State of the nation

As the end of 2006 approaches, I think we can look forward to a good 2007. Economic indicators are positive. Reports emerging from the EU Commission are encouraging. Malta is set to fulfil the criteria necessary for joining the eurozone and is on track with the Lisbon Agenda. But perhaps more important is the mood of the Maltese people.

The results of polls published in sections of the local press have shown that the Nationalist government and party have made a remarkable recovery, particularly since the very positive budget announced in October. Great progress is being made in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, the environment and so on. In fact, I would like to see a comparative report of the speed of development in all sectors, say, over the last 35 years.

Now that democratic principles are a foregone conclusion in this country of ours (not that we did not have to fight hard for them and not that the Malta Labour Party has ever apologised for its actions during the 1970s and 1980s), it is the economy and the well-being of the people that count, and the core of this is obviously the health of our finances, both in terms of government spending and the people's spending power. It seems that both will be on the increase, what with the millions of euros to be invested by the government and the feel-good factor that will be on the increase. I suppose the Christmas period will give us an indication of the latter. What is certain, however, is that our Prime Minister himself exudes the confidence we require in his every speech and gesture.

All these pluses should lead to yet another Nationalist win at the general election within a year or so. It is not a question of election gimmicks or distribution of wealth, but the true state of affairs in this nation of ours. The hard times, necessary to make us move forward, would seem to be over and we can all reap the fruits of our hard sacrifices. These are made even larger by the negative and sorry state of affairs within the opposition party. This is a pity, but a reality. This party is characterised by some serious strife. It would seem, however, that, although many party officials (in high places too) would like to see the Labour leader call it a day, he still seems to be popular with the grassroot element. This situation would continue to favour the Nationalist Party, but is it healthy for the nation?

On the other side, one must also mention the recent waves created in the PN ranks by the John Dalli affair. Here, it is important that the bull be taken by the horns without delay. Mr Dalli has threatened to give a press conference and reveal certain facts should he deem appropriate. This stance is totally unacceptable. If Mr Dalli is believed to be bluffing, call his bluff without delay. The Nationalist government and party, and the Prime Minister, of course, cannot live under threat. Mr Dalli has asked that the damage caused by the false Zahra report be remedied. Can he come clean and clearly say what he expects, rather than play this cloak and dagger game?

There is no doubt, as the Prime Minister has said, that this report was never given as a reason for Mr Dalli's resignation from the Cabinet. Why come out with this claim now? I say that what happened has happened and there is no going back. Mr Dalli resigned because of allegations made by the MLP regarding airline tickets purchased from a company with which Mr Dalli had a family connection. Why has the Zahra report only been given as a reason many months later? Obviously, the Labour media has made a lot of this incident - understandable and to be expected. The Saviour Balzan press has also been moaning and groaning on the Dalli side. Why? Can Mr Balzan please declare his interest, past or present, vis-à-vis Mr Dalli? In that way readers will know where he is coming from and be able to judge.

A final note has nothing to do with the above, except that it has a connection with airline tickets. Air Malta's in-flight service has deteriorated over the years - in line with economy measures - but what is offensive is the patronising statement that a complimentary drink is being offered with the meal. I mean we paid for the whole package, including food and drink. Can they please stop this offensive statement.

Then we have the coaches (Air Malta's or MIA's responsibility?). Besides the ridiculous situation where a one-minute walk from the aircraft to the terminal is replaced by a coach which takes many minutes to be filled, the coaches are packed to such an extent that one has to fight to get in and then can hardly move. But more interesting is the fact that one coach has a door which only opens in half. I encountered this in the first week of November and it had not been repaired a good fortnight later. But what is worse is that on the second occasion (November 22), one whole door on this same coach just would not shut. How's that for security and safety?