Today is the morning after the well fought out, bitterly contested election of the new Labour leader – unless another one is needed tonight. Of course, this is the talk of the town, with so many arguments about the whole issue. Not having the full details of the vote, one cannot comment on it as yet.

Surely this long drawn campaign will have its casualties, winners and hopefuls. There is a long road ahead for Labour to come to terms with itself, within itself, and to look ahead of other elections for important posts within their hierarchy. I refer to the posts within the higher echelons of power in the Labour party, who seem to be glued to their seats. Maybe next time round they get, at least, the number of new voters correct.

We have heard tales of how Labour lost, why the PN polled more votes, and why Labour lost so narrowly. The PN had more of a focused campaign, knowing exactly the terrain, and presenting great candidates for the people’s scrutiny.

The people know exactly how to vote. A popular candidate is necessary, especially when he or she has expertise, a very good track record and a clean slate. Labour focused on the negative side of things, rather than positive vibes. I am within a party that can turn situations into opportunities, get the positive out of people, look forward to the future with optimism.

Mind you, my family has been in the Nationalist Party since 1921, when my great grandfather was the first Speaker of the house. His photo hangs as the first photo, as one enters the house from the Speaker’s side. I am saying this to discard some dubious thoughts from people whose tongues seem to be full of venom.

The PN win followed logic. The people voted for the achievements attained and for the ambitious programme laid down. The people loaned us their vote. I do not say gave us their vote, but rather say a five-year loan, and they expect to reap benefits and dividend from it. Their investment must be a sound one. Hence the discarding of the Labour Party, with its old and new beginning.

One of the salient points on programme that involves a lot of residents in my elected districts, the 9th and 10th, is the rent reform. The discussion on an eventual reform is important, and probably has been kept away from the front burner for too long now. A balanced and well thought out public discussion on everybody’s merits is a must.

I have met cases where tenants get in e2.5 per month and are expected to pay for repairs. Others whose tenants are very nice and do not burden the owners for expenses must be given credit. Cases where commercial premises are rented out in prime sites for a pittance when the business is thriving. Housing apartments given out via subsidy have ended up on the rental market. Others who left their house and are in an old peoples’ home expect money to give back the keys.

This problem dates back quite some time and the effects of giving out low-rent houses are now being felt. Abuses, unfortunately, to the system and within the system call for some forward paces, where owners can finally benefit from their property, and where bona fide tenants are secured too. A decent, fine, sensible and logical line of thinking.

My constituents look forward to this approach and have entrusted, or I repeat, loaned out their vote to us as the natural government of Malta to lead by example.

Another discussion point is the local councils’ reform. I will probably dedicate my next article to a local council, and its lack of response notwithstanding it being represented at the council reform meeting.

Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP