These past past days, the whole election campaign was dominated by this discussion on the energy proposal by the Labour Party or Movement, call it whatever you will.

For somebody who does not understand so much, like most of the population of Malta, you lose the gist of the discussion after a few minutes. There has been so much debate on this project, so much hassle, that if we have to choose a party solely based on this, then we have major problems in future.

Many thought that on the first day of being elected, Labour will reduce 25 percent of the bill straight away. Nobody, after all these years of expectancy, thought it was going to be such a long ride, that so much money needed to be spent, until such time these utility bills will eventually be reduced.

Of course, it is well marketed and well presented in a very expensive way, and the whole project seemed destined for success until you saw through it. The amount of money that is being poured into this campaign by the Labour Party is fantastic and never seen before. The timing would be, of course, most coincidental.

However most people are still and will only probably be interested in their own plight, their own future, and will see how to get the best for the vote cast.

I met a case of one who works part-time who wanted the job of a goldsmith. This trade has apparently been phased out, according to him. But he wanted only a job as a goldsmith. No other job is of interest to him. Seeing that this trade is obsolete, I could not possibly offer him any help.

Therefore out goes the standard phrase. He told me that he will not vote. Few realize the harm they do to themselves and their families. Another wanted housing for her without wanting to apply for one. A party depends on these kind of people who probably frequent MPs of both sides, and do not give two hoots about any energy policy.

The focus on energy has taken off the spot light from the main pillars of success of this government. The Labour Party has done this very well, and has taken these successes off the radar.

It seemed to be a good promise, and I was personally and politically worried on what Labour would have come up with. But now, when you delve deeper, then doubts arise as it’s not a straightforward operation.

The vibes of the VAT disaster come back rapidly. Then, people were gullible. We’ll see if they will be gullible once again.

The people who will not vote will regret their decision on the same day the polls close.

Robert Arrigo is parliamentary assistant in the Finance Ministry