News • February 15 2004

Ministers take a break from their ministries in run up to leadership contest

It looks like another two weeks of uncertainty for the country as the three top ministries have almost ground to a standstill while the Nationalist Party grapples with a frantic leadership race.
Ever since Fenech Adami called it a day, the three contenders for the post of party leader have embarked on a whirl wind tour of party clubs to woo PN councillors ahead of the crucial vote on 28 February.
The three contenders are engaged in a chase to meet councillors on a one-to-one basis, roping in the help of ministerial political appointees paid by public funds.
On at least two occasions this week MaltaToday was informed by ministry officials not to expect replies to questions because ministers were totally immersed in their respective leadership campaigns.
It is not the general public that is of particular interest to the contenders. At this point in time it is the 850 PN councillors, who will enjoy the attention of the leadership candidates.
The contest has also left its impact on some other ministries that are closely linked to either one of the contenders.
The situation is not expected to get any better over the next few days as Louis Galea, John Dalli and Lawrence Gonzi are expected to engage in lobbying ‘warfare’ at the various PN clubs and in private meetings with councillors in a bid to sway people their way. Much of the remainder of country will be waiting anxiously for the outcome of a race that will determine not only who leads the Nationalist Party, but also who will be the next prime minister.