A good start or just a dream?

Lawrence Gonzi's meeting with Alfred Sant at the latter's request was definitely a step in the right direction. No doubt, the start is positive and encouraging.

Dr Gonzi has expressed his intention to work hard in an effort to tone down partisan politics. Dr Sant, on his part, agreed to pull the same rope when national interests are at stake.

Right from his first speech as party leader on Wednesday, Dr Gonzi said he hoped the way of exercising politics will change from a confrontational one to one based on dialogue.

If our political leaders keep their word and work to achieve their promises, then we should all look forward to a much improved political environment. I am sure that both of them meant what they said.

We are then at the start of a new political era. I augur that the new political will shown by both party leaders in these past days will reign throughout the months and years to come.

We will shortly experience the first-ever national campaign for the European parliament elections - there are barely 100 days to go to election day. I have already elsewhere expressed my views on these elections - they will be a historical landmark. Just six weeks after becoming European Union citizens, we shall exercise our right to elect our own Maltese representatives in the EP.

This is our very first test. We can expect a short but intense electoral campaign ahead of the coming contest but in the light of our political leaders' commitments, as expressed in the past days, all candidates from whichever party should strive to live up to the regeneration of political practices as has been signalled.

All candidates should provide the Maltese people with a clean and honest campaign. We should all be proud to participate in this historic first opportunity. The parties are now faced with their first true test in the EU era and I, for one, am sure that the messages conveyed by both party leaders over the past days will be put in practice throughout the campaign. It is up to us all to contribute towards this achievement.

The leaders' actions and commitments over the past days should lead the way to a political culture permanently different to that which we have been used to over the past years, to the obvious advantage of us all.

I just hope I am not dreaming. I also sincerely hope to do my utmost in contributing towards this new way of making politics. On this foundation, we can build our commitment towards a better Malta in the EU. This will definitely mean that we will be able to achieve positive results from EU membership. This is in the national interest and so, in echo of Dr Sant's lead, the Labour Party will pull the same rope.