Three weeks (that is after the general election) is a short time. But a lot has happened or been revealed already. The most marked news, overriding the new Government’s activities, has been the revelation that the Nationalist Party is in dire financial straits and to no mean amount, not to say bankrupt.

Incidentally, bankruptcy legally means that one is not in a position to pay one’s debts. Obviously these debts must be of a certain amount, but the figure of €8 million being bandied about is no joke.

I have delved deeply into the various opinions on the election result expressed in last Sunday’s papers, and these from regular ‘non-political’ commentators as well as some pretenders to the PN throne. To summarise – and I will not guarantee any of these statements, of course:

Firstly, there were claims of over and uncontrolled spending, seemingly without any proper accounting and auditing, on the PN headquarters, which could have easily stayed as they were, in my opinion, given that the finances were not available;

Secondly, we heard claims of crass mismanagement of the organisational structures over the past five years;

Thirdly, there were claims of few human resources available in terms of the soldiers of the past; the PN had a largely weak structure, programme and strategy, which could never keep up with the PL;

Four, arrogance of the few (and this may read “clique”, which seems to have held the top echelons of the Nationalist Party by the throat), and non-acceptance of criticism/suggestions. I was personally ignored when I put forward ideas or proposals;

Five, due should have been given where it was due. The way Joseph Muscat revived the Labour Party, with the introduction of modern management tools and first class marketing/PR skills, including attracting the right people (both popular and largely capable);

Six, Labour was positive – and again I say largely, because it had its fair share of mudslinging – PN was negative (and mea culpa as well in my own writings). Harping on the past of Labour illegalities, corruption, violence and, of course, the leaders who stood there at the time, Dom Mintoff and Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, was a mistake. As Eddie Fenech Adami very wisely said, our young voters, our new voters, do not remember the 1980s and cannot relate to them.

The positive and the negative attitudes of the two respective parties were reflected through the billboards. There was no comparison.

Labour portrayed what it had to offer – future plans and projects (feasible or not). Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, but we would all be delighted to get a 25 per cent reduction in our electricity bills, and something on our water, of course, although prospective Speaker Anġlu Farrugia was not sure. The Nationalists portrayed doom and gloom.

The success undoubtedly achieved by the Gonzi administration in employment, health and education (in most cases acknowledged by the then Opposition) was to be destroyed. Whoever came out with the themes and presentation of the PN billboards deserves the Nobel prize for nonsense and failure. As if “blokka silġ”, red and blue faces, and Pinocchio noses are going to impress the educated voters that count!

The Nationalist Party needs a total clean-out, because it has failed miserably, not in Government, but in the party. And we talk of internal enquiries. I remember one in 1996. What came of it? Where did it lead? I hope that this one under the able, professional guidance of Ann Fenech will enlighten us. I have total faith in her capability. What’s more, she’s outspoken. No holds barred. I could go on and on. Next chance I have I will delve into the PN leadership race nearer the time of the contest.

I will also in due course review the Muscat administration in view of its very implementation of “Malta Tagħna Lkoll”. Unfortunately, we have already seen this rallying call abandoned, even at the highest levels of the civil service, not to mention other public offices.

I will say one last thing regarding the political scene today. The Nationalist Party must soul search (and I know I am repeating a very common expression), but above all must be humble and meek.

And on this note I would like to salute a friend and colleague who passed away last week – as unfortunately, age and all, I am wont to salute friends and colleagues more often. Joe Caruana Scicluna was pleasant, cheerful, meek and humble. An erudite lawyer of the highest standard in corporate law, whom I had the honour and the pleasure to work and collaborate with over many years. “Insellimlek” Joe. May the Lord give you the eternal rest you deserve. And may He provide your dear family with the solace they need.

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