The storm clouds which have darkened our city's political scene in recent months are finally beginning to clear. The forecast remains uncertain, but yesterday's developments have given us further cause for optimism.
Tung Chee-hwa contributed to the new, more harmonious mood when meeting leading members of a group of professionals and academics. They have called on the community to defend Hong Kong's core values.
Mr Tung publicly expressed his support for the principles highlighted by the group, which include freedom, liberty, democracy and the rule of law. This is good to hear. These are the values which define our city and make it a special place in which to live.
He also appears to have approached the discussion with an open mind. Participants said the chief executive was willing to listen and even to adopt some of their suggestions. This is encouraging.
The most significant step is a promise by Mr Tung not only to meet with his traditional rivals, the democrats, but to see if he can help them obtain home-return permits. This would amount to a lifting of a long-standing ban on many democrats visiting the mainland.
If Mr Tung does take up their cause with the central government, it will be the clearest indication yet that the olive branch offered by the pro-democracy camp last week is going to be taken up - at least by the Hong Kong government.
It is just the sort of measure which could help build mutual trust, respect and understanding between the democrats, Mr Tung and Beijing. That must be good for Hong Kong.
