Q&A | Leaving it all for politics | Claudette Buttigieg

What is your background?

I am a broadcaster by profession. I studied at the University of Malta and furthered my studies at the University of Bologna where I specialised in the fields of culture and entertainment at the renowned D.A.M.S Institute (Discipline, dell'Arte, Musica e Spettacolo) where I obtained my D. Lit.

How did you get involved in politics?

My first involvement in politics was in the mid-80s, when as a student in one of the local Church Schools I was involved in the student protests against [former Labour prime minister] Dom Mintoff's decision to close our schools.

I was also involved in the fight for liberty that was at its peak in the following years particularly in 1987.  At University I joined the University Students's Council (KSU) and was elected as the equal rights officer and eventually as Secretary General.

During the 2008 general elections I was involved in the PN's electoral campaign where I hosted weekly discussions on the PN's main themes.

Why PN?

I feel that PN is the party that has changed our country radically.  Each legislature over the past 25 years - excluding the short-lived Labour '96-'98 period - has been a step forward to what we have achieved to date. PN is forward-looking and has concrete, energetic plans - not wishes and dreams - for the sustainable future of our country.

What will you bring to the table?

I am a communicator by nature and by profession. I have a passion for meeting people - I love listening to what they have to say. The people I meet daily teach me more about their needs and expectations. I empathise with their needs and I am committed to work towards improving people's lives further.

If elected, what will you be pushing for?

There are issues which I feel strongly about and I hope to work for these issues too. I also believe in empowering the vulnerable to stand up on their own two feet. I don't believe in giving just the fish without giving the fishing rod.

Children's rights are very close to my heart and I would like to work more in this area, particularly issues related to fostering. Naturally as a woman I also feel that we still have hills to climb but many have taken the opportunities and have arrived.

We must encourage other women to follow their dreams towards success.

How do you rate the government's work over the past five years?

The fact that the EU released Malta from excessive deficit during such a turbulent time is by far the best certificate for the government's work over the past five years. Also the last budget is based on the sound economic foundations of the work done over the past five years, so much so that even the Labour Party said it is good!

Both the PN and the PL are pushing forward new candidates, new blood. Is this just an image or is the PN really seeking to be the party of change?

The Nationalist Party has presented new candidates in each and every election and that is how it renews itself. During my home visits I knock on everyone's door.

Those who are genuine floaters want change, but they do not want Labour. PN is offering the voters a very good mix of experienced and new candidates, both male and female. Voting for PN will bring about a stable change!

You have worked as the communications coordinator for the health ministry. Does this mean that you will be pushing to work in the health ministry or will you be seeking to cover other areas? If so which, and why?

If I am elected I will work wherever the party needs me. My experience in health does not make me an expert in the field but it has given me a good knowledge of the fragile complexities within our health system and the delicate balance between promising and delivering within a sustainable framework. Education, culture and social issues also form part of what I would define as my comfort zones.

You are very keen on music and television. Do you think that everyone is given the same opportunity to push oneself in these areas or is it always the same people, the same companies getting the bigger share? What do you propose that government should do?

The opportunities in music and television are huge - for all. We have to stop thinking that we are whales in an ocean when we are guppies in a teacup!  We must all work hard on our talent, aim high and leap forward - not just locally but internationally.

Look at Joseph Calleja... admittedly we can't all be like him but we can all aspire to reach higher. The local scene is a bonsai of the international scene. You always have to be at the right place at the right time but you must know how to sell yourself.

Over the past five years government has opened doors to bigger opportunities overseas. Young artists are finding their area of specialization and finding support through financial backing. I believe that this is the way forward. We have people working in the cinema industry - locally and all over the world - because government made it possible and encouraged big international production companies to work in Malta.

Does being a TV personality means that you are suited to be a politician? And how will your past on TV affect your candidature - both negatively and positively?

Why not? I believe that politics is for all not just lawyers, doctors and more. Politics is many-sided and needs to have a good mix of people with different backgrounds. My work on TV makes me a familiar face, my task is to convince them of my capabilities.

Which is the single most important issue that this campaign should focus on?

The total and sustainable wellbeing for all.