The ongoing criticism by the Labour Party, over the last few weeks, leaves a lot to be desired. Labour Party speakers seem to be out of touch with the development of the Maltese economy. Not only this, but all they seem capable of is to criticise anything and everything that the present government does.

Their strategy is to focus their audiences’ attention on the smallest of inefficiencies and completely disregard the substantial progress that has occurred all around us. The development and progress achieved are no flukes or mere coincidences. They are the end product of astute and well-prepared policies which have developed into more than mere success stories.

During the discussion in parliament regarding the 2007 budgetary measures, the opposition members seemed to be at a total loss. Since there were no tax increases, their ammunition fell far short of having a plausible effect. It was unbelievable how the honourable members from across the floor could only praise the golden Labour years between 1971 and 1987.

I just cannot understand how anyone can wish for the return of those years. Years in which Malta suffered from a deficiency of democracy – not to mention the abstinence forced upon the nation from so many other things, be they material or levels of liberty. Amazingly, practically no one made any reference to the 22 months in government by New Labour between 1996 and 1998.

In fact, the Labour speakers went through the motions – negative criticism and expressions of abhorrence at what is happening today. The credibility of the arguments put forward by the opposition is losing ground day by day.

It is pretty clear to see that many questions remain unanswered. Why were they not capable of achieving themselves what is being done today? Maybe the answer to this fundamental question is that they never thought it could happen or perhaps, worse still, they do not reach that kind of benchmark or level.

The answer is simple. The Nationalist Party makes projections. It develops ideas into tangible possibilities. Then it converts these into concrete proposals. Eventually it takes decisions. Then, after these are projected in the party’s manifesto, the government eventually puts these projects in place, takes action and converts them into realities. In other words, it is capable of turning words into deed. A Nationalist government has always been able to convert its words into action.

Ideas develop into facts which bring about success in the various fields of the government’s administration.

Today the government is effectively putting into action practically 50 per cent of this year’s budget into works orientated towards the betterment of Education, Health and Social Services sectors.

The vote for education tops Lm110 million. That for the health sector surpasses Lm125 million while the Family Affairs and Social Solidarity Ministry has finances on the higher side of a quarter of a billion Maltese liri.

No small feat for a government which is seen as inept and inefficient by those across the floor.

Furthermore, the financing on the part of the EU, which over this year and the coming six years exceeds e850 million, is no small contribution towards the upgrading of our nation’s infrastructure as well as the further preparation of the workforce.

This is a window of opportunity which we, the Nationalist government, have been able to bring to our shores and which we are going to utilise to the full.

But perhaps the best thing that is happening to this island is the fact that foreign entrepreneurs are looking with interest at the local economy. They are believing in our capabilities and are viewing the possibilities as opportunities.

As a result of this, there exists among them a sense of good feeling regarding Malta. They are choosing to do business here instead of going to other countries and perhaps larger economies.

The continual steady increase in the Financial Services Sector, investment in the IT and pharmaceutical fields, the choice of Malta by Dubai’s Tecom, opting for the Ricasoli site to have their Mediterranean IT Centre, are in themselves a certificate of confidence and success.

Believing that we are capable of hosting a real smart city is a concrete contribution in the various pieces of a complicated jigsaw puzzle, which is coming into focus, taking shape and falling into place.

An ever highly prepared workforce, together with a young generation which knows no limits when it comes to going for challenges, are perhaps another key to success.

We still have a lot to do. We still have miles to cover and when we arrive at the top of one hill or at the next corner, there will be another hill to climb. But we are not losing heart. Successes obtained help fuel our energy cells.

During the past month, without any increase in taxes, our Inland Revenue Department has had receipts that were better than those forecast.

Tourism numbers were also up by 3.7 per cent over January of last year. In the meantime, the government acts and accomplishes notwithstanding the other side’s continual criticism and damning forecasts.

There is one big difference between us and them. We do not believe in management by crisis. We believe in our country and its people.

Together, government and country can put together their act so that challenges are met, addressed and overcome.

Tony Abela is parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister