Over the past months, I could not help but notice that politics has become all about deviation and opportunity rather than politics for the common good. This is indeed a pity and is starting to have an effect on the general public.

I have also noticed that politics has become all about who you know and not what you are capable of doing and also, who you are. This worries honest people who follow politics because they genuinely believe that the way of doing politics has changed, when in reality it's just the wrapper (people) that has changed and not the way politics is done. Also, what seems to be corruption is on the rise and does not encourage people to continue following at all because they have been promised otherwise. I strongly believe that politics should be all about giving rights in the interest of the common good and not politics of favours and little to none about rights

. Rights are indeed being introduced but the situation seems to be a very opportunistic one. Politicians need to get the people's attention and not push them away. I personally feel that politicians should listen more and put themselves in the people's shoes and act accordingly, as the opposition has very well done.

I feel that there is a gap in society, particularly between citizens and politicians. This has changed a little since the Parliament Channel was introduced, as people can know what is going on in Parliament and what is being discussed and introduced and what is not. However, much more needs to be done. Not everything that goes on in Parliament is reaching everyone as a rule. A party in government should always think long-term and plan well ahead for the five years it is in power and beyond; it must avoid being short-sighted with decisions being made which can lead to negative and serious repercussions. Everything should be discussed well and not rush things for the sake of impressing.

The ultimate question here should be: How are the citizens and future generations going to benefit from the project I am about to propose or benefit from the decisions being made? Over the past months and recent political activity, I could not help but notice that floating voters are on the rise. I feel that society is constantly maturing politically and can read between the lines and make up their mind when it comes to passing judgement about a person/s in power and easily go against political decisions being made.

People are looking for good governance. Good governance is all about a government that is effective - a government that makes sensible decisions and thinks long term and is credible and transparent, admitting and shouldering political responsibility when appropriate. I must say that I greatly admire a politician who admits is wrong when in the wrong. Admitting being wrong in Politics adds credibility to a Politician and shows that that Politician is human, to a certain extent. However, it is one thing to admit one was wrong and say that it was noted and still persist in going in the wrong direction. This is why I feel that a government in power should always consult with the public as much as possible. However, this is not always the case. There are many, who think the same way as I do. Really, it's the little things that count. On the other hand, when in opposition, one should concentrate on building bridges with society as much as possible, which seems to be happening but is not reaching everyone. However, the ultimate question here should be: Will those bridges be burnt once in government? Or will the Opposition be able to prove to people that there is clear difference and credibility than its previous legislation? Actions speak louder than words and people want to see things being done that will put their mind at rest and say when in government, this party indeed means business in what it says and is going to be 10 times more effective when in government. An effective Opposition should be able to turn the current government's weaknesses into its strengths and the government's threats into its opportunities. Also, an effective Opposition is one that thinks ahead of the government's actions in order to predict what the government's moves will be and be on a par with the government at all times. I'm referring to the current political trend of deviation. The Opposition should always predict what the next subject will be and act accordingly and not forget past subjects being discussed. The foundations that are built in Opposition should be the foundations that continue to be built when in government and it is these that will make that government effective and the ideal government for the common good. I could not help but notice that at the beginning of this government's legislation, it was said to have the largest cabinet in history. The concept was to have a shiny wrapper on the outside and nothing else. In reality, it's quality that counts and not quantity.

Last but not least, listening to the public is essential. Simply because of the fact that it is the public that elects you to government in the first place, isn't it? Then again, it's easier said than done as governments tend to turn to favours, which is not the way to do things.

It is a pity to see that politics has become the politics of deviation and opportunity rather than politics in the interest of the common good.