A quota too much

Without intending to cast the least shadow of doubt on Helena Dalli's good intentions (October 31), may I reiterate more than ever that her proposed 20 per cent quota in favour of females aspiring for "positions of responsibility" does still not make sense within the framework of present-day society. Indeed, such a stance risks reducing social politics to the level of advertising and does little credit to the party she represents.

Who, in his right senses, would dare be against females finding their rightful place in society without fear or favour?

The former President of the Republic, the late Agatha Barbara, was not appointed to Malta's highest post on the strength of a quota imposed by Parliament. This is also true in the case of Madame Justice Abigail Lofaro and Madame Justice Anna Felice, who were recently appointed judges to preside over the Maltese Courts of Justice. They deserved their appointment as women judges and must feel today more than proud of their exceptional achievement.

As for the University, to cite another example of female competence, it has been reported that female graduates are today outnumbering their male counterparts! And all this without the imposition of quotas.

One acknowledges, nonetheless, that there are still today people in positions of responsibility who don't deserve the least to be there. Yet, these are to be found among both males and females and not made up of men only, as Mrs Dalli is wont to emphasise in her claim.

So let us not jump to conclusions and foist upon public and private sector employees such a proportional absurdity!

Social justice cannot be meted out by subscribing to a simplistic solution using a calculator liable to open the lid of a particularly unpleasant can of worms!

Once the Malta Labour Party general conference decides to approve the above-mentioned specified quota, nothing will stop the flurries of questions that will be raised as a result.

And then, what about the Office of the Ombudsman? Has it now become irrelevant, obsolete so to say, to the MLP? Does the MLP still believe in its integrity, in the way it functions or is it a matter of just paying lip service to this noble institution that is a credit to a civilised nation?

Our political parties, whether in government or in opposition, must no longer cling to privilege (parliamentary immunity sounds so outdated) and feign to respect principles of social justice. We have had more than enough of our share of dabbling in public posts and nepotism!

Yet, we don't need quotas to rectify wrongdoings, build a better society and give it a meaning.

Our parties should set an example of maturity to our people whatever their political vision or philosophical orientation. That's what democracy embodies, after all. All Maltese citizens are entitled to enjoy their full rights, irrespective of their social caste, colour or creed.

And, last but not least, the MLP should above all stick to its erstwhile noble principles, drawing voters out of a desire for a mandate based on reciprocal trust and not by virtue of vote-catching stunts and innuendoes.

Michael Falzon, the MLP's deputy leader, said in an interview with The Times (October 30) that "the MLP should be elected not as an alternative government (by default) but as a better government".

This comprises the exclusion of all forms of discrimination and favouritism between males and females.

The imposition of a quota as high as 20 per cent will distort all this thinking.

What would Mrs Dalli say, for instance, if fewer than the advocated 20 per cent quota of females were to be eligible to particular positions of responsibility? Would that imply that the rest would have to be handpicked in accordance with party whims and fancies by using the much-abused "friends of friends" yardstick?

To gain votes the MLP should refrain from reaching out to the electorate by having recourse to empty slogans and distorted views of facts and figures that undermine irreparably its credibility and right as an alternative government in the near future.

It would do better to base its convictions simply on what often purports to be common sense and the bare truth.