Welcome to Parliament David & Ivan

Having been elected through a by-election myself back in 2017, I would like to welcome both David Thake and Ivan Bartolo to

Parliament. I am looking forward to working with them.

Ivan Bartolo is a Nationalist MP

Ivan Bartolo’s election might cause somewhat of a problem with I myself having the same namesake. To avoid any mix-ups and confusion, we will have to figure out a solution. I was referred to as Ivan Bartolo the member of parliament to distinguish us from one another. Now we are both that. I cannot recall a similar situation with two MPs having the same name within the same party. It happened, but one was a PN MP and the other a Labour MP.

Well, that is secondary. The important thing is the contribution each of the new MPs give in Parliament, to the country and to the party.

As for David, I don’t know him that much albeit being vociferous on certain issues namely corruption and good governance. A person who stands up for his principles.

Like with Ivan Bartolo’s election being a first in Malta’s electoral history as I referred to above so is David Thake’s. It doesn’t seem to be, if it does it escapes me, that there was an electoral tie in a by election and the person elected was determined in accordance to the law, which stipulates that when there is a tie the first count votes determine who is elected.

Now that our Parliamentary Group has taken shape, one woman less and one man more, we see how to work as an effective opposition by keeping the Government on its toes. A united front will make us more effective.

The new MPs elected to Parliament were triggered by the resignation of Drs Simon Busuttil and Marthese Portelli from their seats. Their contribution both in Parliament and within the party structures was valid and effective. I am sure that both Ivan’s as well as David’s will fall within the same category. The country and the party lost two stalwarts. It is certainly somewhat difficult to fill in their places but am sure that both will live to their expectations.

I know what it means to fill in Dr Busuttil’s place as I was elected from a by election after he relinquished his seat on the 11th district having been elected from the 12th district too. This fact solely fills me with responsibility and I am sure also David Thake feels the same.

Even though I am congratulating both new MPs I don’t want to forget the other candidates that put their name forward. I am sure that each and everyone would have given their utmost in their own way. Unfortunately, only won has to be declared victor. I am sure that this challenge will spurn them on to work harder for them to make it next time.

Once again, a big congratulations to Ivan Bartolo and David Thake. I am sure that you will live up to your title, that of honourable. See you in Parliament.

“Even though I am congratulating both new MPs, I don’t want to forget the other candidates that put their name forward”