There is nothing as painful as knowing you have been fooled over and over again. There is nothing worse than actually waking up one morning knowing instinctively that you have been hoodwinked too many times. You call yourself all kinds of names under the sun. You sweat tears of shame of how you could have been so gullible and naïve.

Lawrence Gonzi and his ministers are nearing the end of their mandate and through the last three years I have no doubt that many people have felt these negative feelings.

I beg them to take heart. Everything can be remedied except death, which comes as the end.

During his term as prime minister, Lawrence Gonzi in a few words promised that there would be no paupers on the island. I will not go into the facts of what has happened during his period of government but if the economy of the country is so weak, it is quite safe to say that only pain without gain will come to be.

That has been the outcome of a Nationalist government, throughout these past three years especially. It is not enough to go through life with a beaming expression on your face recounting over and over again how the PN delivered at the stipulated time. There is not one shred of evidence to prove this fact.

There are over 7,000 people looking for work. The tourism industry is in difficulty. The situation at St Luke’s Hospital, with hospital appointments being scheduled for one year’s time, and the education system that is not producing is shameful.

Diehard Nationalists themselves are sick to the pit of their stomach. Yes, the people have realised they have been conned. I don’t blame them. The Nationalist Party has the gift of the gab but actions speak louder than words.

I am sure that the majority of the Maltese are not dumb. The people will not forget. There are some “signs” which are unforgivable. The broken promises of a Nationalist government will make them realise that words are easy to say but the Maltese are opting for a Labour government for want of a better life.

A good life has eluded us far far too long.

Valerie Borg

Valletta