What is your verdict on the PN’s first year in opposition?

I think it is too early to judge. It clearly needs reorganisation and establishment of identity. Christina Meli, 26, BA (Hons) History of Art.

After around 25 years in government, I think they are still finding it a bit difficult to adjust to their new role. Obviously their role is to be a watchdog over the government, but that doesn’t mean criticising every single thing the government puts forward. Dionne Gatt, 19, LLB, 2nd year.

I do not believe the PN is doing enough to break out of the conservative shell, which was the primary cause for its landslide defeat in the last election. Timmy Spiteri, 23, LLD, 1st year.

What do you think about the Opposition’s decision to abstain in last Monday’s vote on the Civil Unions Bill?

I understand that the decision to abstain was to provide an image of a united political party but a free vote would have presented a more involved and up-to-date Opposition that is compassionate to every need of society. Christina Meli

Their decision is contradictory. Last Monday’s issue was regarding human rights and regardless which party you form part of, you need to take into consideration the lives of those affected. By abstaining, they failed to take a direct stance and this leads to uncertainty on their actual position. Dionne Gatt

For me this is highly indicative that the PN is distanced from the pressing social needs of society. By abstaining from Monday’s vote they have sent a very clear message that basic rights should not be conferred equally to everyone. Timmy Spiteri

Do you think the reaction PN MPs received outside Parliament was justified?

Considering the Opposition abstained on such an important issue of civil rights, I think it was to be expected, if not entirely justified. Christina Meli

Rather than it being justified, it was expected. It might have been blown a bit out of proportion as everyone has a right to a different opinion, but you can’t really blame the people outside Parliament for reacting like that. Dionne Gatt

Definitely. I think it’s high time for PN to do away with its archaic ways and adjust to society’s needs and wants. If this is not done, I believe PN will find it immensely difficult to win back the many people it has lost due to its resistance to change. But at the same time this sort of stance is understandable coming from a conservative party. If it is PN’s intention to remain so, then I think it is time for them to accept themselves as an Opposition party. Timmy Spiteri

Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.