Many years ago, those of us who are at least middle aged will remember when the infamous Dom Mintoff addressed hundreds of dockyard workers in Pjazza Gavino Gulia in Cospicua and accused (indeed insulted them) as being without meatballs ("bocci tal-laham"). There was hardly a murmur and they probably clapped, being so enamoured by and in awe of the "salvatur ta' Malta" (from what? - but that's history). A number of those without meatballs then went to Vittoriosa in 1998 to applaud Alfred Sant as he called the same saviour a traitor. Well the traitor brought down Sant's short lived Government following what must have been the latter's greatest misjudgement of all time.

But let's get to the point. In the group of MPs forming Sant's backdrop at Vittoriosa one can see John Attard Montalto (one of Mintoff's greatest allies - meatballs?), Karmenu Vella and Leo Brincat, not to mention others. Dr Attard Montalto, after two successful European Parliament elections, with minimum contribution, if I may say, seems to have retired from the political scene. Karmenu Vella has been kicked upstairs (so he's out of the way). But there area number of other old horses from Mintoff days, who incidentally did not have the guts to back the "Perit" in 1998. We can mention the old warhorse Joe Debono Grech, who has been side tracked, although nominated to lead the Maltese delegation to the Council of Europe or something, Alex Sciberras Trigona and Joe Grima, who have both been sent abroad. Then, among others, Leo Brincat and Evarist Bartolo who are conspicuous by their absence or, at least, keep a low profile.

Joseph Muscat has brought in a new breed which, I will admit, is a healthy move and led in no small way to his convincing victories at the polls. We have loyalists in areas such as tourism, justice, the economy, energy (and health!)and national security. All very keen to get media exposure and follow their master's voice blindly. This notwithstanding that their master (when he is in Malta) rides roughshod over them all. It seems that he takes unilateral decisions without consulting his Cabinet, or even the Minister concerned (for example suspending the hunting season - though agreeing with that decision as I do.) This is no big deal, because he does not consult - even summarily, which has often been the case - about matters of major national and democratic importance (viz, the date for the local council elections and the appointment of a President).Dr Muscat rules this country like a benevolent dictator, to be kind. I, I and I. Labour MPs and officials where are the meatballs? Toni Abela are you going to remain relegated to the prostitution debate level and no more?

But then we go further than that. We have the wife and family. I will leave the little girls alone because they are obviously pushed into the media and every public event by their mother. And further as two sweet little girls they should not be embroiled in politics or controversy. But what about the lady? She has been described as the first lady of Malta. She is not, though I am sure she would love to be. The first lady is the President's wife and since we have no President's wife we have no first lady. We have a first gentleman who is Mr Edgar Preca. Full stop. But what is even worse is that the lady (read PM's) goes off to New York with her husband and that's fair enough. Accompanies him to social functions. Meets Barack and Michelle Obama (what a nice coincidence) and has a photograph taken with them. That's all OK. But then to have our official Government Department of Information (in the service of the nation to relay information about the President of the Republic and Ministers/Parliamentary Secretaries only) issue a Press Release (photograph and all) advising us that Mrs. Michelle Muscat met her business partner (I believe) and a number of other fashion designers in New York takes the cake. First of all, we are not interested in the lady's business or other personal activities and, secondly, this is a serious abuse of power by the DOI (which coincidentally falls under the remit of the office of the Prime Minister).

And where is the new power station? Some five months to go to the deadline and nothing to be seen. I could understand a gas tanker brought in on the last day to give us a bit of drama (please don't accompany it with fireworks!) But there is a lot of construction and infrastructural work to be done all round. And where is Dr Konrad Mizzi? The darling of Labour's election campaign. He has been conspicuous by his absence over a long period. Is he preparing to move to China?