The Parliamentary Secretary Nobody Notices
In the cavernous corridors of Castille, where political intrigue often dictates the day-to-day, one figure has managed to remain curiously under the radar—Andy Ellul, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue within the Labour Government. Known more for his calm demeanour than for any impactful policy work, Ellul may just be the most relaxed and invisible member of Prime Minister Robert Abela’s administration.
For many, Ellul is an enigma, someone who seems to operate without ever drawing significant attention, criticism, or praise. However, his low-profile approach raises a provocative question: would Malta even notice if Ellul withdrew from the political scene altogether?
A Portfolio Too Small to See
Arguably, Andy Ellul has the smallest portfolio within Abela’s government, a fact that makes his political existence all the more puzzling. His primary responsibility? Overseeing the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER), a body mainly tasked with enforcing conditions of employment in work contracts and providing administrative support to the Industrial Tribunal.
What makes this even more striking is that Ellul has no direct involvement with the Tribunal itself, as it is designed to operate independently of government influence. For a man holding a title in the Labour administration, his actual jurisdiction seems rather limited, leaving one to wonder what exactly he brings to the table.
The PM’s Faithful Follower
Ellul’s political survival, it seems, may hinge not on his responsibilities or achievements but rather on his loyalty to Prime Minister Robert Abela. Known for his deference to the PM, Ellul is often seen as a figure who seeks Abela’s approval above all else. Whether it’s smoothing over relationships with social partners or simply toeing the party line, Ellul has developed a reputation for doing the PM’s bidding without question.
This behaviour has earned him a reputation of being a “yes man” in political circles—a subordinate whose primary function is to ensure that the Prime Minister’s wishes in relation to unions, employers, and other stakeholders are implemented without a hitch. In return, Ellul avoids controversy, rarely making headlines or drawing public ire. However, this cautious approach, while keeping him out of trouble, might also keep him in the shadows—far removed from any meaningful contribution to Malta’s governance.
Committees and Consultants: The Default Strategy
If you were to ask what work Ellul’s office actually performs, the answer would largely involve committees. Ellul’s strategy for handling the responsibilities of his role appears to be appointing committees to oversee the limited work under his remit and delegating policy work to his favourite consultant through a direct order. While this administrative approach keeps the wheels turning, it also speaks to the lack of direct involvement or leadership in shaping policy or driving initiatives.
One of the few times Ellul has stepped into the limelight was when addressing the issue of fleet operators exploiting food couriers—a topic that briefly captured media attention earlier this year. However, even this moment was more an exercise in public relations than a concrete policy intervention.
A Man Under the Radar, but for How Long?
One of the most telling aspects of Andy Ellul’s political career is how little criticism he receives. By staying out of the spotlight, he has largely avoided public scrutiny or scandal—save for a few moments. Most notably, Ellul’s former driver was embroiled in a social benefits fraud case, where accusations were made that have yet to fully fade from public memory. Still, Ellul has managed to distance himself from significant fallout, further solidifying his reputation as someone who stays “under the radar.”
This raises a critical question: is Ellul’s low profile a sign of political savvy, or is it an indication of a larger issue? Is his quietude a survival tactic in a government that demands loyalty and conformity, or is it simply because his role is too inconsequential to draw attention?
Would Anyone Miss Andy Ellul?
Given his limited responsibilities and his apparent lack of independent initiatives, one cannot help but wonder whether the Labour administration would truly miss Ellul should he depart. His political existence seems to be more about serving as a loyal subordinate to the Prime Minister than about contributing anything substantial to Maltese politics.
In a government known for its towering personalities and ongoing controversies, Ellul’s invisibility stands out. As a political figure, he seems content to remain in the background, always careful not to disrupt the status quo. However, this raises a final question for voters and political observers alike: should the role of a Parliamentary Secretary be merely to blend into the scenery, or should it come with a greater sense of responsibility and initiative?
Andy Ellul may be the quietest member of Robert Abela’s Cabinet, but in Maltese politics, silence often speaks volumes.
