From L. Lautier

Your contributors, writing about the apparent reawakening of Maltese society on a national basis, seem to forget that we have a poor track record indeed; a list of happenings not only regrettable on a national scale, but which also take years to heal, or to forget. We have let our ancestors down and the leading lights are dim. Things have reached their nadir.

No statesmanship was shown to establish or preserve party-reconciliation in the selection of the President. This was much needed and was completely overlooked. Our beloved President was seen by many to have ignored appeasement and saw it fit “to lick it to the last”, the national need completely ignored.

We have a list of regrets as never before – in Parliament, the Law Courts, at MEPA and elsewhere – which have shaken the fabric of society to the core and which will take years to heal. A list of resignation follows: the former Commissioner of Police had to resign as had the Chief Justice and a senior judge; a minister also had to resign, because it was said that “fetah ghar-rasu”. Church attendance is dwindling, as is also the case with successful marriages, honesty, courtesy and efficiency.

The island has to pull its socks up in the face of international competition and the illegal immigrants problem, which national idealism has become too weak to remedy. A total effort is needed all round.

L. Lautier

ATTARD