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The battle of the fundraisers
-political parties hunt down the cash

By Ray Abdilla

Both the main political parties have been blitzing their media machinery over the past week in frantic fundraising attempts.

But although the Nationalists were stressing that their big moneymaking day is today, until yesterday it looked as if the Labour party had been much more successful in their fundraising efforts.

The formidable amount collected by the MLP – Lm110,000 in one day - might raise an ironic smile in some circles, on the grounds that the Labour party have been constantly criticising current government policies as producing a high cost of living and lack of cash among the people.

But MLP secretary general Jimmy Magro brushed this thought aside, almost angrily, hinting that he has been asked to comment on this point of view numerous times as of late.

"The true Labourites make sacrifices because they believe that what the party is doing is for a good cause," he said. "We have popular support by means of many, small voluntary donations."

The funds raised by the Labour Party via a telethon held on Thursday -Republic Day - will go towards financing its Switzerland in the Med campaign, which will relay to the people why the MLP thinks this is the best way forward for Malta, as far as EU relations are concerned.

Labour MPs, officials and activists were busy answering telephone calls on 13 December. Labour leader Alfred Sant and deputy leaders George Vella and Joe Brincat gave a helping hand.

Those who gave donations were eligible to win a large number of prizes that were distributed every 20 minutes.

Mr Magro said that he was extremely satisfied with the activity, pointing out that the funds are necessary to help the party better convey its policy of how to have the best possible relations with the European Union, short of full membership.

Meanwhile the Nationalist party started its fundraising campaign on Thursday night, in an activity called ‘Sfida 70’ - Challenge 70, which is being blitzed on Net TV. The Nationalist party want to collect the sum of Lm125,000 for the extension of the party’s headquarters. Last year the PN collected the sum of Lm200,000 from its own supporters and bought new property in the same area, which they now want to finish off. But yesterday evening, the amount they had managed to collect was way below their target, even today is expected to be the climax of their fundraising activities.

Asked to comment on the MLP’s achievement of collecting Lm110,000 in one day, PN secretary general, Joe Saliba said that he was not surprised at all.

"Donations for different causes are growing every year," he said. "Last year around Lm500,000 was given by the people, not only to political parties but also to charitable institutions.

"Both parties had collected Lm270,000, with the PN collecting Lm200,000 and the MLP the rest. The country is passing through a good phase at the moment and that means people will continue to donate."

The PN must, however, be feeling the pressure to whip up a fundraising feeling among its supporters. And it will be ironic indeed if it looks as if donations are down on last year because people have been forced to tighten their belts.