Divorce referendum and the PM

How refreshing it was to read President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami’s comments on the undignified contortions the Prime Minister appears to be attempting over the possibility of a referendum on divorce.

The hallmark of Dr Fenech Adami’s time as Leader of the Opposition and, subsequently, when he became Prime Minister, was his adherence to the democratic letter of the Constitution of Malta and the sovereignty of Parliament. It was also his ability to remain focused on the key strategic objectives of his administrations, among which social justice for all was central.

It is therefore earnestly to be hoped that the Prime Minister, who has got himself into a veritable fix through his refusal (on doctrinal grounds?) to countenance the introduction of the legal remedy of divorce for those marriages which have irretrievably broken down, will now be prepared to show the necessary political leadership on this issue. He can do this not by trying to fob off a decision on the introduction of divorce legislation on the outcome of a referendum but by taking responsibility for it in Parliament, where it belongs.

As Dr Fenech Adami has indicated, referenda are alien to the tradition of our parliamentary democracy. Members of Parliament are elected precisely to legislate for what is best for the country as a whole, guided but not bound by the feelings of their constituents.

The final decision on the best way forward on divorce is a matter which should rest with our legislators in Parliament, acting in the best interests of the country as a whole. Their primary concern and responsibility should be the well-being of all individuals in society and the good governance of all citizens in a way that is reasonable, just and beneficial for society as a whole. On these grounds alone, the case for divorce is unanswerable.

This is where the Prime Minister’s responsibility lies. Will he now rise to it?