Legate Dralson, ex-Dino Army and Security CouncilLegate Malanson was the undoubted loser in the Dino Consul election. Squeezed by the two main candidates he ended up with just 3.1% of the vote! However Malanson remains in Imperial Order's future electoral plans and indeed (i can exclusively reveal, as he just told me!) he has been appointed the deputy leader of the party after Cruggson. Malanson kindly took time out from his schedule to grant me the following interview...
Dralson : Malanson, how tough was it to come such a poor third?
Malanson : It wasn't easy! But i was expecting it, the electorate usually does concentrate between two candidates in the final stages of the election and i was up against 2 very good candidates.
DR : Early on in the election analysts said that you were not expected to win but that Ronald wanted you to raise your profile and gain experience ahead of more serious campaigns in the future.
MA : Thats not true, i was selected as Imperial Order's candidate and we planned to win. However El Diablo's campaign was excellent and the people seem to want to give him a second chance. MBH is always a powerful opponent.
DR : So are you going to try again next time?
MA : We haven't decided yet. Cruggson actually is eligible to stand next time so it might be him, me, or someone else.
DR : Who could that someone else be? Since the semi-retirement of Ronald and GBH and El Diablo's defection to the Liberals the Imperial Order cupboard looks a bit bare.
MA : There are plenty of potential candidates, the Dino political scene does not stand still in a vacuum, established named retire or go on a hiatus and new names come up. I am an example of the latter of course. The new names might need time to establish themselves well thats what i plan to continue doing over the next few years.
DR : How will you do that? You arn't a member of the senate or even a junior minister. I know myself that there are plenty of Legates out there who no one has heard of!
MA : [laughing] My dear old comrade Dralson i've heard of you at least! No it is true that i do not have a government role, at the moment anyway. I have signaled my willingness to be considered for office so things could change when El Diablo takes over. That will be up to him of course and political horse trading. Apart from that i am now the deputy leader of the party plus i am still active in the Dino Army.
DR : Finally, say in a few years you do become Consul, what can we expect from the Malanson regime?
MA : Fairness and inclusivity along with a focus on strong defence. There are many things to worry about in the astral-political arena with the DDS, Clones, Bolitic [this interview was held before the Clone-Utrek announcement - DR] and so on. With my military experience and the help of my colleagues i am sure i can be an asset to the state. Until then i am loyal to my new Consul, the Senate and the Republic!
