The danger of one-size-fits-all politics

Jonathan Shaw Sunday, 24 November 2013, 09:00 Last update: about 13 years ago

Work, Seriousness, Identity. Together, these three words clearly represent the Nationalist Party. The party, which in the course of its history generated work and established a benchmark of professionalism in governance. It is also the party that achieved Malta’s Independence and Malta’s entry to the European Union, all this without compromising our national identity. An identity that has always been the focus and the pride of the Maltese people.

Nonetheless, just eight months after a general election, it is evident that the Nationalist Party, now in Opposition, must ensure that what the country achieved over the years is not lost.

We have already reached a situation whereby unemployment is on the increase and the lack of seriousness in governance is regularly on the agenda. Together with this, through the implementation of the controversial citizenship scheme that the current government has introduced, we have rubbished our identity!

The defeat that the Nationalist Party suffered in the general election in March brought about a sense of sadness in the party and in all those that have the party at heart. Nonetheless, as we know, party restructuring commenced immediately after the election, and is still ongoing. This development has re-instilled an element of new enthusiasm and energy. Credit to party leader Dr Simon Busuttil and all his team.

The truth is that this is not the first time that the party has found itself in Opposition after having guided the party to a high point. A quick glance at history will show us that whenever this happened, the Nationalist Party regrouped, was re-strengthened and grew into a new force that gathered the majority of the Maltese behind it. Being in Opposition does not have to be a punishment, but an opportunity for the party to re-invent itself.

The worst thing that the Nationalist Party can do now is imitate the Labour Party and start promising everything to everyone. A convenient fast track to win votes, one may argue. As we have seen, this strategy can produce results. However if the Nationalist Party does this, it will merely become a copy of the Labour Party.

Yet, the Nationalist Party does not need to become a replica of anyone because it can surely stand on its own feet like it has done in the last 130 years.

What, on the contrary, the people expect of the Nationalist Party is that it will remain the party that strives to be on the side of what is right, to instil and defend party values and to respect the electorate’s intelligence. More importantly, it should now also aim to move up to a higher level and not hesitate to take a stand on issues of national importance. What is right should be treated as right and what is wrong as wrong.

The party always had sound principles as to what is right for the country and its citizens. This was the driving force that transformed Malta after 1987. Yes, the electorate’s vote is important, like it is important that we work hard to bring back those people who switched sides, but not at all costs!

I am convinced that this approach will strengthen the party’s identity, a party with a track record of seriousness, and one that creates good work for the people.

This article is based on a speech delivered by Mr Shaw at the Nationalist Party General Council on 15 November with the theme ‘Work, Seriousness, Identity’.

Jonathan Shaw is a PN candidate in the European Parliamentary 2014 elections.