What an agitated and restless people we are.  No sooner has one storm passed that we bring on another.  We have absolutely no intention of ever allowing some calm and good sense to prevail over some short-term excitement.

We flock in droves to any event that attracts crowds and offers food and if it is free, even better.  Without stopping to assess the content and the consequences of our actions we are immediately drawn to follow the scene and be ready to join in.  Whilst fun and enthusiasm are good qualities to possess, when it comes to politics a little less rush and some more thought could be good.

Without influencing choice, it is possible to see that at this time in our political history we need a ‘third’ party as much as we need an ice bucket challenge.  It may be for a good cause, but it will definitely be a cold shower. 

It is a short-term transition, coming too late after the horse has bolted.  Those who struggled to come to terms with the huge let down coming from the labour party may enjoy the temporary thought of not being completely wrong and maintaining some dignity by saying that a new party can provide them with the truth they seek.  The fact is that they will be repeating the same false hope as they did before and ensuring the same result that was reached before.  It is little more than vanity. 

At this time, we know that what we have in the way of political parties is sometimes less and sometimes more than we expect but punishing the best chance of a challenge to what we no longer support is completely unethical and undeserving.  We have already suffered the consequences of the majority choice in 2013 and made sure to make our mind heard even after.  It would really be a shame to set ourselves back yet again so capriciously.

No matter how decent and smart or how anti-establishment the new party candidates may appear, they are only pawns to Joseph Muscat who will rally his supporters and bring on the attack.   With an election that according to the current polls, may run neck and neck, it would be naïve to think that you would be doing a good thing to bring in a third or fourth, party.   The only basis on which the forthcoming election should be held is on seeking a good and valid alternative government for Malta, one that can effectively deliver and actually win its term to govern.

A group of like-minded people who wish to redress the harm being done to our islands can come together and endorse the party that they think best fits their platform.  To stand for election would be self-defeating.  As a group, however, they can make their voice heard.  Neither do we want to have another partisan group being lobbied for votes and receiving concessions.  They could influence the debate and support the interests and agenda of their members.  But we certainly do not need another block to appease either.  Indeed, we hope that this very issue is one that the new party would reject.  The excessive courting of rival groups caused a lot of damage to the environment and brought down standards overall.  It is seen as one of the areas which merits most change.  So it would be narrow minded to impose their views on one of the two main parties.  But that does not mean that their debate and their views are to be ignored.  As a function of civil society they could be a part of a healthy democracy and can be integral to positive change overall.

From what has been said up to now, the arguments in favour of establishing a party appear weak and unfounded.  It is also difficult to justify the creation of this party based on what existed 3 years ago and what transpired since then.  What will distinguish this party from the others?  What real purpose will it have?  How sound are its principles and what credentials can it can stand on?  Just because it is anti-establishment does not mean it is fit for purpose. 

Let us not take on more than we can chew.  The food from the buffet has been piled high on the plates of the greedy.  Some are already bursting as it is.  A healthy diet is more what we need right now.  It may mean that we eat a cold salad instead of a juicy steak or give a chance to the light version instead of the full cream but bringing in the sushi at this time would only complicate matters and spoil a good meal with friends.

Some self-sacrifice for the greater good would show intelligence and a sense of responsibility.  It does not mean that in the long term having another party should be totally excluded.  If it were to gain the respect of the people and show that it really means to stand for the good of the country, by not participating in the election this time round, it will be more credible.  Besides, people are now wary of trusting fancy words and bold claims.  Taking time to formulate a distinct profile and create a following of supporters is necessary to distinguish them from others that tried before.

The fact of the matter is that the whole fiasco that we are experiencing now with shady deals and sinking boats is hopeless enough.  Trying to bring some order to the unprecedented mess we are currently in is not a small task or one for the faint hearted and anyone willing to take on the job should have the experience to hit the ground running.  To persist in laying blame and recrimination will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.  We really need a clear and convincing alternative.  Anything less than that will only jeopardise the chances of electing a credible and effective government and leave us in an even worse situation from where we are now.  The longer we allow a situation to carry on and give it our support, the more it will grow strong and expand even further.  Hopping from one bar to another on some pub crawl will not change the reality.  That may be fine for a bachelor’s party but not for a long term commitment.