Your leader last Sunday touched on an issue which, I think, is not getting enough emphasis in the ongoing political debate.

I am referring to the ideological conflict, which subtle though it may be, underlies the present difficulties within the Nationalist Party.

By reverting to his party grassroots for confirmation of his unquestioned leadership Lawrence Gonzi is being compared to former British Prime Minister John Major and his move in 1995.

However, the comparison is qualified by the statement that Mr Major had a party fundamentally divided on Europe whereas Dr Gonzi has no ideological differences within his own party to contend with.

This, I believe, does not go to the heart of the matter. Franco Debono has severely criticised his government and party on various matters, ranging from the running of the law courts, to public transport, to funding of political parties.

The one unifying theme throughout this series of intemperate personal stances out of unison with his party’s line is the style of governance adopted by the Dr Gonzi administration backed by the Nationalist Party.

Dr Debono complains of an oligarchy within the party, of a coterie of eminences grises quietly manipulating the administration in their own and family interests, to the exclusion of other promising, meritorious members of the party.

This modus operandi is being paraded by Dr Debono as indicative of a serious and pervasive deficiency in democracy within the PN, one which as the recent result of the divorce referendum demonstrated, reveals a party outmoded and out of sync with the world we live in.

Dr Debono (his Form 2 results apart) is a clever political operator, a brinkman teasing the leadership, but careful to keep escape routes open. He is a loose cannon upon whom it is difficult to rely yet gives one reason to think he is still amenable to discussion.

Dr Gonzi on the other hand has yet to show that his conciliatory approach will ultimately benefit the party.

He must also be aware that GonziPN needs updating, and enough to drive home the idea that the Nationalist Party for all its religio et patria baggage is not the party of yesterday but that of tomorrow.