Politics. It is the subject which divides us through and through.  We live in a society where it is just the be all and end all. We divide ourselves by colours. We subdivide ourselves by our football allegiance. And we continue to do so in band clubs and more. There is no doubt – politics is by far the most important factor that shapes our everyday outlook, behaviour and (this is the sad bit) who our friends are and what we think of people.

We also complain that we do not really have much to choose from when it comes to electing our peers to represent our constituency interests and in turn allow democratic process to follow its course and elect a government to lead the country. We might very well be justified in that. But what do we do when that rare breed of politician pops up... that one person that you just look at, and know that they are acting out of principle?

Government MP Marlene Farrugia granted an exclusive interview to this newspaper yesterday, and the content was refreshing, bold and much needed.

Ms Farrugia did not let loose in a tirade against the PL government. She sat with our journalist, calmly and spoken her mind as to where she believed that the government had more work to do. She also defended the government in line of policy and execution. She did this on two fronts, one from personal conviction and the other out of party loyalty. We are used to our bi-polar system where it’s either black or white and with no grey in between. This conditions us and voters are still far too influenced by party propaganda. If we took the time to analyse and listen to what the Labour backbencher is telling us, then we might actually have a better chance of realising where we really should be focusing.

Some might say that her defence of the Health Minister is influenced, because they are life partners, but we do not subscribe to this. Ms Farrugia has shown that there is no mincing of words. She believes that Godfrey Farrugia should be given more time and going on how she has spoken on other topics – both for and against government – it becomes clear that she believes in her convictions.

Ms Farrugia has said that she will retire from the political arena after this legislature. She has every right to feel disenfranchised. But it will be the citizen that will lose out. In the face of such a massive majority in parliament and the contempt that it can breed, Malta is lucky to have her. It speaks volumes insomuch that she is often listened to as a beacon more than the opposition party is.  And the answer t why is quite simple – the PN obviously has a political interest, that’s what it is there for. Ms Farrugia also does, yet she comes across as genuine, opinionated, outspoken and principled. Yet at the same time she is loyal. That’s why people trust her.