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This week promises to be a busy one for the newly appointed Prime Minister as he puts together the Cabinet.
 Every Prime Minister has the constitutional right to choose the Cabinet.
He is much more than a first among equals. He is the person who can make and end political careers. Being his choice, the Cabinet inevitably ends up being a reflection of his style and vision for Government.
Accordingly it is very understandable that at this very moment many a Nationalist member of parliament is anxiously awaiting a telephone call, summoning him or her to Auberge de Castille to be asked whether he wants to serve and to be informed which portfolio he or she is to manage.
This may be Lawrence Gonzi’s moment. This is the time when he is expected to put aside friendships, past alliances, promises made and simply decide on his own and in the interests of the nation. As the nation’s chief executive he now has to put his whole team together. Any cutting-edge choice of the Cabinet should include a consideration of past performance, track record, competence, honesty and integrity. .
It is reported that Lawrence Gonzi has taken the advice of close confidantes but inevitably the decision is his and his alone.
In reality there are other factors that any Prime Minister would also consider, should he want to keep his party in electoral shape including the electoral support individuals have, the importance of all geographic areas being represented, and the political risk of excluding certain persons. This is also an opportunity for a far looking leader to recognise potential talent and appoint a person who shows potential even if young. The decision is a highly complex one that carries major political repercussions.
An incompetent, dishonest or low performing minister inevitably carries major political risks for any Government and most especially for any Prime Minister.
Few recognise that Dr Fenech Adami was never in the mood of Cabinet reshuffles and did little in changing incompetent ministers.
MaltaToday believes that it is right to choose a smaller number of ministers and to give a clearly defined role to all parliamentary secretaries.
Ministers and parliamentary secretaries who have performed should be retained to build on their strengths.
Low performers should have their wings clipped. The Cabinet must perform as a team. The new Government will be taking over at a very strained economic moment. The priority of Government will also include harmonising all European legislation. This is no mean task.
Lawrence Gonzi’s first clear message will be the choice of his Cabinet. Until now, Dr Gonzi’s direction and vision has been a question of interpretation. Much is expected from this Cabinet reshuffle and more from the government in terms of delivery.
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