In 1987, the newly elected PN administration, under the leadership of Eddie Fenech Adami came out with a vision of national reconciliation and national unity. A lot of people were obviously sceptical about this unity. Political tensions and mistrust was at such high levels that the perception was that Malta will always be a politically divided island.

Two decades later, that vision is becoming more of a reality. Although certain political divisions remain, the country is reaching political maturity whereby certain decisions can be taken. As usual, the PN is at the forefront of these changes and decisions.

PM Gonzi has recently announced that he has nominated a President, who although not a deputy, forms part of the opposition party. George Abela, who was recently a candidate for the post of leader of the Labour Party, was a deputy leader of the same party a few years ago. From the general reaction so far, both in the political arena, and outside it, the reaction was quite positive. The public was eager for such a bold move. Obviously not everyone might agree with the decision; it could also be difficult for some to chew; it could also have political risk but is pretty much understandable.

I have been overtaken by the massive outpouring of positive reactions across all strata of society. People were eager to hear news like this and witness another shift towards this political maturity. PM Gonzi, like his predecessor, is showing his statesmanship in steering this country in a new direction. Former PM Fenech Adami took quite a few bold and difficult decisions during his premiership. Most of these decisions could not be understood at the time, such as the decision to forgive some of the atrocities committed during the Socialist regime of the 1980s. With hindsight, today we all acknowledge that those decisions were necessary. I am sure that in the future people will look back at this moment, and recognise its historic value.

The PN has always been at the forefront of these historic moments. Its leaders were never afraid to face challenges, and to take the appropriate decisions. In 1987 when the country was collapsing, democracy was almost non-existent, and human rights were unheard of, the PN government slowly introduced normality and democracy, despite all the obstacles it met during the years.

The same determination was shown by various PN administrations in the long and difficult path to EU membership. The PN was always consistent and determined. Today we are all benefiting from all these wise approaches. Most of these decisions were not easy. I remember heated and constructive debates within the party about most of them. Thankfully, common sense always prevailed.

The PN has always sensed the mood in the country, and the timing when change was required. Now we are going through a new phase. It has been more than four years since we joined the EU, and PM Gonzi, as a true statesman, felt that time was ripe for such a drastic move. I know that it was not an easy decision, but it was definitely a courageous one. A decision for the good of this country.

It is pretty clear that the mentality in Malta is changing fast. The PN needs to adopt to more mature mentality in Malta; not that it did not do so in the past but it has to remain constantly on its laurels, in order not to become a victim of its own success. After all democracy belongs to the people, and the political parties must reflect the society in which they operate.

Certain other partners in the EU, with successful economies have shown us, that where unity is prevalent in the country, it prospers and grows at a faster rate. Political stability attracts foreign investment. Countries like Ireland and Luxembourg are examples how economies thrive where political parties work together for a common goal. Although Ireland is facing an economic crisis at the moment, it is not related to the political climate in the country.

I would also show my appreciation to all the former Presidents, who have served this country well. They all showed that they are able to become independent and rise to the occasion. I guess that due to the timing of the appointment, Censu Tabone faced the most difficult time. He was the first President to be appointed post-1987, in the so called “reconciliation period”. He was boycotted by the Labour Party, but withstanding all this he served his country well, and did an excellent job. The initial years must have been difficult for him, but after five years he gave a new meaning to the role of President of Malta. He is an example for all of us.

Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Guido De Marco and Eddie Fenech Adami too served this country and were great statesmen.

I also would like to congratulate Dr Abela. I remember him mainly for his involvement in the Kerygma marathons and during his presidency at the MFA. He is an inspiration to all of us, and I am sure that he will serve his country well. He will be living closer to my home at Attard and I hope that he will continue to jog in our streets like he has been doing in the last years. Keep it going, President George!

From Malta to the US and we note that this coming Tuesday, the US will celebrate the inauguration of the 44th President. Across the Atlantic they are also witnessing a period of re rapprochement between both political parties. One of the first luncheons that President Obama will attend will be the lunch hosted by the senior Congressmen of the Republican Party. President-elect Obama is reaching across the aisle in the hope that both parties work together to solve the crisis that the US is facing at the moment.

Will we ever witness in Malta a lunch organised by the opposing party to the elected Prime Minister? I believe... that one day we will.

David Agius is the Nationalist

parliamentary whip