MEP Simon Busuttil has one thing in abundance – affability. The man is friendly, always has a smile on his face and is always in touch with people. He feels the pulse of what is going on and is always on the ball with things – he is tune.
We mention this character trait not because the other traits of his personality are not worth column space, but it is what will make or break him as PN deputy leader. It is clear that the Prime Minister’s cabinet mobilised itself and backed Finance Minister Tonio Fenech as deputy, but Dr Busuttil took home the lion’s share of votes at the first time of asking – it was a truly impressive result. Not to take anything away from Mr Fenech – he is a seasoned politician and a good finance minister who has steered Malta clear of the economic crisis- but Dr Busuttil was deemed to be the better choice. More than anything, it seems that the PN’s councillors believe that he is the man that can bridge the gap in the polls by encouraging disgruntled PN supporters to return to the fold. They also believe that he is the man that can sway the undecided sector of the population.
They also believe that he could be the man, the outsider, who can step into the party’s higher echelons and drum some sense into the PN. They believe that with his style, he can bring people closer together and ‘re-open’ the party which is deemed to have closed ranks.
Dr Busuttil has his work cut out for him. His predecessor was also a good and able minister, but many began to view him as a carbon copy of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi – echoing the same thoughts and policies.
But he does have the advantage (or disadvantage – depending on how you look at it) of being a person who is not an MP or a cabinet member. He will bring about a sense of freshness, but at the same time, he will not be as privy to the internal workings of the government as someone established in cabinet.
Dr Busuttil’s biggest challenge is to avoid becoming a figurehead or token leader. He must force the issue and made himself heard when the party comes to take crunch decisions, as well as day to day policy. He will probably go about it in his usual unflustered manner, with a smile and with intelligent discussion and persuasion, rather than with big bold moves and declarations. He is one of the most respected MEPs in the European Parliament and his experience there in negotiating with his peers will stand him in good stead. But he must remember that this is Malta and this is the PN – it is a totally different ballgame to the one he is used to, and it is a game where the goalposts are moved constantly. We believe that the party will rally behind him. The contest was not a bitter one – unlike the last PN leadership election which saw John Dalli lose out to Lawrence Gonzi. This was a good natured, yet very real contest showing that the PN is trying to change – albeit painfully and slowly. In truth, both the contestants would have made great deputy leaders, but Simon is the one who was chosen. We believe he will succeed and will be an invaluable instrument in the much needed rejuvenation exercise that the PN must embark on if it has any chance at winning the next general election.