The debate whether there should only be one national day has long been debated in Malta, and as Independence Day is right around the corner, the discussion is yet again being brought up for debate.

Earlier this month, President Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca was quoted as saying that the time is ripe for Malta to decide "once and for all" on a national day, "following a period of reflection and a national debate".

Chief Justice Emeritus Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici has thrown his hat into the mix and in his opinion the matter "is a question of values".

"The 1964 Independence was a major political event. It has undoubtedly a great political value. The 8^th September is on the other hand a commemoration of courage, fortitude and bravery. Most of all we commemorate the dead of those three wars 1565, 1800 and 1945."

"There is no comparison between the values which we hold dear."

For years politicians, public figures, and indeed the Maltese public have debated on which day should be Malta's national day, with most focusing on choosing between Independence Day on the 21^st September and Victory Day on September 8^th. The five national holidays in Malta are Setter Giugno, the Feast of our Lady of Victories, Freedom Day, Republic Day, and Independence Day.

Back in 2009, almost a decade ago, historian Professor Henry Frendo had pointed out that Independence Day was the country's national day from the time independence from Britain was gained in 1964, until 1971, when "(Dom) Mintoff's Labour Party returned to office". Also pointing out that the country's national day had previously been changed three times in eight years (between 1971 and 1979).

"Most ex-colonies opted to have the date when they obtained independence as their national day", said Prof. Frendo.

At the time, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was quoted as saying that "unfortunately young people are losing the sense of nationalism".

"We must protect it and make our youngsters proud of their background. Today's freedom was gained, it was not automatic and we must give it the value it deserves," he said.

In 2014, then President George Abela said that the only two national days should be the commemoration of the country's independence on the 21^st September and 13^th December, when Malta became a republic. A position that did not change since he made the same statement during a speech he made to commemorate the 38^th anniversary since Malta became a republic.

Earlier this month, Balzan Labour councillor Desmond Zammit Marmara suggested that Independence Day should be accorded pride of place as Malta's sole National day, and that it was 'patently ridiculous' for Malta to remain with five national days.

This led to the Coleiro-Preca's aforementioned opinion, and Mifsud Bonnici's analysis of the 'conundrum' surrounding our country's National Days.