Historians and politicians may have a lot of substance to base their arguments on for a National Day.

For the sake of unity, reason should prevail. It is clear that the Maltese electorate has completely rejected extreme politics whether left or right and prefers the middle ground and sanity in the business of government.

This is only broken by divisive elements contrary to the wishes of the public who in spite of preferences endorses unity even if it seems like a paradox.

Historically Malta was born as a Sovereign State on 21 September 1964. That should be our National Day as something to celebrate together. Republic Day and Europe Day were further historical milestones which should be commemorated. After all, the pique about Independence and Republic Day only arose because both the PN and MLP wished them to happen and to own them.

It was a matter of who got there first. History only drew the line in terms of events. So why keep on dividing the country? What the Maltese public wants is a time of rest from conflict and a peaceful existence in true freedom from stress and unnecessary complications. National unity is far more precious than the pique of who got there first.

Lina Caruana

Tarxien