Editorial
Winning the electorate's trust
Considering the long time the Labour Party has been in opposition, it is of course far from surprising for MLP leader Alfred Sant to use as a main slogan for the coming general election what he perceives as the need for change. Having reversed its policies over EU membership and the introduction of the euro, the party looks keen now to hinge its election campaign on the need for change. It was untrue, Dr Sant said last Wednesday, that there was no one big issue in the coming general election. The big issue was change, he insisted.
Others may think differently and pointedly ask: Change to what exactly? Dr Sant may feel the wind is in their sails but it is only the ballot box that will ultimately show the people's preference. People would not want change unless they know what kind of change the MLP is proposing, not airy-fairy proposals that instantly smell of political opportunism but sound ideas that can really take root within the constraints of a small economy as that of Malta. True, the Nationalists have been in power now for a very long time, giving rise to some arrogance and inefficiencies here and there, but Labour are not as yet convincing enough in their arguments and this is likely to make voters - especially the so-called floating voters - to think twice before deciding to entrust them with the job of governing the country.
Dr Sant marks his official return to the hustings, following the surgery he has undergone recently, when he gives the concluding address to the Labour Party's general conference tomorrow. He has said that he would be making a keynote speech, setting the theme for an election campaign and presenting a forward-looking policy. He adds he would also be making things clear over their options. "We have quite a good policy plan and our priorities have been set."
Having talked so much over the past months about his party's plans and priorities and about the prospect of a new beginning, the electorate is now doubtlessly anxious to learn more of the party's plans. Whatever the party has in mind, though, it is also clear that the programme the Nationalists are following is working well, so well in fact that they have managed to correct their own mistakes in managing the government's finances and have brought these back on track - so much so that the country has been allowed to join the eurozone.
Of course, there is still need to step up economic growth and to work for greater efficiency in various areas, especially in tackling projects. And, in the wake of all the developments taking place in the industrialised world today, who would be against making the structural reforms necessary? Indeed, failure to do so would bring about stagnation.
This is what is being done gradually. For example, efforts to steer away from traditional labour-intensive manufacturing sectors, such as the textile firms that the island attracted in the first stage of its industrial development, have yielded good results, as shown by the investment pumped into lines that require a high value-added content.
SmartCity is one project that fits well into the new mode the country is developing. This, and the expansion of financial and banking services, as well as changes for the better in tourism, show the transformation the economy is undergoing today.
Over and above any good plans and policies that the political parties may present to the electorate at election time, it is trust that ultimately counts most. It would seem that Labour have to work harder to win this. The MLP's general conference may be regarded as the party's curtain-raiser to their election campaign. The impressions left at the end of this conference - the last one before the upcoming general election although an extraordinary one may be called - are likely to have a crucial impact on undecided voters. Alas, certain speeches delivered so far have not been very inspiring.
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Ronald Gauci
Jan 26th 2008, 19:20
We had been promised change in the way how things work in this country for a long time! Yet we are still not able to build adequate roads! How you can say that the country's finances are back on track when the last report issued in December 2007 by NSO says that there was an increase in the deficit? Please be more impartial to be credible! What's wrong in trying Labour for at least 5 years? It sure would won't make a Billion and a half maltese liri debt !!!
John Agius
Jan 26th 2008, 13:46
Change is what we need full stop. Just look at the rampant abuse imposed by contractors to the island for a quick example. We are fed up of not being listened to on matters which really matter... take a look at the state Sliema is in! PN has lost its core values over years and seems to be content with painting all opposition of unworthy of governing in their place. And I don t mean Labour, but AD, AN and the countless NGOs which have risen their voices against government policy in one area or another. Simply attacking your crtics is not the way to win my vote, or anyone with a sound mind.
Saviour Sammut
Jan 26th 2008, 13:39
Your strategy is ever more predictable. Your paper has respectable and reputable credentials. Don't mar it by being pulled strings from tal-Pieta or for what it matters the Hamrun headquarters. In entrusting power over and over to the same political party we risk condoning the sheer feeling of arrogance which has dominated some of the present ministers' speeches and unterrances. The new beginning that this country needs is a change in the political spectrum as it is represented in our parliament. The true change comes when a third voice finds itself in our parliament, a voice which is not hampered by electoral calculations of fearing to lose the power to the other rival, a voice of reason which moderates the tone of confrontation between us and them, a voice which halts the one party state system, where the winner takes it all and bulldozes over the rest of us, appeasing to a convenient majority and ignoring the rest. Alternattiva Demokratika, the Green Party deserves to be represented in our Parliament.
Colin Camilleri
Jan 26th 2008, 12:59
Dear Editor, It is not surprising that the Times of Malta always has something to criticize the MLP and its leader for; while consistantly praising the PN for its achievments (even if these were not theirs !!). As a democratic institution, the Times should be more balanced in its approach towards to the local political parties. This article is nothing more than a poor attempt to test the waters again against Alfred Sant and the MLP. The truth is there for all to see, feel and hear. Malta has been under the leadership of the PN for almost 25 years and The Times still advocates for the PN to stay in power. Let's be honest and not be led by our hearts but also use our brains. The Maltese people had to endure years on end various hardships to bring Malta within the EU and its acceptance criteria. Much was promised that we will have paradise on Earth - starting from Dr. Fenech Adami himself and now Dr. Gonzi. What we really inherited were high cost of living, lower employment, less purschasing power, little value for money, fewer rights and even worse - the wealth gab between the rich/powerful and the middle class has never been so big. And this thanks to the PN.
Ben Grech
Jan 26th 2008, 11:44
I wonder why the editor seldom critcises the government in power, and focuses so much energy on the opposition. As anyone with more than half a brain would realise, all is not well in Malta. Perhaps it is high time for a change at top, atleast then we won t be taken for granted as we have been as of late.
Anthony Briffa
Jan 26th 2008, 11:43
I beg to differ from your statement in the first paragraph that the MLP has reversed its policies over the EU membership and the introduction of the euro. When the MLP leader refers to the membership in the EU he still refers to the Partnership and that it won the 2003 referendum. He is only accepting membership because he has no option. As regards the entry into the euro he is still saying that we did not go in at the right time and that the exchange rate from the Maltese Lira to the euro was high, showing that he still believes in the idea that the Maltese Lira should have been devalued. This was also stressed by the Deputy Leader in his speech to the PSE Conference. Whoever says that there is no issue on these points is mistaken. The issue is still there, and now is even greater than ever. Also, how can a Prime Minister operate in a European dimension if he is not convinced that Malta is now where it belongs?