Editorial

Alfred Sant's resignation yesterday as leader of the Malta Labour Party was to be expected following three straight general election defeats and the 2003 referendum over EU membership.

Considering the odds stacked against the Nationalist Party - the long time it had been in government, the lower turnout, the controversy over the Pullicino Orlando case, the effort made by Alternattiva Demokratika and Azzjoni Nazzjonali to win a share of the votes, the threats by hunters and trappers, and the discontent over the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the environment generally - it is incredible that the PN managed to win at all. Others may see the situation differently, arguing perhaps that the outcome showed lack of enough appreciation of the Nationalist government's work. That may be so but political moods change.

When the noise of the victory celebrations dies down and the country returns to normal, it will be in everybody's interest to look ahead with the same sense of commitment and confidence that has seen Malta make an encouraging rate of economic progress. However, the very fact that the PN has won by only a slim majority places greater responsibility on the part of the governing party to take account of the thinking and feeling of half of the population that supported the MLP.

If, as it has always been argued, the island is far too small to be so politically divided all the time, a narrow election result as that obtained in Saturday's election ought to make it even more important on the governing party to see that it strikes a balance and acts truly in a national spirit in all senses. If it is seen to be doing so, it will bring about greater national cohesion. This thinking ought to be reflected in the appointments that are made, not only to government boards but also to corporations, organisations and even embassies. The yardstick ought to be merit and suitability, not political allegiance. Insofar as appointments to boards are concerned, the PN said in its election programme that appointments will be made after a public call for applications. This ought to be implemented straightaway.

Immediately the result was made known, PN leader Lawrence Gonzi launched an appeal for all people to work together for the common good. He was quoted saying: "Now is the time for all the Maltese people to put aside all political divisions of the electoral campaign and to work together for the common good". Wise words indeed, but the government would have to lead by example. It is first of all important that the party starts its new stint in office well; it will be well in place, for example, for gestures of goodwill to be made right from the beginning.

Internal political analyses by the two parties will show a number of areas where both made mistakes, some serious, others less so. As Dr Gonzi takes over as Prime Minister again, he will be taking a broader view of the general picture and will no doubt be anxious to start tackling the problems that await his new government, including the continuing rise in the price of crude oil, grains and cereals, and, looming sharply now, the shipyards.

Taking over responsibility for the necessary reforms to be made at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, which has given the country so many headaches and heartaches over the past months, will be a hard task, but, in the same way he made a success of the drive to put the government's finances back on track, he will no doubt be able to handle Mepa too. There have been far too many cases that threw bad light on the authority and the sooner its workings are reorganised to the satisfaction of the people, the better it would be for the country's peace of mind. Dr Gonzi would also need to ensure that his people guard against arrogance of power, something that had increasingly irritated many.

The PN has a good work programme. Striking a balance to meet the aspirations of as many as possible, Nationalists and Labour, will make the job easier.