News • 22 September 2002

As much as they will give me I will give back to them – Michael Frendo

By Matthew Vella

When asked by MaltaToday whether he expected the same to happen in the next electoral race, PN parliamentarian Michael Frendo promptly replied; "As much as they will give me I will give back to them."

He was reacting after a reference to a previous interview on his 1998 electoral disappointment.

Then Dr Michael Frendo had said people in the PN had conducted a negative campaign in his regard.

Scouting all high profile Nationalist candidates, MaltaToday discovered that longstanding Sliema Mayor Robert Arrigo has not yet been approached by the Nationalist Party to contest the 10 district in the coming general elections.

But the PN’s latest addition to the embattled district is Dr George Hyzler, who previously contested the 6 district.

Robert Arrigo has been Sliema’s Mayor ever since 1992 and is known to be a decisive force within the locality.

PN Director of Information Gordon Pisani told MaltaToday the Sliema Mayor and entrepreneur’s potential candidacy was neither discussed nor approved by the executive committee.

Asked by this paper whether Dr Hyzler had been given priority over Mayor Robert Arrigo, Gordon Pisani said; "Much has been said about Mr Arrigo and the PN. It is the PN executive committee that approaches potential candidates not the other way round.

"We haven’t refused Mr Arrigo. We simply haven’t discussed the chances of Mr Arrigo representing the party at the next general elections."

Mr Pisani continued: "Dr Hyzler has certainly his own considerations for running in the 10 district. He has certainly done his own homework."

Dr Hyzler is already well known in the political scene and occupies a prestigious place in the legacy of his family’s political history.

His move to contest the 10 district has been interpreted by many as a tactic to take advantage of some of the votes of former PN heavyweight Guido de Marco.

Facing seasoned politicians and incumbents like Dr Francis Zammit Dimech and Dr Michael Refalo, newcomer Dr Hyzler seems to have no cold feet.

He told MaltaToday: "It is obvious that in politics one contests the area one feels most confident in. I have chosen the 10 district for that reason and because I believe I have something to offer its constituents".

His self-assurance untouched, Dr Hyzler said; "The landscape of the 10 district has changed since heavyweights like Prof de Marco and Dr Austin Gatt will no longer be contesting the district."

This seems to be an indication that Dr Hyzler is out to get Guido De Marco’s votes.

MaltaToday can confirm that incumbents Joe Borg, Dolores Cristina, Michael Frendo, George Pullicino, Michael Refalo and Francis Zammit Dimech will be contesting the next election.

Dr Austin Gatt will not be contesting the district.

Other candidates are Donald Felice and Melvyn Mifsud, but more names could be added later.

The 10 district is represented by Sliema, San Gwann, Swieqi, Pembroke and St Julians. Political trends have so far ensured the Nationalists a four-seat majority within the district.

In 1998 no fewer than 15 candidates were fielded. Guido de Marco, Francis Zammit Dimech, George Pullicino and Michael Refalo were elected for the district. Dolores Cristina was subsequently elected in a casual election.

Guido De Marco was replaced by Michael Frendo in a by-election following his appointment as President of the Republic.

The 10 district has been known for its strong intra-party rivalry, where numerous PN candidates battle each other. The next elections may be no exception and the Nationalist stronghold could be set for one of the most tenacious of electoral races.

Incumbent Dolores Cristina said negative campaigning was an unfortunate reality of Malta’s political scene, "I too was at the receiving end when campaigning in 1998 but I just had to bear it. However it is usually the canvassers who are behind these campaigns and not the politicians."

For Francis Zammit Dimech however, healthy competition in the 10 district has never resulted in any political back stabbing, telling MaltaToday, "I prefer an electoral race with horses than one with donkeys".

Undaunted by greater competition and fresh faces, PN veteran Dr Michael Refalo says he would never oppose any candidates contesting the same district, adding it will be up to the people to decide whom to elect. The coming elections will be the tenth he will be contesting.

George Pullicino was unavailable for comment.