Gonzi wins over backbenchers with ‘reconciliation’ meeting
Karl Stagno-Navarra
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi last night managed to win the full support of his parliamentary group, who acknowledged his promise to strengthen the team by ridding the general perception of ‘exclusionism’ inside his administration.
PN backbenchers emerged satisfied at the end of the three-hour meeting that was held at the PN Headquarters in Pieta’, with some commenting that “it was probably the best parliamentary meeting since the beginning of the legislature.” Shaken by the growing dissent within his backbench – escalating a week ago with an unprecedented email outburst by Floriana MP Jean-Pierre Farrugia, who vowed not to vote on the proposed primary healthcare reform – Lawrence Gonzi appeared yesterday to be more attentive and responsive to his MPs’ concerns.
The Prime Minister reportedly held back a proposal for ‘twinning’ backbench MPs with ministries, in a bid to involve them in governmental responsibilities to respond to the peoples needs and concerns. However he asked his ministers to be more forthcoming with all MPs.
While stressing that his door is open to all, he urged ministers to allocate time for MPs and to help them address their constituents, and most importantly to reply to parliamentary questions.
“This is the team spirit I want,” the Prime Minister reportedly told his MPs during the meeting after hearing many of them stand up and talk and explain what their issues were.
He explained that MPs should not fear to criticise the administration, but pleaded with them to safeguard the team spirit by being cautious on leakages to the media.
“We cannot afford to give our adversaries the advantage of being pleased at our problems and to lead the people to feel that their democratically elected government is falling to pieces,” the Prime Minister told his MPs, while apologising with them for any “shortcomings” he may have committed with them.
He explained that a lean Cabinet was an electoral promise he did not want to abandon. “Its my decision, I stand by it, and I believe that I am entitled to it,” he said.
While making it clear that the party will work closer with all MPs, many stressed on the importance that the party machinery is there to assist and not to “destroy” MPs through dirty campaigns.
Some MPs even indicated Monday night’s BondiPlus programme as part of the PN spin machine that had to be immediately stopped.
Many MPs expressed themselves “extremely satisfied” with the outcome of the meeting that was adjourned for another session on Thursday evening, with the many items that were supposed to be discussed on the agenda, postponed.
Amongst these was a preparation for the debate on a motion by the Opposition against the utility tariffs and another more controversial motion – also put forward by the Opposition – that calls for a vote on the extension of the Delimara power station contract.
While welcoming newly-elected MP Peter Micallef to his first parliamentary group meeting since last weeks casual election to fill the seat vacated by John Dalli on the Sixth District, the Prime Minister augured “more young blood” to his team.
Last nights meeting was clinically toned down by the Prime Minister who embarked on a face-saving and reconciliatory strategy throughout the week ahead of the parliamentary group meeting.
The PN parliamentary group had not met since December 15, the day after government was embarrassed by Gudja MP Franco Debono who deliberately missed a vote leading the Speaker to cast his vote.
While speculation was rife as to what triggered Franco Debono “send a message” to the Prime Minister, more MPs started to express their agitation at the way things were going.
MPs Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Jesmond Mugliett, Philip Mifsud, Robert Arrigo, Jean-Pierre Farrugia were amongst the most vociferous on the need for change and inclusivity.
A cabinet reshuffle triggered further anger on the backbench, while leaving others disappointed for being left out.
From a sense of disgruntlement, tensions continued to build and backbench MPs were on a collision course with their Prime Minister, some even publicly remarking on the possibility of challenging him.
But a series of one-to-one meetings held at Castille with MPs managed to ease the tensions ahead of last nights meetings, with MPs being asked to speak freely and with no fear.
The experiment seems to have left positive results with MPs expressing satisfaction that the leadership and the party is “coming to terms with reality.”
One MP expressed his hope with MaltaToday that this positive attitude continues.
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