From Mr I. Waugh



I read Charles Flores’ Opinion piece “Joseph, Lazarus and Parliament” (TMIS, 28 September) with the usual enthusiasm, delight and cheeky smirk befitting a man of his writings.

I wholeheartedly agree that Joseph Muscat will bring energy and vigour to proceedings at Parliamentary level. It is just the injection Maltese politics requires. I think this is a clean sweep on many levels and one the current administration should not ignore nor snigger at.

There is nothing worse in politics than complacency. In the dark, dark days of Thatcher the stench of self-satisfaction, smugness and conceit stifled British politics. It wasn’t until 1997 when Labour swept to power that these complacent right-wingers were brushed away with a landmark Labour victory; only then did we have the opportunity to breathe fresh air.

Charles Flores refers to the “ripple effect” that the House of Representatives so urgently deserves. No truer words have been written. Many of my Maltese friends on both sides of the political divide were desperate for change at the last election. Some of these people even surprised me with the strength of their desire. Sadly it wasn’t to be. Now there is genuine prospect and a light in a stuffy tunnel that needs opening at the earliest opportunity.

This new younger brush will undoubtedly sweep through Parliament, and I am sure a new era of lively and exciting debate will ensue. Maybe a vacant seat in the Strangers’ Gallery will once more become as treasured as the debates themselves.

Charles Flores mentions that Lawrence Gonzi “let it go to the dogs”. “The arrogance and complete disregard of parliamentary fairness during the past four years did not go unnoticed with voters at the last election” – I am not a man to give away olive branches at a whim. But if I were a man given just a few seconds then my words would be “Watch your back Lawrence because this is not going to be the easy ride you are accustomed to!”



Ian Waugh

LONDON

UK