The Hon. Silvio Parnis is a well known media personality through his programmes on television, radio and the newspapers. He first started out in local government but as often happens nowadays he ‘graduated’ to parliament polling over four thousand first count votes in the last general election. “Each and everyone of those votes was obtained through hard work,” he says.
His main concerns are workers, and families especially those with a low income. He is also much respected by the elderly of the fourth electoral district, where he contests. “Dr Sant gave me the task of being shadow minister for the elderly, a job which I take very seriously. In fact we are working as a team right now to develop new policies for the benefit of the elderly.” His life, he says, revolves around constant contact with people from all walks of life. “My programmes on radio and TV have made me very conscious of the myriad problems which some people have to face. Apart from that,
six times a week I see people who come to me with their problems. Each week I see an average of 300 people and it is an emotionally, apart from physically, draining experience.” He never sets the alarm clock in the morning “I am woken up by my telephone ringing in the early hours. In fact I never switch off my mobile because I know that there are many lonely elderly people who may need something during the night.” Silvio sees my raised eyebrows and explains: “A political career should be undertaken only by those who can take it seriously. I am an MP for the people, and politics is a mission for me. The greatest satisfaction that I get is when people walk into my office, crying their hearts out and later walk out unburdened.”
With such a busy schedule does he ever find time for himself? He tells me of his only outlet: “I never miss out on my daily two hours workout in the gym. It is a great way to relax and apart from that,” he pauses perhaps concentrating on how he is going to say this: “It feels great to look in the mirror and see the result of all the gym work! Sometimes I have to get up at daybreak or even before to find the time but I feel that one needs some time to oneself. Apart from that, I value immensely a number of friends who supply me with the energy that I need to go on. One can actually feed and grow on a good friendship.”
I ask Silvio whether his joining the ranks of the ‘legislative elite’ has changed him in any way and he is adamant that one’s basic character remains unchanged whatever life chooses to throw at one. “I am a person who likes to give but I like to enjoy myself too. I have uncomplicated tastes and find pleasure in the simple things of life. I hate wearing a suit and love casual clothes. Food for me should be good and straightforward, fresh fish and pasta, shared with a few friends.” And defects? “I am a little oversensitive and I must admit that I take offence easily!”