Stark contrast

As the general election approaches, the main political parties are gearing up their campaigns. Although it is the norm, and a healthy one at that, to be presented with two different attitudes and messages, I find that this time the difference between the Labour and the Nationalist parties is so great that one need hardly be an expert to perceive the stark contrast that is emerging.

Our Prime Minister insists he shall not leave before his time is due, and gives a very rosy picture of the government’s situation . However, how much of this is actually true?

For how long can one govern without a majority (the PN lost its one-seat majority a few months ago, when Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando declared himself an independent MP), and with a renegade MP casually insulting fellow parliamentarians, ministers and the Prime Minister every day on his blog?

I shudder to think of how our Government will be run from now until March, if the Prime Minister’s mind is otherwise occupied with such trivial affairs.

On the other hand, the Labour Party’s first congress has been a success. The party organised debate after debate on various important subjects, such as education, the environment, the economy and civil rights. The ideas emerging from these debates will be part of the party’s electoral manifesto. Yes, this mysterious manifesto is yet to be unveiled, yet this congress was a sure sign that the party is focused and interested in hearing what people have to say. Which is more than can be said of the ruling party.