The good move Prime Minister Gonzi took in nominating Dr George Abela as our eighth President of the Republic set me thinking as to whether this would help in creating a new rule of political practice i.e a constitutional convention destined to crystallise into law.

The Nationalist government has always acted as a catalyst in a number of respects. A case in point is the evolution of the practice of appointing as Deputy Speaker an Opposition MP.

The PN is always avantguard. The PN is the harbinger of innovative rules which strengthen and manifest democracy.

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The Fenech Adami presidency was an exemplary one. Dr Fenech Adami rose above party politics and brought the presidency closer to the people. I consider him a great man with nobility of character and with particular finesse in the way he does politics, sharp and astute.

On the other hand, I envisage that Dr George Abela will demonstrate an unparalleled way of creating unity in diversity. He will be the symbol of national unity. Malta is too small a country to be divided.

Thanks to President Fenech Adami and the best of wishes to our President in waiting Dr Abela.

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On reading the “Declaration of Principles” embodied in our Chapter 2 set of social and economic rights as found in our Constitution, the political sovereign may readily conclude that these non-enforceable rights are fundamental to the governance of the country.

Our PN government has translated these rights into obligations and has made all of them priorities of its political agenda.

I humbly ask whether the right to decent, habitable and affordable housing should be added to this list of rights.

Patrick Pace

PN Candidate for Sliema Local Council

Sliema