The recent froth that has risen to the surface of the troubled waters has laid bare the vulnerability of words against facts, of reality challenging perceptions.  In a show me yours and I'll not show you mine game of blows, the PN was left to counter unsubstantiated claims and accusations and repeat it's oft made promise of coming to the next election with a promise of ethical conduct.

Human nature being what it is, combined with the suspicious mind of the Mediterranean culture, the episode may have left some people uncomfortable, slightly embarrassed or even rather annoyed that this should have even happened and not been anticipated and pre-empted earlier on. 

The mechanics of the party, as far as financing and allegiances, were exposed in a not so subtle way.  We are not so naïve as to think that babies come from the stork or that Father Christmas delivers those latest gadgets down the chimney.  But for the sake of consistency with the message behind Dr Simon Busuttil, for integrity and respect of the supporters, the need to avoid divergences and to synchronise one message with one policy is now crucial.

The next election will stand on credibility.  Who can we trust and whom can we believe?

On an almost daily basis, the labour party in government has not just flaunted this premise but absolutely wrecked it to bits. Their credibility is in crisis and they know it and will do anything to launch their missiles against the next person or party that stands to gain from their failure to honour their policies.  As a party, they have not even been able to face the glare and scrutiny on their financing and expenses.  Mrs Michelle Muscat also spoke her opinion on the subject of patronage recently, as she shifted blame for the mistakes.  Amongst the cabinet and on the benches, who is left to stand straight and say Mea Culpa? 

In hope, many new and old voters will look for the alternative.  Words do need a strong foundation and backing.  They cannot be subject to the changing winds and next attack coming from outside or even inside.  Sometimes it is beyond the capacity of one individual, no matter their good intention, record and history, to convince a sceptical voter.  It may be a matter of style or of substance or the stubborn mind of those who have been previously disappointed or hurt but it takes a flock, not just one shepherd.

The issue needs to evolve from one of words on a solitary platform to one of ownership and commitment by all candidates and all the Council. 

The time has come to create and adopt a Charter of Commitment.

The American Navy has a Leadership Commitment to Ethical Conduct and it states:

"It is essential that all Department of the Navy personnel adhere to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.  The American people put their trust in us and none of us can betray that trust".

On the Core Values, it states: "Ethical behaviour is rooted in the Department of the Navy Core Values.  For example, "I will conduct myself in the highest ethical manner in relationships with seniors, peers, and subordinates."

Amongst the Core Values we find Courage defined as:

Courage is the value that gives me the moral and mental strength to do what is right, with confidence and resolution, even in the face of temptation or adversity. I will:

Have the courage to meet the demands of my profession.

Make decisions and act in the best interest of the Department of the Navy and the nation, without regard to personal consequences.

Overcome all challenges while adhering to the highest standards of personal conduct and decency.

Be loyal to my nation by ensuring the resources entrusted to me are used in an honest, careful and efficient way.

And another is Commitment:

The day-to-day duty of every man and woman in the Department of the Navy is to join together as a team to improve the quality of our work, our people and ourselves. I will:

Foster respect up and down the chain of command.

Care for the personal and spiritual well-being of my people.

Show respect toward all people without regard to race, religion or gender.

Always strive for positive change and personal improvement.

Exhibit the highest degree of moral character, professional excellence, quality, and competence in all that I do.

On Honour it states amongst other essential values:  "I will fulfill my legal and ethical responsibilities in my public and personal life."

Beyond the Core Values, the political party can include in its Charter, the root of the political and social values they will strive to deliver in government.  Where do they get their morality from?  If it is from Christian values, say so.

No more doubt on whether he or she or they can be trusted.  No appointing of an individual responsible to ensure that electoral promises are kept.  Without honesty, without honour and without courage, it is all camouflage, a show not worth the ticket paid and many people are bruised.

The world today has become such a fluid place, with personal and public needs often conflicting each other and demands continuously challenging the status quo.  It is simply unrealistic to expect that people will believe the next player on the basis of promises. 

This Charter of Commitment will take the promises from the individual and on to the collective group.  It is no longer up to one person to carry the burden and cover for the sins of others.  Really, it is unfair to expect that one leader can make all the difference and the supporters deserve a more stable and strong foundation on which to place their faith.

Policy documents are what comes after.  They are the practical expression of the direction and procedure to be followed to implement progress and achieve results for a good economy, environment and society.  They also require Persons of Integrity and adequate professional competence to deliver them.  Leadership is then important to reflect the highest adherence to the Charter of Commitment, to lead by example and communicate that philosophy throughout the organisation and to select a Cabinet that reflects this standard.

We start to deal with the whole and not case by case or scandal by scandal.  That vulnerability is eliminated and replaced by integrity and commitment that can be relied on and trusted.  Subsequently, it separates the wheat from the chaff and anyone who has a problem in supporting the core values can place their confidence elsewhere and take their vote freely to wherever they find a more convenient ethic of conduct and business.  

This is the affirmation of a holistic approach which addresses development and conduct across the board and will now serve as a guide to all we hope to accomplish in our country.  It should be adopted by members and the Council alike.  These things don't go by referendum or popularity.  They are not adhoc plans that come and go by time and fancy.  They are to be carved into the mind and being of anyone entering politics and accountable to their clients.  We can no longer afford anything less. Our future cannot come from gossip and insinuations and instinct can fail, as we have seen. We can only learn a more mature and intelligent way.