We have witnessed quite a number of events these past few weeks. Many attempts have been made by the General Workers Union to make up for its mistakes over the Sea Malta issue.
What the union did was to ask the people to protest in the streets against the government because of the loss of jobs, among other issues, during which it pledged to topple the government.
How many jobs were created by these protests? The Labour Party lent its shoulder, if not its entire body, as a sign of support.
Anything goes, as far as painting the government black is concerned, and continuing the doom and gloom preaching.
A clear sign was sent by the GWU to all employers, local and foreign: the union said that former Sea Malta workers should be employed with the new shipping company that was set up instead.
This is a most disturbing signal to one and all. To the workers mainly, who with such recommendations are badly served by the union, to whom they pay their yearly dues.
To the investor, both local and foreign, who certainly does not like interference of this kind in his daily
business.
However, Tony Zarb has also done a world of good to the cause of the Nationalist Party and to the credibility of the government.
He has given most of us a wake up call, and made us remember the difficult times under a Labour government.
He made us realise that we should not underestimate what we have achieved. Give them a chance – your vote – and you’re stuck.
No going back again.
You will return to the days of no water, no electricity, the scrambling for toothpaste and chocolate, the mono media, and probably worse.
Over recent weeks the Nationalist Party has gained again and this was demonstrated through so many contributions from phone calls and donations given in person to ensure that the Labour past will not return.
Many people have suddenly woken up to realise that we are really living better, because the Labour years were much worse.
We do have a habit of taking everything for granted. A pity, sometimes.
I did my duty for a couple of hours on radio and TV during the 13 December fund-raising marathon, answering phone calls from people from all areas and from all walks of life. They were genuine people who want to make sure that the Nationalist Party stays in government, to maintain our current standard of living and improve it.
Most told me that they do not want their children to pass through those dark times, as they themselves did. One unfortunate thing is that the young people of today do not understand the weight of those years and may believe the marketing stance taken by Labour.
The success of the amount of money raised by the PN last Tuesday is due also to Tony Zarb. Thank you.
On the other side, a lesser sum was received by the Labour Party. People gave to both parties, notwithstanding a high Super Five weekly draw, Christmas and all its related spending, l-Istrina coming up, sales of Lm2 million on cars, among other commitments. Not bad at all, really.
Well this Christmas we will not be waiting for a TV address giving us further bad news. Those days are, thankfully, in the past.
Here’s wishing all a Happy Christmas.
Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP