During the past days the two leading political parties convened separate press conferences and other activities wherein they highlighted their major achievements in the preceding twelve months. They also highlighted issues which in their opinion wereof concern to the general public albeit with diverging views.

By and large the media focused on the first year of the PL in office although, I believe that there is yet another side of the same coin which needs to be appraised also.  The PN is now serving the nation from the Opposition benches and has to be asked whether the Party has fulfilled its duties appropriately.Some media reports gave us biased opinions about the performance of the first year of the two major political parties. Reports which have only served to whet staunch party supporters and stimulate gullible followers.  While twelve months may be perceived a short period it may well be a clear indication where the two major parties are heading.

Some came to the conclusion that the PL is the guiding star on the road map to the promised land while others claim that we are experiencing the worse ever free fall into the abyss.

A year ago, people voted out of office the Nationalist Party for an array of shortcomings and installed a new set of people grouped under the direction of Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat. Today we can look back, comment and even pass judgement.

People, including many PL loyal supporters resent the new meaning of meritocracy adopted by Government. During the past twelve months the new team in power showed that they are capable to trample on the meritocracy promiseand opted to give appointments and promotions which are politically motivated.

Twelve months ago a change in government led people to believe that they will enjoy a breath of fresh air. People disappointed with the style of the previous government looked eagerly at a new beginning. The PL eminent slogan Malta Taghnalkoll captured the imagination of people. The PL under the direction of Dr Joseph Muscat garnered the highest number of votes notwithstanding that unexpectedly a few months prior the general election he axed one of his deputies. This political execution could have easily fired a revolt in the Party, but did not. The PL could not afford to lose another general election. For the good of the Party promising and seasoned PL candidates’hanged their running shoes for another day to run for the vacant senior post within the PL. That was a big lesson for power hungry politicians and others.For the good of the Party irrespective of personal ambitions all kept mum.

During the past twelve months the PN has tried to revive a Political Party which has lost touch with people. This is an enormous task that will require not just huge internal party discipline, but new far reaching sound policies and skilled media management.

During the past year the Nationalist Party got acquainted with the new role but the sooner some of the old school players learn that the Party is in Opposition the better it will be for the Party the earn back credibility. 

Without shadow of doubt the general public privately reflected on the first year also. The hard core of the major parties remained firmly tight to their beliefs although the result of the last general election showed that this cannot be taken for granted. The result of the last general election showed that political parties must work harderwith people during the whole term of the legislature.This goes for all political parties. 

From where I stand, I cannot foresee a national issue big enough to bring togetherdifferent people from various sections of society under one large umbrella unless the PL continues to make gross mistakes.  Dailychallengeswill remain issues upsetting different sections of society. These will remain issues of concern, to some to a higher degree than others but not enough to motivate society to take a firm stand on a national level. The PN should continue to work hard at grass roots level without drawing lines between different categories of people within our society. 

The PN cannot, and should not rely on the manybroken promises of the PL.  The PN must become an alternative to the PL on its own merits.

[email protected]