Labour leadership contender MarieLouise Coleiro-Preca was endorsed by former Labour ministers Daniel Micallef and Vincent Moran, at a breakfast meeting for veteran delegates yesterday.
Micallef, former Speaker and Minister for Education and the Environment, highlighted the role of values within the Malta Labour Party, which in his view are epitomised by Coleiro-Preca herself. “Emotional, cultural, spiritual values help us seek ourselves. These values can help our party to move forward,” a passionate Micallef told veterans present for the meeting.
In his view, Coleiro-Preca should be valued for her role as a mother, for her principles, and above all for her honesty.
Long-serving health minister Moran recalled the difficult times when Coleiro-Preca was the general secretary of the Labour Party between 1982 and 1991. Applauded several times during his speech, Moran said that one should not fear the past. On the other hand, he encouraged the veteran delegates to look forward and to vote wisely.
On her part, Coleiro-Preca stressed the importance the party should give to its older generation, while addressing the veteran delegates yesterday.
She also said that young people need to know the history of the Labour party, as it seems that it has been forgotten. “There are youths who don’t know who we are and they don’t know what we stand for. Youths should remember who introduced obligatory education, women’s rights, women’s right to vote, amongst other things.”
Coleiro-Preca also praised the Labour veterans for having served the party for all these years. She also thanked them for the service they continue to give the country, especially in voluntary organisations. Voluntary work is an important aspect which is close to heart and which should be explored further, she said.

sagius@mediatoday.com.mt