Micallef talks of “pain ” and “loyalty”

Addressing Labour delegates tonight former general secretary Jason Micallef reaffirmed his loyalty towards the party but talked about the “unhappy” and “difficult” situation he faced last October when he was asked to step down from his post.

Delivering what could be described as a farewell speech to Labour delegates Mr Micallef said he understood that “in life, strange circumstances happened that may cause pain” to the individual.

However, he reiterated that despite the difficulty created for his family he remained loyal to the party and its supporters.

The remark was greeted with a lengthy applause by delegates.

“I understood that loyalty towards the party was stronger than an individual’s pain and above the personal interests of anybody, including that of any leader, past, present or future,” he said.

Mr Micallef insisted he would be working side by side with Labour leader Joseph Muscat in whatever role he would be assigned.

Upping the tempo, the former general secretary then criticised what he described as “political intimidation” perpetrated by government against Kullhadd editor Wenzu Mintoff.

Dr Mintoff was asked by Malta Enterprise to choose between his job as legal advisor with the government agency and editor of Labour organ Kullhadd because of a conflict of interest.

Mr Micallef called on the party to show “militancy” and defend Labourites from victimisation.

He then closed off his speech by insisting that a prospective Labour government should represent all Maltese and Gozitans but also Labourites.

Before descending from the main stage Mr Micallef embraced Dr Muscat amid a rousing applause from delegates.

See also:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100129/local/labour-s-marathon-conference-kicks-off