While attending the official ceremony to mark the Sette Giugno 1919 riots, word got round that a wreath was going to be placed at the foot of the monument by a new political movement. Dr Anna Mallia was then seen, under the very eyes of her (former) leader, walking past Dr Alfred Sant, who could only watch as a new Labour movement was born.

One press handout has so far been the only communication between this new movement and the general public (Editor’s note: A second one was issued after Mr Arrigo handed in this contribution). The line of defence by the old Labour camp was and is of brushing away this movement as a gimmick. Strange when one now mentions old Labour, when it tries hard to portray itself as the new Labour.

But what has caused this rift in the party ranks? Discontent seems to be again rife in the party rank and file, factions are rumoured to be vying for places in every space available, maybe preparing for another head on clash or contention for the higher posts within the party.

Anybody who might have thought it fit to try out this new Labour, and has been doing so for the past three secondary elections of local councils and MEPs, may now have second thoughts in voting the Labour Party to power.

The pattern is set. To have a solid government one must have stability. The present Labour leadership does not seem to show any form of stability, and that is bad for the country, for its citizens, and for the future.

We have witnessed, during the 22-month Labour government between 1996 and 1998, the inability to muster all the opposing forces within the same camp. Too much time lost on internal bickering, the fall of a government leading to early elections, and yet another rethink by the electorate, who, yes, want change, but are more in search of tranquillity, stability and of a forward looking party and leader to continue their now gained good standard of living.

In contrast, even after a leader’s contest, the Nationalist Party in government showed maturity by continuing its leadership of the country without any hitches. For our country, the art of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to assemble all the party behind him, and still go ahead with his agenda, is remarkable in its silence.

This is what the people want. The people may not necessarily love the Nationalist Party, but show enough maturity to vote it in government, time after time, as it is the only party that can govern. More so, when and if the new electoral boundaries will be approved, the party in government will probably have only a one-seat advantage over the opposition.

Will the electorate again risk a repeat performance of 1996? Will the excuse of the one-seat margin be again the downfall of the Labour Party?

The Nationalist Party, which can come in for a lot of stick at times, does have the right credentials to continue leading this country. We have a new prime minister with new ideas that are coherent with today’s day and age. They might be too much of a change for some, but for others this may be too slow. Today’s world changes weekly, opportunities come and go quickly and therefore the inability to act fast may make us miss the bus.

The people want us to act faster, to help them fulfil their dreams and wishes, and they will stay within the Nationalist fold, as it is their insurance.