There is a difference between political principle and politicians with principle. Both are essential. The first relate to political beliefs that is why a politician chooses one party over another whereas politicians with principle are moral attributes which are more innate to an individual.

Why am I discussing this and highlighting these differences? Why is the subject important? Well what happened recently and what is still happening in Malta both come into play. These will be discussed later on in this article.

I spent my childhood and adolescence under a Labour Government in the 70s and 80s. It was well known that it was left leaning and with socialist beliefs. Nothing wrong with that! I spent my adult life under a Nationalist Government that had more Christian Democratic credentials which had a centrist approach.

Fast forward to our days, some argue that there is no glaring difference between both parties. Many argue that the Nationalist Party has become more left leaning whereas the Labour Party moved to the right. Why is all this important? Some history is important to develop the argument. One must remember the discussion in Parliament before the Labour Government was brought down by Dom Mintoff in 1998 after which an election followed. Former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, who had Socialist beliefs and principles, accused the then Prime Minister Dr Alfred Sant of losing the social compass. The party he had militated in, with social beliefs and with the lowest in the social strata at heart, was unrecognisable. God only knows what his reaction would have been, had he been alive, on seeing the current situation of the Labour Party.

When Joseph Muscat stated that the Government he leads is pro-Business it meant that social, and socialist, beliefs were shelved. He created a movement where he attracted people with different beliefs and backgrounds and tried to blend them in one. He succeeded! This goes to show that he ditched the socialist principles instilled in him, by the then leader Dom Mintoff, in his youth. Other evidence is that he 'sold' Malta to the contractors with building sites and cranes everywhere. He initiated the sale of passport scheme and above all, in his scandal driven Government, we got to know that he spent 21,000 euros for the purchase of air tickets to holiday with his family in Dubai. So much for socialist beliefs, the low-income earners, the poor people! Many people, including Government employees till a certain grade, struggle to earn that amount as yearly income. This, not to mention, apart from the alleged conspiracy to assassinate a journalist from the topmost echelons within his office.

One might argue that Joseph Muscat did have social attributes by legislating and through budgets he presented. He boasts of introducing the Whistle-blower Act. Applause! On the other hand, there was a conspiracy to shut a Whistle-blower up. He boasted to have increased welfare and social benefits but then increased taxes, and as a result, the prices of the basic needs which the low-income earners feel the most and all this when there is a strong economy.

Proof of this is what the leadership contenders, who are more socialist at heart, are saying. One is saying that he will focus more on the environment, whereas the other is saying he will increase pensions just to give an example. This goes to show that Joseph Muscat failed in both and also shows his personal beliefs and principles as well as political principles.

I, as a parliamentarian, militate within the Nationalist party and am spokesperson for housing, poverty, social inclusion and solitude. One might argue that these are left leaning attributes how am I comfortable within this party? I am! First and foremost, it was Nationalist Governments throughout their 25-year tenure that addressed housing, poverty, social inclusion and solitude issues. It addressed housing issues through various measures, like home ownership schemes and the building of housing units among others. Poverty, by addressing and widening social benefits, increasing the minimum wage and lowering tax bands. Social inclusion and solitude, by investing and strengthening of day care centres, night shelters, old peoples' homes, measures related to the disabled to find work and not to be marginalised, equality between gender laws as legislated in 1993, as well as the setting up of, and investing in authorities and directorates.

My personal principles and beliefs tally with what the Nationalist Party worked on in Government that is why I am comfortable.

I believe that personal principles, albeit should be in sync with political principles, should never be compromised or for sale for whatever reason.

As a prominent politician once said: 'Malta first and foremost'. All should at least agree on this.