The Times' spirited attempt to gloss over this government's instability while at the same time taking the opportunity to bash Labour in its leading article entitled Political Daydreams And Nightmares (February 16) does not reflect the spirit of the times.

The problem today is not so much the outcry from PN backbenchers but rather Lawrence Gonzi's very real inability to respond to people's real concerns.

The editorial was however right when saying: "The PN should not waste any more time to start thinking outside the box, look at the mirror, glance straight in its own eyes and see whether accusations of fatigue, arrogance, insensitivity and coteries are justified or not."

Had this government not been so arrogant and insensitive, it could have taken a cue from Joseph Muscat's positive proposals in the last couple of years. Proposals which the pro-PN media rarely mention, if at all.

From the call for unity over the Shipyards' and ST Microelectronics problems, to the 15-point energy plan (which if taken into consideration would have eased the impact of at least the latest rise in utility bills), from the plan on immigration to 23 solid proposals on how to curb the cost of living, and, last but by no means least, the 10 proposals put forward to be included in the 2010 Budget.

These were all proposals which should have been acknowledged and considered, had the present Administration not become so arrogant, and apparently, comfortably numb.

That is why Dr Muscat and Labour are actively working to transform the party into a government-in-waiting and taking solid measures to open up to various groups, including the business community (as The Times clearly noted in its editorial on February 17), who are finding no solace in the present Administration.