Delia must not stand in PN’s way

By definition, a strong opposition must present a real electoral threat to the government of the day. For democracy to be effective, an opposition party worthy of the name needs to instil a healthy fear in the ruling party. The competition built into our political system should keep those in power constantly looking over their shoulder, consistently reminded of their shortcomings and the perils of abusing their power.

A strong opposition needs to command the respect of the electorate for the fearlessness of its pronouncements and the truth they contain. It needs to win esteem for the values it professes and those practised by its members. It needs to draw attention to itself by the freshness of its ideas and promise of its plans. It must lead by example, inspire by its vision and present a clear alternative programme for the country that would stand a chance of winning the support of at least the floating voters.

The Nationalist Party embodies none of this right now. Even if it did, it is not at all sure that it would have made any major inroads in the latest electoral contests. The booming economy and the clinically efficient use of incumbency permitted by the government’s...