News • 27 April 2003

Nationalist party smiles as Sant clan builds defences against the coming of George Abela

The Nationalist Party remains jubilant after its victorious Maltese styled landslide. But it may extend its period of celebration with the goings on in the Labour Party and draconian moves to keep George Abela out of the contest. Delegates have confirmed to MaltaToday that Dr George Abela who is considered as Labour’s only chance to win the next election is very interested in the post but faces strong opposition from the Sant clan.

The Nationalist core group secretly rub their hands and hope that George Abela does not get in. On Joe Grima live Secretary General Joe Saliba went as far as stating that it would be better for the PN if Alfred Sant retains his post.

Instead of repentance for botching up another national election, the MLP administration has embarked on a pincer attack on its main critics. The attack started off with the Robin Hood TV crew and now continues with interjections from two deputy leaders and the MLP’s propaganda chief Manwel Cuschieri.

Militant hard core labourites who do not make the difference in a general election have also urged the party to keep Alfred Sant.

Now, it appears clears that Alfred Sant is feigning resignation and seriously considering staying on. General Workers’ Union secretary General Tony Zarb, considered as a Sant loyalist also resigned only to return on Friday.

But in Mr Zarb’s case, there appears to have been a genuine attempt to push him out. In true Eddie Fenech Adami fashion, Tony Zarb has reneged on his resignation to return to his post.

More sinister, is the observation that a General Workers’ Union with a new leadership would have definitely supported George Abela, but with Mr Zarb back in the job, it is very unlikely that the union will be able to lobby Dr Abela’s candidature.

Dr Abela is seen as a winning card for Labour because he appeals to the middle of the road voter, the winner in every national election. He is also charismatic, a good administrator and pro-European Union.

But many in the MLP core see him as an outsider.

To his credit he has refused to talk to the media or the Nationalist party to avoid being used to attack the Labour party.

His only chance of making a comeback depends on whether anyone with the credibility and bridge to old labour and a future Labour is able to speak out and spell out that the Labour party is doomed if it does not renovate and change.

Yet, it may also be that Alfred Sant’s decision to give the impression that he may reconsider has been construed to guarantee that one of his acolytes, such as Evarist Bartolo, is anointed in his place.