Labour supports Frendo or Galea as successor

Louis Galea and Michael Frendo are the most acceptable to the Labour Party among those being mentioned as possible successors of John Dalli as European Commissioner, sources said yesterday. When contacted, a spokesman for the Labour Party refused to name a favourite. “We have not been consulted but we understand that this is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and he is in no way obliged to consult us. What we hope is that the Prime Minister keeps in mind the fact that this legislature is drawing to an end and there needs to be continuity, whatever happens,” the spokesman said. However, sources close to the PL laid emphasis on Dr Frendo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Dr Galea, a former Speaker and now member of the European Court of Auditors, as being the favourite candidates from among those being named. This was because they have both proven they could “rise above partisan politics”. Malta’s first European Commissioner Joe Borg, who is also being mentioned, would also be a non-controversial option. “Obviously, we are being realistic. We are not expecting the Prime Minister to nominate a Labourite,” the sources said. “We just hope the person chosen is someone...