John Dalli has finally been confirmed as Malta’s second European Union Commissioner following weeks of speculation on the possible candidates vying for the post. Many theories speculated on the possible candidates and the reasons why and why not they will be nominated for the lucrative and prestigious EU post.

The Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this week did not really surprise as it was a matter of time before the official announcement confirmed what rumours had widely anticipated.

On the other hand, the subsequent comments by the Prime Minister took many by surprise. His outright refusal of undertaking a cabinet reshuffle is his prerogative, yet many had forecasted that Mr Dalli’s nomination would pave the way for a suitable excuse for the Prime Minister to perform a nip and tuck to his team.

Another surprising fact was that current EU Commissioner, Joe Borg, was never considered for a second term. His valid contribution towards the Maritime portfolio has been lauded by several quarters and his experience in EU matters is unparalleled. His future fate is yet unknown as politics have a way of reminding every so often.

While the Prime Minister has insisted that the country requires stability and a cabinet reshuffle is not a priority at this moment in time, more questions require answers first and foremost who will be succeeding Mr Dalli to spearhead the Ministry for Social Policy which also comprises the national health service. This portfolio has the largest vote of funds in next year’s budget and its importance and sensitivity cannot in any way be underestimated. To a certain extent, yesterday’s declaration that Minister Dalli’s work so far will continue to proceed beyond his departure is a step in the right direction.

Certain sections of the media have referred to John Dalli’s nomination as being kicked upstairs. This theory might hold some truth on the basis of past personality clashes between Lawrence Gonzi and John Dalli which came to the fore during the Nationalist Party leadership contest when Eddie Fenech Adami stepped down. The matter had reached boiling point when allegations were made in a false report which led John Dalli to resign from Minister for Foreign Affairs citing back stabbing from within his own party only to be cleared from any wrong-doing and reinstated a few years later.

Nonetheless, Mr Dalli is the most senior politician on the government side and his vast experience was an asset for government especially in his present Ministry which is fraught with issues which have been simmering for years. During the current legislature Mr Dalli managed to take the rent reform off the ground following endless years of empty promises. His current focus, in a nutshell, was on the health services provided at Mater Dei and the health centres, pharmacy of your choice, nurses’ and doctors’ complement and social security benefits. These are all crucial issues which impact the citizens of these islands in some way or another and continuity is essential to ensure the least effect possible.

Various possibilities exist through which the Prime Minister can assign the Social Policy Ministry. All possibilities carry pros and cons and these have to be assessed carefully not least in the context of the Ministry work, the repercussions on social policy and reaction by backbenchers. The current cabinet, hand picked following the last general election, led to a score of unhappy backbenchers.

At face value, the Prime Minister seems intent on his original choice of people and somewhat reluctant to give in and in any way appease the disgruntlement within his own party. His determination to soldier on with his present ministers and parliamentary secretaries can be understood as being either happy with the performance of each member or the backbenchers complement are not deemed suitable for the job. On the basis of this, will the Minister for Social Policy be appointed by someone who does not currently form part of the Parliamentary group? Perhaps Louis Galea can make a back-door entry into Parliament seeing that he contested the last election on the same district as Mr Dalli.

The Ministry itself might be split between Social Policy and Health to reduce the burden that such a huge Ministry places on the Minister. Parliamentary Secretary, Joe Cassar, might be promoted to Minister for Health and someone else takes over Social Policy.

These conjectures are bound to continue until a clear decision is taken. For the sake of stability a quick decision would put an end to further speculation and the Ministries can continue with their business serving the country’s interest.