I was proud to be among the full compliment of the Nationalist Party parliamentary group voting in favour of the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty. It was a historic day for Malta, one that has cemented Malta’s future.

This time round, we did not have the usual bickering on partnership, on how bad the EU is. This time the small number of Labour MPs present voted in favour, and did not propose any amendments to the motion as presented. Malta had finally presented a united front to the outside world.

We were lost in a war of words prior to the referendum, and then in the run up to the general election, dividing our opinions to the extreme. However, this time, when Europe is debating the EU divide, we, as now customary, took one stand. It is heartening that the MLP took, again, another u-turn in their policy, and have come into agreement with the PN.

The same people who campaigned for a ‘no’ vote to European membership, and who would have not gone to sign the Athens Treaty, have now voted ‘yes’. MLP supporters are still asking for explanations on how come, within two short years, they were told to say ‘no’, and now they have had to say ‘yes’. Of course the MLP general conference finished up with more questions than answers, with real in-house quarrelling, and that finally saw a good number of dissident votes.

On the contrary, the PN has been consistent year in year out, in each election for a long number of years. And here is the difference of leadership and credibility that a floating or undecided voter should reflect upon. The Nationalist Party has been in office for long, one may say, but through hefty internal changes, it still managed to provide stability, future looking programmes and a working environment. We are looking at a new government, different ideas and ways.

The Labour Party could not control itself in 1996, and after just 22 months had to go back to the polls. It justified itself by saying that it had only a one-seat majority. Fault should have been found in the conducting of government business and the inability to steer Malta in the daily agenda. To be prime minister is not an easy task, to preside over the whole country smoothly, diligently, yet with a strong hand, is certainly no ordinary job.

Here is what the floating voter, or one who would like a change, but cannot risk to be part of a catastrophe, again, needs to ponder about.

Better a government that I know, that I learnt to live and look forward with, than a closed box. Rather, due to images we saw on TV on the MLP general conference, this was an open box, with scenes that are not pleasing to the peace-loving floating voter.

A small look at last week’s event, organised by the Malta Tourism Authority on branding Malta. We sometimes think that by branding, Malta’s problems are over. Branding should have started years ago, with all those millions of liri pouring into the MTA.

Branding, which in itself is a must and a good point, will only affect sales, hopefully, in the 2007 season. Until then, we must take care of the bread and butter of this industry. Please do not take it for granted. It can go away from our shores within a few months. The reasons are various, the remedies are varied, but with one main point: action fast. There I have my doubts.

Robert Arrigo is a

Nationalist MP