Close?

Way back in 2008, Joseph Cuschieri was unsure he would be elected. So he struck a backroom deal with certain Party big shots, pezzonovante, hot shit – well you know what I mean. Among these was Labour Don, George Vella.

The agreement, brokered by the other big name in the Cuschieri family, Emanuel, was sealed by Karmenu Vella and blessed by Varist Bartlu. At the time Bartlu was sure he would be supported by the Clan in his quest to become Deputy Leader. The Clan eventually jilted him and he decided to run for the top job instead. (We know that he failed dismally.)

It was therefore agreed that the Executive would choose the tenth district for Varist Bartlu’s second seat where Cuschieri would be certainly elected.

The deal was offered to him: he would be elected in the by-election. Sant would then resign and he (Cuschieri) would have to cede his seat to somebody who would bring newness to the Party.

Cuschieri was overwhelmed by emotion. He considered George Vella his godfather (“parrinu”) in politics. Charlie Mangion – by then Interim Leader of the Opposition – was putting extreme pressure on him to do the right thing. It was really an offer Cuschieri could not refuse.

Cuschieri went to Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici and some two or three other lawyers with a contract the Clan offered him. It was either his signature or his something-else that would go on that contract.

The lawyers he spoke to gave him their advice. Finally, Cuschieri acquiesced and signed. Joseph Muscat would get his seat in Parliament and the helm of the Ship of the Party.

It was at this stage that Bartlu got jilted, and he reacted hysterically.

In the meantime, the Nationalists got wind of the contract and published a feeble story in il-mument … but they did not press on it and never cashed in on the enormous potential of the story.

The contents of the contract were very simple. Cuschieri was offered a lucrative job at the Party.

But as time went by, Cuschieri felt more and more betrayed by Muscat …

Insomma tal-PL dejjem hekk nofs verita li hija aghar minn gidba.

It is like Malta is caught in a time warp even in these matters.

The Kids in the Hall had a good skit with that time-line feel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTtrlIWdQjU