The Malta Labour Party did what they had to do and voted in favour of the transfer of land in Ricasoli for the creation of what will be the largest ever project undertaken in Malta – SmartCity, where $300 million will be invested in an ICT and Media Business Park that will generate, it is promised, at least 5,600 jobs.

It was inevitable that the MLP would ultimately join the government in giving the green light to such a project, the contract for which is expected to be signed after the Easter holidays, according to Investment, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt, who was instrumental in bringing the project over to Malta.

The MLP could not have been seen to be against a project of this magnitude, because they would have had to suffer the consequences. Indeed, nobody expecting to be considered as the alternative government could give the thumbs down to the creation of job opportunities.

Had they voted against, it would have been tantamount to saying that the MLP did not agree with the creation of jobs for the Maltese, and it must be said that 5,600 jobs – probably many more – is quite a substantial number.

If they had said no, the MLP would have had to carry this heavy burden of having refused to give the go-ahead to a project that will literally transform the south and generate so much employment and economic activity. How could they then have continued to criticise the government about lack of jobs and economic stagnation?

The MLP could not have voted against, in spite of seemingly taking long in making up their mind. And they therefore had no other option but to vote in favour of the transfer of land, as Dr Gatt had in fact anticipated they would do during a television debate on NET TV’s Doksa last week. The MLP kept their cards close to their chest all the way, but the cards were transparent and easily visible from the back.

The MLP said “yes” with reservations, and this was to be expected too. These reservations will give the MLP a safety net if something goes wrong. The sort of “I-told-you-so” attitude that Labour can use in the long run if the project as being planned now encounters some difficulties, is delayed or, perhaps, does not lead to so many jobs as is being indicated.

The MLP could not say no to the project, even though they chose to take the longer route before they gave their consensus. Their negative vote in the National Audit Office Accounts Committee last week forced the holding of three plenary sessions in Parliament to debate the issue, during which the MLP raised a number of amendments “in the national interest”, amendments which did not get parliamentary approval.

At the end of the three sittings, last Tuesday, the MLP then voted in favour of the government’s motion without calling for a division, but at the same time saying they were doing so with the reservations they had expressed.

The MLP could not have done otherwise. As a party that is bidding to take over the leadership of the country, the MLP could not be seen as being against foreign investment, against job creation and against a stronger economy.

It would have sent the wrong signals to foreign companies and entrepreneurs who may be considering investing in Malta – and SmartCity will not only generate investment per se, but it could open other avenues. It would have meant Labour was shutting the door to a better future for the south – the south that is still predominantly Labour – and to a stronger Malta.

No, the MLP never intended to vote against the SmartCity project. It just wanted to play hard to get.