As mayor of Siggiewi I had the opportunity to meet the Leader of the Opposition a number of times. Alfred Sant is a gentleman. His broad knowledge, ranging from science and mathematics to literature and politics, renders him more intriguing. In political history, he will be remembered for reinstating a bold change in his own party structures, eradicating the bleak episodes that were characteristic of the mid-1980s. He managed to render Labour fit for re-election way back in 1996.

He had no other option but to call an early election in 1998, and Labour remained in opposition ever since. Despite Labour's successive failures in 1998 and 2003, Dr Sant remains the party's legitimate leader, with the majority of party delegates retaining confidence in his leadership, even though it is elsewhere purported that the party's political direction still lacks a clear definition two years from a general election.

The Nationalist Party has been in government since 1987, save for a short spell. It would not be a straightforward task to win over the electorate after so many years in government.

In relative terms, the Labour Party will probably continue to succeed in local elections for the years to come. Nevertheless, the PN has an unprecedented asset - its leader.

In reality Lawrence Gonzi's earned trust is not a result of the performance of the Leader of the Opposition, as some may have us believe. Dr Gonzi's mounting credibility is commensurate mainly with his unique ability to acknowledge the human scale without losing focus.

During his first couple of months in office, he unequivocally demonstrated that his actions are target-driven and schedule-oriented, supported by a marked ability to interact with the electorate.

Public participation and consultation has been singled out as the main catalysts underpinning Dr Gonzi's new way of doing politics. The Prime Minister's decision to resort to public dialogue, enticing the participation of the public in the policy-making arena, is a hallmark of Dr Gonzi's political portfolio.

Last week I had the opportunity to be present during one of these dialogues in Birkirkara, where the Prime Minister met members of the public, inviting those present to bring forward recommendations and make solid proposals, which would eventually guide the government to set the country's priorities. Malta will soon be benefitting from €850 million in Structural Funds. As the Prime Minister said, these funds would benefit the country in an unprecedented manner, and the government wants to ensure that funds are channelled to selected areas of priority in strict consultation with all the stakeholders and members of the public.

During the public debate, the following areas were singled out as key priorities by those present:

Information technology has proved to be the most effective tool in overcoming our territorial limitations and spatial logistics during recent years, and for this reason Malta should continue to invest heavily in this sector.

Malta should direct its efforts towards consolidating research and development in those areas bearing direct relevance to the country's socio-economic needs. Efforts should, therefore, be made to network sources of information, bringing all stakeholders and the industry together. The government should continue to invest in the upgrading of the country's transport infrastructure, with specific regard to the completion of pending arterial and residential roads.

The government should direct investment in support of a global infrastructural solution to address storm water problems in areas prone to flooding.

The government's success in managing to reduce the structural deficit to sustainable levels should enable a reassessment of the tax regime, and remove taxes which are potentially hindering investment.

These represent some of the salient points raised during the one-hour long open discussion held with the Prime Minister. A credible Dr Gonzi assured all those present that his government will seriously consider the people's views.

A fully receptive Prime Minister, who reiterated, time and again, that everyone should come together in shaping Malta's future, not least the opposition. Instead of coming forward with supporting proposals, the MLP, however, reacted the next day by saying that the Prime Minister made use of a primary school in Birkirkara "for propaganda purposes".

This is why the PN would probably be re-elected in 2008.

Mr Musumeci is a PN candidate for the general election and a member of the party's executive committee.

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