Consensus politics

I have "bothered to notice" Gavin Gulia's Talking Point entitled Haven't You Bothered To Notice? (October 22). There are points that have to be clarified.

Dr Gulia claims that "Each and every time the Nationalists find themselves in dire straits, as is the case now, they turn to the opposition for consensus". Unfortunately, this attitude on the opposition's part, and were it truly so on the government's part, removes the main purpose of consensus politics.

Members of the public, exponents of the Nationalist Party and the Prime Minister himself have been advocating for some time consensus politics. There are issues which are not divisive and where the concentrated efforts of the political parties can contribute towards solutions, which will have the backing of the people. It is in this regard that we all have to have the courage to identify such issues which demand a common approach.

Education is a prime example. It will certainly add to the efficacy of resolving problems affecting the financing of our university and a proper re-assessment of our educational systems, if these matters be removed from partisan politics and translated into national policies.

On health issues, consensus politics is of the essence for the future of our health care system. What harm is there if we strive for consensus politics in relation to the proper financing, sustainability and administration of health care in Malta? Need we politicise something which is of its nature a national concern?

In foreign affairs, after the long drawn out agony as to whether to join the EU, we are all now striving to make of Malta's membership a success. Is it not wise for our five MEPs to be in search of commonalities as to make our limited voice in the European Parliament heard as much as possible in unison? And, beyond the European Parliament, is it not wise to pursue a bipartisan foreign policy on issues that affect our common vital interests? It would appear from recent trends that in foreign affairs we are moving in that direction, but, regrettably, we sometimes lack the political courage of saying so.

Dr Gulia raised the issue of the drug problem. We should all recognise that this problem is one which defies partisan divisions. Thus, we should all have the courage to distinguish between the real drug pusher and the victim. It is here, I believe, that a consensus policy can make us face our responsibility towards the electorate, with a greater sense of fairness and a balanced approach to issues affecting the future of so many.

Reference is often made to the influx of illegal immigrants. I believe we are all torn between the pity for the sufferings and destitution of these hunger refugees and the concern for the social and economic interests of our country.

Whether we call this a cause for a national conference or rather for the matter to be discussed in the Social Affairs Committee is only marginally relevant. What is relevant is that we as a people learn how to face this problem, not by sniping at each other but by ensuring that what is done is carried out in the national interest, without losing sight of our sense of solidarity.

There are undoubtedly other issues, which require and justify a consensus approach. The increase in the price of oil is not something for which the government may be blamed. The same applies to pensions: the problem may not be an immediate one but is it reasonable to leave such matter at the doorstep of any successive government when the solutions to such a problem may then be more difficult? Given that the cause of the problem is not related to any government's actions or inactions, is this not an issue of national interest that should be removed from partisan approaches?

Consensus politics in such issues of national concern is not to be seen as a politics in the interest of the government and to the detriment of the opposition. It may be in the interests of a government to resolve such issues but it is equally in the interest of an opposition to prove itself to be an alternative government by playing a decisive role in resolving such national concerns. Most important of all, it is in the interest of our electorate.

Consensus politics is not weakness on the part of the government nor, for that matter, on the part of the opposition. It requires much more courage to work together than to fight each other.

This I believe must be the politics of tomorrow.

Dr de Marco is a government member of Parliament.