Gavin Gulia's letter, 'Where is the Prime Minister hiding?' (TMID Sept 7) is an indication of the Labour Party's conundrum when it comes to policy and direction. So small is its vision that it can come up with very little except trying to hide its shortcomings by attacking the government in the hope of elating its supporters, never crediting the government and brainwashing the naive claiming that Labour in government will make miracles - like those of 1996-1998?

I can predict with great certainty that once eco-Gozo proposals now in front of Cabinet, are made public, Joseph will come out of the woodwork and announce that the government is all wrong and that he and his party can do much better.

Typical Labour Party tactic, which has become so predictable - so boring! Dr Brincat will predictably evaluate the plans and find them inadequate. Eco-Gozo initial plan will cost some e10 million , so Charles Mangion will certainly state that this amount is not enough, followed by another statement that Malta's deficit is 'out of control'. The Labour Party's weather vane continues to spin directionless.

The difference between being a Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, is very simple. The PM has no holidays whereas the leader of the opposition can take his sweet time between family and little trips here and there and does not have the burden of governing on his shoulders.

The opposition MPs have all the time on their hands during Summer recess, no Cabinet ministers to run the daily business, no foreign government contacts to maintain since governments talk to governments not opposition leaders and their parties.

So, there is nothing to interrupt Dr Gulia and his colleagues' musings and wishful thinking except occasional telephone calls from travel agents arranging their holidays.

The prime minister carries on with his job without feeling the necessity of playing to the gallery, unlike the Labour Party and its leaders who have been starved out of governing for the last 22 years save for 22 months of colossal mess.

J Martinelli

London, Ontario