When one hears the term politics, political parties, government, political workings, elections, quickly comes to mind. Politics has a wider terminology, it is related to the governance of a country and the debate between parties.

Leave politics to politicians some might say. Wrong! Everyone contributes to politics. The least decision one takes contributes to politics. For example, if during a house visit a person relays an individual problem to a politician, that is politics. If a person chooses to purchase something from one shop instead of the other, he is doing politics. It goes without saying, politics revolves around choices. Choices, not only to elect a Government or who will serve as a member of parliament but choices and decisions an individual takes to better their life.

Politicians, contrary to perception, are elected to Parliament to serve. Serve their constituents, the party, on whose ticket they were elected, as well as the country. I for one entered politics to serve and do so wholeheartedly.

Being the Opposition spokesman on housing, the fight against poverty, as well as solitude, I can serve. Taking interest in social issues I help the vulnerable. I also believe in people contact, something I have been doing consistently throughout this legislature. This is my way of doing politics. I believe that people should be in the centre of society. No one lives in a vacuum.

Through politics I meet all sorts of people, people from different strata in society, people with different needs and difficulties. I do my best to help them and be an instrument to make peoples’ life better. I have seen misery, experiences homeless people, loneliness. For people who never experienced or have seen all sorts, they think that it is not the reality and hence they think that I might be exaggerating. It is important to note that the problem isn’t seen or left only in a particular area or region. It is nationwide.

The election can be any day within the next two and a half years. Promises and recommendations for the build-up of electoral manifestos will soon be taking place. It is nice to shape up electoral manifestos but it’s another thing to keep and implement what is stated in it. Promises are cheap.

A recent comment that caused controversy was done by the Housing Minister showing that he is far from reality. Politics also helps to gauge peoples’ feeling and their pulse. Sometimes controversial decisions and/or comments can cause unwanted hurts that can take long to heal. Sensitivity in Politics is important.

I am not saying that the way I do politics is the best way as everyone has their own interpretation of doing so. The best politics is done be the people, within the society, the decisions they take and their economic stability. Dependence on the state is debatable and many disagree. This is also politics.

A healthy society determines politics and policies. The Government implements, legislates and sees that order and stability is kept. It is the Government’s role to keep a positive climate. Politics by the people for the people is a guidance for politicians to keep tabs with the electorate. 

Ivan Bartolo is a Nationalist MP