I refer to your parliamentary report carried on the issue of this paper, dated November 8, 2007. My attention was caught by what Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina, remarked about the issue. I am quoting below the salient part:

“As to the rent reform issue, Mrs Cristina admitted that the issue was a very sensitive and complicated matter. She said that the ministry has been working a lot in this regard. She proposed that the government would be sending their proposals to the Malta Labour Party so that there will be an inter-party contribution. Mrs Cristina said that it is very important that there will be consensus on this subject.”

Yes I do agree that this is a national issue. Something that the big parties are rather very cautious to take the bull by horns, because it might lead to a certain portion of votes being lost.

I would rather go a step further to what Hon. Cristina is suggesting. On the eve of the general elections, it is very hard for consensus by the Government and Opposition to be found on the rent reform. Maybe, it would be argued that it was the responsibility of the Government to legislate on the matter, and the issue is being raised rather too late. It is a fact.

But let me be a bit considerate and put on my suggestion, knowing how important the issue is.

For nobody to have any qualms on the matter, even if AD have been pressing to gather enough signatures for an abrogative referendum on the rent reform issue, I would suggest that all the political parties contesting the coming general elections, do solemnly pledge that the issue of rent reform, no matter who is on the government and opposition side, would be squashed not later than a year, since the parliament meets for 2008-2013 legislature.

In doing so, there will be no need of referenda on the matter. Every vote cast will in a way tie all elected parties to honour their pledge. Yes, I know in the past we were all taken for a ride on the matter. Been promised a lot and nothing in actual fact materialised.

But, for once, let us give some credibility to elected members in the coming legislature. Instead of all of us saying; give peace a chance, let us all yell: give rent reform a chance. After all, all those chosen to represent us in Parliament are called Honourable, and what can be more honourable, than the elected members keeping their word.

Saviour Cachia,

Marsascala