This second leading article space is normally reserved for a lighter topic than the main leading article set above it. It is also not normal for us to write two leading articles about the same person/people – in this case the Prime Minister.

But on this occasion, we feel we must. On the eve of his departure to Brussels (read above), Dr Gonzi attended the official launch of the Centre for Family Studies where he spoke on divorce.

The Prime Minister said that what interested him was Malta and he was not going to be embarrassed by someone who said that Malta was the only country that did not have certain rights. “I am not going to decide matters according to what is happening in other countries,” he said.

In a sense, the PM is correct in what he says – Malta should look at what is best for Malta – but more importantly, its citizens, and this is where the matter hits rocky ground.

There was a very interesting comment on one of the online boards in relation to Dr Gonzi’s speech, which reads: “Our Prime Minister seems to think that he is more intelligent and wiser than the rest of the world put together. It is called the island mentality.”

It seems that the PM has buried his head in the sand and we would like to point out a few home truths to him. Does the PM realise that there are young people who are refusing to get married because there is no such thing as divorce on these islands? Does he realise that people are cohabiting precisely because they have no safety net? Does he realise that there are thousands of couples in Malta who have had children out of wedlock with their new partners after their first marriage had broken down?

Does the Prime Minister realise that Maltese people are embarrassed to talk about the issue with other Europeans because we are the subject of derision, mirth and laughter? Does he realise that our European peers tell us to put the issue to the European Commission and tell us to try to fight for rulings in the European Court of Human Rights because they (other Europeans) feel that our rights are being deprived?

Does he realise that there are thousands of children and young adults who yearn for divorce in the hope that even they might get a decent loving family life rather than having to live with abuse, fights, screaming and pillows over their heads to drown out the noise as they try and sleep?

Does the Prime Minister realise that it is neither he and nor parliamentarians that should be leading this discussion? Does he not realise that while half of Malta might have a happy family life, the other half live in misery (yes misery – that is what a broken marriage brings)? Does he realise that even the Phillipines are planning to introduce divorce? No. Sadly he doesn’t. Dr Gonzi, we appeal… we are not saying that divorce must come through at all costs. What we are saying is listen. Read these arguments and at least take them on board. Many Maltese citizens are living in misery. You would not know unless you experience it.