It was with great regret that I heard the statement issued by Marie Louise Coleiro Preca that she would not be contesting the next general election with the Labour Party. It appears that the reasons behind this sad decision were the unnecessary gossip and threats made to her and her family by unscrupulous people. Notwithstanding the many statements that Malta is a modern country, some stupid fellows have not yet learned that in such cases it is the argument that should be attacked and not the person concerned.

I have known Marie Louise personally for many years. She is a woman of sound principles. The doors of her offices are always open to all and sundry, day and night, even to those who do not reside in her district. 

I worked with her for many years under three different party leaders: Dom Mintoff, Dr Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici and Dr Alfred Sant. Nobody should have been surprised that she would abide by her principles. After all, party leader and Leader of the Opposition Dr Joseph Muscat, had, before the referendum, publicly stated and informed all members of the party in writing that he was allowing a free vote to all on the issue of divorce.

One expects the Labour Party to issue a statement condemning such uncalled for behaviour and to disassociate itself from all such insults and threats addressed to Marie Louise. I hope this would have already been done by the time this letter is published.

In these difficult times for Marie Louise, I would like to encourage her, telling her not to give in. I would also like to tell her: Reconsider your decision a second and even a third time. Not because you need Parliament, or because if you are not in Parliament you would in anyway be missing something extraordinary, but for Malta’s sake, for whom you have fought over the last years to see her rebuilt, to see this small country being more kind and compassionate to our poor people, those who suffer, the emarginated, and the working class in general.

As she can well see, her work has not come to an end yet. She still has many years working for her people and country.

Joe Masini

VICTORIA

(Mr Masini is a former district secretary and former election manager for the Labour Party in Gozo. He served on the Executive Council of the Labour Party between 1999 and 2003)