politics is no playground, and the post of secretary general has to be a multi-faceted job. At the end, the goal is winning the next election. Mr Saliba gave priority to three elections, rather than local councils or the one for the European Parliament, although he would have loved to win all. But resources are also limited.
Under Joe Saliba, I was allowed to contest the general elections, and I must express my gratitude to him for having faith in me. Four local elections and two general elections in the space of 14 years is, again, no mean feat. The proof was in the eating. Mr Saliba did his job in assuring victory for the Nationalist Party and, in turn, for the Maltese people.
Paul Borg Olivier and Jean Pierre Debono have taken over the vacant posts, and as I have witnessed, they are already on the ball, eager to cooperate, and rearing to go, at their new challenge. I wish them well.
On the contrary, the Labour secretary general comes from an endless losing streak, a divided party, a leaking boat, where a lot of work is being dedicated to patch things up. The concocted cocktail of leadership and deputy leadership must have a sweet and sour taste within the delegates. Moving forward or backward is surely a huge problem for them. And seeing the daily sermons through media releases, the Labour leaders tend to agree with everything and nothing at the same time. Pleasing the people with statements, offering no solutions, and asking to be part of the decision-making. I wonder when these honeymoon statements will end, maybe in September, when the dates will be fixed for the new leader to enter Parliament, while another MP moves. Who it’s going to be is anyone’s guess.
Other issues are taking place. In the Kappara situation, the school, with its events, continues to disrupt the peaceful living of residents there. I think the school is going beyond its functions and certainly does not fit in with the area. Go round there anytime and you will get a daily occurrence of minibuses and coaches, with similar situations to the transport strike.
Then there is the dockyard debate, the rent reform, the local council reform, all spearheaded by different ministers and parliamentary secretaries. I must thank them for accepting my contributions to these reforms, based on experience, and that of others.
Being left out of the thick of action has driven me closer to the people, and the suggestions I have passed on have been readily accepted by the front bench. From here my due thanks.
A long summer ahead it seems, and, coupled with the hot atmosphere around, the sea could be a welcome solution these days. Cooling down could work as a wonderful therapy.
Here’s wishing readers a happy summer holiday.
Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP