Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/265009
5 Stefano Mallia A solid candidate and member of the European Economic and Social Committee, he has a sound footing on economics, a technical appeal, business links, and solid argumentation. He has campaigned closely with Simon Busuttil and is part of this new breed of PN politicians. But he lacks a constituency and he is not a household name. Norman Vella Former broadcaster now turned PN politico, Norman Vella is a household name having dominated the airwaves in the months before the general election. His outside chance for the third seat comes thanks his hawkish anti-Labour stance, even if he is a turn-off for M.O.R. voters from the PN. An overzealous police force officer who tried to nail him for snapping mobile phone photos of the PM's staff inside the airport, allowed him to project himself as the victim of an heavy- handed police force. Media-savvy and with a mouth that goes along with it, his candidature seals his political allegiance with the PN and casts a shadow on his 'journalistic' past. Lacks any professional training related to EU issues. Therese Comodini Cachia Another realistic third seat candidate, the human rights lawyer is a moderate with cross-party appeal. She took 846 votes in her first outing in the general elections, surpassing sitting MEP David Casa. She declared herself in favour of divorce during the referendum, striking a chord with liberals, and is one of the few candidates familiar with the plight of asylum seekers. Her professional background gives her an intellectual edge over most other candidates. But her forthright stance against racism and anti- immigrant sentiment will still alienate some 'typical' voters. Her depth on other issues outside her legal background still has to be tested. Francis Zammit Dimech Veteran MEP, former minister and leadership contestant has a fighting chance for the third seat with the right media exposure. Eloquent and with a strong support at constituency level, he has been elected in all elections since 1987. His gift of the gab and intellectual clout put him at home in European politics. But running for MEP might be another vanity trip after his second, miserable failure in the PN's leadership bid. FZD's appeal is restricted to the party's core vote and he is not remembered for being a particularly energetic minister. maltatoday, SUNDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2014 Alfred Sant Miriam Dalli Roberta Metsola David Casa She took Simon Busuttil's place in April 2013, since then distinguishing herself as a technically prepared MEP, outshining Labour's incumbents and her own colleague David Casa. Insiders say she is the party's front-runner in these elections. Strengths Power of incumbency, prominent on immigration and asylum, despite being elected a year ago, mepranking. eu ranks her the second most active Maltese MEP after Casa. Her specialisation in European law and experience as legal attaché in the Maltese permanent representation to the EU are assets. Weaknesses Failed to secure election in the first two appointments, may lack appeal among diehards even though her reputation was enhanced by her visibility during the citizenship controversy. Her lobbying on the EP motion may alienate M.O.R. voters who think the Nationalist MEPs went overboard on citizenship. Elected since 2004, Casa is the PN's other sure bet. Despite his poor showing in the 2013 general elections, he has a prominent role as head of the PN delegation to the EP and he took an active part lobbying other MEPs on the aborted pushback of migrants and the sale of citizenship. Strengths Hawkish, he has strong appeal among party diehards. As a twice-serving MEP, he has also built contacts and has gained valuable experience in the workings of the parliament. Weaknesses His star is waning, after failing to get elected in 2013. Too tribal and partisan in his appeal, coming across as a firebrand bent on using his seat to the full advantage to his party in Malta. This may diminish his wider appeal and forestall the party's efforts to win over switchers who deserted the party in the last election. Former prime minister who is the clear frontrunner in the Labour camp, and one of the few candidates with the intellectual clout to participate in the grand European debate between believers in further integration and sovereignists like himself. Strengths Respected former party leader, he will appeal to a latent eurosceptic wing in his party and is Labour's intellectual heavyweight in a race that is replete with ambitious dimwits. Weakness His candidature provides the Nationalist Party with the opportunity of exhuming Labour's eurosceptic past. His role in Labour's three consecutive electoral defeats and his refusal to accept the result of the 2003 referendum make him an easy target of attack. If elected, he may also clash with federalists in his own socialist grouping due to his sovereignist views. Second front-runner for Labour, she is at present a consultant to energy minister Konrad Mizzi, and is a household name because of her visibility first as a newscaster and recently a discussion host on One TV. Strengths She has the advantages of fame, sultry good looks, a slick image and good media presence. Weakness She is politically bland and lacks any real ideological grounding. Her slogan 'Priority Malta' is pretty… bland. She lacks a constituency, not having contested any previous election. The bets are on…. 90 days before MEP elections, what are the chances of the crop of MEP candidates currently on offer? By JAMES DEBONO Deborah Schembri Prominent figure in the pro-divorce campaign, she starts as a favourite for Labour's third seat. Her baptism of fire was getting elected to parliament in 2013 after a casual election with 1,613 first count votes. She stood out in a crucial battle that changed the life of thousands of people for the better. She may get their sympathy vote this time round. But contesting an MEP election just a year after winning a seat in parliament sends a conflicting message. Maybe it's compensation for not being included in the Cabinet. Cyrus Engerer Former Nationalist local councillor and gay rights activist, his key role in lobbying for gay civil unions will attract liberal voters and appeal to switchers who identify with his conversion from the PN to Labour after the divorce referendum. Weeks before his switch he proclaimed loyalty to the PN, which, according to him had the "best leadership" team. His 'Malta l-Ewwel' slogan is redolent of the Mintoffian mantra, an over-stretched attempt at appeasing Labour grassroots and exorcise his Nationalist past. Marlene Mizzi Elected MEP in 2013, the established entrepreneur served as Sea Malta chairman under the PN administration before Austin Gatt axed her. Self-made, she has used her strong personality and stamina to defend unpopular positions like her party's citizenship sale. But she lacks Sant's intellectual depth or Dalli's slickness: she is a businesswoman with a 'hunch' for politics but no particular mark of distinction, apart from being better suited than other contenders. Charlon Gouder Former One TV newshound and household name, he currently is spokesperson for culture secretary José Herrera. He carved a media niche through his persistent and relentless hounding of Nationalist figures before 2008 and is well-known and popular with the grassroots. But he lacks the political depth and expertise expected of an MEP. Third seat odds 3.10 Third seat odds 3.20 Front- runner odds 1.12 The Outsiders Third time for Arnold Cassola, who like Sant but from a diametrically opposite position, is one of the few candidates with a passion for grand European issues. His candidature could thrive on disenchantment with the two parties. Young entrepreneur Jonathan Shaw represents the PN's liberal face in these elections. Armed with business and internet savvy, he is not tribal but lacks political experience and a constituency base, or the political depth expected from this role. MEP who ceded parliamentary seat for Joseph Muscat's co-option, self-proclaimed 'voice of the worker' incumbent Joseph Cuschieri is hardworking but it's no secret that he is being sidelined by the Labour electoral machine. Businessman Ray Bugeja's anonymity did not stop him running for PN leader. Got 5% of votes, now heads the PN's finances. No links to the Gonzi clan, but he is easily dismissed as an attention seeker with lots of money to spend. Muslim convert Mario Farrugia Borg adds touch of diversity, can attract growing Muslim vote, but affable communicator's religious beliefs may contrast with the European socialists' liberal stances. He risks being perceived as a decoration on Labour's cake. Third seat odds 3.70