Brazilians must be sweating it out. Dancers must be rehearsing the lively and rhythmical steps of the samba in preparation for the World Cup opening ceremony.  Others, though, are taking to the streets, participating in demonstrations against their government. Many want an improved education system, an efficient health service, higher wages and a better quality of life. 

The media attention will soon take charge of the World Cup football tournament with live broadcasts. Doubtless, the media will also delve into the Brazilians’ political and socio-economic situation.  Thank goodness, as the World Cup fast approaches, local political affairs and debates will be put on the back burner and hopefully be shelved, at least for a time.  

I am not a football enthusiast. Maybe, I have long lost interest because I support England. Over the years I have learnt to take in my stride the disappointment of following a team which, for many different reasons, failed to become world champions.  While the domestic league in England is electrifying, on an international level there is always something missing.  Maybe this time it would be different. If not, it may be next hopefully.  Locally, for many football enthusiasts, the World Cup final would be played earlier than officially announced by FIFA as England face Italy on June 14. .       

I do not have any recollection of the 1966 World Cup final between England and Germany at Wembley. I was six when England became World Cup Champions. I, though, have vivid memories of Brazil beating Italy heavily in 1970.  At my parents’ house, like many around the world, we were mesmerised by the Brazilian football stars Pele’, Gerson, Jarizinhio and Tostao. At the last minutes of the game at home we were all standing waiting for the referee to whistle the game over. It was breath-taking.   Brazil were crowned World Champions.      

Last Wednesday, at the Naxxar Counting Hall, it was very much the same. The last two remaining prospective candidates and party agents from the PL and PN were waiting to see who will manage to gain the last MEP seat available. After long agonising hours, on early morning Wednesday, the PN secured the third seat by a whisker.  A target set by Dr Simon Busuttil well before the MEP elections campaign kicked off.  An achievement for the PN though the wide margin of votes between the two leading parties remained almost identical to that of the last general election.   

With the last of MEP elected, our major political parties obtained equal representation in the EU Parliament. For the very first time, the electorate elected two ladies from each side.  This achievement is to their credit and hard work that they have put into it in the last months. This shows clearly that the electorate is well-tuned and recognises the efforts of candidates, irrespective of their gender.  While many push for the introduction of more gender positive discrimination measures, this electoral result is testimony that capable persons are second to none, irrespective of their gender.  The other elected two are the former PL Prime Minister and a third time PN elected MEP, both well-seasoned in EU matters.    

Right after the election results, rumours spread across all corners of the Islands. Onlythe third seat for the PN has stopped vultures, or rather power hungry vipers, from making a feast-day out of the disappointing PN electoral result.  Many names were floated who allegedly, were ready to take the PN’s most senior post instead of the present incumbent. The contenders, it was being said, had daggers and long, sharpened knives ready to make the move. However, their squeaking shoes uncovered their ploy as, at the very last moment, the PN gained the third seat. It seems that the spotlight at the centre of the stage knows no boundaries and is an attraction as light is to moths.  I trust it is now clear for all: Dr Simon Busuttil will continue to sail, albeit in troubled waters.         

Following this disappointing result, it is time for the hierarchy of the PN to spend some sleepless nights and maybe skip the summer holidays altogether. It is amply clear that cosmetic surgeries are not working. The worst thing that could happen now is for party structures to fail to respond to this negative electoral result. There is no harm to admit defeat and acknowledge weaknesses. Being honest is not being feeble. Weaknesses and defeats can and will be overcome if all players put aside their personal agenda and work collectively as a team. Collegiality is the key word for any successful organisation. Leading the party from the centre is not an option but a must.

The role of leader of the Opposition may be one of the toughest executive jobs. The scope vast, the stakes are high, the scrutiny intense and the criticism constant. I am sure that no easy problems ever come his way.  For the leader of the Opposition it means having to take on board the differing and at times conflicting agendas of a number of stakeholders. Successfully negotiating a path that will meet at the crossroads and be acceptable to the various shareholders may prove to be tough nut to crack, but it is doable.

Should the PN wish to move forward, some straight talk within the structures of the party has tobe done before followers can take to the streets and dance the night away.     

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