Daniel Micallef has been President of the Labour Youth Forum (FZL) for a year and a half . What is the direction the FZL is taking? What role is it playing in Dr.Muscat's progressive movement? Daniel Micallef speaks to Albert Gauci Cunningham

This week at the end of the Annual General Conference of the Labour Youth section the FZL approved a motion in favour of the introduction of divorce in Malta. Why are you taking such a pro-active role on this issue?

For the last year, we have started debating certain issues internally as the youth branch of the Labour Party. We feel that it’s important for us to convey a strong message on what we believe in. The spirit of the motion was very clear – whilst we strongly believe in the traditional family, it’s high time that in this country we start taking action based on the realities that surround us. Our first motion discussed divorce; we plan to discuss other hot issues in the near future, and clearly state our position.

The Labour Party says that it wants to be a “progressive” party. Would I be right in saying that the FZL is playing a pivotal role in pushing Labour's progressive policies? How is it doing so?

Your statement is correct – we as youths are pushing forward progressive ideas in the Labour Party. Internally there is a great sense of tolerance for different ideas, especially from the Leadership of the Party. We are committed to challenge the issues that have been swept under the carpet for years whilst many people out there are suffering.

What is the Forum's position on issues such as abortion, contraceptive machines on Campus and gay rights?

What worries me is that when we discuss divorce for example, many are those who bounce back mentioning other issues which have got nothing to do with divorce. Abortion and divorce for example are not related in any way. As FZL we have expressed ourselves in favour of the introduction of divorce, but we have also stated before that we are against abortion.

It doesn’t make any sense to speak about gay rights, abortion, divorce and contraceptives as if they are issues that fall under the same heading. The only relation is sensationalism and controversy.

We're witnessing a proliferation of FZL groups and sections in many localities. What is the aim of all these groups? What exact role do these youth sections have? Do you think labour's message will be co-ordinated better this way?

The opening up of various sections in different localities was one of the priorities we set back in August 2008, during the start of our mandate. We need to open up our structures to all those who are interested in working within the party if we want our message to be effective. Our policies have to reflect the aspirations of Maltese and Gozitan youths. There has to be a continuous effort to keep in touch on the ground with people from all walks of life, and our branches play a fundamental role in that. As President of FZL I have to state that I’m satisfied with the way things are turning out, and I thank all those who are giving all their input in the interest of the organisation, however we have to keep on going, conscious of the fact that a lot more can be done.

When you were elected President of the FZL you said you wanted to help the country go into a “new political season”. What do you mean by “new political season”? Do you think you're moving in the right direction?

Back then, it was just a few weeks after the election of Joseph Muscat as leader of the Labour Party. Actually a new political season was the motto for Dr. Muscat’s leadership campaign, and yes, we as Labour Youths were, and still are completely in sync with that. We’ve had enough of yesterday’s politics, and we are committing ourselves actively within the Labour Party to start changing things around. We want to be clear on what we believe; as a Party in Opposition our role is not just to oppose, but to be proactive and give in our input were required. Changing our political culture is not an easy task, and it will take time, however the attitude of Joseph Muscat as the Leader of the Opposition is paving the way for an exciting time in the political scene and I’m glad that we are contributing positively to the Party and to our country.