We all know that a general election will be held in a few months’ time and we also know that we have only two options: either a Nationalist government or a Labour one. It is true that comparisons are odious, but it is equally true that only by comparing the track record of the Nationalist Party with that of the Malta Labour Party (MLP) that we can take the right decision.

For nearly 60 years, since the first post-war Labour victory in 1947, the MLP has always been associated with all sorts of problems: real or created. I do not know why this is so. As if we do not have enough problems on which we have no control.

Nearly all past Labour administrations bring back memories of all sorts of problems: violence, all sorts of restrictions and repressive measures, shortages, erosion of democracy, intolerance. These are the facts recorded clearly on film and in print. And in our subconscious mind. The pity is that all those who are under 35 years cannot imagine what it was like living under a socialist regime.

On the other hand a Nationalist government is always associated with freedom, stability, prosperity, tolerance and all sorts of goodies imaginable. And very rightly so!

A Nationalist government has given us, first and foremost, democracy and freedom. A Nationalist government has lifted us all from the very low morale we all had under socialist governments. A Nationalist government has given us all the joys of life which were inexistent for 16 whole years.

But successive Nationalist governments have given us much more. They have given us a regular supply of electricity and fresh water, first class roads all over the island, a modern airport and more than one yacht marina, ferry ports in Malta and in Gozo, a sea terminal, a first class new hospital and the refurbishment of all the other hospitals. They have given us several luxurious homes for the elderly and for those with special needs and extremely efficient policlinics. Our medical service has been classified as one of the best in the world.

But they have given us much more than that. They have given us a first class university, luxurious colleges and schools equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories. They have given not only the premises, but also the chance to anyone who wants to study. They have also given us sports complexes and a busy Freeport. The Valletta and Vittoriosa waterfronts have been changed beyond recognition. Several historical buildings have been restored professionally and can now be admired by locals and foreigners.

The government is certainly doing its best to create a better environment and there is no doubt that immense progress has been achieved. That Malta is not as tidy as it should be is certainly not the government’s fault. Thousands and thousands of liri have been distributed among farmers, fishermen, bus owners and among other categories of workers. Millions of liri have been spent to resolve the acute housing problem and thousands of families have received several subsidies.

Youths who want to continue with their studies will find all the help they need. Investment, local or foreign, is always on the increase. It is no longer considered a luxury to have a motorcar or a boat, several colour TV sets and all sorts of electronic equipment. It is no longer considered a luxury to install an air conditioner or to take a holiday abroad. Eating out at least once a week is common practice. And if you visit a supermarket or the open market, il-monti, anywhere on the island you will have to hold your breath when you see such a large variety of everything you can imagine. And very often everything is sold at a very cheap price. Surcharge or no surcharge, we have never had it so good.

Take no chances because once the sentence has been given, there will be no chance to appeal.

Giov. DeMartino

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