Just about a year ago an impassioned plea was put forward in these columns for our MEPs-to-be (and Malta) to rise to the occasion and aim for the stars (TMID 27 February 2004).

Sadly, at the recent EU Constitution vote, the minds and actions of half of our group of representatives were still shackled by local parochial politics.

What a pity Malta could not present a united front as befits a proud, progressive nation.

Dr Ethelwald Emilius Vella

Manikata