A good dose of optimism

This is probably a very difficult time to be optimistic. As this government undertakes its very ambitious, complex and delicate agenda, the opposition regales in a triumph of self interest. The posturing is evident. As the Labour Party celebrates the narrative of a mutual admiration society, this government seeks a new and improved financial, social and legislative compass in its quest to re-shape and modernise this tiny but significantly effervescent island baptised in contradiction and pursuit.

Political parties face a dilemma when circumstances change. They can either hold on to one's core vote hence admitting that breaking out could lose what they already have, or accept that the world is changing and work out how to lead that change to actually make it work. It will now be almost a year and a half since the last election and potentially easier to understand what is the core of this government's programme. Undoubtedly it is ambitious, very ambitious and in fact a number of reforms have already been announced. Some of these reforms are on their way while others seem to be reluctant to leave their nest. This splendid but often politically hackneyed word, change, comes at a political cost. Let's face it - the Maltese love their status quo! So long as change is happening to something or someone else then we are all for it. Getting change closer to home becomes, more often than not, unpalatable and unloved. The examples of this are endless.

Having the courage and the stamina to initiate change is never an easy task. In politics, as in advertising, the old tunes are the best tunes. Breaking the mould is a huge responsibility and requires strong doses of optimism and genuine collaboration. We must never forget that the reward for pessimism is that you never suffer disappointment. It is here where this Administration has to work harder and work closer with civil society, unions and NGOs. Governments need their backing as it does not only seal approval but more importantly banish any notion of arrogance. It gives leaderships consistency and credibility hence earning precious hard-earned trust. One also appreciates that these fora should not become talking shops where talking remains just that. At the end of the day, decisions have to be taken, plans implemented and executed.

Unfortunately, this pervading sense of gloom sprinkled generously with forkfuls of biting cynicism has slowly become the order of the day. Don't get me wrong! This is not your traditional national sport otherwise known as Maltese "gemgem". One gets the sense that opinion leaders regale in negativity as a style and purpose. The Opposition leads the charge here as it has taken upon itself a role of constant critic. Its stance of continuously stating the obvious, spewing sophistry at every turn and refusing to come up with practical alternatives will not add much to get the pulse of potential Labour voters racing. It may curry favour in the short term but we will have to see what will happen in the longer run.

Needless to say, constructive criticism is not only beneficial but also essential. Going along unquestioningly is potentially dangerous. The Maltese will always refuse to be lemmings. It will serve the government well to listen. Consultation must not only be real but must also appear real. Steamrolling over people's ideas and opinions will inevitably lead to mistrust and collective frustration. Maybe this Administration has still some way to go to refine its method of presentation and its timing thereof.

This is not by any means a sleight of hand. This is not stage management. Sometimes one gets the impression that too many things are happening all at once, giving the public little time to digest it all. Maybe it is also time to slow down the pace and concentrate on the issues at hand.

What really worries me is this constant contention that erodes confidence and vastly demotivates many good intentions. It seems that at every stage we are 400,000 architects, engineers, lawyers, economists, doctors, designers and investigative journalists. We need a good dose of optimism. Admittedly, issues such as the global recession and international financial turmoil may entice one away from looking at the glass half full. Yet surely we all agree that we are constantly improving our living standards. Undoubtedly, there is always room for improvement and we should all work on these issues and move forward to ensure a better quality of life for ourselves and our children.

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