Switch off any television set or radio that might distract you from what I am about to write. Preferably refrain from eating in case you might find my lines nauseating. Hold on to something in case you might faint, open your eyes real wide and for heaven's sake put on your reading spectacles in case you might miss out on something. Take a deep deep breathe and read on:
During the first week of the year 2005, according to the Eurobarometer, in Malta the Maltese are so disappointed with the European Union that a survey has resulted that only 45 per cent still approve of our entry into the EU.
This clearly shows a growing majority that has seen through the fluffy words of the Nationalist Party in promising another utopia. Is this the reason why the Prime Minister does not want to hold a referendum concerning the new Constitution of the European Union?
God, what a farce of democracy the Nationalist Party is contemplating. The Prime Minister wants to present the motion of this new Constitution in Parliament knowing that with a majority of five seats the motion will pass with flying colours and to hell with what the opposition thinks.
This is the time for the Labour Party to act and not think.
This the opportune moment for Labour parliamentarians to call for a referendum to take place so that at least whatever the outcome of the result, the Labour Party will know where the pulse of the Maltese is beating.
Mum was the word with regards to this new Constitution before the EU referendum and the general election and this is why the people should be entitled to voice their ‘yes’ or their ‘no’ on the matter.
If Dr Lawrence Gonzi insists on not giving the people the right to choose through a referendum then the Labour parliamentary group should have no alternative but to boycott Parliament itself when the vote for the new Constitution takes place. Maltese citizens have a right to know what they are letting themselves in for.
The result of the referendum should then determine whatever else might follow. Dear Prime Minister, give us our right to express our views liberally.
Valerie Borg
VALLETTA