Every miscreant schoolboy knows that when you get found out, the two tactics are “injured innocence” – outraged denial of something you have been accused of – and “stonewall” – flat rejection (preferably with oodles of sincerity, good eye contact and smiling) of the real offence. Girls on the other hand, tend to burst into tears and Kleenex comes in handy on such occasions.

Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, part-time farmer/dentist/journalist, environmentalist (Green politician of the year) and wannabe disco manager gave us a display of a little of all this recently, the tears included. These were moments of light relief and although he may not, after all, become Environment Minister, nevertheless I would be happy to nominate him for Gieh ir-Repubblika instead for giving us such a good show. This should put that perfect smile back on his face and make his beautiful eyes (as noted by DCG) shine again.

Marie Benoît

Sliema