The first hundred days of newly elected governments are considered by political analysts and commentators to be a mirror image of the remaining term of the legislature. Soon enough the first hundred days, the honeymoon period, will be over for our Partit Laburista.
In any case, if this is an accepted measuring stick by which we have to go by, then we have to seriously zoom in on the implementation and interpretation of meritocracy as applied by the Labour Government. It is still very fresh in everyone’s memory that meritocracy was prominently promised by the Labour Party during the last electoral campaign. Notwithstanding this, the promised criteria to ascertain meritocracy has, so far, been severely flouted and has been relegated to the lowest levels ever.
I rest completely on your honest judgment so I will stop short, for the time being, from pinpointing my finger at one or the other who during the past few days were called to serve on various national committees. Labour Party’s highest echelons must realize that a broad consensus is gaining momentum amongst the general public, irrespective of political creed, against these new appointees.
It is, or should be, very clear that the Labour Party should not put at risk the credentials of Malta to appease party hardliners. I am sure that even within the Labour Party itself, there are better people with skills and abilities to lead with integrity and professionalism various national committees. People appointed to serve high-powered positions representing the national interest should go beyond a Labour Party badge showing on the lapel of the jacket or the traditional red (or white!) scarf for the ladies. The people appointed to such posts must have the ability and the frame of mind to refrain from serving their party and elect to represent the national interest diligently.
One case in point is the current President George Abela who has managed to fulfill his duties, notwithstanding that he was from time to time called in to undo administrative knots to ensure that the credentials of the President of Malta are not politically tarnished in any way.
Comparisons are odious but I am sure that many agree that the credentials of the current President of Malta and those of most of the recent politically-appointed on national committees are miles apart. People appointed to lead national committees/offices should not only be seen not to be, but must not be, divisive as most of the recent appointees unfortunately are. This must be a basic requirement unless the Labour Party is motivated to create side issues to distract public opinion from the bread and butter issues which by far are more important and more pressing to ensure the promised improvements to the quality of life of people.
During the electoral campaign an inviting lawyer sweetly looking down at us from various billboards placed across the islands attested that a Labour Government would ensure that meritocracy would be at the heart of the Labour administration when appointing people on various boards and committees. Indeed, it was strategically positioned to catch first time voters and disgruntled PN supporters. No doubt the intended message came across well and achieved the desired electoral results. In this regard credits both to the billboard designer and the lawyer who accepted to participate in this campaign cannot go unmentioned.
It is now glaringly apparent that the Labour Party was playing a double game and gave false impressions to voters. The Labour Party should be held responsible and accountable to its promises. The advertisement in question about meritocracy is leaving people wondering what on earth has changed since the Labour Party walked in office. It seems that meritocracy has a different meaning now. The one talked about prior the general election is completely different from that implemented after the general election.
While it is undoubtedly necessary for political parties to campaign, it is dishonest for political parties to use advertising which is misleading. Like commercial companies political parties should be held accountable to their promises. In this regard the Labour Party has failed miserably and can count its lucky stars that the next election is many months away.
It is with irony that I conclude my opinion on meritocracy as implemented by the Labour Party. While national consumer’s competent authorities come down like a ton of bricks, and rightly so, on companies giving misleading information through advertisements, political parties that through misleading advertisements entice voters to their side cannot be held accountable and people cannot seek redress until the next appointment – the general election.
It may be worth noting that even decent, loyal Labour Party supporters and activists are feeling that they are left with the fuzzy end of the lollipop!
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