It seems that our political class is getting used to stumbling.  I know this sounds harsh especially coming from someone who has the highest esteem towards politicians for the unenviable role they occupy.  I still believe that on an individual basis most are high calibre individuals with a passion for what they do and have a strong sense of commitment towards the issues they champion, but...   

It seems that all this gusto disappears once they are being filmed on Parliament TV or when facing off to the media.  I have regular conversations with politicians and they seem to be a completely different breed when cut off from their peers.  The moment they conglomerate and put on their ‘Party’ hats they seem to become unreasonable, interested only in strategy rather than content and focused more on packaging instead of substance. 

Now I do understand that politics is also about wrapping and schemes but not at the cost of what they should stand for.  I reiterate that politics is about improving the quality of life of people, it is legislating and finding solutions for individuals and families who are suffering, citizens whose life may not have been so gentle and smooth as it has turned out for most of us.  There are people who struggle with bills day-in-day-out, who are being discriminated, who have lost all hope in life, who might not even have enough money to warm up their homes let alone relish in luxuries.  I don’t want to sound romantic but this is the truth.  

If the Eurobarometer findings are anything to go by, politicians should really check themselves out.  Fair enough, 85% felt that the economy is doing well but what about the 74% who think that immigration is a major concern - which to me is evidence that not enough debate and reassurance is being offered by politicians on this issue.  Other indicators are equally worrying; namely, a drop in Government confidence by 5% and the claim that 60% of those interviewed have no belief in political parties and this when we have just enacted the party financing bill. If I was a politician or a party member I would be having very disturbed sleep patterns as I reflect on these pointers. 

I feel that this time of the year, at its very beginning, half-way through a legislature when political parties will soon start gearing themselves up for a general election it might be a good time to re-think the way we are designing our political landscape and possibly go back to the drawing board. 

Maybe our discourse has become more politically correct but the way we are constructing our communities is to say the least faulted and needs realignment.  Our institutions seem to be under increasing pressure.  We risk turning the notion of governance into a cliche’ but what is required essentially is that our institutions are protected from politicians and we need to separate the civil service from Government policies.  The Administration should be providing direction and making sure that the commitment given in the Electoral Manifesto is being seen to.  After that it is the role of the Civil Service, which is amply resourced together with the Agencies and Authorities, to drive through and implement with effectiveness and efficiency. 

But in moments when our political discourse seems to fail us I turn to role models that still make me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

One such politician turned Statesman is President Emeritus George Abela. 

I shadowed him during most of his Presidency in view of the fact that I wanted to write a book on him (George Abela – Qalb in-Nies - Kite Publishers, 2013).  I’m not one for hero worshipping but I can see good where it exists.  If politicians had to emulate him on a number of fronts I think we could have a healthier political milieu.  This doesn’t mean that George Abela was perfect, or that there weren’t other people with equal dignified competencies.  The fact is that I got to know him closely and I think he is a good example on how politicians should frame themselves.

I must admit that before voluntarily contributing to the Presidency during his tenure I knew him like most others as a public figure, who never wobbled even when the going got tough.  This is a sacrosanct principle that politicians should embrace.  He stood his ground and made his beliefs clear.  There was no beating around the bush but he made an argument and always explained his position.   It has been said that at the end of his Presidency he choose not to sign in a law because he felt it went against his principles.  People might not have agreed with him but once again you knew that this was not a knee jerk situation and he would have discussed it internally, with experts, thought about it, reflected on how he felt it would influence the community and finally took a stand which he would not falter on.

On another note people remember him in his role as lawyer. Those close to the courts cite him as one of the most eloquent and persuasive lawyers they knew because he was always prepared and looked at the infinitesimal details.  This is another detail that our politicians seem to be lacking.  For him the ‘minute’ was as important as the bigger picture.  I can’t remember him reacting but always responding.  Even in moments when he was emotional, poignant and emotive he would always look into the details.  For him every issue required a 360 degrees analysis and would consult with specialists in the field before carrying the final decision.

President Emeritus Abela also had another brilliant quality which politicians might care to emulate.  His sense of timing was incredible.  He could read the moment and respond accordingly.  The fact that he was close to people did not blur his view from the bigger picture.  He was intent and keen to understand the individual narratives that contributed immensely to his conception of what action needs to be taken but he also understood that a move at the wrong moment, even with all the good intentions, could draw fire.  One could see his ability to do the right thing at the right time by taking on-board l-Istrina when it was constructing a sense of uncertainty, he initiated the debate on the Constitutional amendments via the President’s Forum, he celebrated the role of volunteers by creating a national award, he visited schools, engaged in the community, worked with the Foreign Office and led trade delegations. 

I have always been impressed by Abela’s commitment to the cause he puts his mind to.  Whether it was Kerygma, Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek or the Malta Football Association, the General Workers Union or the Labour Party he knew when he had to be involved and the moment he had to move on.  Every time he left it was because he felt that the project, or what he could contribute to it, was achieved.  He wasn’t interested in leaving a legacy but on ensuring the organisation was in a better position.  He would give it his utmost, that for sure, but once he felt that his time was up, he moved on more often than not without any regrets, knowing that he gave it his all. This passion, this determination and his sense of free will is another quality that could help our politicians.  Keeping in mind that this is not about ‘them’ but about a bigger cause is the best legacy one can leave.

I believe that George Abela had charisma and if politicians don’t have that they might as well pack up.  Charisma isn’t necessarily charm but an ability to communicate with people.  George Abela had this ability that was rooted in his upbringing, the roots and identity that he never shied away from.  The experiences he lived were a beacon. 

Another positive that politicians could draw from is that President Emeritus Abela wasn’t about giving out of benevolence and sympathy but focused on developing a sense of resolve, belief and solidarity.  He wanted people to find solutions for their own problems rather than deliver fridges and cookers.

George Abela’s charisma was about a belief that behind everyone’s effort there needs’ to be a team.  He works with others as if it all depends on the smallest of those contributing.  He would listen to all.  His trademark ‘inti x’ tahseb’ is a phrase which he used continually and was indicative of his organisational and people skills.

I am sure that some or our politicians know that the direction our political landscape is taking requires a sharp turn. My recommendation is simple; Think of politicians, of people who have occupied public office who did a lot but instead of obsessed with being remembered for ‘who they were’ they are kept in mind for ‘what they did’.  Those are our symbols of hope. In them lies the blue print on how to get back on track.