'Media populism means appealing to people directly through media. A politician who can master the media can shape political affairs outside of parliament and even eliminate the mediation of parliament' - a quote from Umberto Eco.

The quote is pertinent because our Parliament reconvenes today. We are meeting in the grand old Palace and not in the new controversial block.   Where we meet doesn't make much difference to the general population. What does make a difference is the fact that deadlines were not met, as was the rule rather than the exception in the previous administration. Therefore , what also makes a difference is the realisation that our government has not acquired the ability to meet deadlines, at least for the time being. However, in my mind the significance and importance of the Institution of Parliament goes way beyond the physical space picked out to symbolically frame its activities. That doesn't mean that I do not have an opinion about the new parliament buildings, or the old ones, for that matter.  Of course I do. Our current Parliamentary seat is magnificent, appropriate, is kept alive by the buzzing activity in and around it, and is functioning. Did we really need more space? If  we did, the government owns quite a few other small derelict Palazzi in Valletta, which could have been restored to their original splendour, and kept in a good state by being utilised for parliamentary offices and committee meetings. 

Just imagine the effect on the streetscape in noble Valletta if more strategic palaces and grand houses are brought back to life. Just imagine if a fraction of the millions spent on the new parliamentary building was injected in fast-forwarding the rehabilitation of so much of our decaying patrimony in Valletta, Three Cities and elsewhere.

Just imagine also if a fraction of that expense had been used to eradicate precarious employment or reduce energy tariffs, rid ourselves of heavy fuel oil generated power without becoming dependant on our brothers the Chinese. Just imagine, if you can, even for a fleeting second, a  clean government,  with clear  and reasonable priorities, and a parliament that not only legislates but represents people  throughout the five year legislature.

You probably think it's impossible to envisage such a thing, but I am sure it is not, because just under two years ago a huge majority of the population of these islands had just such a picture emblazoned clearly in their minds, as they took the pencil in the voting booth and proudly scribbled a clear 1 in the Labour Movement's box.

But, musing will not get us anywhere unless we are poets, and neither will my confession that I now prefer Victoria Gate to walk into Valletta because no matter how brilliant Piano's s design is, I still believe that anything of the sort should have been built outside the walls of Valletta,  and only after all our architectural patrimony had been restored and most of our economic woes sorted. 

But to go back to the impending Parliamentary re-debut, I believe it's going to be an extremely busy season with much debate  and theatricals.  Just remember that as things stand, the conclusions of the debates and the legislation that ensues are all pre-determined at Cabinet level. As Parliamenterians,  so far, we  are expected to listen and talk  and vote as a block  according to party lines , but it is the executive that leads Parliament to the point it wants to take it, and not the other way round as  most of us think or thought .

With a nine seat majority  and an opposition that is still regrouping, Government can plod on unabated as far as legislation is concerned. Having said that, and notwithstanding the fact the current government seems to have its claws in most of the local media, I still have faith in the people's commonsense and proper use of the little public space left to us, to exert pressure on our government to remain on track.

 I also believe that the Opposition is quietly renewing and regrouping and will start making headway with its women dominated , remarkable men decorated , policymaking forum. I personally wish the new team good luck, and am already wracking my brains how I'm going to beat Joe Giglio or Ivan Bartolo if I ever have to face them in a debate.

In the meantime, energy, environment, and economy (budget) will  surely dominate   the impending Parliamentary discussions.

Where these discussions take place is not important, but where these discussions lead us and ultimately take us is crucial for the present and future of the families that make us a nation.