That 'too much pessimism reinforces negative expectations' is well accepted and easily understood. This can be noticed in our daily lives, both personal as well as through the actions of those close to us.

It is also in the nature of people to be more aware of shortcomings and to remember failure more than achievements. In a way, it is similar to a situation that many parents are familiar with, when they start focusing more on a child’s mistake rather than on the many positive things the child does.

The problem with this is that by focusing on negative things or has negative beliefs, one will find evidence to support his/her view. This is called confirmation bias. In other words, one tries to confirm what he believes about someone (positive or negative). If one is constantly focused on negatives, one will start to see the world through a negative lens.

In the case of parents, the motive is obviously one of care, triggered by their wish to see their children improve. In politics, things are different. In politics, being negative is not driven by an urge to improve. It is often an unmistakable sign that you are running out of ideas.

Because our expectations tend to create our reality, or at least influence our behaviour in a multitude of ways, by being overly negative you are inviting failure. Negative expectations create doubt and these doubts will lead to hesitancy. An individual or an organisation that is constantly negative will convey an expectation of failure. This situation is made even worse, when that particular individual’s negative assessment is in sharp contrast with reality. This is exactly what is happening to the Opposition. Constructive criticism is expected, even welcomed. However, indulging in constant and all-out negativism is not.

The Leader of the Opposition and his inner circle seem to have made this persistent pessimistic and sceptical attitude their objective. Recently, they visited Gozo and painted a scenario so dull and unrealistic that it bordered on the surreal. To simply ignore all evidence – the increase in employment, all the investment being made in Gozo, all the indicators issued by the National Statistics Office – and common sense, and instead tell your listeners that Gozo is collapsing, is nothing short of bizarre.

I am confident that the great majority of people can see through these theatricals, and through the performers who are constantly being negative. The people can understand the real reason behind such behaviour. People can see with their own eyes that the picture being built them is a false one, built simply on the assumption that only the PN can deliver on economic and social progress. This myth has now been proved to hold no ground. What we delivered in the past four years surpasses what was delivered in 10 years under the previous administration.

What distinguishes us is that we have very ambitious expectations and targets. We are prepared to work hard to achieve our goals and objectives. We tend to set challenging deadlines that keep us motivated. We live with a sense of urgency to do what we can to improve the lives of all those who live here.

Of course, we are also only human and, at times, we fall short of our own expectations and what others expect from us. What separates us from the negative crowd is that we learn from our mistakes because we are not arrogant and, in contrast with the PN, we do not believe we have a divine right to continue enjoying your confidence.