'Values precede economy' - Archbishop

Now that the festive season is over, it is everyone's duty to find - or create - quality time to reflect in depth on what we have heard and read during Christmas tide.

No doubt, it is the task of bishops of the universal Church to preach the Gospel: to point people in the direction of Christ. Admittedly, religion is always personal, but never just a private affair.

Politicians, and political leaders in particular, have such a noble role to play. Trade unionists, and social partners, no less than bishops and politicians, have a privilege but also a huge responsibility which no one can shirk. They are expected to set an example and to inspire citizens... anytime and anywhere.

This is time to reflect, draw the conclusions and make resolutions. This is the God-sent occasion to take heed of Archbishop Mercieca's appeal to all those present on freedom Square, Valletta, for the launching of Milied Flimkien campaign. Among those present were the President of Malta and the leaders of the political parties. He urged politicians and other leaders not to put the economy before values and stressed on the importance of a united and strong family.

One was also very appreciative of Mgr Mercieca's appeal for reflection that both the Church and the authorities have a sacrosanct duty to strengthen the family. He clearly said: "It was important for everybody to stop treating women who stayed at home to look after their children as second-class citizens. Women who work at home are as important as those working in the office, and they should be helped even financially."

In very clear terms the Archbishop appealed to politicians to pull the same rope when dealing with issues of common interest in Malta and Gozo. When politicians seek solely party interests and political mileage they are quite naïve. One of the concerns these days is the low status of politicians in public estimation, which is generally neither justified by the evidence nor good for democracy.

Politics is an honourable vocation, which often exacts great personal cost from those who engage in it, and from their families. The fact that some politicians from time to time fall short of the highest standards is not grounds for dismissing the whole class of politicians as unworthy of respect.

At the same time politicians must be especially careful not to use or to appear to use, their privileged position for personal gain. Indeed, those politicians who have, by their behaviour, contributed to a climate of distrust must bear some considerable responsibility.

Part of the responsibility must also lie with the highly partisan quality of public political debate, where it has become almost customary to attribute the worst motives to one's political opponents.

Politicians of one party should show more respect towards those of other parties. Those who engage in political abuse can expect retaliation in kind and they are inviting the public to believe the worst about all politicians.