Big electoral issues that will be tackled (2)

It now seems more likely than ever that this government will not finish its full term. Rebels within the government’s backbenchers made it difficult for Lawrence Gonzi to govern and Franco Debono’s maverick tactics and selfishness brought an early election on our doorsteps.

In a few weeks’ time the people will be called to elect a new government. The Nationalist Party will go to the polls proud of its record in education, social services, health, employment, stability, tranquility and progress all round. We must also not forget the great progress in infrastructure which has changed Malta for all to see. It is a pity that this Administration will not see the completion of many major projects now in hand, the more so because the present crisis was not brought about by any action from the opposition, which is understandable, but by its own backbenchers.

For the last three years it was very saddening for PN supporters to follow former and present Nationalist MPs continuously attacking their government instead of supporting it. As if the obstacles from the opposition were not enough!

It is disgraceful, shameful and disloyalty at its best for Nationalist MPs to use the opposition and so-called independent media to hurl stones at their own government, of course to the delight of the opposition. It is disgusting and traitorous for former Nationalist MPs and ministers to be at the forefront in their attacks on the government. No wonder that the morale of the Nationalist supporters is at it its lowest. Considering all this, it was no surprise that the government will not finish its full term. I expect these turncoats are now rubbing their hands with joy at the way things are developing and I would expect them to join in the celebrations should the Labour Party win the election.

Here one can notice the difference between MPs of the two parties. In spite of their internal strife (past and present) members of the PL managed to keep their quarrel within the compounds of their headquarters.

They never used the PN’s media to attack their party and leader. They never let the opposing party use them and have a ride over them. Perhaps party loyalty and integrity have more meaning with Labour than with the Nationalists MPs. Perhaps selfishness and ambition are not so strong within the Labour Party.

The PN should learn its lesson from all this. It should be careful that no more “crimes” are committed by its MPs in the name of democracy and freedom. MPs elected under the party flag should toe the party line or else not contest the election at all. We should be careful not to mix democracy with anarchy. As Joseph Muscat rightly said, the party should scrutinise any potential MP and refuse his/her nomination if necessary.

Never in the history of the Nationalist Party was such disloyalty and unmanfulness manifested. Past Nationalist MPs were known for their integrity and their loyalty unlike the present renegades who still have to learn the meaning of these words.

PN supporters should remember all the heartbreak we went through during these last years and be careful when casting our votes. Rebels should have no place in the party.