This is my end-of-the-year article.

Looking retrospectively at what has happened around us, it has not been a bad year. On a political level I believe that the country has done well. Without being bent back towards my party, the results prove that this government has not only reached most of its projected goals but has managed to set matters right in many fields where the challenges had been looming over the horizon for quite some time.

The prime minister and his government have given further weight to consultation. The public was asked for its views and advice regarding a number of measures which could substantially affect the well being of the nation. Documents were provided and opinions received in the thousands vis-à-vis the pension reforms, the projects to be included in the use of the E855 million funds which are coming Malta’s way from the European Union.

The economic picture, on a national basis, is starting to come into focus. Over the last three years, the country has had to bear with us – taking the medicine, hoping in a projected amelioration of the financial status of the country’s coffers. We are now getting the desired results. The garden has been planted, due care and diligence were taken during the growing season and now things are starting to flourish. So much so that were it not for the servicing and payments of interests of the national debt, we would have ended with a surplus budget. Anyway, we have reduced the deficit to a level below three per cent of GDP notwithstanding the loom of doom repeatedly uttered by the party in opposition.

At the same time more investment is coming our way and the intensifying of the state’s attention towards health, education, environment and financial control seems to be now substantially sustainable. Next year’s budget allots Lm125 million to be invested in education; and an almost similar amount allocated to the health sector. The Family Affairs Ministry, which includes the pensions, has taken up approximately 25 per cent of the whole budget. But then, as to education we do seek to better our children’s chances in life and raise their expectations. In the health and social sector the present administration is proving that it is a government elected by the people for the people. And yet there is so much more to do.

Apart from the political scene there have been other things in life which have taken up our attention during the past 12 months.

Over the June/July period the nation went on its “once-every-four-year-football –frenzy”. Our national team did not feature in the finals but practically all of the Maltese supported one foreign national squad, or perhaps even two so as to better one’s chance of supporting the winning side. With most Maltese backing either Italy, England and to a smaller degree Brazil, at the end of the day at least half the nation was happy with the result.

The illegal immigration phenomenon has hit us hard in the face. Numbers of arrivals on the Maltese shores have reached some 1,800 while those making it to Southern Sicily / Lampedusa have mushroomed. Notwithstanding our national effort to try and find a solution to this negative situation, we are still a long way off and continual persisting pressure in all international fora will be needed next year.

From the religious perspective, we have a new Archbishop. Our heartfelt thanks go to Archbishop Joseph Mercieca who has served the needs of his flock faithfully and to the best of his capabilities. On the other hand we all wish Mgr Paul Cremona our best wishes for success in his new position as local pastor. Those like me, who know him at first hand, know that he is more than capable of turning adverse tides and building bridges. He is another of those prominent Maltese who have faith in the people and believe in them and their goodness.

Now it’s Christmas time. The celebration reaches it climax Sunday night with Midnight Mass and Christmas Day family reunions and exchange of good wishes. A week later it will be New Year’s celebrations time. During this season we wish each other good things, we forget those things that set us apart and focus on those which unite us. It really feels good to have people greet you with a good morning or a good afternoon even if they do not know you or are on the other side of the political divide.

But then this is the spirit of Christmas. Let’s hope that it lasts at least up to December 2007. Best Wishes to all.

Tony Abela is Parliamentary Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.