Often in life we measure the credibility of a person through their deeds rather than what they say. This is only natural because it is easy to claim an array of things and deliver the ideal speech in the convenience of the moment. It is however a different task altogether to live up to those speeches and do the right thing when the time comes.

In politics this is probably one of the most important standards, as a politician will be measured according to what he or she actually does when faced by a particular circumstance. It will be very embarrassing for that politician who cannot substantiate the rhetoric with action.

This week, as a citizen of the European Union you were deprived from the right to be represented by the Maltese Government in the Council of Ministers for Competitiveness. This is because the Opposition refused to grant pairing for me as representative for the Government at the parliamentary vote last Monday and Tuesday. This Council of Ministers discusses amongst other issues, competitiveness, the creation of jobs, the improvement of the European economy, and European industrial policy. It is not important who had to represent Malta in the name of the Government at this Council of Ministers, rather the fact that Malta was absent at this political level.

Everyone agrees on the importance and how topical these subjects are, especially in the context of the international financial crisis. Competitiveness is key to the success of the economy at any level. However the Labour Party last Monday and Tuesday chose not to grant pairing in parliament during the vote, and hence Malta was absent.

It is sad to see then, in this context, that some were starting to believe Labour’s fable that they were indeed changing the party’s direction. In a series of cosmetic changes, the Labour Party is swiftly trying to appeal to everyone and everything, but sadly things on the inside remain the same – remnant of an old party with no vision.

The labour party is also trying to play the Europe card, attempting to give the impression that it has the best credentials on the subject. The Labour Party is aiming straight at Malta’s presidency in 2017 as the membership in the EU is no longer “the greatest cross of the millennium”, as the leader of the opposition had claimed in 2002. While they now conveniently claim that they are in favour of Malta’s membership, they effectively hinder Malta’s achievement in this sphere.

It is easy for a politician to deliver brilliant speeches, according to the crowd, because after all, talk is cheap. It is easy to gain temporary applause, by never committing to either side, and stay safely perched.

However, if we want to be honest with our people, politics is more than that. An honest politician doesn’t preach one way and then act in another. Had the opposition truly wanted Malta’s advancement in the European Union, it would have granted pairing in the last week, for you to be represented, as it is your right, at the Council of Ministers. However, unfortunately, it takes more than words to prove one’s real fibre.

Dr Jason Azzopardi is Parliamentary secretary in the Finance Ministry