Time has brought changes, some for the better and others for the worst. Political candidates are in my view being chosen not because of their political convictions or ideology, but sadly through their local popularity and most probably due to their academical positions.

These latter personnel sadly lack the morals and convictions that makes one a truly good politician.

Many enter politics without any knowledge of what the constitution is about or it’s meanings. Without any knowledge of what parliament means or what the ‘First Speech’ is about and what/how this represents their personal policies for the country and their beliefs.

It is imperative that they know how to legislate, administer, plan and adopt their personal lives, which also includes their families.

So in my view many enter parliament without any knowledge whatsoever. Nobody will assist or help them through the many procedures required. They will have to learn by their mistakes or when their fingers gets burnt.

Previously candidates were mainly chosen by their political participation in the internal party group, but mostly through their beliefs and convictions of the parties policies.

Sadly I personally do notice a lack of these basic beliefs in the current party candidates

Political Classes

It is my opinion, rightly or wrongly, political parties must and should organise political classes for all prospective candidates. But firstly the political parties must choose candidates for their political beliefs and not through and because of their local popularity.

These latter candidates simply do not make good politicians.

One cannot visualise a member of parliament as a part timer doing the homework and studies required to participate in serious debates in parliament.

The Labour Party has initiated something in this regard prior to the last elections for female candidates. This is a very positive step, but needs to be revised to include all candidates.

It’s about time that the political parties reviewed their political beliefs and the conduct of heir prospective candidates and reevaluate their future commitments to parliamentary needs.

This simply cannot be undertaken by and on a part-timer basis.

Conditions

Parliament must provide the needs for all deputies, especially for female members who have young children and for when parliament starts meeting regularly during the day.

A nursery, kitchen and kindergarten are required in today’s parliament especially as many young women have now entered parliament.

This need will intensify if full-time parliamentarians are introduced which would also require clerical assistance to assist with resources and compliance with European Union laws and regulations, as well as for the many complex debates taking place in our parliament.

This is a crucial necessity if we want to have a fully effective parliament with dedicated representatives providing good governance, prosperity and innovative laws for all.

This is what Malta and Gozo urgently need, the time for its implementation is high and nigh.

Lino DeBono

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