The two elections within the big parties which were rolled out practically at the same time – for the LP’s deputy leader on parliamentary affairs and for the PN’s leader – provided a curious contrast.

The Prime Minister’s “boast” that the PL had to choose from a range of very good candidates was quite justified. The NP seemed to find it difficult to discover enough interest among potential candidates for its vacancy. Now, I would have imagined that from the perspective of those who believe in the PN, the challenge eventually facing the successful candidate, tough though it will be, would have offered the maximal personal interest.

Perhaps, the PN is still in the grip of the withdrawal symptoms experienced by a party that has gotten too accustomed to operate as a governing system, in which very often the party ends up dominated by the government. When the party gets cut off from the government, many of its members take a long time to find their proper bearings, both personally and politically.

The PN went through this phase between 1971 and 1976, and the PL between 1987 and 1992. This year’s electoral result might have also among other conclusions, confirmed the point that after all, the endeavours of George Borg Olivier and Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici during those two periods have been much underestimated.

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Business model

If I’m getting it right, Air Malta is changing its business model, from one based on restructuring towards a leaner operation, while a strategic partner is being discovered who could provide new resources; to a model that restructures towards a wider operational spread, as with the flights to Frankfurt, that is meant to improve viability, thereby making the company more attractive to any prospective partner.

Whatever the model, the question remains: will there be need for more state aid? On this, the European Commission is likely to say keep saying no.

The only way by which to avoid this is through a capital injection from the private sector. For this to happen, there will need to take place some very difficult financial re-engineering of the company. Even if it succeeds, there would be no sure guarantee that operational viability will ensue.

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At Balzunetta

I viewed “Balzunetta Towers” twice, once from right back at the “Royal” Theatre, the second time from somewhere close to the middle of the audience on the final night.

It’s been a long time since I attended such a lively theatrical show, bursting with the talent and drive of quite a youthful cast of actors and singers. To the end they kept up a rollicking pace. Deep congratulations to director Sean Buhagiar for his leadership and theatrical vision that I think, succeeded on all levels. The same applies to Dominic Galea and the “orchestra” he directed impeccably with a vivacious rendering of the music he himself had composed for the show.

Most importantly, the audiences who turned up in large numbers, seemed to appreciate greatly what they saw and heard.

For me who have now been away from the drama scene for a very long time, it was hugely satisfying to be associated, alongside my old friend Albert Marshall, with such an impressive production.