Many consider politics as a dirty business and think that power corrupts. The abuse of power seems to be a politician’s Achilles’ heel. Politicians who until yesterday were held in high esteem come to an abrupt political end after accusations of abusive of power. Some cling to straws to avoid a fall out. All the good they were once accredited with is forgotten and only their ‘black stains’ are remembered. Power can bring out the good and the worst in eachof us.

Revelations of sleaze, cronyism, nepotism, corrupt practices, clientelism, pseudo-consultancy contracts, irregular employment and freebies reinforce this perception among honest law-abiding citizens. So, are politicians living in glasshouses? If so, one can easily understand why some politicians suffer from high levels of paranoia.

There is a growing number of citizens, in particular the young, who are disengaged and disillusioned. Many others are cynical and reluctant. Particular ‘politicians’ are doing a disservice not only to the party they represent but to the country. Some have joined the political ranks for the wrong reasons. Power trips, personal advancement and ego worshipping are not valid motives.

Honest and valid citizens are shying away from political involvement. The fear of possible political intrigue scares them off

Honest and valid citizens that can be considered as assets to a nation are shying away from political involvement. The fear of possible political intrigues scares them off. This can lead to a political vacuum and a drain on resources.

As a nation, can we afford this? Being governed by people who are in bed with those who seek only their advancement and not the common good undermines and threatens democracy itself.

As a new candidate, I find this both very disheartening and challenging. My political engagement comes against a background of 30 years of service to the community in various roles and responsibilities. When I was given the opportunity to lead, I rose to the occasion and did my best to be a ‘man for others’. I am determined to see change.

Power for the sake of power is destructive. Power is only a medium to serveothers and change society into a more humane and inclusive society. It is my intention to remain focused. My willingness is shared by many other colleagues from both political spectrums. Together, we need to take stock of the situation, pull up our stocks and clean up our stables. PN leader Simon Busuttil’s demand for public integrity and honesty is a serious attempt to address this deficiency.

Where do we then draw the line about the political accountability of each politician? To begin with, we need to acknowledge that we all come with a baggage. To a certain extent, we all have skeletons in our cupboard, which we prefer not to revisit. With hindsight, we all agree that certain decisions and life choices could have been done differently.

If we are to encourage citizens to come forward and serve the nation, we need to acknowledge that no new political candidate comes with a clean slate.

Acknowledge and accepting one’s mistakes is not a sign of insecurity but a sign of maturity. As regards to our sentimental choices and family affairs they are to be respected and treated as confidential at all times. No one has a right to deliberate about personal affairs and choices as long as they are legal. It is only when personal affairs and family intrigues collide and interfere with public administration, public appointments and policies that the public has the right to know.

Outside this demarcation line, I firmly believe that all other dealings should be considered as public domain and open to public scrutiny.

Staying clear and keeping at arm’s length from the likes of the Gafferenas of this world is a must that should be ‘religiously’ adhered to at all costs. Although most people in business are relatively decent and honest, others are not. Their allegiance is to their ego. They change horses according to their financial forecasts and not out of any conviction.

Their freebies, social invites, financial contributions and support are solely an ‘investment’, which in time they hope would reap dividends. All freebies received will boomerang and come back tohaunt politicians.

Sadly, during recent years we witnessed a constant series of chickens coming home to roost in one way or another.

By giving in to their demands and accommodating policies to their ambitions, the government has reinforced public perception that politics is a dirty business.

The pre-electoral pledges of meritocracy, accountability and transparency turned out to be a hollow experience.

To avoid the insecurity and anxiety of living in glass houses, all current and future politicians should keep their distance from such people.

Prevention is much better thanpublic embarrassment.

Albert Buttigieg is a Nationalist Party candidate and local councillor in St Julian’s.