The pattern of voting at last night’s Eurovision reflected the well-tried and tested formula of countries voting for their neighbours: the Balkans, the Baltics, even “advanced” countries such as Andorra or Monaco voted for their strong neighbours. Surrounded by the sea, and by countries to the south that do not take part in such frivolities, Malta did not stand a chance.

Julie and Ludwig’s song On Again, Off Again, although praised, came 12th, a respectable posting, avoiding any preliminary trials next year, but far down the placings. The contest was won by a sizzling song by Ukraine’s Ruslana, singing the song Wild Dances, which features folk music and a troupe of leather-clad female dancers.

Malta obtained a total of 50 points, with four countries – Andorra, Estonia, Ireland and Latvia – giving Malta six points, Lithuania and Israel giving Malta four points, Albania, Macedonia and Poland three, the UK, Croatia two, and Bosnia, Denmark, Greece, Portugal and the Ukraine giving it one point each.

In turn, the Maltese voters gave the maximum amount of votes, 12, to Greece, followed by 10 to Albania, 8 to the Ukraine, 7 to Cyprus,. 6 to Serbia-Montenegro, 5 to Sweden, 4 to the UK, 3 to Spain, 2 to the Netherlands and one to Macedonia. No points were given to Turkey, the hoist country.

Nevertheless, the Maltese song pleased some commentators, such as the BBC’s commentator who said it sounded like something out of Les Miserables and who joked he glimpsed Andrew Lloyd Weber in the audience, a “song to sing along” said Terry Wogan, his “little favourite”.