Still no mention of PM's 'positive results' (1)

Reading Lino Spiteri's Talking Point on the second anniversary of Lawrence Gonzi's election victory in 2008, I couldn't help but see the chasm between the partisan Sunday posturing of the present Labour leadership and the credit given to Dr Gonzi by a Labour ex-politician like Mr Spiteri who also objectively pointed out where the government's performance could have been better.

Despite promising to mention the government's achievements even when putting forward the opposition's criticism, I have still to read or hear a clear declaration from the Labour leadership like Mr Spiteri's "Gonzi can feel that the way he confronted the challenges of the recession is a plus.

"He took early action based on a micro focus, rather than a broad sweep. Manufacturers were supported, the government offered meaningful encouragement to invest for better times. Discharges were kept to a minimum and a number of companies laid down plans for new capital investment. A cost there was. More important, there was a positive result."

Dr Gonzi has shown his true mettle in being an all-weather leader, not just a leader for the good times. The fact that the worst international recession in 80 years has only touched us lightly is of great credit to a Prime Minister whose best times, I believe, are ahead of him.