Let the good times roll

Of course, this has nothing to do with the rhythm and blues song. Although I wouldn't be surprised if the Maltese delegation repeatedly played the song immediately after the EU leaders agreed on the new seven-year budget. Malta will be €455 million richer. What a deal!

We should all be proud of our leaders. They managed to acquire for our beloved land what others believed was impossible. What a Christmas present, thank you, Mr Prime Minister! We are grateful to you and the government you lead.

Opposition Leader Alfred Sant now has got the blues. Hence he prefers to look between the lines of this marvellous deal. What he actually wants to do is try and find the proverbial hair in the dough. Shame, he and his followers have a short memory. It was only the other day they were claiming that Malta would not be a net beneficiary. But, once again, Labour were mistaken (I'm sure we said so many times before).

Instead of admitting their mistakes, they continue talking nonsense. Dr Sant wants to know what these millions of euros would translate to, per capita. Obviously plenty more than the nothing we would have got had he succeeded in stopping Malta joining the EU. He wants to know if we will have to introduce VAT on medicine.

Now what has the introduction of VAT on medicine got to do with the net effect of Lm194 million coming Malta's way? Is he implying that if this tax is introduced the money collected will be paid to the EU? Dr Sant should know better. So why confuse the issue.

Stop looking for the proverbial hair, Dr Sant. On January 1, 2007 the dough you want to scrutinise would become a lovely cake. Baked in time for the people to enjoy... just before the general election. Mind you, this is no electoral gimmick. This huge and marvellous cake is the outcome of hard work and stiff negotiations. We must never forget that this Lm194 million prize is one of the many benefits derived from the historical victories of a referendum and a general election fought tooth and nail.

The Nationalist Party delivers what it promises. Yes, spring is here. We have started reaping the fruit. Let the good times roll.

Dr Sant, be honest; admit that you were wrong. Admit that the Nationalist government, again, acted in the best interest of the nation. Isn't it obvious that unless Labour acts honourably the people will never trust them? One does not have to be a rocket scientist to understand such logic.

Dear Dr Sant, give the people peace of mind. Assure them that if (God forbid) you were to win the next general election, you would appoint the Nationalist leadership en bloc as your advisers. We just cannot take chances. Malta cannot afford to return to the abyss of Socialist rule.

Synonymous with the PN are the words hope, aspiration, faith, perseverance and achievement. So, let the good times roll.