From Mr J. Gauci

Minister Michael Frendo’s “On Growing Up” (TMIS, 9 December) reminded me of a tale about what happens when we are still not grown up. There is this famous tale about a king who was hoodwinked by his tailor into believing that he was wearing a suit made of the most precious material on earth – so precious, in fact, it was invisible! The king paraded practically naked in the streets of the city and everyone complimented him on his fine, precious robe. Except a small boy who, not being yet grown up, told the king the bare truth. The king was really upset. Dr Frendo’s reaction reminded me of that tale.

I used to admire Dr Frendo. I believed him in the intelligent tickets affair. I believed him in the fake CDs affair. But now I think he is asking too much! He wants us to believe that his gamble at the Commonwealth will bring us foreign direct investment! Can he tell us how much money has poured in since his positive showing at the Commonwealth? And while he’s at it, could he kindly also tell us how much public money, if any, was spent on his campaign for the post of secretary-general of the Commonwealth? What is Malta going to get from that money, if any, which could have been spent on more worthwhile projects? One would assume that Dr Frendo got a lot of mileage from the CHOGM held in Malta two years ago. How much did that event cost Malta? How much foreign direct investment did it bring our country?

I used to admire Michael Frendo. Now I’ve grown up.

Joseph Gauci

ST JULIAN’S