The more time passes, the more evident it becomes that the Nationalist Party is struggling to break away from the identity that caused it to lose so much support. The PN has struggled to reinvent itself since the leadership changed, and saw Simon Busuttil take over the helm from stalwart former leader Lawrence Gonzi.

Every dog has its day. In fact, the PN was a progressive force that liberalised the economy and dragged Malta (at times kicking and screaming) into the 21st century in terms of basic principles of freedom and economic development when it took over the reins of power in 1987. The warning signs were there in the 2008 election when despite things going swimmingly on the surface, there was a very strong undercurrent that was overwhelmingly pushing for change.

The PN resisted the calls to change and in the subsequent election, it was thrashed at the polls. The beginning of the end came with the divorce referendum in 2011. The PN in government brushed responsibility off and the issue was put to the polls and left to be decided by the people. The people spoke loudly and maturely, and a vote was given in favour of the minority who needed it. When Lawrence Gonzi stepped down, it was evident that the party needed to revamp its conservative outlook and become more inclusive, tolerant and open to change. But again, in the way a block abstention was made in parliament on Monday night, it has again become clear that there is much resistance to change.

The PN said that it was united in its cause because although it agreed wholeheartedly with civil unions, it was against the gay adoptions clause. But it is also clear that there was no unanimity and there was difference of opinion. We ask the question – why did the party leader not allow a free vote?

This was a moral issue and all MPs should have been free to vote as they believed fit. The PN said that it wanted to present a united front, as it had reservations on the adoption clause – but if it truly wanted to show that the mentality had changed and that the PN was becoming more open, tolerant and modern in its beliefs, then it should have allowed a free vote.

Despite his deep conservatism, former PM Gonzi (at least) did that when the divorce legislation was voted through parliament.

It is clear that the PN is still struggling to find its way. It said that it abstained from voting to safeguard the rights of those who did not agree with gay adoptions. But at the same time, we are sure that there are people in the party who do support it – they should have been allowed to do so.