I am referring to that funny thing they stuck somewhere on Mintoff’s house which I have just seen courteousy of Daphne. There are some strange, though not unpredictable, things to it. First of all, it is vulgar and typical of Mintoff, with an effort to include all of that horrible monument at 13th December Road, Marsa, which for one mad moment I thought someone had mercifully removed, only to find it further up the road. Secondly, there is no resemblance to the man at all. Thirdly, he’s lost his trademark pipe and large buckle. For decades, Mintoff was nothing without a pipe and a buckle. Fourthly, he’s been covered in a Maltese flag rather than the Union Jack he fought for during his integration campaign. Further, there should have been a horse depicted – instead of the luzzu perhaps, particularly since the horse on his buckle has not been depicted.? May I enquire who the perpetrators of this ghastly work of art (sic) are? And to think that there are plans from many of his sympathisers (PL and all) to regale us with loads of his effigies all over the place. At least let’s have one beside Lorry Sant at Paola.

But then on the brighter side, I have been flipping through a selection of Mintoff’s articles published by this newspaper. His grasp of the English language and the eloquence of his writings are truly remarkable. I can imagine this language being used in his discussions with the British Government, particularly during the integration talks and those relating to his 1972 leasing of parts of Malta to foreign forces. Lord Carrington has something to say about that in his autobiography. He was baffled by Mintoff – his change of attitude, his change of  language and speech having impressed (positively or negatively) many a soul.  If perhaps he had stuck to journalism or even used the same type of language as in his writings in his various speeches he might have been respected more by people who had the right moral standards and the right level of intelligence – not the rabble, of course. But that was Mintoff. Without him and, of course, our fiery Archbishop Gonzi, Malta would not have been such an interesting place, though it would certainly have been calmer.

I wonder what Mintoff would have to say about his old foe and enemy Alfred Sant contesting for the European Parliament. He may very well have turned the tables, calling him a “traitor” and thus repaying the compliment that Sant paid to him at Vittoriosa in 1998. What would his “Front Maltin Inqumu” have had to say.  Unfortunately, his henchman Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici has been unwell. Otherwise he may have had something to say to Dr Sant about his massive change of heart; or would he? For it is not only ironical that the man who (together with our present Mr. Smiley Prime Minister) fought tooth and nail to keep Malta out of the Union (by all deceitful means possible, even stating that his partnership had won and irresponsibly bringing the country to the brink of civil strife) now wants to join the gang, but further that he is the frontrunner in a contest, which, were it for him, would never be taking place. And that is why Labour is not a credible party to contest the EP election? Can Alfred Sant be trusted to truly and sincerely seek Malta’s best interests, what with all his baggage?

We have already seen from a comparison of the work and efforts put in by our MEPs over the last years that Labour members have been half hearted. Enough be said that the two Nationalist MEPs contributed  more than that contributed by four Labour members put together. Let us not be taken in by the charm of Miriam Dalli, the matron-like stature of Marlene Mizzi, the romance of Deborah Schembri  (”voting is like kissing”) or the newly discovered philanthropic attributes of Joseph Cuschieri. Let us carefully and genuinely examine the whole scenario. You have a party which wanted us in Europe and fought for entry, and you have a party which wanted us out of Europe and fought for us to block entry. Further, an assessment of the Nationalist candidates – their commitment, their professionalism and their commitment – should leave no doubt as to who the right people for Europe are.

I can’t just finish off like this. I really must salute the memory of a colleague who left us for a better world a few days ago – George Cutajar. Although a good deal younger than me, I had known him for many years. If there was a “soldier of steel” (acknowledgments Dom Mintoff,  Dr. Joseph Muscat and Cyrus Engerer (sic)) it was George, both in the Court room and on the political battle field. The suffering he underwent – having easily lost his life many years ago due to a dastardly act – never deterred him from fighting on for what he believed in. May he rest in peace.