Labour Party missing an opportunity

To renovate our country and introduce the best reforms, such as local councils, rent regulation, education, the dockyards, primary healthcare, public transport and Mepa, our government enters into a lengthy process of widespread consultation with NGOs, unions, constituted bodies and civil society.

Unfortunately, Labour is not contributing much. Last week, after the government placed the Malta Environment and Planning Authority reform Bill on the table, the Prime Minister explained that although the PN has allowed enough space for everybody's input, it was very disappointing that the Opposition failed to find the time, during the 20-month consultation period, to offer any feedback on the reform especially after Joseph Muscat had announced in 2008 that a new committee would present the Labour party's suggestions. What a missed opportunity for Labour.

The PN's 2008 electoral campaign slogan, Together, All Is Possible, is not a rhetorical battle cry. The PN has opened its political arms to the Opposition on several occasions. The decision to nominate the President of Malta from the Opposition's camp is testimony to the value the PN places on consultation, compromise and dialogue. Pity the offer to "work together" has not yet been taken up by the Opposition.