Anthony Mizzi’s contribution MP’s Betrayal Can Only Lead To Confidence Vote (January 10) prompts me to write that common sense did not prevail in 1998. It was never a question of whether one acted honourably or not.

Can Malta realistically afford a general election...- Philip J. Zammit, Żebbuġ

Alfred Sant simply painted himself into a corner by turning a parliamentary vote on the Cottonera Marina project into a vote of confidence in his government. In the light of the Opposition’s earlier offer then to seek consensus on the project, and Dom Mintoff’s own proposals in criticism of the same project, what could have been the unanimous approval of an amended project by the House turned out to be a stark example of hard-headedness at its best. George Abela, then deputy leader of the Labour Party, had insisted that the people expected the party to honour its five-year term but his sensible plea fell on deaf ears. Similarly for Lino Spiteri’s professional advice on the vital VAT/CET issue, compelling Mr Spiteri to resign his ministerial post.

The primary aim of every politician is to strive for the common good. Democracy is not merely government by the majority, relative or absolute. The opinions of the minority have to be considered and respected, even taken on board if the national interest so requires.

Following the narrow electoral victory of the Nationalist Party in 2008, I ventured to hint among friends that a truly representative government should include the appointment at parliamentary secretary level of able Opposition members in broadly consensual areas like health, social security and the environment. The idea was scorned by partisan blinkers. All merit therefore goes to the Prime Minister who rose above party politics to propose George Abela for the Presidency.

As things stand, however, one-seat majorities are a parliamentary nightmare. Shouldn’t our Constitution provide for an outright three-seat majority to the party obtaining the higher number of first-count votes in a two-horse final placing?

I do not doubt Franco Debono’s credentials, abilities or good intentions. It is his way of going about things that may be faulted. Poor judgment and ill-timing on his part have exacerbated an already tense political, economic and social atmosphere. It will be quite a pity for the country to have to do without Dr Debono’s initiative and drive; more so since the country cannot do without the hard-gained experience of Prime Minister Gonzi. Both gentlemen have much to contribute to the national interest.

Has the situation truly reached the point of no return? Can Malta realistically afford a general election at this crucial time? Will a much-needed stability be allowed to go overboard?

I sincerely wish that common sense will prevail this time.