Politically The GSLP Cannot Be Trusted

The Opposition see themselves as masters of verbal manipulation; they have a reputation for putting about rumours and innuendo via their supporters on any issue they think could damage Government's credibility. That unfortunately is their style of politics.

They seem to believe that using doublespeak they can get away with planting doubts in voters' minds about the GSD government's 'apparent disinterest or inability' to deal properly and effectively with important political, social or financial issues. All as if the record did not show the exact opposite.

Of course, far be it for the Opposition to make proper representations to Government openly, accurately and objectively. They have no intention whatsoever of making a positive contribution to the governance of Gibraltar, as is their duty as the official opposition and for which they get paid handsomely. No, theirs is a destructive political mission that cannot be trusted.

They know, for example, that Community Care payments are guaranteed by Government and that this is made clear publicly at every opportunity; the opposition propaganda sheets and media friends say the opposite. The new air terminal will constitute a huge improvement on the existing, ageing one and a marvellous investment in Gibraltar's future; the GSLP propaganda machine describes it as too big and a waste of money. (They fail to understand how people are bound to ask how on the one hand Government can have millions to spend on the Terminal and yet none for Community Care payments!)

A handful of citizens complain to the Opposition (as is their right) about some problem with their flat or the potholes in a street near a construction site or the need for better bus shelters; the Opposition immediately issue public statements giving the impression that there is widespread discontent with everything that Government is doing. The actual number of complainants when they exist and, therefore, the accuracy and magnitude of the complaint is exaggerated using camouflage language such as: "There are strong suspicions that….." ; "A number of people have complained….." ; "Some people we spoke to….." ; "People are saying that….." ; or "There are those who say that…."

And so, what is clear is that exaggeration, hyperbole and half truths constitute what for them is crudely a "get back into power no matter how" game. Well, what is equally certain is that voters in Gibraltar are much more discerning than the GSLP think and they cannot be fooled by propaganda and empty promises. The electorate has been bombarded with these GSLP Opposition tactics for fourteen years and four elections and it simply has not worked. You see, they know full well what Gibraltar under a GSLP government looked like and they constantly reject them. The reason? When it comes to running Gibraltar's political affairs the GSLP cannot be trusted. A leopard does not change its spots.

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