Joseph Muscat ‘encouraged’ Helena Dalli to run for PL deputy leader

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat deserved a loyal person to stand by him as deputy and one without any higher aspirations, Minister for EU affairs and equality, Helena Dalli, has said.

Promising to continue to encourage Joseph Muscat to stay on as leader of the Labour Party, Dalli said the Prime Minister should not be in a position where he is constantly worrying about scheming behind his back.

"I will be encouraging Joseph Muscat to stay on as Labour Party leader for longer than he has indicated; but if that fails, he does not need to be constantly looking over the back of those closest to him to see what they are doing," she said. 

Dalli was addressing a media conference during the launch of her campaign for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party, in the shadow of the Freedom Monument in Victoriosa.

The slogan chosen for her campaign is ‘A woman with you’. 

Dalli, like contender Edward Scicluna, said that it was Muscat himself who encouraged her to throw her hat in the ring. The conversation took place in Strasbourg and Dalli subsequently sought the advice of former deputy prime minister Louis Grech, before confirming her candidature.

The third deputy leadership hopeful is Health Minister Chris Fearne. The elected one will also become deputy prime minister in the government of Joseph Muscat. 

Dalli said that there was no animosity amongst the candidates and that the Labour team would remain as strong as ever, irrespective of whom will win. 

"When the prime minister entrusted me with the additional portfolio that used to fall under former deputy leader Louis Grech, many approached me and encouraged me to run in the election," she said. 

She insisted that her 38 years of experience within the Labour Party, starting under the tutelage of former prime minister Dom Mintoff, was invaluable and would serve her and the party well if she were chosen to become deputy leader. 

The minister said she understands the feelings and aspirations of the party delegates because she had experienced the same things they faced. 

Dalli also said that she had experienced the many hard years that Labour supporters went through for many years. 

She said she was proud to be part of a feminist government and administration, adding that her being female was an advantage and could lead to greater female inclusion in the party itself. 

"If elected, I will ensure to help delegates become more aware of what happens in parliament and at a government level," Dalli said. "I want our delegates to be kept up-to-date because the government's programme is one they themselves chose in the last election.”