Contestants’ wives have their say

Your husband is standing for a very dedicated role. How do you feel about this?

In all honesty I am daunted by the very prospect – particularly since I deem myself to be an apolitical person who has always praised and/or criticised (as the case may be) the tactics, manoeuvres and decisions of all local political parties/politicians over the years.

I will remain equally objective and critical, whatever the outcome.

How would your life actually change, were he to be elected?

Our life has already changed overnight, so the children and I are bracing ourselves for further radical changes should he be elected.

I have always dedicated myself to our children even at the cost of my own profession/career. My focus has always been the family, especially our children. The family is paramount to me and whilst I see that many sacrifices will have to be made, I will do my utmost to ensure that some things do not change, namely that together Adrian and I will continue to retain a healthy balance between politics and family.

You are the best person to describe your husband on a more up-close-and-personal level. How would you describe him?

Adrian is a man of staunch values and principles: a man of integrity with a passion for all he does in his life. He values and embraces the family. Despite being a man with a litigious nature he nonetheless remains a hopeless romantic.

Is there a political issue about which you feel passionate?

There are definitely two major bones of contention which I deem to be unacceptable, namely the sale of citizenship (also known as the IIP) and more recently the elimination of the terms mother and father from the Marriage Equality law.

Both of these constitute a betrayal to Maltese citizens as a general rule and more specifically to all Maltese mothers/fathers.

The failure by the government to embrace ALL those who have children, independent of their sexual orientation and civil status, is an act of prejudice and discrimination which has serious social and legal repercussions that are unacceptable in a democratic society.

Nobody has the right to deny anyone of their biological status under the veil that this would offend minority groups, particularly when we have witnessed a population that is overtly in favour of diversity. These pieces of legislation are ill befitting to our nation.

What was your reaction when your husband said he would be running for party leader and how did you learn about it?

Initially we had agreed on this new venture together following the landslide defeat of the PN.

I encouraged him, as I deemed him to be a worthy candidate, possessing all the qualities and virtues of a leader. I must be honest however: it was a baptism of fire and before the word ‘go’ I had already got cold feet!

Can you give us one positive and one negative trait in your husband’s character?

There a lot of positive traits in Adrian’s character, although I would say that it is his inner strength that is overwhelming. As for his negative traits, these too are abundant, however it is his extreme tidiness that always seems to get the better of me, given that we are such a large brood so tidiness is virtually a task that is impossible to achieve.

Why do you think PN members should elect your husband?

The PN has been rocked to its foundations as witnessed by the historic landslide defeats suffered. I believe that a person with vision and determination, coupled with positive and untainted energy, will reinvigorate the party and bring it back to its former glory. I believe that Adrian can achieve this goal against all odds.

The strength of the PN is essential not only in the name of party politics but more importantly for the preservation of democracy.

In what way does your husband help out at home?

Adrian is extremely helpful around the house. He is very hands on, as he is in everything he does. Sadly, this willingness to help also manifests itself in an enthusiastic ‘chef’ – and I can assure you that this is pretty much a punishment to our palate.