June 05 - PDP Welcome Establishment Of Select Committee On Parliamentary Reform
A statement from the PDP:
The PDP watched with interest the Parliamentary debate on the conclusions of the Commission of Democratic and Parliamentary Reform and welcome the decision of the Government to establish a cross-party select committee to consider the commission’s findings and give further thought to Gibraltar’s future Democratic and Parliamentary structure specifically the enlargement of Parliament.
It is pleased to hear that this will be done within 6 months so that its conclusions can be implemented in good time before the next general election in 2015.
The PDP will welcome the opportunity to give evidence written and oral to such a bi- partisan committee which will go beyond the commission’s report.
The PDP welcomes the news that the Leader of the opposition agrees with the PDP’s view that enlarging the Parliamentary Chamber is fundamental to enhance democracy and mature debate in a modern Gibraltar which has out grown the present colonial system.
Equally it notes that the Chief Minister at this stage has reservations about increasing the size of Parliament but the party is pleased that he has indicated he is willing to keep an open mind until the select committee is able to conclude its work.
Mr Picardo, in an interview with GBC after Parliament, recognised that back bench MPs could make an important contribution. The PDP highlights the fact that the Chief Minister recognised without reservation that the Government can perfectly well govern with 9 ministers even though it may have 10. Moreover, the fact that the opposition, even with 7 MPs, can also have a back bencher MP.
The PDP highlights the relevance of all these statements by both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, which, in light of the forthcoming By-Election, should resonate with the electorate. It is an open, clear and timely admission that the Government can perfectly govern as in fact it has done for months with 9 Ministers and that back bench input in Parliament is a good thing for democracy in Gibraltar.
