  |
So what of the future for the PDP?
|
by Nick Cruz
Acting Leader Progressive Democratic Party
It now falls upon me as PDP Acting Leader to say a few words and I would first like to take the opportunity on behalf of the Executive and our members and supporters to thank Keith for his great efforts over the last 6 years as PDP Leader.
It has been 6 years almost to the day that Keith and I together with others launched the PDP as a political party to offer the electorate a new and forward thinking alternative. This alternative was one based on our previous experience of other political parties, taking all the positives but leaving behind the negatives.
So the Party's philosophy has been and remains a progressive one, a visionary one. It is a forward thinking party that has society changing ideas. Issues such as Style of Government and Democracy which now seem common currency, but which only appeared on other political parties' agendas when the PDP made it their flagship policy under the heading "Living Democracy". A policy paper Keith co- authored with me and which was influenced by the Executive as a whole.
Our policy in relation to constitutional evolution, which travels through the recognition of our rights to independence, to a status of free association with Britain that befits a small country with a great affinity to Britain, is ambitious but credible.
Our general policies on education, tourism and the economy often depart from the standard in a refreshingly visionary fashion.
Underpinning our PDP philosophy, that Keith has been so important in shaping, is an ambition to contribute to the political debate in a constructive way. To offer support when it is in Gibraltar's best interest, yet robustly and constructively criticise where appropriate and when necessary.
Keith stepping back from the frontline "for the time being," will not affect this philosophy that underpins the PDP. We thank him for recognising that and for staying on in the PDP on its Executive, to offer himself up for a senior post and for keeping the possibility of a future return to the frontline alive.
So what of the future for the PDP?
The Executive overwhelmingly share Keith's view that there is a place for the PDP in Gibraltar's landscape. We believe that as the political landscape changes, as inevitably it will in the not too distant future with the departure of two important servants of Gibraltar Mr Bossano and Mr Caruana, that at this juncture in time the electorate will be more open to considering other political possibilities. The tribalism that has haunted Gibraltar politics and that has resulted in the PDP's political credibility not translating into votes will be a page in the history books.
GSD supporters and voters, when faced with life after Peter Caruana, could well ask whether their interests are best served by his replacement, or whether there may be alternatives that better reflect their thoughts and their aspirations.
Some GSLP/Liberal supporters who at the last few elections fundamentally voted to oust Peter Caruana could also feel free to consider whether other alternatives, namely the PDP could offer a fresher and more moderate political home.
Add to this the fact that the democratic changes that are currently being studied could well make way for a wider representation in our Parliament and thereby create an opportunity for the PDP in its journey to Government.
We firmly believe that when you are knocked down, as we were in the last election, you will be judged on how you get up and continue the journey. I want to give the clear message today that get up we will.
The PDP is here to stay and we will now strengthen our Executive and look towards our AGM in the autumn and onwards thereafter in our aim to build towards 2015.
Today I would like to extend a hand of friendship and warm welcome to those who would like to subscribe to our ambitious and constructive future, a future based on a passionate belief that this great place that is Gibraltar can be better because we must always continue to aspire to improve and grow. To this end we would invite anyone interested to join us in this endeavour either as members or in any other form of political support.
07-06-12
|
|
|
|
