The past week has been characterised by the budget, its contents and the various pros and cons, depending from which side you look at it. It has certainly not been an easy year for Malta, as the economic crisis did have an effect on our island economy. However as I have had occasion to say at the Nationalist Party general council, Malta came out of this year with some bruising, but still alive. Compared to other countries, Malta has yet again done its small miracle.

Because we are small, and the direct intervention of the government, the time it takes to turn around is limited. Other countries have to think ahead, and introduce measures that sometimes take 12 months to have any effect on the economy.

We seem to know how to act and counter act to the ultimate benefit of the country. Of course, not all is shiny and some people and businesses are having a negative moment. Here is where some pruning is done through a careful budget for next year and cautious approach. We do have hope that 2010 will start seeing a turn around, albeit small, but at least an upward trend.

Let’s not think for one moment that an upward trend will mean the end of our problems. Firstly, it has to be a constant upward figure for some months for the indication to become a real trend and, secondly, the amount of the percentage increase is important.

High percentage increases on low years will give nice figures, but not the real increase in crude terms.

Well, I suppose, we must just wait and see as the year comes to an end and how the new one will evolve. Any predictions are as good as they come, and you might as well gamble away such predictions, as nobody knows what will happen.

I have had occasion to be present at the Gzira football ground, in Manoel Island. The football club, Gzira United has been for the past 11 years seeking to take over the administration of the ground in order to improve the facilities, the upgrading of its nursery and the social environment of the youngsters.

It has faced many a brick wall. The ground is earmarked to be a community ground. Surely one needs somebody to administer it, so why not those who have been doing so, in great difficulty, and hopeless circumstances? Therefore there is nothing wrong in letting Gzira United FC do the job, knowing that they can do it to the best of their abilities for the benefit of all. After all, other clubs have been given the same job in other parts of the island.

Another question that hit the media was all the hullaballoo on Balluta Square. Ever since early 2009, the St Julian’s local council commissioned an architect to submit plans, designs, concepts, ideas to Mepa on various parking lots. One of these was that concerning Balluta Square and beneath it. Having embellished this square some years back, the idea of an underground parking area surfaced.

Six months of rumours of what is going on is quite a lot for Malta. All sorts of stories came out, so many names flashed about. Unfortunately the stance taken – one of no communications – only helped to fuel speculation. The residents are downright worried. By residents I mean not only those who approached me, and live nearby, but also those who live in St Julian’s, know the square and are up in arms. I used to play in Balluta square, which is close to Birkirkara Hill, my parents’ home.

There is an application by the St Julian’s council for a socket of some sort to charge an electric minibus or two, for what I presume will be a circular bus. The word terminus is therefore, hopefully, out of place.

My government is committed, not by words, but by action, to give back open spaces to the Maltese public. Jason Azzopardi took the bull by its horns in Sliema too. So, we do have it from our Prime Minister that the government has no plans to have an underground parking space in Balluta.

I sincerely do hope that this message is loud and clear to all.

Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP