Hawwadni ha nifmek

The PM today said that although he will vote NO he still hopes for a referendum fully knowing that if a majority of MPs make the same choice, no referendum will take place.

Since a referendum can only be held if parliament votes yes, the PM is either taking us for a ride or inviting some of his MPs to vote yes to allow the referendum to take place.

If the PM (unlike my good self who believes that this is a matter for parliament to decide on) is so enthusiastic about the referendum why not simply pass an ad hoc law calling a consultative referendum on this issue rather than relegating divorce to a double insurance policy against divorce?

Obviously this scenario would be a veritable minefield as the result will not be binding and will still require ratification by parliament. In the absence of a law, it would be difficult to agree on a question acceptable to both parts. Practically it will be the same situation as with the referendum on EU membership. But while EU involved a transfer of sovereignty thus making a referendum desirable, divorce is a simple normal law effecting only those who want to re-marry.

And if Carmelo Abela and Marie Louise Coleiro are against divorce they should simply vote NO rather than hide behind the referendum smokescreen. I respect their choice but I am irked with MPs shelving responsibility on the people by arguing that a referendum should be held before parliament takes a final decision. This raises the question; how would those opposed to divorce vote if the people vote yes?

This is only too similar to Lawrence Gonzi’s previous argument that the issue is too big for parliamentarians to decide upon. Gonzi has suddenly concluded that the issue is too big for parliamentarians to decide upon only if he is outvoted in parliament. The anti divorce Labour MPs are now dreading Gonzi’s change of heart. For the only way to push a referendum would be by voting yes to divorce. Very mind boggling scenario.

One way out of the quandary would be if those MPs who want a referendum propose an alternative motion calling for a referendum on divorce. But I doubt whether this would be in the interest of the divorce cause. I remain a firm believer that this is a matter for parliament to decide. If it fails to pass this time, nothing will stop the next parliament from reconsidering.