Mr Giov. DeMartino likes comparing the present to the 1980s (actually, rather than comparing, he tries to justify any present-day mishap by comparing life with that era).

Hence, maybe it would be interesting to hear his views on the fact that while in the 1980s people had to queue for hours and hours to be able to register their name for a colour TV set (which at that time was still making its breakthrough in Malta, and hence could be classified as “luxury”), today we have a situation where people have to queue for hours and hours at different locations, which change at the last minute, to buy a gas cylinder – which surely should not and cannot be considered a “luxury” in 2005, especially after the improvement in our standard of living which we should have made with our EU membership. (This is apart from the fact that carrying gas cylinders in car boots or inside the car itself is probably against the regulations, due to the potential danger a leakage could cause, such as intoxication or an explosion).

After all, a nearly 100 per cent increase in kerosene prices in recent months (with Joe Public having to pay a higher price so that the authorities won’t need to stop buses and trucks from using the diesel-kerosene cocktail) left very few other options and so the increase in gas consumption should have been anticipated by those responsible.

I am sure that, as usual, Mr DeMartino will find a way to compare it to the 1970s or 1980s... but after more than 15 years of a government which he and others chose to improve the situation, I don’t think that many are foolish enough to feel better reading his thoughts!

At least, judging by the present situation in this country, we don’t have to queue again now to buy the higher-priced bananas (higher-priced due to a gross miscalculation during the EU negotiations)... because during the past months we have been given quite a good share of “bananas” from the party in government.

Some consolation for the promised “new spring”!

James Sultana

BAHRIJA