Democratic Nationalist Party (Malta, 1959–1966)

Democratic Nationalist Party
LeaderHerbert Ganado
FounderHerbert Ganado
Founded1959
Dissolved1966
Split fromNationalist Party
IdeologyChristian democracy
Political Catholicism
Political positionRight-wing
ReligionRoman Catholicism
Politics of Malta
Republic
Government
Parliament
Judiciary
Political parties
Recent elections
Administrative divisions
Foreign relations

The Democratic Nationalist Party (DNP) was a political party in Malta between 1959 and 1966.

History

The DNP was established in 1959 by Herbert Ganado as a breakaway from the Nationalist Party.[1] Its opposition to the Labour Party helped it win four seats in the 1962 elections. However, it lost its parliamentary representation in the 1966 elections and was subsequently disbanded.[2]

Ideology

The party was more progressive than the Nationalist Party, and sought a return to responsible government,[1] which had been revoked in 1959. Whilst the NP refused to co-operate with the British authorities, the DNP supported co-operation in order to achieve economic development that would ultimately lead to independence as a dominion.[1][2]

The party also had a manifesto committing to social welfare.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c Vincent E McHale (1983) Political parties of Europe, Greenwood Press, p631 ISBN 0-313-23804-9
  2. ^ a b c McHale, p632