Had the name of the author not been revealed, one would get the impression that it had to be someone very much on the ‘outside’ addressing his comments to the leader of the Malta Labour Party.
Evarist Bartolo, a reliable moderate, gives good advice while he admonishes his leader thus: “You will have enough persons within the party and beyond praising you and always agreeing with you in your presence. Listen to them and do not believe them if you want to preserve your sanity and a good sense of judgement”. Such comment clearly illustrates that nothing of substance has changed within the MLP and that, if Joseph is not strong enough, his progressive policies will be effectively dampened, if not totally obliterated by the hard liners of yore.
In trying to expand the party’s traditional base, Joseph has welcomed back outdated elements who, until a few short months ago, were deemed by the majority of Labour sympathisers as ‘personae non grate’. Only time will tell whether their return to the fold will be good to the party or further confuse its supporters with regard to their party’s direction and what it really stands for.
It is a shame that Evarist and other moderates within the MLP have been effectively neutralised by an inner circle, which, although Joseph embarked on a renewal project, still remains intact and in the hands of the likes of Jason Micallef.
Joseph takes a full load as of September 25 as a full-time leader of the MLP, but more importantly as leader of the Opposition. It is from that date onwards that one would take more interest in his performance ratings since he will be judged not just on his talk and smiles but on actions and decisions taken in the interest of the country.
J. Martinelli,
London, Ontario