Another year is over and we are at the beginning of a new year with all the hopes and dreams that it brings. Many of us make resolutions; some we keep, some we don’t.

One thing is for sure, Dr Lawrence Gonzi has honoured the resolutions he had made when he became Prime Minister. In 2004 he had told the Maltese to always judge him on what he did and not on what he said. And 2007 has been a year where the Prime Minister and the government proved their worth to the Maltese.

Looking at various sectors, we can easily say that 2007 has been a success story.

Employment has never been better. Not only did the Nationalist government provide more work opportunities but it also improved their quality. Gone are the days of employment corps such as Id-Dejma, or drastic mass employment measures to reduce unemployment numbers by the thousands.

Young people are being offered opportunities with companies such as Lufthansa Technik and pharmaceutical firms. But the biggest investment of all has been SmartCity that will provide an employment opportunity to 5,600 people.

A couple of years ago the Prime Minister had asked us Maltese to share the burden brought on by the restructuring process and other issues such as the global rise in the price of oil. However, in the last two budgets we started reaping the fruit of our investment.

To mention but a few, the tax reforms introduced in the budget are leaving us with more money in our pockets. Both couples and single people are saving hundreds from tax reduction. Women returning to work after five years have been given a tax holiday. The amount of Children’s Allowance has increased for every child, and nowadays all children are getting a minimum allowance of e250.

And, speaking of children, millions if euros (liri) have been invested in schools, to build new ones and refurbish others, while a massive investment is being made in MCAST.

The government also kept its promise of a cleaner environment. The afforestation project is ongoing with thousands of trees planted. More effort is being made to maintain open spaces and maybe the biggest commitment was the rehabilitation of the Maghtab.

Another area that has been a success story is the health sector. The government’s aim for a healthier society is being reached by a bigger investment in new facilities and services, while always acknowledging the contribution of professionals in this field. The cherry on the cake in this sector was the opening of the Mater Dei hospital, including a migration process that was professionally carried out with just minor hiccups.

These last 12 months are further proof that the Nationalist government is committed to work hard and achieving the best for the Maltese people to lead better lives. One can notice quite a difference from the 22 months the MLP was in government. They say comparisons are odious but these are inevitable as some may forget the past. Others think that since joining the EU we have set roots in an immovable comfort zone and the MLP cannot take back what has been achieved.

A government has to work to attract investment. In its days the MLP barely managed to attract only Lm19m in investment. Things are not going to fall in our lap simply because we are EU members. Between 1996 and 1998 the MLP introduced 33 different taxes; there is nothing to keep the MLP from doing the same if it is allowed to return to government.

Looking back at 2007 can be done with satisfaction. It has been a year which proved that the government knows what it is doing, and is honestly committed to giving us a better life. And as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding, we are relishing this dish and I am sure many of us are pleased with the result.

Since this is my first contribution this year, may I take the opportunity to wish the readers, love, health, peace and prosperity in 2008.

Michelle Mallia is President of the Nationalist Party Women’s Movement