Berta Sullivan
Labour’s identity crisis
The International Monetary Fund has praised Malta for its economic performance, warning that “Malta’s resilience to date cannot be taken for granted – continued vigilance is required’ (January 23). And who, pray, is the best leader to accomplish this? Obviously, it is the qualified Prime Minister with a proven track record and who is bold enough to take difficult and unpopular decisions.
It is certainly not an inexperienced and vote-seeking leader of a political party that has a “glaring tendency to miss the big picture in its earnestness to put the government in a bad light, particularly at present when the political situation is uncertain” (January 31).
When I hear Joseph Muscat saying that Malta needs a change I cannot but worry. Dr Muscat says he will use different tactics but we don’t even know what his destination is, let alone how he will reach it! If, against all odds, the Nationalist team is steering Malta steadily in the international turbulent waters, why change to a Labour crew?
This Administration has placed employment on top of its agenda. It has truly achieved miracles in the circumstances. In fact, Labour hardly ever mentions jobs in its critical diatribe. To be quite honest, it never talks about anything. As The Times put it, “it has only given a framework of half-baked proposals and rhetorical declarations” (January 25). We are all sick of that, might I add.
Dr Muscat repeats ad nauseam that he will reduce utility tariffs as soon as he is elected Prime Minister. What, pray, will he be doing for the rest of the legislature? Five years are a long time and we have the right to know Labour’s realistic strategy for the economy, education, health, the environment, renewable energy, taxation, etc.
Winding up the Labour conference last January, Dr Muscat offered us a perfect example of his finest rhetoric: he shared his childhood memories and how he arrived where he is. He also spent precious time telling how he wishes us to have a good education and free health care without actually explaining how he will sustain this “good” and free education and health care to all, which we are all already enjoying!
Reducing the deficit and national debt; tackling illegal immigration; generating and safeguarding jobs, increasing investment, checking inflation etc. also remain a mystery.
What is Dr Muscat going to offer “the middle class”, as he likes to put it, the elderly, youth, students, small businessmen, teachers, nurses, mothers etc? We don’t know, do we?
All we know is that Labour has changed to blue: blue ties, striped blue shirts, blue pullovers, blue backdrops, blue online banners and so on. It has also strangely chosen not to fly the Labour emblem at some of its activities leaving the Maltese and European Union flags standing alone instead – prime ministerial style!
Labour’s conference was an eye-opener for all those who want to see. In fact, among the many speakers all spewing unconcealed thirst for power, a Labour candidate, Deo Debattista, sporting a blue striped tie, took the podium and admitted that he was very confused about his own party, noting, and I quote, “…or because we are red or I don’t know what colour we are now” (January, 20).
He is as confused as we are. What is Labour’s DNA today?
In January, we also had Labour’s parliamentary no confidence motion. The two-line motion, probably the shortest one ever presented in history, had one apparent scope: an attempt to destabilise the government.
This is not the first time Labour staged a no-confidence motion but, for the umpteenth time, Labour failed to gain the majority of the votes. Now we know once and for all that Labour does not enjoy the confidence of the majority of the House and that early elections, much to Labour’s dismay, may not be on the books!
What Labour should realise is that the electorate democratically voted for a Nationalist government for a five-year term. Malta has stability in policies, the government has not deviated from its electoral programme, values or beliefs and statistics show that its performance has been “an example to follow”.
Once the Nationalist government’s responsible decisions are bearing positive results why should we change course mid-stream?
In spite of the prevailing global turmoil, Malta has the lowest unemployment rates in the entire EU. Malta is now among just four eurozone countries with a public deficit that is lower than three per cent of GDP and Eurostat statistics recently showed that Malta registered the lowest increase in cost of living in the eurozone. Furthermore, Malta also recorded the sharpest drop in government debt in the EU during the third quarter of last year (Eurostat, February 6).
There is much more but that is not the thrust of this piece.
The point is that no matter how much the Labour Party cosmetically tries to appear blue, it and the Nationalist Party are poles apart in substance and experience. As The Times editorial put it: “Labour has yet to prove that it merits the people’s trust. A change of tie colour is not enough!” (February 2).
We all learn by doing. And Labour has done zilch so far.
We all know what the government has done, what it stands for and where it is going. The same cannot be said for Labour. We have no idea what it is capable of doing, what it stands for, where it is going and how it is going to get there!
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Carmel Bugeja
Feb 12th, 01:22
off course pn has identity. a record of 25 unbalanced budgets in .25 years, crisis and no crisis. plus a record debt of E10,000 per capita ghall-uliedna. thank god gonzipn is not managing a big country likeGREECE, BUT A VILLAGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.
Lawrence Fenech
Feb 11th, 18:13
Why not refer to the billions in debt and the thousands we are paying in interest daily on this dept. Gonzi does not boast about this record.
Peter Shaw
Feb 10th, 20:42
I am waiting for Mr Magic Wand to be in Castille so that my W+E Bill will be reduced !!!
Mr Joseph Vella
Feb 10th, 15:32
what a load of bull Berta...I really do expect something better from you
charles v schembri
Feb 10th, 14:06
The PN’s identity is enshrined in its history going back to the late nineteenth century; consistent throughout in the portrayal of its identity even if at times others would declare it as moribund:
a) Savona dismissing the nationalistic approach in dealing with the British
b) Strickland accusing the PN on its defence of the country clergy and middle class and its Italianate culture and insisting with the British government on the need to eliminate and deport the nationalists ,
c) Boffa, certainly against his strongest belief, siding with the British government in the deportation of nationalists,
d) Mintoff playing ball with the British HMG whilst intimidating that a PN in government could be a threat for the Empire,
e) Various Governor’s memos to HMG insisting that a Labour government could be a better guarantee for the Empire’s long tenure for Malta as a fortress.
Indeed the PN, always consistent with what it believed in (the identity and the culture of the country and its people, its believe in Maltese’ ability to survive in worst of scenarios, its fixation that the individual had to be empowered to participate in the running of the country, its determination to place Malta amongst European leaders on merit), it repeatedly put at stake its political acumen. But like a phoenix it repeatedly resurfaced and was trusted with the country’s present and future; a trust that came in good stead for Malta’s not achieving integration but insisting on the recognition of Malta as a nation meriting a dominium status, the achievement of independence and the start towards the effective industrialisation of the country, the instilling amongst Maltese to start believing that there existed other alternatives towards running a country during the sixteen labour government years, the realisation of the need towards effectively implementing Christian democratic beliefs, the revamping of a stagnant country on its way towards EU membership.
Throughout the long decades the PN has successfully, but not without pain, rejuvenated itself whilst becoming more open to the various factions, political or otherwise, but without ever departing from its principles and always steadfast with its Christian Democratic beliefs. This path towards righteousness was of course not without errors of omission.
The above stands in contrast to what the MLP was and what the recycled PL is today; ever populist, ever opportunistic, ever short sighted, albeit certainly with all the good intentions.
As much as a change in government is admittedly a healthy democratic exercise it is indeed unfortunate that once again the electorate’s alternative to government is blurred.
The PN has no “divine” right to govern. But it has the responsibility to convince the electorate to make a fruitful choice.
m. borg (slm)
Feb 10th, 14:58
""The above stands in contrast to what the MLP was and what the recycled PL is today; ever populist, ever opportunistic, ever short sighted, albeit certainly with all the good intentions".
.
You gonzipn apologists are always asking how? How PL is going to this or how is PL going to do that etc. Therefore I believe I have to ask you::
How is PL populist (do you know the meaning of the word first of all)?
How is PL opportunistic? If one does not grab opportunity when it comes knocking at the door one will never get nowhere.
How is PL short sighted? Dr Sant for example warned about our early entry into the euro zone and preached caution, what has gonzipn done, made us part of someone else's problem (Greece Spain etc)
Hope you'll have the decency to answer these three hows?
Pat Hobson
Feb 10th, 15:51
@M. Borg (slm). You forgot to ask him how the Government is going to decrease our National Debt, our Deficit and most of all how to stop the ever decreasing standard of living. Also, because it seems that the General Elections are on our doorstep, what are the PN's proposals?
charles v schembri
Feb 10th, 15:57
Apologies if truth hurts.
Pat Hobson
Feb 10th, 18:53
@Charles V. Schembri. I didn't say you weren't saying the truth. All I said is how about the PN's proposals on the National Debt, deficit, standard of living and its proposals for the coming elections. But of course, you look at the PL through tinted glasses!
Wenzu Vella
Feb 10th, 13:51
Dear Berta, you are always romancing about the PN’s achievements, you talk about the deficit and yet you never mention Malta’s debt and the way that has been growing under consecutive PN governments. You mentioned free health and education I hope you are not claiming ownership to these two vital benefits.
You also claimed that Malta recorded the sharpest drop in government debt, if this was so why then 40 million euro had to be reduced from the last budget by a directive from Brussels.
You never tell us the truth because you know that will hurt big time.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Feb 10th, 13:26
I would label your article Berta as a return to sender or boomerang article for if there is a party currently suffering from an identity crisis it is no other than the nationalist party. The deep moral and ideological cracks in the PN could not have been more pronounced than in the divorce debate and in the censorship issues which afflicted a common party stance. The Franco Debono crisis highlighted the way an isolated clique with virtually an identical mindset have monopolised PM control and power centres. to the exclusion of the liberal minded elements and backbench who seek more transparency and accountability. The alienation from party activism of a number of valid nationalist stalwarts such as John Dalli and Michael Falzon who reflect a different style of running government also points to a serious identity cris. So does the fact that strongly nationalist districts like Sliema have moved to a life style and modern values very different to what the leadership promotes. The truth is that the party has not renewed itself from the defining moment when a group of far sighted mavericks ousted George Borg Olivier. The PL one must add passed through the same identity crisis between reformers and their militant and left wing segments until Joseph Muscat performed the difficult task of giving the party a new identity and way to progress forward gathering consensus along the way. True change which will rejuvenate and invigorate the PN will of course eventually happen but certainly not in a party vote with an Arab style foregone conclusion and sham overwhelming majority. In persons like Mario Demarco and Chris Said the party has the right elements to give future hope but of course they will have to wait until some defining moment like a general election rout will project and acclaim them forward.
m. borg (slm)
Feb 10th, 14:43
Well said.
Peter Murray
Feb 10th, 13:07
Come on admit it Betra -you are really Francis Debono's ghost writer aren't you?
m. borg (slm)
Feb 10th, 12:56
Obvoiusly Berta you condon the €500 weekly pay rise for a qualified PM while the rest of us get €1.16 + €4.66.
Most probably money is no problem for you.
m. borg (slm)
Feb 10th, 12:53
Get real Berta.
,
Stop deluding oneself it has become a national virus "self delusion"
Victor Laiviera
Feb 10th, 12:41
Here is what Berta Sullivan wrote in The Times on the 28 M<arch 2008'
".... Charles Mangion, the other Labour deputy leader, has decided to opt out of the leadership race.
Oh dear, what can I say about his performance other than he rewarded us with the sickest joke of the season when he claimed that the Nationalists have something wrong with their DNA!.... "
Have jokes about DNA become the fashion since then? Are they no longer "sick"?
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080328/opinion/the-silly-season-is-over-or-is-it.201846
May I ask, once again, why The Times never informs its readers about Berta Sullivan's connections with the PN, as it does with all other opinion pieces?
J J Dalli
Feb 10th, 12:11
Its like the PN government has a divine right to govern forever! Ms Sullivan try and understand that other political parties do exist in this democratic country. Arrogance became PN's main problem which makes its leaders think exactly the way you are thinking. Country not doing as bad as some might depict it but with fresh ideas and willingness not to overspend I and many like me think that we can be double as good. Try and beleive that other parties exist and can be as good. Just try, "yes you can".
j brincat
Feb 10th, 11:42
When I hear Joseph Muscat saying that Malta needs a change I cannot but worry"
Why, because you would no longer be at Castille?
Quote:"What Labour should realise is that the electorate democratically voted for a Nationalist government for a five-year term"
Yes, BUT only as long as you have the backing of the majority of the MP's in the House behind you. When this fails the mandate vanishes in thin air and in any democracy a fresh election is called because the people are sovereign. Does Dr Gonzi have this backing anymore? Why does he not put it to test? Did you write anything way back in 1998 when the PN sided with Mintoff to bring a legitimate government down, after just 18 months? And the MLP had won by an absolute majority and not just by a handful of votes, as the PN did in 2008.
You talk of Identity crisis and yet you fail to see clearly because of the proverbial beam in your eyes. It seems you fail to acknowledge that the PN is passing through its worse political patch in the last fifty years.
Why are we in the sorry mess that we are in today? Simply because GonziPN has not managed to unite and instil a team spirit within his MP's. How can you inform one of your ministers of his demotion through an SMS. Effective communication is the essence of good management, moreso in the day and age!
Why does he persist to cling to the seat of power and does not put his ears on the ground? Everybody is telling him about the present instability because the numbers of MPs backing him do not add up. And you know fully well that it not persons with a Labour inclination who are clamouring for an early election. You deem fit to mention Times of Malta but do not remind the readers that it was the same Times of Malta which is calling for a fresh election. But the PM goes on pretending that this uncertainty and instability do not exist. Burying your head in sand does not solve your problems!
Quote:"We all know what the government has done, what it stands for and where it is going"
Of course! We now have a national debt figure which surpasses the €4 billion mark and a daily debt serving of €600,000 day!
Yes, we are heading straight towards that precarious edge!
(jb)
Francis Sammut
Feb 10th, 11:00
Quote: 'Obviously, it is the qualified Prime Minister with proven track record and who is bold enough to take difficult and unpopular decisions'. I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head there, missus! I mean one has to be bold enough doesn't he to give himself and his cohorts a hefty 500 (or was it 600) euros a week, mind you, while we, the great unwashed, mere mortals, got just 1.16?! And one has to be bold to take the still unpopular but not difficult decision I might say, to ride roughshod on all and sundry and decide against public uproar and go ahead and build that monstrosity going to be called Parliament! One has to be bold to press on against the better judgement of those who know better and rebuild, nay carry out a refurbishment of sorts to a once fine theatre and with the cherry on the cake being the theatre without a roof! Not to mention the main entrance to Valletta city without a gate. Yes, I must agree there - a very proven and unpopular, bold, track record indeed!
Pat Hobson
Feb 10th, 10:54
If as you say the PL is undergoing an identity crisis, how about your darling PN or should I say GonziPN or Christian Democrats? I don't know. I get so confused about all this identity crisis you're mentionng. Please enlghten us about your darling PN's identity? Which is which?
The PL's identity lies within the workers themselves. And not the manual workers alone! Even the employers are part and parcel of the PL's identity. The PL isn't stuck in the 60's as the PN is for that's what happened to the PN. It had regressed to the 60's under Gonzi's Par Idejn Sodi!