Giov DeMartino will be happy someone else has bothered to reply to his letters (TMID, 19 January). First of all, the state of affairs of the Nationalist Party in Mosta is one of the consequences of excessive time in power. It is also a reflection of the general state of the party. If we ever needed any confirmation that the PN is worn out and tired, Mr DeMartino gave it to us.

I was a teenager during the period he once again mentioned in his last letter. No one can deny that those were not rosy times for our country’s political scene, but let’s not blow things out of all proportion. The PN was also responsible for what happened then, and took full advantage of the situation.

The political scene changed for the better after Dr Alfred Sant became Labour leader. His greatest merit was his persistence that the party should do away with rough methods of the past.

Gradually, the violent minority got the message and disappeared for good.

Various polls, and the general feeling throughout the country, show that Labour are a government in waiting. It is futile to try to give the impression that this will take us back to those sad times.

Fortunately, both parties have played their part in ensuring that certain historical events will only feature in an autobiography here, and some memories there.

Nonetheless, Mr DeMartino should be applauded for showing concern for the party he supports. No genuine supporter would like to see his party in the state the PN is right now.

Edward Mifsud

Rabat