If only politicians, from both parties, realise that it is high time to stop treating the electorate as morons who can be manipulated with empty slogans! I have voted PN since my return to the island, simply because in my opinion they pursued a more modern, moderate, mainstream political philosophy than their counterparts in the Labour Party.
The Labour Party seem to be caught in a time-warp. They are unable to wean themselves from excessive and oppressive govern-ment intervention which takes away freedom and initiative from the individual.
That does not mean that I go along with everything the PN say and do. For example, I think it was crass stupidity to make cheap political propaganda out of the small charge the Labour Party introduced on prescriptions. They looked rather silly when in a very short time they had to tell us that we cannot expect everything for free.
They did the same thing when the Labour Party proposed a property tax. I am almost certain that in the fullness of time the PN will introduce this tax, and then they will have to deploy the stock reply that times have changed.
I expected better from Dr Fenech Adami, whom I deeply respect, than to allow the party to stoop to this chicanery. That is now behind us, neither forgotten nor forgiven.
Now it is the PN's turn to find itself in the uncomfortable position of having to tell us a few home truths. I salute Minister John Dalli for his gumption in seizing the nettle. He has finally, and in my opinion rightly, decided that the thorny social gap with regard to pensions cannot be allowed to fester any longer. For his troubles he will be slated by the MLP, who will seek to gain cheap political advantage, just as the PN did when roles were reversed.
When are our political parties going to mature and stop this juvenile behaviour once and for all? Our politicians should wake up and realise that their capers are neither honourable nor acceptable to a civilised electorate. If only I could suggest a new breed of leaders for both the PN and the MLP!
I would do away with Dr Fenech Adami whom I thank for propelling Malta into the 21st century; yet he failed to change the over-the-top way in which we conduct politics. Almost the same goes for Dr Sant. He looks completely out of place when screeching at public meetings trying to whip all around him to an insane frenzy, by emulating the "traitor" in his style and rousing oratory.
If only I could persuade the MLP that Dr Josè Herrera, with his impressive calm and gentlemanly attitude, coupled with his ability to debate and reason with his adversary without any untoward sign of aggression, will make an impressive leader for any party!
I have to admit to be spellbound with the quality of debates that were televised, I believe on Smash Television, between Dr Herrera and Dr Jason Azzopardi. They complement each other, their greatness lies in that neither of them feel the need to gainsay his opponent. They are capable of calm yet spellbinding debate, while maintaining a benign smile.
They are indeed the type of politicians that I would like to see inhabiting Parliament. It will be the biggest quantum leap in civilising politics in our island.