The jigsaw puzzle factor

Jigsaw puzzles: Those fascinating tiny pieces that create such a mesmerising effect when one opens the box and spreads them over the table in order to start a process that ends up with what is usually a captivating picture. Almost everybody I know has, at one point in life, done a jigsaw puzzle.

From the elementary ones of early childhood to the complicated ones for those enthused by this simple yet attractive invention.

The emotions are mostly the same every time. The enthusiasm of the start, the boredom at the early stages, the anger at not finding that important piece, the temptation to give up and throw all the pieces up in the air, the satisfaction on seeing the shaping up of the picture, the urge to finish the job and the joy of enjoying the final product.

As a young boy I can recall my sense of frustration when I would be ordered to undo my finished puzzle and put everything back in the box to restore some order in my room. The undoing of the jigsaw puzzle is always a frustrating exercise.

The risk of losing a piece or two in the process is rather high and can lead to another emotion: the desperation of discovering that the jigsaw puzzle now has missing pieces and that it must have been your fault to lose them.

The past five years of Nationalist government can easily be compared to the process of compiling a huge jigsaw puzzle. From the enthusiasm of joining the EU, to the difficulties of the early teething problems, on to the hardships of facing the challenge of shaping the economy up to European standards, to uncertainties about joining the eurozone plus the enormous amount of daily unexpected issues that are part and parcel of the task of governing a country. Just like in the process of the jigsaw puzzle, there were times where one could have felt like throwing up all the pieces in the air, forget about everything and just stand back and live by the day. It is at that point that one's personality shows up.

We've heard it a thousand times; when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Our Prime Minister took up the challenge. His government started shaping up the pieces. He invited us to face the same challenges with courage, determination and a sense of self discipline.

Sacrifices had to be made but targets were established. Not everyone understood the concept. Not everything was plain sailing. The jigsaw puzzle seemed interminable and the temptation to opt for easier and safer solutions ran through the minds of many. Yet, by mid-2007, the jigsaw puzzle started shaping up.

Europe gave us the certificate that our economy was up to standard for the next level. Our mega project called Mater Dei Hospital was completed and even the harshest critics admitted that it was "state-of-the-art".

Our schools have slowly become a haven for the students attending them. Investors of the highest standards got interested and invested in our island and our capabilities. Jobs were being created, while the nightmare of unemployment is slowly fading.

All bits of the jigsaw puzzle have started to fall beautifully in place and the picture that is taking shape looks really beautiful. The bravest ones are already thinking about the next jigsaw puzzle. I can't really blame them. Now they have the experience.

However, the challenge is not yet won. There are still some pieces that need some good searching to put them in place. The temptation to give up at the final chapter is still there. So is the possibility that people might opt to dismantle everything and go for another puzzle. When Labour speaks of "a new beginning", I fear they might be thinking of a clean sweep and a new start again from scratch.

At this point do you really want to start again from scratch? I speak for myself and my answer is no. I want to see the finished jigsaw puzzle. I want to treasure it for we've worked so hard on it. I don't want to undo it and risk losing those important pieces in the process.

Then when we're ready I want to be there for the next challenge. This time I want to be nearer to my leaders and put some more trust in their words. I think Lawrence Gonzi deserves it.

Dr Spiteri will contest Saturday's election on behalf of the Nationalist Party.