Thursday’s vote in the House seems to suggest that common sense has prevailed. Franco Debono’s back was not available for the Opposition to have an opportunistic ride on. The gamble simply did not pay off. Have the lessons been learnt, I wonder?

Good governance has no room for the recklessly stupid cycle of goodies at election time...- Philip J. Zammit, Żebbuġ

Though some would applaud the Opposition for having a go at the hot seat, I believe that public opinion has not been entertained by this unwarranted move. The interests of a party projecting the image of an alternative government are better served if, instead of seeking to take partisan advantage of a dissident voice in the governing party’s ranks, the Opposition offered its constructive support to the government in its remaining legislative programme for the common good.

Actions speak louder than words. The subtle phenomenon that tips the scales in favour of one party or the other will have been at work in the five years prior to a general election. These few thousands of voters will objectively assess the performance of our politicians and will choose to be represented by those capable of rising above party agendas when the best interests of the country so demand.

Whether our government stands on one leg or two remains to be seen. I certainly do not envy Lawrence Gonzi’s task in trying to put his own house in order when, as Prime Minister, he must concentrate his attention on national matters considered by most of my fellow countrymen as being vitally more important than partisan issues. It is absurd even to think that, despite glaring errors unwittingly committed, a government standing perhaps on one leg but certified to be doggedly leading the country in the right direction is not better than an alternative government on two legs but apparently bent on stubbornly shooting itself in both.

To even remark that Dr Gonzi has indulged in a time-buying exercise which will enable him to throw all caution to the wind and splash and splurge in a desperate vote-catching attempt to gain re-election, is irresponsibly symptomatic of a suicidal attitude towards budgetary deficit control and EU sanctions.

Good governance has no room for the recklessly stupid cycle of goodies at election time and austere measures afterwards. Similarly for promises of pie in the sky. Good governance is for the sensible and mature.

What sense would it otherwise make to you and me if, in the final analysis, we are faced with Hobson’s choice?