Labour's EU track record

No wonder that the Nationalist Party is trying to keep Labour's mouth shut when addressing problems which are major concerns for a large swathe of the population such as the electricity bills. Their argument is that these issues fall within the national government's competence. While one must not forget that domestic issues that hit home are also on the minds of those who are hurting, we should also remember Labour MEPs' track record and how they can influence domestic issues. One cannot but mention the pressure to close the St Luke's Hospital incinerator, the removal of the tax on satellite dishes, the departure tax, VAT on vehicle registration tax and roaming charges on mobile phones, and port workers' conditions of work. Civil rights are also another area which show Nationalists' bad track record. Louis Grech voted for six out of the seven resolutions regarding gay issues while Simon Busuttil voted against three resolutions or reports, and abstained on four.

This campaign was also characterised by political spin. One of them was regarding the closure of Guantanamo Bay which was a shame for the so-called civilised world. We all recall the images of torture, and it was no surprise to me that European socialists agreed to help Barack Obama close down this prison. So much has been said since then, scaring the people in political clips that we will be having terrorists in our midst. On the other hand nothing has been said regarding maternity leave, and the PES manifesto regarding gender equality, ensuring a fairer deal for people, climate change etc.

No, we must not disregard the people's preoccupations when we stroll to the polling station and cast our vote next Saturday. After all, PES's manifesto is putting "People First"!