Once Labour is in government it will work in a clear, decisive way while focusing on a number of priorities including the cost of living, education and health and creating new jobs in the tourism and manufacturing sector, Opposition Leader Alfred Sant said yesterday on a programme aired on One TV.

Dr Sant was replying to questions by four female journalists: Juan Ameen from The Malta Independent, Rosanne Zammit from The Times, Fiorella Pace from RTK Radio and Julia Farrugia from Illum.

He pointed out that the Labour Party would be irresponsible if it provided solutions to all problems at one go – simply because it is not possible.

“It is very important for a Labour government to keep close to the people and commune with them in a clear way about what is going on,” said Dr Sant.

However, a Labour government will also do justice with all those who have been pushed aside during recent years.

“We want to send a clear signal that talented people cannot be kept on the sideline without giving their contribution to the country,” he said.

Dr Sant added that the surcharge, cost of living, increasing price of property, high taxes, and lack of jobs are the main issues that are on people’s minds.

The Labour Party has been emphasising on the need for a plan for tourism, he said.

“However, nothing was done and as a result, the number of tourists decreased, expenditure decreased and a number of hotels closed down,” said Dr Sant.

The Opposition Leader spoke about the manufacturing industry and said that it does not have a future unless it works closely with the IT, engineering and pharmaceutical industry.

“Even if we believe the optimistic version provided by the government, the increase in employment is much lower than registered in the past,” said Dr Sant.

Furthermore, he pointed out, most of the new jobs are part-time and are not stable.

He added that there are serious doubts about the quality of statistics, which are contradictory – especially when comparing numbers issued by the Employment and Training Corporation and the Labour Force Surveys.

Dr Sant also spoke about Gozo’s great potential, especially where tourism is concerned.

“A strategy needs to be implemented to attract more tourists to Gozo which in turn will help boost its economy,” he said.

Dr Sant added that there is a need for a helicopter service between Malta and Gozo and proposed the development of a yacht marina which would attract cruise liners to Gozo.

He also spoke about the mismanagement of public funds which in turn is forcing government to increase taxes.

Many times, said Dr Sant, the final estimates are purposely miscalculated.

He also mentioned the Manuel Dimech Bridge and said that there is a possibility that the concrete columns will have to be redone as it is made of the same material of the decks.

Children are the pivotal point of the family, said Dr Sant.

“It is for this reason that we are proposing granting the Children’s Commissioner with the power of an ombudsman,” he said

Furthermore, he added, there is the need for a children’s department to strengthen Maltese children’s rights.

“I personally believe that divorce cannot be kept out of Malta, but the Labour Party must follow the people’s conscience,” he said.

Dr Sant pointed out that civil society has not yet spoken out in favour of divorce. “It is only when it raises awareness about the issue that the political debate will follow.”

He also said that there is the need for national consensus on the pensions issue before a decision is taken.

“The new law proposed by the government is still incomplete. The country needs a pension plan that is closely related to the health and social security system,” said Dr Sant.

Hunters and trappers were taken for a ride by the Nationalist government which is trying to keep them quiet with marginal promises until the general elections are over.

“The Nationalist government knows that it will have to follow the EU directives at the end of the day,” said Dr Sant.