Editorial

It will be a continuation - given that this is the Nationalist Party's third successive term in office since 1998 and the fifth since the momentous change in government of 1987 after 16 years of a Labour Administration - but also a new beginning. It has to be a new beginning if the pledges and bold admissions of failure in some areas made by PN leader Lawrence Gonzi - who should really be given all the credit for the electoral victory claimed by the PN last night - are to come to fruition.

His is a huge responsibility, more so in view of the message the electorate definitely wanted to transmit to the PN as reflected in the result.

The first preference votes should have been counted by this morning, thus crystallising the situation and avoiding unnecessary tension for the country following the Labour Party statement challening the PN's predictions of the result.

Under the banner gonzipn, Dr Gonzi kept insisting that he should be judged by what he did rather by what he said. The electorate were evidently impressed by his performance throughout his four-year stewardship of the country. His success in turning the fortunes of the country's finances must also have played a big part in his winning Saturday's election by a relative majority, according to the PN media.

But that was yesterday. Now Dr Gonzi has to look ahead and the challenges are many and varied, both as Prime Minister and as party leader. Now, gonzipn has to stop: There can only be Dr Gonzi on one side and the PN on the other. The distinction must be crystal clear.

The PN needs a lot of work and learn the lesson it was given on Saturday. Throughout the past years it has demonstrated chinks in its armour. More often than not the real problem was not the Nationalist Administration but, rather, the Nationalist Party. But that is an issue that can be addressed another time. What is crucial now is that the first days of the new Nationalist government are sound enough to be able to steer a clear and steady course ahead.

The first challenge facing Dr Gonzi as Prime Minister would, of course, be the formulation of his government or, rather, his Cabinet. The past four years must not have been among the best of his life when it came to the performance of his colleagues on the Cabinet or, at least, some of them. There were a few who delivered and, even if at times they seemed arrogant and displayed a superiority complex, they made the decisions that were required. Again, some of those decisions may be debatable but ministers are expected to lead and not be lead. In order to attain the vision Dr Gonzi has set for the country more of such material is required.

One big mistake attributed to Dr Gonzi was his refusal to make changes in the Cabinet, so much so that he accepted to make a deal with the electorate to inject new blood. Now that could be easier said than done and, worse, it would be a big mistake if the Prime Minister were to make changes only for the sake of change or, rather, to be seen to be keeping his promise with the people.

The most popular MPs may not always be the ideal members of the Cabinet and those who prefer to maintain a low profile should not be lost among those who excel at selling themselves.

Just as crucial are the people the Prime Minister will endorse to head government entities or authorities. Dr Gonzi likes to say he does not mind making tough decisions. There have been too many occasions of people being appointed to certain positions when their qualities and/or qualifications did not seem to support such appointment.

Dr Gonzi deserved to be re-elected. He has shown to be a capable Prime Minister and his own man, proving wrong the predictions made when he took over four years ago.

As he walks up the stairs of Castille today, he must, however, keep telling himself that this is a new beginning built on the successes he has under his belt.