I have always believed that all politicians – whether present or past – genuinely believe they can contribute to improve the general conditions of this country.

All of them make daily sacrifices, affecting both their daily family and their own private life, when elected.

Many do forfeit more attractive financial incomes, something that, sadly, not many citizens appreciate or acknowledge.

Generally speaking, this country has made huge improvements over the years, whether in working conditions, housing, medical services or the social situation. One would be justified in insisting that our standard of living is second to none.

Long have I harboured the view that a political party’s stint in government should be linked to the implementation or otherwise of its electoral programme. If a party in power is unable to achieve its declared targets within two terms, then it is incapable to govern.

History and political experience indicate that a change in personnel is necessary, even if same party is re-elected for a third time. Occupying senior government positions for a prolonged period of time tends to make one lose contact with the public.

‘Sharks’ change colour and friends every time there is a change in administration. New blood replaces old blood at the very top but these ‘sharks’ never change and are always ready for a kill.

At the last general election, after long years of the same party in government, the public wanted change. Labour was elected by one of the biggest majorities ever recorded in these islands.

Many can now see that this country is moving and many policies are being changed.

New brooms sweep clean and a breath of fresh air would be expected. Teething troubles will of course emerge and problems are very likely until the dust has settled.

Parliamentary part-timers, as is the case with our backbenchers, should be a thing of the past

In terms of individuals, New Labour appears to be opting for more professional candidates. One hardly sees a manual worker being elected. Winning a seat in Parliament is becoming well-nigh impossible for a ‘commoner’ because professionals have much more to offer.

Also, new policies are more a shade of pink rather than of red.

I am among those who voted for this change. Although I am a socialist, and will always embrace this belief, I know New Labour has taken a rather different approach. I respect this.

What, however, I do not expect is that, after many thousands of people worked so hard for Labour to be returned to power, stupid mistakes by individuals transmit a bad picture of and damage the government, which is achieving and making so many major breakthroughs in all sectors, whether social or financial.

These mistakes have and must be nipped in the bud. The many social and innovative progressive proposals made in the Budgets are being overshadowed by the banal mistakes of some individuals.

Labour leaders must act to stop this. They must also lay stress on the meritocracy that was promised before the election.

This government is able to come up with innovative ideas and projects can come to fruition. The last two budgets should suffice to convince the people about the major advancements made.

Once the political party that I support was elected to government, I resigned my post as party official as I said to myself that my work had then be done. But it appears it is not.

Therefore, I strongly urge party officials and top government members to take note and immediately end the stupid mistakes being made by some individuals who are damaging our party image.

I also expect members of Parliament to be full-timers. It is ridiculous that in this day and age, when Malta is a member of the European Union, when new legislative submissions are made on a daily basis, our parliamentarians cannot remain up-to-date with proposals. Laws should not be followed but discussed and seriously studied at submission stage.

My question to all politicians is: what comes first, your country’s interest or your personal career?

Parliamentary part-timers, as is the case with our backbenchers, should be a thing of the past.