The gamut of lyrics in all languages, and the number of musicians, singers and bands that have addressed the pain associated with 'goodbyes' is infinite. 'Goodbye' songs are commonly associated with romantic relationships turning sour.
Goodbyes leave some disappointed, perhaps restless, and many times angry. In worse case scenarios, even bitter. Others, in great pain. But as much as some 'goodbyes' are hard to get over, one party to the relationship may see no future and is not worth investing more time and energy, and gives up the bond.
All relationships are built on trust. When trust is put in doubt, the relationship of whatever sort is set to fizzle out. Some 'goodbyes' are inevitable. But then 'goodbyes' are not exclusive to love relationships. Other 'goodbyes' signal the end of a political party affiliation, employment relationship, and membership in an association or interest grouping.
It is always up to the parties involved to see whether there is a future or not in any form of relationship. No amount of mediation, counselling or pressure from well-intentioned people and others will be able to put together parties who, for various reasons, fail to make a genuine effort to come together. Coercion may work for a time, but inadvertently makes things worse in the longer run. Deep-seated, unaddressed and unresolved issues will sooner or later surface if either party is not willing to invest time to bolster the relationship.
The recent break-up between the PL leadership and its MP Dr Marlene Farrugia is a case in point. It was bound to happen.
The working relationship between the PL core group and Dr Farrugia soured in a rather short span of time. The reasons may be many, but I will not delve into that. I will not speculate. Though the writing was clearly on the wall. Dr Farrugia, an outspoken, and until last Tuesday a PL parliamentarian, is known for the outstanding approach she takes to bring to the fore issues which directly affect people.
On various occasions, she openly questioned the leadership of the PL on issues promised in the PL electoral manifesto and which, for reasons best known to the administrative core group of the PL have, as yet, been shelved. Dr Farrugia speaks loudly of the betrayal of the electorate by her former grouping. She speaks on behalf of loyal PL supporters, switchers and the growing grouping detached from partisan politics.
Like many others in the PL movement, Dr Farrugia worked tirelessly to get rid of the former administration. She embraced and promoted an electoral manifesto which on paper was inspiring but which, unfortunately, is turning out to have been a scam. Sadly, the promised good governance is now being endangered by a secretive-type of government. The government-knowsbest approach has reached unprecedented levels. During the previous administration, this approached was labelled arrogance. Indeed, at times that was the case. In the last general election, people opted for a change, not for more of the same. Back to Dr Farrugia. What triggered Dr Farrugia's resignation from the Labour Party, its parliamentary group and the parliamentary committee on the environment was the fact that she was pushing for a number of amendments on the law dividing MEPA into two entities.
On Tuesday, the government refused a sine qua non amendment to the Environment Protection Bill, providing that the member on the board of the new Environment Authority representing the environmental NGOs would be chosen by the NGOs themselves, and not Government. When it was clear that her suggestions were not taken on board by the government, Dr Farrugia penned her resignation. Dr Farrugia followed her ideals.
However, in what looks like a change of heart on Friday, the government amended the section of the Environment Protection Bill regarding the member of the board of the new Environment Authority representing environmental NGOs, who would now be chosen by the NGOs themselves.
Why the change of heart at that stage is not clear, but someone must have made the mathematical electoral calculations and realised that the government was wrong and that Dr Marlene Farrugia was right in her considerations and that she had widespread support.
Immediately after Dr Farrugia's resignation, the Prime Minister wished her well. However, PL ministers, parliamentary secretaries and backbenchers interviewed about Dr Farrugia's resignation took different stands. One or two eloquently made their point. An arrogant approach was, however, evident in most of those interviewed. Some opted to take a childish slant, invoking the 36,000 votes' advantage the PL garnered in the last general election. Others brushed aside journalists seeking comments and kept walking on, despite the resignation of one of their colleagues.
On Friday, the Hon Joe Debono Grech provoked a scene in the House. With vengeance, he verbally attacked Dr Farrugia for her resignation from the PL. Parliament, one of the most important pillars in a democracy, was turned into a circus.
Dr Farrugia waved goodbye to the PL movement, a movement which I believe, until last Tuesday was close to her heart. With her departure from the PL, a sizeable portion of the electorate followed her in silence. Dr Marlene Farrugia single-handedly managed to expose what the PL movement really stands for. It is either the PL leadership’s way, or no other way at all.