It has been a true pleasure putting together this annual edition of the year in review. It is only when our newsroom got together and pooled ideas in a brainstorming session that we actually got our heads round what a marathon year it has been. It never stopped, but that is how we like it best. What made this year different, in terms of news, was the magnitude of the Libya story and the intensity of the divorce campaign. In this article we will take a look at some of the other issues which cropped up.

But there was so much more, and we also realised that now, more than ever, what happens beyond our shores and control has a spillover effect. The eurozone crisis was a story which was followed all over the world, throughout 2011. No doubt, that will continue into 2012. The mire which threatens to engulf the whole eurozone seems to have been stemmed somewhat by somewhat hazy decisions to implement more centralised control. Germany is now also speaking optimistically, but worries still remain.

Fukushima also jolted the world. Perhaps one of the worst memories of this year was recalling the footage of a bus trying to outrun the tsunami which hit after the quake. That bus disappeared off camera. But the story also showed the amazing grit of the Japanese people, and the happiness of reuniting loved ones which were feared dead. There were plenty of animal stories too with dogs showing rescuers their injured canine friends.

Canines were also a feature in our local news. Who can forget the cases of Star and Gaia? Star had been shot, bound and buried alive. Gaia was found suffocating in a skip. Both were rescued but eventually succumbed to their illnesses and injuries. The stories captivated the islands. We recall having published a graphic photograph of Star and we do so again today in our round-up. We do it to remind ourselves, and you, of our responsibility towards creatures which cannot speak for themselves. This newspaper has long prided itself in doing its utmost to promote animal rights and to expose cruelty.

And who could forget the FW? Just when things were getting boring, a university student had words with Transport Minister Austin Gatt over the state of public transport. The whole thing did get blown out of proportion really, but it made great reading. We know Dr Gatt will take this in good humour; he was stoic and unflappable in his response and we also know that if he was to be called anything, he probably would have chosen FW himself. We also know that he probably has a glint in his eye whenever he recalls the audacity of Nicola Abela Garrett.

We’ll also have to mention the Crying Lady of Sorrows and the sparring session we engaged in with Finance Minister Tonio Fenech during the divorce debate. We differed greatly in our views, but we eventually agreed to disagree, even though we did exchange broadsides in column space. We enjoyed it minister, we hope you did too.

And on a final note, we have to have a jab at the other side. Opposition leader Joseph Muscat keeps telling us he has plans up his sleeve. We are sure that he does. We hope he does! But please, when are you going to tell us what they are?

It was a strange year, and the dot must be placed soon. With this funnier look at the side of things, the daily signs off for 2011. Our sister Sunday newspaper will be published tomorrow, New Year’s Day, and we will leave it to them to give you more food for thought for 2012. We take this opportunity to wish our readers a happy and prosperous New Year.