Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1198140
6 1. Internally Joseph Muscat did get his dignified exit This election was triggered by Joseph Muscat's res- ignation, amidst testimonies implicating his chief of staff in possible obstruction of justice or worse. Muscat also faces pertinent question on his own re- lationship with alleged mastermind Yorgen Fenech which was close enough to him to merit an invita- tion to a private party at Girgenti Palace, with the PM hinting that not inviting him would have alerted Fenech of the investigation. He also faces pertinent question on his knowledge of Schembri's intimate relationship with Fenech, the acceptance of the gifts he received from Fenech and the anomalous 50 hour trip to Dubai during the holi- days. Despite this elephant in the room both candi- dates had to pander to a cohort of party members which still adores Muscat. To win their sympathy Fearne has been describ- ing himself as Muscat's "co-pilot" while Abela has presented himself as the continuity candidate. By staying on as leader during the contest Muscat has managed to get what he wanted; a dignified exit guaranteed by the shower of praise received from both contenders. But this raises questions on their future ability to handle the fall out of an investigation, which may still implicate the former leader. Fearne came closest to distancing himself from Muscat by refusing to vouch for his innocence in an interview with LovinMalta. Abela, who promised to consult Muscat if elected, reserved his harshest words for Schembri out-rightly accusing him of lying on losing his mobile phone. But in many ways the leadership contest failed to address the very reason why it was held in the first place; Joseph Muscat's untenable position and a series of errors of judge- ment, all revolving around his chief of staff. Much depends on whether Muscat will remain in parliament and to what extent he will remain politi- cally active. Asking for his departure from politics was a step too far for both candidates, who fully know that the former leader had the latent power to sway the race either way. Although neither candidate fits the profile of a Muscat loyalist, they had to prove themselves to a loyalist crowd. Muscat's enduring popularity despite his dramatic fall from grace remains something any future Labour leader will have to contend with. His final address to party members on the eve of the vote will grant Muscat the exit he expects by right. 2. Fearne blunders whenever he tries to sound populist Chris Fearne started the campaign promising a no-nonsense approach focusing on the need of restoring the country's reputation and the break- down in trust in its institutions. But as the campaign unfolded and Abela's charisma started leaving its mark, Fearne felt a strange need to prove himself as a tribal warlord, re- sorting to bad taste jibes on adorning his epithet with the words RIPN. Subsequently faced with surveys showing Abela making inroads, he tried to present his election as in- evitable even by inviting Abela to his victory party, thus sounding arrogant and belittling his rival, something which may win him sympathy. Fearne did come across as hu- mane, cultured and mild man- nered in other interviews, which may be more revealing on his true self. It remains a mystery why Fearne felt the need to re- sort to divisive comments; a role in which he is clearly feels un- comfortable. Abela beats Fearne hands down if the contest was all about giving the party an- other Joseph. In fact his humbler style may be the very antidote to the ex- cesses of the Muscat years. 3. If Fearne does not win, it will be trouble After Miriam Dalli and Ian Borg dropped out of the con- test, Fearne was close to being appointed leader without even needing an election. By that stage maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 JANUARY 2020 NEWS ANALYSIS Glorious exit secured, will it be the Labour leadership election Warts and all, Fearne may well be the best choice as Malta's next PM but Robert Abela could still topple his apple cart in a dull contest which only took off in the final week after the festive season. JAMES DEBONO makes five ref lections on a contest with one certain outcome: Muscat's glorious departure from the party's leadership