Rights and duties in a healthy democracy

Nationalist MP Franco Debono may have been raising valid points but he is now exceeding the limits of political self-respect.

He is not only claiming credit for bringing the party to which he belongs to its senses (or should that be knees?) but also wants his “personal sacrifices” to be rewarded, possibly with a suitable appointment.

There is nothing wrong with politicians having personal aspirations to make the grade, particularly if they are hard-working and have all it takes to make headway in politics. But one has to be careful how to go about things.

The Nationalist Party has a majority of just one seat in Parliament. Thus, it chose to be more tolerant with Dr Debono than it would have been had it have a comfortable majority.

There are two schools of thought here. Those who feel that the PN should have called Dr Debono’s bluff come what may argue that such course of action would have brought the MP in line. Others note that the PN really had no choice but to try to appease Dr Debono.

Many agreed with what Dr Debono was saying though not necessarily the way he chose to do so. He is now seen as constantly craving for attention, not only ruining his political career but also tarnishing the image of the political class, which is already down in public esteem.

Dr Debono is not likely to be politically trusted again. If he decides to stay in politics he would possibly only be able to do so by contesting as an independent candidate, unless the Labour Party takes him on board. But that is highly improbable.

Dr Debono has had more than his fair share of limelight for his “personal sacrifices” in pushing ahead for reforms. But he is demonstrating political immaturity. A case in point was his reaction when the government separated the ministerial portfolios of home affairs and justice. Another example was when the Prime Minister appointed Simon Busuttil to act as his special delegate to coordinate the party’s communication exercise.

Dr Debono may be intelligent and, to his credit, he has proposed a number of interesting and much-needed reforms, too. But, surely, he is not the only one who is giving a valid contribution to Malta’s political life. Thankfully, the island has a number (not very many, admittedly) of talented politicians who are also as eager as he is to play their part. God forbid were they all to start claiming credit or wanting an appointment for every good job they do, or, worse, threatening the life of the party in government by abstaining in voting in Parliament. This is tantamount to holding the government to ransom.

Lawrence Gonzi, both as Prime Minister and as PN leader, has gone the extra mile to appease Dr Debono. He has also had to go back to the party delegates to seek re-election as party leader to clear any possible doubt that he no longer enjoys the support of the majority of the delegates. He has that support, and more, but what good has this done to his party’s position in Parliament? The country still does not know what Dr Debono will do next.

Dr Debono has listed his thoughts very clearly. In a parliamentary democracy he has a right to do so. But that same parliamentary democracy shoulders him with duties too. It is time for Dr Debono to realise that truism and come in line.