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Kurt Sansone
When you thought a political party should be devoting its resources towards policy development, the Labour Party takes to the TV market to try and sell foreign liquid detergents and espresso machines to raise funds.
It sounds incredible but it’s true. Super One TV is currently broadcasting a tele-shopping spot directly sponsored by the Labour Party, with the programme host constantly reminding viewers that this was their chance to financially help the red brigade.
“You are always asking us how you can help the party station,” the host says. “Well, this is your chance. By buying products from One Shop you will be contributing to the station’s finances,” an intrepid Romilda Zarb is often heard saying during the half-hour selling bash.
One Shop is broadcast daily and viewers can buy a selection of imported household products and appliances for what are deemed to be ‘exclusive’ and ‘advantageous’ prices. But be warned – your Lm25 electrical espresso machine will come without the ground coffee.
It is no secret that the two major political parties are facing serious financial difficulties with substantial party resources being channelled into the running of costly TV and radio stations.
The staff at Super One have had to put up with hefty wage decreases this year to avoid redundancies.
The station’s administration had warned earlier in the year after negotiations with the GWU over a new collective agreement had failed that unless employees agreed to the terms set out by the management a number of employees would have to lose their job.
Party financing is a constant headache and in a bid to stem the haemorrhage both political parties have resorted to various telethon fund raising events, with the Labour Party keen on hooking up to almost every national holiday to try and entice party faithful to donate hard-earned cash.
It now seems the TV telethons are not enough and Alfred Sant and Co. may very well be juggling Italian liquid detergents and coffee machines along with their task of preparing the Labour Party’s political manifesto in time for the next election.
ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt
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