HAS  APNU’s leadership pulled a switch in tactics and is trying to be more flexible and cooperative in dealing with government than the AFC? APNU’s meeting with the President and the increase in the Old Age pension were  a win for the people and not a party. It was understood that this increase would have to come from somewhere else in the budget. It is vitally important that people know where the money will come from and what if any effect it will have on other areas. People need to understand that government must make hard decisions where limited resources will best be spent to benefit all or the most needy.

The AFC proposal for cutting the budget was not well thought out.The AFC failed to get their APNU partner’s support for a call for a vote by division in the parliamentary budget debate. These two events may signal that it is not only the AFC that holds a deciding vote, but APNU as well. The budget must be decided by the questions asked and answers given, and not by personal animosities or political one-upmanship.

Cooperation in this Co-Operative Republic is not only politically mature but expected. AFC needs to understand this and refine its goals and strategy.