Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/982634
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 16 MAY 2018 7 NEWS ANALYSIS to another, without really addressing the issues at stake. Where will Delia find the money to spend more on social policy? In his speech he hinted at a better use of the surplus but this begs the question; will Delia retain the same economic model, which contributes to the sur- plus but depends on a greater influx of foreign workers and sectors like gam- ing and the sale of citizenship, which have elicited international concern? Perhaps his aim was to commence a discussion in his party on those themes dear to his heart. Yet he gave no idea of a road map and an indica- tion of his preferences. He limited himself to identifying the five areas where he wants his party to focus, namely: respect and dignity towards all, access to decent employment and living conditions, a merciful society, a fitting infrastructure and national identity. On a more positive note Delia also emphasised two issues which are in- creasingly given importance in social policy; solitude and mental health – two crucial issues where the Nation- alist Party may well break new ground in social policy. Corruption and the national soul It is not clear where corruption fits in the five pillars presented by Delia. But he cannot be accused of ignoring this issue. His numerous references to corruption were made in the space of a few minutes where he also thanked his predecessor Simon Busuttil, thus sending a message that he is comfort- able with him taking leadership on such a crucial issue. On the other hand, underlying De- lia's speech was a constant reference to the dilution of the morale fibre, which came across in references to the everything for sale mentality, rampant consumerism, and the vilifi- cation of the mother nation's reputa- tion. Yet how does this translate in con- crete policy choices? Will the PN stop the passport for sale programme? Will it introduce new checks and balances? If elected will Delia be able to rein in Nationalists hungry for positions of trust after 10 years in Opposition? A party for the people Delia was at his best presenting his new way for the party. It may be easy to dismiss his appeal on his party "opening its heart and not just its ears" as cliché, but such statements must be seen in the light of the re- cent past during which the mass party which was created by Eddie Fenech Adami has been increasingly per- ceived as one dominated by a clique. Perhaps this may be Delia's greatest contribution if he survives next year's MEP elections. Delia made no refer- ence to these 'do or die' elections. Instead he recognised that the party faces an "uphill struggle" and that the road of recovery "is a long one". This may be an admission that nobody should expect miracles out of him. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Keywords How many times mentioned Mothers (omm) 30 Children (ulied) 25 Our country (pajjizna) 24 Society (Socjeta) 13 People (in-nies) 10 Nation 6 Identity 5 Issues mentioned Corruption 8 Sale of everything 6 Youth 7 Women 6 Education 5 Workers' rights 5 Unborn children 5 Mental health 4 Maltese language 4 Traffic 4 Pensioners 4 Health 3 Waste 2 Solitude 2 Disability/Special needs 2 Construction 2 Infrastructure 2 Pollution 2 Rent 2 Single mothers 1 LGBTQ 1 Fibromyalgia 1 People mentioned Edwin Vassallo, Clyde Puli, Kristy Debono Simon Busuttil, Pierre Portelli, Ivan Bartolo, Justin Schembri By harping on nationalism Delia is also fighting on Muscat's turf. But while Muscat's patriotism is highly pragmatic emphasising Malta's economic success, Delia's is based on a defence of national identity – a flexible concept which also caters for increased concern on environmental issues and corruption How Delia wants to change his party "We thought we knew it all…but even the most knowledgeable amongst us does not know anything in comparison to the many… We should not just open our ears to listen but we have to open our hearts wide... We should not only open doors but also our minds to the suffering of the people. The PN does not belong to us only (taghna biss)… It belongs to the people." How Delia evoked Mother Malta "Malta is our mother and we should never dishonour her name" How Delia changed his tone on foreign workers "Good that, if necessary, we bring people from abroad to work here but we also have to see that the people who already have work here, work in good working conditions…Where is the struggle against precarious work?" How Delia panders to conservatives "The unborn child is not a clump of eight cells. For us the unborn remain children in the womb and we will speak for them" How Delia reaches out to anti- corruption faction "Some tell us how long will you keep on repeating the same thing? We will stop talking about corruption when they stop being corrupt. We will speak about corruption till the last breath." How Delia says 'Well done' to government "They are saying that there is no unemployment. We say 'Well done'…. but let's not live in an illusion…some are working an 80-hour work to pay court maintenance…We are creating a consumer society where one needs three jobs to cope…we are talking of many who earn 950 euro a month in their payslip." How Delia makes it a point to mention everyone "It is great that LGBTQI people have been given rights but let's start reflecting this in daily life. We should not marginalise people through our actions." Key quotes