Comparisons are always odious, but they will have to be made. Louis Grech was the sole contestant for the post of deputy leader for parliamentary affairs within the Labour Party and he has, as expected, been elected to the post.

Many still believe, this publishing house included, that Anglu Farrugia was not asked to resign because of his comments about a magistrate, but about his performance as deputy leader. It was also not restricted to his poor showing on Xarabank, but his general lack of substance when debating matters on television, and in the speeches he has also made to the party faithful. One incident springs to mind when he decided to compare Lawrence Gonzi (if memory serves correct) to a bee – proceeding to mimic the sound of a bee during an activity held on Freedom Day in Copicua on a wintry rainy night during the last MEP campaign.  The knives have been out for Anglu Farrugia since the day he was elected deputy leader and the groans and sighs echoed around the Labour Party’s Conference Hall as Chris Cardona and Gavin Gulia were shunned in his favour by those who took part in the vote.

Anglu Farrugia is no fool, he is a successful criminal lawyer with a very good track record. Granted, his oratory skills and way of coming across were not the best, but a fool he is not. And given his dedication to the party, he should not have been treated the way he was. A spade should have been called a spade – end of.

But now, back to Louis Grech.  Mr Grech was a respected member of the European Parliament and performed admirably in his tasks. He is eloquent and respected and is very much a moderate who can reach out to a target audience that the Labour Party so desperately needs to engage with. His manner befits everyone who’s vote the PL is trying to attract. He is not in the working class Labour supporter mould.

He is strong, effective, intelligent and a bridge that the floating voter would quite happily listen to, and perhaps, trust. His experience in the role of chairman at Air Malta and as one of the better quality MEPs in Brussels will stand him in good stead.

He has the look, the charm and the charisma to support his leader and attract new followers to the party – but he also has the moral fortitude to put Labour right, where it sometimes goes wrong. He is not young, but his experience and age will work in Labour’s favour. Joseph Muscat is young – he needs an older, more experienced running mate to balance that out and in Grech, he has found the ideal person.

As an individual, Grech is outstanding. His track record is extensive and he has always got results where they matter, and we believe that he will do the same for the Labour Party. Joseph Muscat has often been accused of trying to silence his deputies, but he must not behave this way with Louis Grech. In hindsight, it is understood why. Dr Muscat did not want his previous deputy to put his foot in it every time he went on camera. Now that he has a solid running mate, he must let him work his magic and allow him free rein, as he has not allowed anyone before. We believe that he is a good choice.