Editorial

The task facing the 850 odd Nationalist Party councillors is far more crucial than they may comprehend. This time around they will not only be choosing a man to lead their party. That in itself would already have been quite a responsibility, especially since this leader will have to see the party through an election after almost two decades in power, something which historically is unprecedented. The politician of their choice will also be the next prime minister of Malta.

The nominations for the PN leader to succeed Eddie Fenech Adami opened on Monday and the first round of elections will be held on February 28. Unless there are any surprises, the contenders are likely to be three - the current deputy leader, Lawrence Gonzi; the former general secretary, Louis Galea and the present finance minister, John Dalli.

Francis Zammit Dimech had originally signalled his intention to run. In fact, it was more than a signal as, indeed, he had even printed promotion material. Dr Zammit Dimech must have read the writing on the wall and decided to pull out.

The indications are that the leadership race will see Dr Gonzi and Mr Dalli making the final sprint to the finish line. Yet, it is healthy that the post should be contested and not just by the two main contenders.

The contestants are gearing up their lobbying and the campaign is getting hotter. They will do their utmost to woo as many councillors as possible and put across their "programmes". But on what criteria will the councillors base their ultimate decision?

In his press conference last Saturday, soon after handing in his resignation, Dr Fenech Adami did drop a hint as to what sort of person he would like to see succeeding him. Of course, his is sound advice; advice that one ought to take heed of. But it does not necessarily mean the councillors, the majority of them at least, see the future of the party from his same eyes. They may decide that the leadership requires a different tinge, so long as it remains loyal to the PN's principles.

They will evidently want to ensure the next leader has the potential to make the party win the coming election. Now that is a gargantuan task indeed and one which would entail a radical overhaul in both the composition of the government and the way in which the government is run. Which means that the councillors must give a clear signal to the party administration to stand four square behind the new leader in whatever changes he may deem fit to make.

In addition, the party must strive to see that it remains on track even when faced with the fall-out of the leader's election because "losers" there shall be. One must not forget either that a deputy leader may also have to be elected.

The new leadership has a difficult task ahead at both party and national level. It therefore needs to have a better grasp of the prevailing situation, be creative in its programmes for the future, exercise discipline and have the determination to see that all decisions taken are implemented to the full.

One final word. Let none of the contenders be discouraged by the way Dr Fenech Adami has rightly been eulogised. When he was elected leader 27 years ago few realised what an asset he would prove to be for both the PN and Malta.