Seeing that Malta becomes a normal country again
ROBERT ARRIGO, candidate for the post of Nationalist Party deputy leader for Party Affairs, shared his thoughts about the Party’s new direction, however asserting that a new way meant the right way of doing do politics. Arrigo spoke to Rebecca Iversen abo
Nationalist Party deputy leader for party affairs candidate Robert Arrigo believes his keen sense of identifying weakness in any organisation would make him the ideal man for the job.
Arrigo is up against Nationalist MP Edwin Vassallo for the post, and has shied away from declaring whether he sways more towards the conservative or liberal elements of the PN.
The Malta Independent sat down with the deputy leader hopeful in order to gauge where he sits on the most relevant issues gripping the party.
Arrigo speaks of the PN’s financial situation not being as bad as “some press reports” make it out to be. “Seeing that Malta becomes a normal country again” is Arrigo’s main priority, while believing that the PN could return to power should its MPs stick to common core aims.
One of the most frequently heard criticism levelled against the PN over the past year has been division and a lack of unity between the party. It would appear that both Arrigo and Vassallo agree with this statement as both have spoken of increased unity.
Arrigo made his intentions clear to run for Deputy Leader for Party Affairs way back in July, after the Opposition lost the general election for a second term by a landslide.
What do you believe are the three most important qualities the deputy leader of party affairs must hold?
“There are many who may point at different qualities needed to be a Deputy Leader. I will point out my qualities. In everything in which I’ve been involved, I have always insisted that there is need for a strong structure to support a good organisation – whether this be my business concerns, my involvement in football or politics.
“Being organised is key to success. I see myself as having a good eye for identifying faults in the structure of organisations and how to rectify them: I have good organisational skills.
“Another quality is networking. How can we be successful, if we do not make inroads in networking? We need the business community, civil society and the different sectors of our society to feel comfortable with the Nationalist Party. The only way we can achieve this is to ensure that key people feel comfortable speaking and working with us. I have networked all my life and therefore it is second nature, and in the PN I will be involved in this personally alongside others.
“Another quality is working as a team. I want everyone to feel they are participating in a project that everyone in the PN wants. I will do that and ensure that this vast team is in place.”
Basically, why do you want the PN councillors and members to vote for you?
“Because I am enthusiastic, and I have a well thought-out plan. I am eager to work, and the members and the Councillors of the PN will start to notice a difference and will start believing that we can win. As deputy Leader of Party Affairs, merging my business practicality, knowledge and my political accomplishments will help achieve success.”
What is your vision for the party and what will the party’s ‘new way’ look like?
“We all have a common aim: seeing Malta become a normal country again, with a strong economy allowing us to practice our social justice policies but at the same time ensuring continuous prosperity. It is very clear that although Labour has had very convincing victories, they will not achieve this aim. The only alternative is for the PN to win the next election. It is also important that we present ourselves as a new party, practicing a new way but the right way of politics. A new way of doing politics is listening to the people more and sincerely acting on people’s concerns and fears.”
Will you help lead the party in a conservative direction or a more liberal one?
“I attach very little importance to these labels. There are those who may think I am conservative and others who see me as a liberal. I see myself as a realist, meaning that I accept what our society needs. When injustices take place and change is warranted, then I will be the first to kick off the discussion. Obviously, I do have my red lines.”
What do you believe the PN must do to become reelectable again?
“I have no doubt. The Nationalist Party has a fantastic team of MPs, MEPs, mayors, councillors, sectional members, volunteers. If we keep a common aim in our sights and move in one direction, then I feel we are invincible. I will do my part to change the PN’s fortunes.”
If you are not elected deputy leader, where do you see yourself working in the Party? Will you resign?
“What I can say is that I have never resigned from anything in my life. I have shown the party loyalty throughout and will continue to do so with conviction. With that said, I am determined to make this party stronger again as Deputy Leader of Party Affairs.”
How is the party going to reconcile its financial problems?
“There is already a concrete plan in place and a financial programme that I feel should not be disturbed. What I will be doing is enhancing those plans with new initiatives. What I would like to say is that the financial situation is not as bad as certain press reports have made it out to be.”
Did you agree with Simon Busuttil's coalition with Partit Demokratiku?
“Simon’s idea of a PN plus was needed. It was a good idea that backfired, but it was needed.”