Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said this morning that he did not contest the PL deputy leadership election held in February because he believed that Konrad Mizzi was the best man for the job.

Dr Bonnici is one of three candidates vying for the post after Dr Mizzi resigned – just two months after his election – in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal, after he admitted to having a company in Panama which is held by a trust in New Zealand.

“I believed at the time that Konrad Mizzi had the best qualities for the job. He was the ideal candidate and that is why I seconded his nomination. I put aside what I would have liked to do because I believed that he possessed the necessary managerial skills.”

He added that Dr Mizzi had done an unprecedented thing when he apologized publicly for his mistake. “He was exemplary.” Following those events, Dr Bonnici decided to throw his name in the hat.

The Justice Minister launched his campaign this morning, themed ‘Qrib Tieghek (Close to you). It is based on three priorities – stability, synergy and social justice – and twenty proposals.

He is promising to bring the Labour Party closer to its grassroots, with frequent meetings and events. “Continuous contact will characterize my work as deputy leader.”

Dr Bonnici said he wants the deputy leadership to give stability and dignity to the PL and bring synergy between party and government.

He is pledging to meet all local committees and branches of the party within 100 days of being elected. Other proposals include appointing a PL officer for Gozo, national activities to increase the party’s presence in the community, reforming the party’s customer care system and strengthening its media.

Dr Bonnici said he would also insist on correct behaviour so that the PL would be an example of accountability and see that the party would not be judged on controversies but on its ideas on governance.

Asked to elaborate on this point, and if he was comfortable with Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri’s involvement in the Panama scandal, Dr Bonnici said the PL government had already introduced measures on good governance. “I understand that some were disappointed by this whole case but it is without precedent to have a Prime Minister who does not shy away from taking decision after decision. I will be pushing forward new measures on accountability in governance.”

Dr Bonnici said Joseph Muscat was a PM who took decisions that needed to be taken and, as deputy leader, he would be helping him carry out this task.

His list of proposals also includes holding meetings with the trade unions every two months, identifying cases of precarious work and giving wider access to teaching, including music and the arts.