Time to move ahead

The referendum is over. The majority has voted for Europe. The general election is over too. The majority has voted for the political party that is prepared to uphold and respect the will of the people as expressed in the referendum.

On April 16 Malta signed the treaty acceding to the European Union. It was a day of great emotion and a day that heralds the future of Malta in Europe. The political parties have, true to their democratic principals, accepted and promised to respect the verdict of the people.

Now let us move ahead. Some will be diverting their attention to possible changes within the Malta Labour Party. What happens in the MLP is certainly of great interest and of some concern to the Maltese electorate. But, ultimately, it is up to the MLP to decide on their leadership. What is important for the nation is the respect for democracy and, on this issue, we are all upholders; there were no losers.

The same applies, although in a different context, to the leadership of the General Workers' Union. Both after the referendum and after the election, Mr Zarb stated in no uncertain terms that the union respects the will of the people and will act accordingly. I see no reason to doubt this statement and the stand the GWU will be taking as an affiliate member of European trade unions organisation.

Now is the time to move ahead and ensure the implementation of the people's decision. I am sure the Cabinet is preparing the speech which will be delivered when the House of Representatives is convened in a few weeks time, outlining the government's programme.

The ratification of the accession treaty will certainly figure among the first items, which the new House of Representatives will be debating.

There may be some who will try to open the debate the people have concluded. This, in my view, can be very unwise. It will give the impression that instead of all looking forward, some may still cling to yesterday. There is, however, no time for yesterday, still less for yesterday's men.

On the other hand, there are important issues facing the country where the concerted efforts of all are in the nation's interest.

I am not expecting, nor is it desirable, to have a passive opposition. It is said that a strong opposition makes a strong government. But it is in constructive criticism that, in my view, lies the strength of an opposition. A destructive opposition may solicit the applause of the few but it will never have the approval of the majority.

I consider myself a freshman in politics. It is suggested however that sometimes "freshmen" can behold an unprejudiced truth, which may occasionally evade others with much more experience. Moreover, I find there are many issues on which there are no substantive divergences between the parties; education, health, social services and housing are some of them.

Many are the members of parliament who through their own individual experiences can provide that collective approach leading to a better law, a stronger argument, a new idea. During our house visits, most of us have learnt how to read the people's will and see the problems facing them, much more than we would have learnt from any theoretical knowledge of the subject.

Most of us MPs see in our political party an important instrument of democracy, a vehicle of our political ideas, but not a dividing wall between people with different opinions. We are not two tribes, the red and the blue, aimed at obliterating one another. We are open-minded enough to try and see the point of view of those that disagree with us. We have no reason to attribute bad faith to those who do not share our approach or our ideals; if anything we have to be altruistic enough and have the courage to learn from others.

Some may say that this is the wishful thinking of a new MP. Possibly they may be right; hopefully they may be wrong. Certainly I am looking forward to my years in parliament. I feel a strong commitment towards my electorate and to my being of service to it.

Unfortunately, there are still certain housing and social problems within parts of my district which need to be further addressed and tackled. No elderly or other person with special needs should be left to feel in the 21st century they are a prisoner in their own home.

My commitment is to be of service also to those who may not have voted for me. I feel committed to the electoral programme which the Nationalist Party upheld during the election campaign and to the principles of Christian Democracy and solidarity that characterise the PN to which I belong. I am seeking to ensure I keep abreast of political developments both domestic and foreign. I find foreign affairs to be anything but foreign to the national interest.

In Malta, MPs, except for ministers and parliamentary secretaries, continue exercising their particular work and profession. In this context most MPs are part-timers. But if my limited experience of the past few weeks can provide some sort of a yardstick, then to be an MP is a part-time job which takes up all parts of your time.

The article should have been entitled "Confessions of a newly elected MP". This is true. But my own personal feelings and ideals, albeit important to me, may be of minor significance to others.

What is really important is that the country be on the move again. This is what matters most.

And for the country to be on the move we have to understand that no matter how strong our sense of belonging to the party may be, our allegiance is to our country.

We will all be bound by the same oath of allegiance which a member of the House has to take in terms of the Constitution: "I solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the people and the Republic of Malta and its Constitution. So help me God."

This is our duty. The future beckons.