1. The loyalists who view the party as part of their own personal identity and the beginning and end of every public moment in their lives.

“The leader isn’t so relevant to them, because ultimately their choice is an act of identity and continuous loyalty,” he said.

2. The people who support political parties based on whether their proposals can directly improve their own lives. They don’t care about rhetoric or ideology, only whether the PN’s proposals are more beneficial to them than the PL’s, and vice versa.

“These people expect the PN leader to display a sense of empathy, sensitivity and approachability,” he said.

3. “Self-professed idealists” – often with liberal cultural roots and a simmering sense of frustration – who say their support for the PN depends on the values and principles it upholds.

“These people believe that leadership should reflect moral, civic and intellectual messages, which is why they are particularly sensitive to who holds the role,” he said.

While Musumeci didn’t state whether these three groups can ultimately coexist with each other, he said it is crucial that the new leader – be it Alex Borg or Adrian Delia – recognises their existence and the way they interact with each other.

“In cases of a dilemma, he should also know which of the three ropes to pull.”