– Before marriage law reforms of the 1990s, marriage issues were dealt with in the country’s courts as they should be. Then along comes Guido de Marco and negotiates a shaira like deal with the Vatican to give local church tribunals exclusive right over marriages between Catholics. That would never have happened under Labour.

– EU Directive on non-discrimination for gays was intentionally watered down in application to appease the local church hierarchy – who I like to refer to as “the Nationalist party at prayer” (with apologies to the Church of England known as the Conservative party at prayer). That would never have happened under Labour.

– By now Labour would have introduced some form of divorce. Sant government had already commissioned a report and the clear intention was to pave the way for some divorce legislation.

– PN government made a point of introducing ridiculous clause about abortion in EU accession treaty. That would never have happened under Labour. It also chilled the debate on the need to grant women some sort of right to choose in Malta and led to the crazy amendment to the Constitution being pushed by Gift for Life which had the President of the Republic publicly supporting their movement. Never would have happened under Labour.

– Malta’s voting record with the Vatican on women’s issues at the Beijing conference on women would never ever have happened under Labour.

And so many other things. And you want to rely on the PN to change matters on social issues? Edward, dream on cowboy, it ain’t never going to happen with Gonzi in the saddle.

I am in agreement with your issues. But the method of accomplishment and their particular shape and form for Malta is yet unknown, given the general cultural milieu. I don’t have evidence, yet, to believe that the MLP wold be capable of governing, as well as introducing the needed social progress. For me, the model of social progress might be the State of California in the US. But, that might be rather revolutionary in Malta, for any government, PN or MLP. Would it also be possible for a PN government to also bring about the required social change, along with the economic change it is managing to its credit? My hope, is that there would be a capable and responsible MLP government, in alternation with PN, that would allow such social progress. My skepticism, however, remains that the MLP in its current form lacks support and credibility to govern. A credible MLP in opposition may force a PN government to tackle the progressive issues for social changes.

What legislation is it that you have not yet benefited from? I can’t imagine that you have not derived benfits from those shared by the commom good, unless you inhabit the world of KMB. I’m sure I, too, could propose some progressive legislation. But are you saying that none of the legislation under the PN has been progressive, or that it is simply insufficient?

@Daphne. I hope not because I do want to see some progressive legislation passed in this country of ours while I can still benefit from it! As far as I’m concerned it will take Labour to do it so I’m gunning for Joseph and his team at Mile End!