The ballot boxes have been put away, the die is cast, and plaudits to the winners. L’Alliance Sociale is back at the helm . It is now time to turn our eyes firmly forward.

The new government will have its hands full with a number of challenges that it needs to face head on. The voters have decided that L’Alliance Sociale is best equipped to face the music, so let us give them the chance to prove themselves. What they must ensure most of all is that their communication network with the public is well oiled- keeping the populace well informed at all times is half the battle won in obtaining their approval and cooperation.

They must remember that they are now back at the top echelon of politics where the speeches of politicians are pored over to extirpate every nuance on what has been said, so watch your Ps and your Qs. The young and not so young politicians who are poised to make their entrance to the big time need to assert themselves.

They need to remember what were their motives for entering a sphere which can be quite taxing at times. If their objective is a burning ambition to improve the lot of the less fortunate and change things for the better, let it not be in words only but in action as well. They must be prepared to be thick- skinned or soon ensure that they become so because politicians are either praised to excess or castigated to kingdom come.

When the going gets tough, that is when the tough gets going and it will also be the time when you will need to recall why you wanted to be part of that exclusive club in the first place. It might be exciting and exhilarating to be at the hub of events but beware because politics is often paid for by less time spent with the family and friends. It might be rewarding to help people who are in need of assistance but your ultimate aim must be to create a classless society.

One last thought to ponder: do not always accept the words of the seasoned politician as gospel; do remember what Thomas Jefferson said: “A little rebellion now and then is good”