The Labour Party earlier this month launched a collection of policy documents published by the party over the last four years. The 648-page publication is not the party's electoral manifesto but it definitely provides the foundation of Labour's electoral programme and it includes bold position papers about the EU, the family, young people and the elderly, health, environment, education, working conditions, tourism industry regeneration, IT, the public sector and Gozo, among many others.
The Labour Party has listened and has learned, and has been focusing relentlessly on the priorities that people have set. The documents were developed during a wide-ranging process of consultation with some 300 organisations and more than 2,000 hours of discussions.
Good substance generates trust and confidence. The book, called Pjan ghal Bidu Gdid (A Plan for a Better Start) shows clear signs of a potentially new era, far more radical than many think possible. The party's determination to reform the way we are governed, a clear picture of New Labour's "traditional values in a modern setting" is deeply sensed. The mechanisms for bringing about the reforms are already in place.
The lack of substance in the Nationalist Party thinking cannot be replaced by Dr Gonzi's smile. The Nationalist strategists are committing a fatal blunder if they think an all-smiles Gonzi will score a victory for them in the next election. Celebrity politics is now boring the public. It will be political substance that will win the hearts and minds of the people.
Dr Sant looks visibly relaxed as E-day approaches. At each and every step he emphasises gaining the views of the public, experts, social partners and interest groups. During the last couple of years he has demonstrated the ability to reinvent himself and proved how he is indeed ready to usher in a genuine change in the way we do politics in Malta, leading to a strong and just society.
The Labour Party campaigners are sensing that change is in the air. Nonetheless, caution is the best way forward for they should not rest until, once again, the destinies of the people and the party are joined together again in victory at the next general election. Labour in its rightful place - in government again.