John Culatto
THE government of the last eight years held a packed out public meeting which showed why they are favourites to win the election October 17.
Fabian Picardo presented five new parks which would give Gibraltar a whole new look and confront climate change at the same time.
The plans include an extension of Commonwealth Park along the rest of Queensway, a park at Grand Parade and another at the Northern Defences.
Plans for #GreenGibraltar were applauded by Minister of the Environment John Cortes whose decision to stay in politics contrasted to that of Neil Costa.
Other than one change, the GSLP/Liberal coalition stuck with its tried and tested line-up, urging the electorate to block vote.
It comes among fears that certain less favoured members of the coalition government would be omitted to give outside parties a way into parliament.
With no-deal Brexit still in the pipeline the government of the last eight years was keen to impress on the public that it was the safest choice going forward.
New faces
Among the cheers and bravado, new coalition candidate Vijay Daryanani gave his first, nervous speech to the GSLP/Liberal faithful.
While far from convincing, the quiet businessman could be a response to the ‘baristocracy’ accusations of Together Gibraltar.
However, in the first live TV debate it became clear Picardo will not have such an easy ride in head-to-head confrontations.
GSD leader Keith Azopardi and in particular TG’s Marlene Nahon Hassan gave a good account of themselves.
Finally, the GSD launched their new policy on plans for more practical training qualifications for Gibraltarians.
The proposal includes plans to build a technical college which would give local people the chance to be carpenters, plumbers and technicians.
Analysts believe the GSD is appealing to voters from the alt-right with its pro-life stance and the poorest in society at the same time.
This is after the GSLP/Liberals took the centre ground of Gibraltar politics and TG appeal to a more a liberal, progressive audience.
