Grech’s nomination draws positive reactions

The news that Labour MEP Louis Grech threw his hat in the ring for the newly vacated post of Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs caused no small amount of waves.

Former Labour minister and political commentator Lino Spiteri reacted to Grech's nomination for the post positively, describing Grech as "a good person, both on the technical level and on the political level," and observing that Grech "should add value to Labour's leadership team".

At the same time, Spiteri noted that Grech's opportunity "comes a bit late in the day for him," but added that Grech "can still make a good go of it".

Spiteri also observed that Grech's prestige and status as the Labour Party's "overwhelming favourite candidate" was also very likely to have discouraged other "younger" candidates from stepping forward for the role.

Historian and one-time Labour general secretary Dominic Fenech similarly described Grech as "politically mature" equipped with "several years' worth of exposure to European politics," concluding that "he represents a positive development that can improve the party's image".

At the same time, Fenech notes that Grech's appointment must be seen in the context of the "ongoing electoral campaign" and insists that Grech's nomination and eventual appointment as the PL deputy leader "is intended to help the party's electoral prospects."

Nationalist MPs contacted by MaltaToday were considerably more critical of Grech's nomination for the post.

Nationalist MP Beppe Fenech Adami dismissed Grech's nomination as "little more than a utilitarian convenience nomination, pushed by Joseph Muscat," and insisted that "he does not project an image of energy and change that would be positive for Labour".

Fenech Adami also pointed to how former deputy leader Anglu Farrugia was discarded by the Labour Party, and insisted that Grech's nomination "further shows the ruthlessness of Muscat's Labour, ready to throw away anyone if it is convenient".

Similarly, former PN president Victor Scerri said that "for Joseph Muscat, politics has become game of chess, where to save a queen, one is wiling to sacrifice a pawn," while also insisting that the manner in the Labour Party is handling the general conference and the deputy-leader election violates the party's own statute.

Scerri also insists that Grech is not a viable choice because "he is a person who was not involved in local politics," and insists that "the truth is that he was pushed to involve himself in an issue simply to further Muscat's interests and ambitions."

Scerri also questioned the tenability or longevity of Grech's tenure as the PL deputy leader after the election, arguing that once "Grech would have served his purpose of enabling Labour to acquire a certain trust and attract certain people by election time ... we will have a different story."

At the same time, the business sector was considerably upbeat about Grech's nomination for the post.

Chamber of Commerce President Tancred Tabone welcomed Grech's nomination, insisting "he has a lot to contribute to the country, and he is very valid in this regard".

"He has been a good MEP, he has a good business acumen and understands it," Tabone said, adding that the Chamber looks towards people who understand and sympathise with business.

President of the Malta Developers' Association and political commentator Michael Falzon was more circumspect, observing that Grech's inclusion into the PL leadership "will serve to attract towards the Labour Party those people who would not be attracted by Anglu Farrugia".

"It was certainly unexpected, but it is interesting, and certainly positive from the Labour Party's perspective," he went on to say.

A self-avowed long-time friend of Grech, property magnate Bertu Mizzi welcomed Grech's nomination to Labour's upper-levels, describing him as "a person of integrity... I am confident that whatever he goes into, he will do well".

Mizzi observes that Labour will gain from Grech's inclusion into its leadership team, adding "he will be going into the position with seriousness and dedication towards improving the party and its prospects".

General Workers Union Secretary General Tony Zarb welcomed Grech's nomination, saying that the MEP "would be a suitable individual to work in tandem with party leader Joseph Muscat as his deputy". He added that the fact that Grech was the only candidate for the position does "does not detract from his merit".

Forum President John Bencini held back from passing judgement from Grech as a politician or his suitability for the position. At the same time, he expressed the hope that all political party representatives and candidates enjoy the full faith of the parties they represent.

He adds that, given how none of Grech's peers within the Labour Party contested his nomination, this suggest that he enjoys their confidence.

Contacted by MaltaToday, Union Haddiema Magħqudin General Secretary Josef Vella and Malta Employers' Association Director General Joe Farrugia declined to comment.

"It is purely a party issue, and not a trade unionistic issue," said Vella, while Farrugia said: "I do not wish to comment on political issues" when asked for a comment.