Dr George Abela’s nomination as President of the Republic gives us many ponderables and what ifs. However, the question we must all truly answer is a simple one: what the nomination means to us on a political level and what it means to us individually. In reality we all practise politics. The art of politics involves also the choice of not to vote, so that even an abstention from voting at an election is in itself a political act. But, that is by the by! The acceptance by the Labour Party of Dr George Abela as our next President speaks volumes.

This then is the politics positive. We have had so many years of negativity in our political world that it seems strange to have the leaders of all our political parties agree – and this substantially so and not with mere words. Although the Labour Party will criticize when necessary, the acceptance of Dr George Abela marks a confirmation of declared policy. The Labour Party has once more made it amply clear that it will not stand in the way of what is good for the country. We agree with Dr Abela’s nomination and therefore so be it!

The Labour Party believes in politics that attempts to give solutions to present problems and put forward a vision for the future. Criticism will always be there and it is expected of us. It is the duty of the Opposition to criticize when criticism is necessary. However, baseless criticism is not acceptable and this, I believe is a double-edged sword. Senseless criticism will boomerang and the critic will in turn be perceived as a senseless critic. The track record of the Labour Party over the past few months has shown a willingness to agree with the government on major and minor issues. However, the Labour Party will always voice its concerns and even criticize vociferously when needed. The criticism levied by the Labour Party with regard to the increase in electricity and water tariffs is but one example – criticism with a relevant suggestion as to how to solve the problem.

There are, needless to say, individuals who do not agree on this course of action. We have seen reports in the press of prominent individuals disagreeing with the nomination of Dr Abela. Some prominent members of the Nationalist Party have apparently felt that the President ought to be nominated strictly along party lines.

The consensus provided by the Labour Party is that in a constitutional fabric such as ours where the President’s function is largely ceremonial there is no need for partisan politics. We must not forget that our President also serves a very important diplomatic function and presides over a number of Boards and Commissions of importance such as the Commission for the Administration of Justice. This renders the consensual choice of Dr. Abela all the more a step in the right direction.

On a personal level – congratulations George!