Why all the fuss on consistency?

It was interesting to read Lino Spiteri's column on The Sunday Times of April 18. I like to read Mr Spiteri's columns because they frequently raise legitimate questions. However, I must say that I was taken aback this time. I might have been mistaken but I got the feeling that he made it sound like the Nationalists are fussing too much on the wrong aspects. Mr Spiteri seems convinced in his heart of hearts that the June 12 election turnout is going to be a let down. It is going to be a protest vote for some Nationalists. Mr Spiteri feels the PN has not delivered over the past year.

I do not possess the gift of prophesy and am not sure what will happen. One thing I can say however, the PN has always been consistent in its ideals and policies on Malta's stand on Europe. I think this election is about Europe and the main elected representatives should be the ones who legitimately imparted one clear message. Why do I say this? Well, consistency is ultimately what an astute and mindful electorate should be seeking.

Consistency is a crucial ingredient in a human being's development. It is one of the most important elements that define effective parenting when it comes to nuclear families. Inconsistency in parenthood and techniques thereof can result in major pathologies in an individual's personality. Psychologists give so much weight to the concept of consistency that some studies demonstrate that consistency, even if abusive, is less precarious than inconsistent non-abusive relationships.

Translating this into the local scene one sees two consistent voices prior to the March 8, 2003 referendum and the April 12, 2003 general election: Pro-Europe by the PN and anti-Europe by the Labour Party and Front Maltin Inqumu.

The PN has always remained consistent with its pro-European voice, presenting candidates who were always pro-Europe, for the June 12 European parliament elections.

The Front Maltin Inqumu has always kept its strong anti-Europe and Eurosceptic mind-set, even though it has not yet verified if it will be fielding any candidate for the European Parliament elections.

The MLP, thrown into disarray by a leadership race that went sour for people who challenged Alfred Sant, changed its stance and became pro-Europe. It is alleging loyalty to workers as their representative in the European Parliament which voice, however, the MLP continues to regard as extremely weak and insignificant.

Allow me to ask a sceptical question. Why ask someone to vote for you when you are convinced that your voice is feeble? To add insult to injury, the MLP puts forward eight candidates most of whom were unwaveringly anti-Europe in 2003! Wow, if this is not cacophony, what is?

I pity those pro-Europe Labourites who must be scratching their heads who to vote for. I agree with Mr Spiteri that there will be a protest vote. This will be of Labour supporters who cannot get themselves to vote Nationalist and who will end up not voting, abstaining or voting AD or for an independent candidate.

The vote for the European Parliament on June 12 is a very important vote. The PN has always showed consistency in its beliefs on the importance of Malta fully becoming a member of the European Union. I have no doubt that people are going out to vote judiciously on June 12 because they want to elect five members who are going to be Malta's voice in the European parliament and no matter how frail that voice is (five members in a parliament of about 750 members) we are sure it can bring forth a lot of good for our country. After all, there are no small parts, only small actors.