‘In AD I can achieve more’ – Briguglio on refusal to join Labour or PN

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Michael Briguglio confirmed he had been approached by the Labour Party in the aftermath of the 2008 General Election to discuss the possibility of his joining the party.

He however denied that his candidature for the 9 March General Election was on the cards back then, while also adding that the individuals within the Nationalist Party had made similar overtures towards him over the subsequent years.

However, Briguglio said that he never accepted joining either the Nationalist Party or the Labour Party because he was already active within AD, and because he was convinced that "I could achieve more as a member of AD."

Briguglio was fielding questions during an electoral debate hosted by the Broadcasting Authority, broadcast on Thursday evening, where he was grilled by journalists representing Maltatoday, the Malta Independent, One Radio, Radio 101, and PBS.

Briguglio answered questions on various topics, ranging from his take on both PL and PN proposals tabled thus far, as well as the government's track record on water conservation and energy investment, as well as AD's intentions if elected to parliament.

Briguglio also fielded questions regarding which party it felt most comfortable forming a coalition with, as well as what issues the party considers non-negotiable, and whether AD would ever go as far as to hold a government ransom.

"We will not do like Franco Debono," Briguglio said bluntly, insisting that for AD to attempt to hold a government ransom after winning a seat would be tantamount to "suicide."

"We will not deliver ultimatums. We will keep in mind that we are a minority party. We will not attempt to dictate, but we will certainly try to influence," Briguglio said, pointing to the ongoing coalition in the UK between the Liberal Democrats and the Tory Party.

He also said that AD "doesn't play favourites" with regard to which party it sees forming a coalition with, adding that it would behave as other parties do worldwide and enter into negotiations with both sides to seek the best agreement possible.

At the same time, Briguglio welcomed Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Labour leader Joseph Muscat's statements that they would be willing to form a coalition with AD.

The AD leader also said that AD would not be approaching the table with "non-negotiable ultimatums", and reiterated that it would negotiate the best way forward.