News • February 8 2004

Louis Galea

Born: 2 January, 1948
Status: Married to Vincienne with four kids
Profession: Lawyer
Electoral base: Fifth and seventh district
Political career: He has been an executive committee member since 1972. He was also Secretary General of the Nationalist Party from 1977 to 1987. Elected to Parliament in 1976, 1981, 1987, 1992, 1996, 1998 and 2003.
1987 – 1992 Minister for Social policy
1992 – 1995 Minister Home Affairs and Social Development
1995 – 1996 Minister for Social Development with responsibility for Health
1998 – 2003 Minister for Education
2003 Re-appointed Minister for Education

Louis Galea would ideally be best poised to garner the support of Nationalist Party councillors, having occupied the post of secretary general during the turbulent eighties thus having a solid grip on the grass roots.
A high profile minister since 1987 Galea was one of the masterminds behind Eddie Fenech Adami’s leadership victory in the seventies. Eventually, Galea went on to become an important player in the new team assembled by Fenech Adami after Borg Olivier’s departure. His stint as secretary general saw the number of PN clubs flourish and was also the motor behind the creation of the youth and women sections within the party.
Galea is ideologically in the centre and very much on the same wavelength as the party’s establishment.
It still has to be seen whether councillors will disregard Galea’s misdemeanours but one thing is certain; the man can garner enough support to play a determining role in a final run off between Gonzi and Dalli. And ideological similarities may not necessarily play a central role in Galea’s decision on whom to support.