Surfing the different local news web portals last Sunday, the most striking item reported was the launch of another working document by the PN ‘Restoring Trust in Politics’.

This is long overdue. It is of benefit that the PN has recognised and acknowledged this state of affairs. The document has around a hundred proposals, spanning a wide range of political ethical issues, public appointments, citizens’ rights and more.

This has prompted me to pen my initial reaction to this document. However, rather than on the content and substance, I will touch upon the approach which the PN is adopting. I will delve in detail into the document on another occasion.

It is positive to have in the public domain not only political broad policy lines, but also targeted and specific proposals. People will have the opportunity to better understand promised policies. In this way, the people will be well-prepared on what to expect if the PN is returned to power.

No surprises. Good, as people are getting tired of being shortchanged.

In a rather short span of time, actually days, the PN has launched two working documents - ‘An economy for the People’ and ‘Restoring Trust in Politics’. Although both documents address important subjects, admittedly the latter may attract a wider audience and more immediate reactions. Nonetheless, the first working document should continue to do the rounds with stakeholders and other interested groups. Feedback on future economic policies is of the outmost importance.

Released a couple of days before we enter into the festive season frenzy, the two working documents should not be shelved or allowed to die a natural death after a stint in the public domain.

These working documents should be the axis for a new political era. Over a long span of time, a handful of self-centred, unscrupulous politicians were, unfortunately, allowed to continue with their bullying tactics and ploys. These politicians have tarnished the reputation of the whole political class. Gradually, political ethical standards have been eroded to a level which now needs to be checked and restored. In a fastchanging world, we cannot have our political class in disarray. Politicians cannot adequately address emerging serious international issues or expect to be taken seriously if good governance is ostracised.

Trust in politics has to be restored for the common good at the earliest. Admittedly, as yet, I have not read the document. However, for these proposals to be of any significance, it has to be made clear that these would be put into practice once the PN is returned to office. Ifs and buts should be avoided. Though the price may be high for a political party in Opposition for following values and promoting sound ethical political principles, trust in good governance should once again become a priority on the national agenda.

Avaricious Labourites and Nationalists, and others with hidden agendas, may try to weaken the proposals floated in ‘Restoring Trust in Politics’. There may be those in both political parties, with connections and vile intentions, who may see this document as an obstacle. Yet this should strengthen the PN’s resolve that, after a broad discussion about each and every detail of the report, every effort will be made to pursue the initiatives outlined in the document.

In a small community like ours, people cannot continue to be side-lined because of their political affiliation or lapel pin on their jacket. On both sides of the political coin, there are many who have, and still are, contributing towards the betterment of our society. What we should be wary of are wolves in sheep’s clothing. These must be weeded out because invariably they have nothing except their own interest in mind.

Unfortunately, mistrust in politics had become so widespread that the PL found fertile ground to sow the ideals and values which people longed for - meritocracy, accountability, and transparency. To the disappointment of the opinionmakers who were so keen to pledge and advocate for change with sound-bites in the last general election, these ideals and values have not materialised. These same opinion-makers have now gone silent, either in shame or guilt. But this is all water under the bridge, though this may be the time to reconsider.

Today, Tuesday, 8 December is the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast is universally celebrated. It is one of the most important Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. In Malta, this feast is solemnly celebrated at the Collegiate Church of the Immaculate Conception in Cospicua. This church is highly regarded since extraordinarily it survived the bombing of World War II which razed most of the buildings in Cospicua and the neighbouring towns. A happy feast to all!

On a personal note, I wish a happy birthday to a dear friend.