Coalition = instability

Malta and Italy will both be holding elections in a few weeks' time to choose a new government. But while Malta had a long period of political stability, in Italy, because of its electoral system which give minor parties disproportionate power in coalition governments, the government collapsed after 20 months.

The major parties of both the centre-right and the centre-left in Italy are trying to form a bloc, with the hope of achieving a two-party system that can bring political stability.

Italy is a classic example that coalitions do not last long. In Germany the 'grand coalition' government is under fire because the coalition parties' conflicting interests are preventing the government from moving forward. Other countries, such as Denmark, Belgium. Switzerland and east European countries are in the same predicament. History has taught us that coalition governments do not last long, bring instability and slow down government initiatives.

Happily, Malta has so far escaped this trauma of unstable governments and we have had political stability for the past 20 years, which brought with it prosperity beyond everyone's expectations.

So is it wise for the Maltese to vote for the small parties and invite the political and economical turmoil that has characterised other countries? Can this country afford to prejudice its momentum of economic growth and prosperity for the luxury of having minor parties in parliament?

The Nationalist Government's track record should make it proud. It restored democracy, political stability and peace of mind. The Maltese now enjoy prosperity as never before.

The results that a strong government can attain are there for all to see.

We have record employment, a record number of tourists, record flow of foreign investment, record number of students in higher education, the best accommodation ever for our elderly, a record number of cars on our roads. The list is endless. Do we want to risk all this just for the luxury of having small parties in Parliament?

I am sure that the Maltese are wise enough not to cut off their noses to spite their faces, and will vote for the party that has given them the best standard of living ever. May I remind those disgruntled people, who because of minor disappointments are still undecided, that a vote for a minor party is a vote for Labour. And we all know what a Labour victory means. They will only hurt themselves - all Maltese will be the losers.