These past few weeks were quite exciting and interesting.

We have had the Gaming Act that seems to have stirred up a lot of interest. This proposed law is so delicate and detailed that deep thought has to go with it. The fact that the Nationalist parliamentary group dedicated a whole morning to it should have come as no surprise to anybody. It had to be that way.

And, more, I do urge the Labour party to do the same, as this law will affect all strata of society all over Malta and Gozo. Any MP, from whichever side, who does not contribute to this law is unconnected with reality and will be shrinking from his oath and responsibility towards the very voters who voted him/her in.

Sitting on fences is a no go. Proper participation and discussion is the order of the day.

Legislation is not easy and fast developments are to be taken care of. My government could be criticised for taking long on this subject of gambling. But it’s far better to take long and propose sound regulations after hearing out all concerned than to speed things through without proper study. There are too many and multiple considerations here, and more so, people’s lives and the consequences of gamblers, although gamblers have various access to online gaming. All aspects have to be clearly identified and discussed deeply. This Nationalist government, as the Nationalist Party since its inception, is based on values and family, and revolves around the person. We stand by our values.

Criticism may be a word that can sound destructive. However constructive, faithful, factual and open criticism is so important. Within my own organisation I do encourage discussion on our services and this to improve the services offered to all concerned. Criticism is vital, as without that, I lose the plot. I want to know what all my footsoldiers need, want and say. They are my success.

It’s like a football team, and I heard a sermon-like speech last Sunday, where we were lectured that it’s the coach that chooses his players and it’s his prerogative. I would add – and his responsibility too. The preacher slipped and forgot the supporters, who are the backbone of the team, as nobody wants to play in half empty stadiums, nor play without a sponsor. All want to play well and win the league, time and time again. In my days of leading the most successful team in Malta, Sliema, we won matches and trophies galore just because we had a united dressing room. The coach always talked to the 18 players called up, and, before that, to the full squad of players and therefore not only to the field players. They all knew what was happening, even the eternal reserves.

Allow me a few lines to thank publicly the continual flow of messages, phone calls received after the Bondiplus programme. To be very clear I was invited along with my colleagues by Lou Bondi, whom I thank for the invitation. We do not invite ourselves on programmes or impose any agendas. Once again, may I re affirm that mine was and is not a personal agenda to further a career. This week it seemed that our collective performance in the programme is still causing some ripples.

Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP