The problem here: An assumption the good times will last forever
Do you think that Gibraltarians nowadays are more, or less, politically minded, compared to when you first entered politics?
Gibraltarians have always been politically minded. That is of course related to the fact that we have always had to fight for social and political rights that other people take for granted. From the struggle to return from the evacuation to the struggle for better land on which to build homes or the struggle for greater political rights; it has been a struggle. When my father was a young man the MOD owned the best land in Gibraltar and Gibraltarians were in some work places treated as second class citizens. When the MOD released land it was invariably poor quality for the Government of the day to build homes for our people. If you think about it, Gibraltar must be the only place in Iberia where a housing estate has been built in the middle of one of the oldest Moorish keeps in Europe. That occurred because that was the only land we had at the time and people needed to be homed.
All that, without taking into account a David and Goliath struggle with Spain that continues to this date. I do however think that people (and young people in particular) are gradually turning away from politics. That is also a trend internationally and I think there is a lack of trust in politicians and the political system generally.
MAIN ISSUES
What are the main political issues at present?
There are always core political issues that concern people at every election: jobs, health, education and housing. I see several people a week that come to see me for help. Housing and jobs are the biggest source of concern for the people I see. It is certainly true that we are blessed in Gibraltar but there are also people with very real problems who desperately need help. This week in the UK we have seen reports that levels of poverty amongst children in certain some cities has shot up to extraordinary levels because of austerity measures introduced by the Conservatives. In the UK we have seen homelessness growing at an unprecedented rate; so have people relying on foodbanks and soup kitchens.
We need to protect what we have in Gibraltar and the problem here has been that because we have been on an upward curve since 1988 there is an assumption the good times will last forever. In 2014 I warned that whilst I thought Brexit was highly unlikely you could not rule it out and that Government spending and borrowing threatened the possibility of future generations enjoying the way of life we have enjoyed. I do not think it helps that successive governments have trumpeted how Gibraltar is one of the top ten most prosperous countries in the world and that we will overcome everything thrown in our way. When I first became Leader of the Opposition I was very conscious that we could not continue to spend and borrow at the rates we were. That is not just a criticism of the present Government. When the banking crisis hit in 2007 the GSD Government made a conscious decision to inject a significant amount of capital into the economy to prevent a recession. That has been taken to new heights by this Government. Hundreds of letters went out in 2011 to all sorts of interests groups promising everything that their hearts desired.
We need to prioritize spending where it is really needed. I think teachers are underpaid for example. That is a priority. Overspending to the tune of several million a year on a mega concert to keep people happy is not. I am not saying the claim by Teachers needs to be met in full but a sensible compromise should be reached. Collectively however we need to take a step back and recalibrate our collective expectations. Otherwise the poorest people and those that need services such as mental health services will suffer when cut backs inevitably bite.
Finally of course the environment is a massive issue for all of us. Not just in Gibraltar but at a global level. I sometimes despair at what human beings are doing to the environment and animals that we share this earth with.
TOO MANY LAWYERS IN POLITICS?
Why are so many lawyers attracted to politics?
That has always been the position. Sir Joshua Hassan was a lawyer and led this community for many years. There have also been a number of teachers who have gone into politics both here and in the UK. I think it is highly superficial to look at someone's profession. You need to look at the quality of the person, what that person stands for and what is his or her message. The real danger in politics all over the world is not lawyers but demagogues and populists. There is widespread discontent with the politics and what is perceived as the "political classes" or the "establishment" which is seeing quite dangerous people being elected. Trump is one of them.
SATISFACTION AND DISAPPOINTMENT
What has been your greatest satisfaction, and your biggest disappointment, in politics?
I have been blessed that I have been able to make a substantial contribution over many years despite very serious obstacles and I have no real disappointments. Overhauling the justice system in barely four years is probably my greatest satisfaction. However there are others. Overcoming the natural distrust of people when I joined the GSD who could not at first see beyond the fact that my father was one of the founding members of the GSLP and that those were my roots. In fact, I see my roots as a strength and they are part of my values which I have taken into a broad church political party such as the GSD. In a way it has helped me to continue to connect with people that may not be traditional GSD voters but who the GSD also has a duty to represent.
Deciding to continue in politics in 2011 when many would have retired after the attack I suffered in the presence of my children took courage and I thank God he gave me that courage. Taking over the reins of the GSD at one of its most difficult moment when Sir Peter retired was deeply satisfying. Again I did not shirk that responsibility and I am happy I didn't. There is no disgrace in failure as long as you show the courage to try. My first degree was a History degree and I love the subject.
When I was a kid these words by Churchill resonated with me and I have often reflected on them: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." It probably sums up what I mean.
STRENGTH OF GSD
Last week I asked Marlene Hassan Nahon if she considered the GSD to be a strong opposition and she said 'Personally, no I don't' - what do you say?
I disagree. I think the GSD is effective and has led in holding the Government to account on a number of important issues: Brexit, the Tax Treaty, the pace of development, public finances, agency workers, training and on the environment. There are political cycles in politics and parties go through peaks and throughs. People said it was impossible for Joe Bossano to win an election post 1996 and yet in 2007 he nearly won that election. The difference was 750 votes. We just need to be patient and we need to be there to serve people and listen to the issues that affect them. I have surgeries every week. People know they can rely on me to help as much as I can. My colleagues are the same. Politics is not an academic battle conducting by press release; its about active engagement with real people and Keith and the GSD are trying to do that.
PROPOSALS TO ENLARGE PARLIAMENT
Are you in agreement with the proposals to enlarge the parliament from 17 to 25 seats?
Very much so. It is not credible that we have a parliamentary system where someone with absolutely no experience at all of parliament is elected and becomes a Minister overnight. Our system does not allow for young people with no experience to come into politics and gradually grow by learning the ropes as a backbencher. Likewise it is a great shame that someone with a lot of experience, who may not necessarily want to continue contributing as a Minister or Shadow Minister, has to retire because there is no space for backbenchers. In the UK we have seen some of the most powerful speeches on Brexit delivered by backbenchers.
The Chief Minister told us in the Select Committee that we were the only British OT that had no backbenchers and that is striking. We are certainly one of the few parliaments in the world where the executive (i.e. Ministers) can outvote the other members of parliament combined or where select committees are composed of Ministers and Shadow Ministers. I think it is phenomenally disrespectful to suggest that a backbencher in Gibraltar will not consider his or her overriding duty to the community and always vote with "their side" in future. There have been some big issues facing Gibraltar over the last four years and that will continue next term because we are not out of the woods. It is on those big issues that backbenchers will add to democracy by having their say and adding a different perspective to those (i.e. Ministers or Shadow Ministers) with a vested interest in a particular side of the debate.
PLANS TO LEAVE POLITICS?
When you stepped down as GSD leader in 2017 you were unclear about standing at the next election. Do you plan to leave politics altogether?
I love politics and I love my community. For me it's about continuing to serve the community in a way that allows me to also balance my family life. There are a variety of ways I can do that and I will make a decision at the appropriate time.
20-05-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
