Did you agree with the fact that Jean Pierre Debono contested to replace David Stellini?

This is not the first time that the Executive Committee had to decide on a seat after an MP who had been co-opted to Parliament had resigned. The procedure is what it is. A little-known fact is that not all Members of Parliament have a right to vote in the Executive. Only 13 are selected from within the group itself at the start of each legislature. In spite of the fact that I did not have a vote, I believe that a candidate from the same electoral district is to replace David Stellini, even if Jean Pierre Debono was the one who gave up his seat for Adrian Delia. Hence, Dr Kevin Cutajar should become a Member of Parliament. Such decisions should always be taken in the interests of the party and not of the individual. 

After this historical defeat, do you think Adrian Delia and the entire administration should resign or ask for a vote of no confidence?

This is a Parliamentary group matter and that is where I believe it should be discussed. It is imperative, however, that any decision must be reached through consensus and does not humiliate or alienate anyone: if anything, we need to add not subtract. Irrespective of what the Parliamentary group decides, we must act quickly, as the Party cannot afford to lose any more time. Doing nothing is not an option and it is definitely not ‘business as usual’. 

Why do you think the PN lost these elections with such a big majority?

In my view, there is no single reason behind any defeat. A win at the polls is usually the result of four main factors: unity, strategy, foresight and finance. It is no secret that the Nationalist Party has seen better days with regard to these four factors. 

Cohesion does not come naturally. Keeping a political party united is not easy, but it is fundamental. The situation is worrying to me and I support any initiative to address it at the core if we are to stop this and move forward. 

Notwithstanding the fact that I was not involved in the Party’s strategy for these elections, I did my part nevertheless by inviting each and every PN MEP candidate and Local Council candidate standing in my district – which covers Siggiewi, Qormi and Luqa – to carry out house visits together. We knocked on hundreds of doors.

Evidently, the results indicate that the party’s campaign left much to be desired. More than a quarter of the voters declined to vote and many others nullified their vote. This is a huge message to all politicians. 

My constituents argue that the Nationalist Party has always been driven by its foresight for our country: Malta’s Independence, EU membership, Euro-zone participation, investment in technology and the creation of various new economic niches.

Malta and Gozo have changed considerably since joining the European Union and Maltese society is facing new challenges. Our role as politicians is to identify and understand these challenges and provide concrete answers. The solutions being suggested by our Party are not reaching as far as they need to. As case in point, as a spokesperson for Youth and Sports, I proposed 32 sports-related initiatives as part of the National Sports Strategy during this election campaign. Our proposals are not hitting home. We need to communicate our message better as we remain weak when it comes to marketing strategy. 

The financial struggle has been there even before this administration took over the helm of the party. Deputy Leader Robert Arrigo, together with his team of volunteers,  has gone to great lengths to improve the financial situation. We have to keep in mind that we are competing against a party with no spending limits and no shame.

Since the recent elections have you meet the Leader or anyone from the administration? If yes – who and when and what was discussed?

No, we are yet to meet. I am looking forward to Monday’s [tomorrow’s] Parliamentary Group meeting. 

On Indepth, Mark Anthony Sammut said that during the the past year-and-a-half it has been difficult to reach anyone from the party administration. Is this true?

 As a Member of Parliament, I met the Party Leader and Deputy Leaders more frequently. However, I do not doubt Sammut’s comments: he must have a valid reason for making such a statement. 

A number of MPs have publicly said that the PN parliamentary group does not meet often. Do you confirm this and, if so, what is the main reason?

Yes, it is no secret. The Parliamentary Group should meet on a regular basis – ideally on a weekly basis. Discussions within the Group are important, not just on legislative items, but also on Party matters. Internal issues should be tackled and resolved at such meetings, before they escalate. These meetings should be held as part of a whole strategy. 

What is the future of the PN?

Today’s decisions will lead to tomorrow’s results. What we are certain of is that more than 100,000 voters, almost equivalent to the number of PN voters in these elections, opted to stay at home. These non-voters will determine the future of the PN. We need to identify who these people are, what they are after, what they long for and what they deserve. In these last few days especially, I have been inundated with calls from my constituents; some are worried and are encouraging  me to act, whilst others are telling me to keep back. I honestly believe it is my duty to contribute to helping the PN rise from the ashes. 

Do you agree with those MPs who use the social media to express their views on the party?

Social media has also changed the way we do politics. Social media is not the healthiest way for internal party discussions. However, we need to understand why someone might find refuge in using social media to air their views. It has become the norm for one to express themselves on social media, given its accessibility and ability to democratise information. 

If Delia will not continue as leader, who do you think should contest his seat?

I will not speculate. Up to now, there is no such vacancy. Whoever is ready to take on such a challenge will not have an easy task ahead.

Do you agree with what Mark Anthony Sammut has done and said in the past week?

I’ve known Mark Anthony for years and over the years he has earned my respect and friendship. We both contested the general election for the first time in 2013 and, incidentally, we both hail from the engineering profession. Engineers are taught to be pragmatic, no beating around the bush. I am testament to Mark’s love for the PN and his loyalty to it. He only has the Party’s best interests at heart.

I have no doubt that his decision has shocked the party structures and given us a reality check on the extent of this defeat. Mark’s comments must be addressed. Up-and-coming politicians such as Mark and, in particular, the MZPN Executive, need to find themselves heard and involved in the Nationalist Party if we are to win the day once again.

Leonardo da Vinci’s words could not be more apt: “Being willing is not enough; we must do.”