Honesty the best policy, Archbishop tells politicians

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca yesterday urged politicians to lead an exemplary life, both in public and in private, one that people could look up to and follow.

"Society is as strong as how honest you are," he said during the traditional exchange of New Year's greetings.

Mgr Mercieca said he was not in any way inferring that politicians were not honest but could not stress enough the importance of honesty.

Also present were Archbishop-elect Paul Cremona and Auxiliary Bishop Annetto Depasquale.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, leading members of the Cabinet, said the government was proud to declare that it was inspired by Christian values when taking its decisions.

Dr Gonzi said relativism was a big challenge in the world today as everyone was using different yardsticks for moral values.

He thanked Mgr Mercieca for the service he has given over the past 30 years and extended his good wishes to Mgr Cremona "who will soon be bearing the brunt".

Mgr Cremona joked in reply that his consolation was that he would have 14 years at the helm at most, not 30 like his predecessor.

In a meeting with a parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Anton Tabone, which included Labour leader Alfred Sant and members from both sides of the House, the Archbishop stressed that it was very important for the country to have a good opposition, as this was essential for democracy.

He said parliamentarians should work for the good of the country and should speak out for what they believe in even though it may not necessarily be the party line.

He encouraged them to "sacrifice pique for the good of the country. Above all, be above board and honest in your work," he urged them.

Other to exchange greetings with the highest Church authorities were members of the judiciary led by Chief Justice Vincent Degaetano, representatives of political parties led by their presidents and general secretaries, former presidents Censu Tabone, Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Guido de Marco, Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino, former Chief Justice Jo Jo Mifsud Bonnici, Attorney General Silvio Camilleri, Police Commissioner John Rizzo and Armed Forces Commander Brigadier Carmel Vassallo as well as members of trade unions and leaders of other constituted bodies.

Later on in the morning it was the turn of the President and Mrs Fenech Adami to call on the bishops.