They happen only rarely, but there are times back to which one can look after many years and see they were defining moments, watersheds that mark an important point of transition in a nation's economic history. Last week's public transport standoff may well be one of them.

For those who were doubtful, it is very evident that this is a government on the move. After an exceptionally smooth euro entry and hospital transfer last year, it has embarked on the privatisation of the shipyards and rent law reform that are already more than a plateful.

Now transport as well. It started, as they all tend to do, with something almost insignificant: funeral hearse liberalisation. But the instant escalation wrought on the country by the hastily set up (and hasty) "transport federation" brought all of us, not just the government, to face a stark choice: old restrictive practices or an open way of doing things.

In four days, we had just enough time to see unacceptable violence from "federation" members, Austin Gatt's smart strategic moves, its most important bit falling off the "federation", Lawrence Gonzi's mark of prudent strength and then capitulation by what was left of the "federation", now accepting a faster-paced liberalisation.

This was a watershed. For perhaps the first time in Malta and in contrast with some other European countries, a huge majority is clearly supporting the government's programme of liberalisation. Online polls show more than 85 per cent in favour, their appetite for an open economy whetted by previous liberalising moves.

One might disagree with the Nationalists, one might even dislike them, but one has to accept that last week's events show they have lost none of their ability to shape this nation according to the political vision they have of a modern open Malta, far removed from what it was just 20 years ago. Rather, they have enhanced such ability.

In the age of the internet, public opinion was itself an important player in upholding this vision. This is what the "federation" grossly underestimated. With frequent updates and hundreds of comments in favour of liberalisation, websites and blogs (including an excellent timesofmalta.com) we live in an age of open source politics more in tune with the people's mood and much less partial to party political pronouncements and vested interests.

Many wanted firmer action by the police on the roads. With the benefit of hindsight, it is evident that discretion was the better part of valour. Protest was allowed but the rule of law was not compromised, with the police taking action against 26 people and the courts giving a clear signal to all by refusing bail at the time.

At the height of the tourist season, a collective effort organised by Mario de Marco, the MTA and the MHRA limited the inconvenience to tourists and harm to the industry. This was the practical politics that is essential to underpin a defining moment in the making.

On the other hand, Labour was underwhelming. It was dragged by the strength of public opinion and said it accepted liberalisation in transport as well. But, at the end of the week, Joseph Muscat attacked Dr Gatt, trying to put a wedge between him and Dr Gonzi, when he should have congratulated both without barbs, digs, ifs or buts.

This goes to show the difference between childish posturing and the politics of substance. What made last week a defining moment were not slogans, smirks and sitting on fences but the strength of purpose, vision and experience of a government with renewed reforming zeal.

eddiea@onvol.net