Whenever I heard from Nationalist Party contenders that they should not insult and fight each other, as their enemy was the Labour Party, I found it odd and stupid.

We are all born and living in the Maltese islands, and are all of the same race and family. What should have been said by these contenders was that they would fight and uphold their policies, which beliefs deviate from those of Labour. But to hold an adversary (Labour) as the enemy is in today’s world very wrong.

Yesteryear’s parish feast frivolities were fuelled by the clergy and pitting one saint against another. Sometimes it could be the same saint but under a different name. I do feel that in the present time, when people are more educated and mature, this senseless ideology has and must be eradicated from our vocabulary – especially from political leaders who are seeking to be future prime ministers.

Everyone has a right to their own beliefs – such as I hold mine – but to say that someone is your enemy due to different beliefs is banal and irresponsible.

Our country has managed to progress due to these ideological differences. One party tackles one thing and the other tackles another. People who were born during and after World War II are witness to the rich and progressive steps that our islands have taken, led by different parties and politicians.

One only has to watch old TV programmes and also photos on Facebook to realise how much progress has been achieved in our islands.

So no, my enemy is ignorance, not the numerous friends I have and hold from a different political sphere. My enemy is the hatred I see and view in many comments written and spoken in all means of communications.

Our country is enjoying and passing through very good times. The focus of people’s priorities has changed drastically during the last administration. Citizens are now more concerned about the environment, cleanliness of the country as a whole, transparency, keeping outside development zones protected, overbuilding, culture, meritocracy and law and order.

People want to see law and order in entertainment places, the protection of public property on all beaches and sidewalks to be free and not taken over by a few.

Now that our islands are benefitting from so much progress economically, of less national debt, a better standard of living and multiple vast investments, citizens are also requesting urgent action on the points mentioned above.

Now it is time for Parliament to be made up of full-time members. It is time for a new and progressive assessment of our Parliament

Property owners used to lament the low rents – now the opposite is happening. Rents are now being so exploited that the authorities are being forced to do something about the high rents asked for. Thus the shifting of priorities.

Priorities are also shifting for our own representatives in Parliament. The old outdated system of Parliament is still being adopted: parliamentary sessions from Monday to Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm, with another half hour adjournment.

This in my view is so much out of context with regard to the islands’ present needs. We have joined the European Union which in itself requires continuous research, studies, and analysis of new innovative proposals coming daily from the EU.

Until now, our Parliamentarians are in my view dealing with these issues in a most amateurish way. There are no real solid counter-views.

The real and needed political step that was taken by Parliament until now was on August 5, 2016, when the Speaker’s Office was declared to be autonomous. Now it is time for Parliament to be made up of full-time members. It is time for a new and progressive assessment of our Parliament. Sessions should be held daily during the week and be family friendly for parents elected to Parliament.

Some say professionals would then not be interested. I do not agree with this. Many of our past and present parliamentarians have dedicated their lives to achieve the progress that our islands have achieved.

People with a profession who would prefer not to have these conditions are not worth being elected. It is ambiguous to say the least when a professional elected to Parliament and had held a ministerial or other important post, to then appear before governmental authorities or boards who they themselves had put in those positions. Citizens are tempted to believe that these political professionals would be preferred in decisions taken.

This is not right – does not appear right – and it is awkward for both. So parliamentarians should be on full-time basis. Only doctors and medical professors could do work in government hospitals for only, say two days a week, so as not to lose their proficiency.

Regarding women in Parliament, I believe citizens should not be nominated to a parliamentary post but have to stand for election like everyone else. One is all out to having a good number of women contesting. But for any party to introduce women in parliamentary posts to bring equality in numbers is just not on. This would create in my humble view a discriminatory and dangerous precedent.

How can someone represent and decide for the people if these do not have a mandate from the people?

Lastly, another political point which I hold strongly is that parliamentarians’ income tax declarations should not be tabled in Parliament, but sent to the Ombudsman or Attorney General for a serious and complete review. When this is done and if nothing is found amiss then they should remain private.

If, on the other hand, a discrepancy is found then the Ombudsman would table the findings in Parliament.

Any newspaper can ask and obtain any income tax return of any politician for the last five years. So any newspaper can investigate. But my final question is this: which newspaper has ever during the last 10 years or so, come out with any valid news about any income tax return being irregular?

So let us be positive in our outlook on our representatives and hope for better and prosperous new ventures.

Lino Debono is a former Labour MP.