There are so many things in this world which happen and yet, for some reason or another, remain unexplained.

On the local front these unexplainable happenings tend to happen in more ways than one, however in the political sphere these tend to occur periodically and in a colourful way which mystify anyone with common sense. Suffice it to say that the leader of the Opposition has, during his present term in office, given rise to so much speculation in the form of what seems to him as being unexplainable phenomena. Yet in good time and as time plods on, he tends to eventually convert to what should have been laid by the way side.

During the last years this has been true through his various “U-turns” in policies regarding the necessary introduction of VAT, the continuance of the construction of Mater Dei Hospital, Malta’s membership in the EU, the acceptance of the introduction of the Euro and so much more. We have also had to live with the fact that, immediately after his electoral defeat in 2003, he deservedly wanted out of the MLP leadership hot seat, but for some reason even there we had another U-turn very much to the dismay of even a substantial number of Labour supporters.

Presently in order to lay a smoke-screen over the positive results that the country has obtained in the government’s overall policies; he has taken it upon himself to have a go at the boys. What better fun than trying to tense up so many ministers? Together with their daily chores now they have to direct some of their time and energy in addressing the various insinuations stated by the Opposition. He is very much aware that the Government is doing well in most sectors and this is repeatedly certified by international “examiners” in the form of the EU Commissioners, institutions which classify Malta’s economical status as well as other performance analysts.

But then he must not be out of the headlines. And what better medium could one use other than slinging mud at the various ministers and parliamentary secretaries. Topping the list of his more recent targets are none less than Ministers Censu Galea, Jesmond Mugliett, Dolores Cristina and Louis Deguara. I went through the motions myself last year when there were no levels of decency or limits to his criticism as long as this served his purpose in trying to obtain votes in the Rabat Local elections. But one learns to live with the fraternal love transmitted by those across the floor and their media. As one poet would have explained “The pains of life rather than love”. Believe me they do not stop and hitting below the belt fast became their only rule of the day.

When one analyses both the leader of the Opposition’s criticism as well as that of party whip Joe Mizzi – their criticism and allegations usually bear down to nothing more than thin hot air. I believe that in the case of the latter; this energizes and helps build up his website – but then it seems that they both seem to be having a ball performing this exercise.

This critical deliverance together with unsubstantiated allegations of corruption or wrong doing have been in part meted out in Parliament during or just after question time. The smiling faces of supporting Labour Members of Parliament seem to give them courage and the necessary impetus to continue in this line of action. And this happens when blatantly the facts prove otherwise.

Minister Censu Galea seems to have been targeted because at one moment in time he simply spelled it out to an acquaintance the he would not be defending anyone who did not perform his duties or was not at work during office hours. Of course, the so called substantive tapes have been manipulated, doctored and edited to please and accommodate the Opposition party spokesmen as well as Super One and their star journalist. But for anyone who knows how their media works, this comes as no surprise.

Minister Jesmond Mugliett has been accused of all types of misdoings including that of trying to mislead the house during question time. Now last Wednesday we had the displeasure of enduring a two hour debate of a motion of no-confidence in him presented by the Leader of the Opposition – which vote he lost. If this is not loss of precious time in parliament which could have been used in a much better way, what is it?

Minister Dolores Cristina has had to go to court and sue for libel – and this for reporting to the police of the goings on at the level of the Social Security department within the ministry. Minister Louis Deguara has been associated with this incident perhaps because he gave the pay off to a member of his secretariat who has been implicated in the matter.

But to top it all, Dr Sant believes that he can now dictate parliament’s agenda by first requesting that Prime Minister Gonzi makes a statement regarding the opening of Mater Dei Hospital and then by insisting that this had been promised to him. In actual fact Minister Louis Galea had merely told him that his request would be brought to the notice of the Prime Minister and if needs be action taken, obviously at the appropriate time. Last Monday in parliament, the Prime Minister repeatedly informed Dr Sant that he was prepared to consider his request. This would be done when the Prime Ministers deems it to be fitting and appropriate and only then. Dr Sant did not seem to understand or did not want to understand. This too is unexplainable.

Why the leader of the Opposition demands such a statement, when he had been invited to the opening of the Hospital, which he did not attend - unlike some of his own opposition is also unexplainable. The total lack of interest on the part of the Leader of the Opposition with regard to the new hospital, unlike the 80,000 thousand plus Maltese who visited it during the Open weekend at the end of June, is again unexplained. Had he taken the initiative to visit he would have had first hand information as to the state of things and thus would have been able to substantiate any criticism he might want to concoct about this the largest investment project ever undertaken.

Here again this is Malta for you. It is normal to have the unexplained and explainable lurking in the shadows.