Attending the last Nationalist Party extraordinary general council meeting meant I was able to witness the genuine enthusiasm of participants and supporters determined to continue making a difference. One could feel the positive effect of a renewed party, elegantly and ably led by another dynamic leader.

As much as Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is not honouring his pre-election words on transparency, accountability, meritocracy and political responsibility, so the effectiveness of a proactive Opposition points towards a policy of honesty, highest ethical standards and results while Simon Busuttil’s credibility is constantly gaining ground. Where the Muscat administration is failing the people through absence of transparency, the Opposition is vigilantly eliciting the truth, keeping the people informed and very often prompting necessary changes.

Where incompetence is present in the form of lack of meritocracy and so many mistakes – which are certainly not commensurate with the most formidable Cabinet promised to the people – Busuttil and his teams are offering a foundation for a clean and efficient administration.

Twenty five years in Opposition provided more than ample time for the Labour Party to excel in skills for good governance to prevent mistakes including “procedural mistakes” par excellence.

They seem to have excelled, however, in hiding arrogance behind smiles when situations permit and ignoring the gravity of certain ‘mistakes’ by proceeding with a business as usual attitude referring among others to a thriving economy – the sound basis of which is to the credit of the PN’s focus on growth over the years.

Success can be real if based on honesty and high ethical standards. This is being offered by the PN both at national and at local level. It is up to the electorate to evaluate the current pros and cons and opt for the best candidates led by conscientiously capable leaders.