There are divergent proposals regarding the regeneration of the two main harbours and the peninsula in between. Some of the proposals have certain similarities, others vary greatly. Many of the proposals make sense and surely will be beneficial, but some of the others are illogical.

Even I had presented my opinions. Therefore it would be wise and prudent if consensus could be found about all these proposals. If possible such consensus would be reached with the best of intentions but I have my doubts if this is really possible. It is an unfortunate fact that in Malta we tend to dig ourselves in deep ditches and would not be willing to concede any margin. Therefore I suggest that the best approach would be through a national conference. The various proposals would be compared and studied in all their aspects. It would not make sense to separate any one proposal from the impact it could have on the others.

Now that we are full members of the European Union I suggest that we ask for help and assistance so that the EU will appoint an independent person who would discuss, listen, study and evaluate all these proposals and then attempt to prepare a general comprehensive plan with parameters about costs and time frames. Such a plan should be ratified as a law so that it could be implemented independently of which party will be in Parliament.

None of the proposals have any dogma or political doctrine. Therefore it is not important which are accepted or rejected. The importance is in the need for consensus which will be beneficial to one and all.

For this reason I make an earnest plea to unions and organisations to call such a conference as soon as possible after the general election.

Who knows, perhaps these projects could serve as a model on how we Maltese will learn to work together for our own benefit.