And he’s not a soldier of steel, which means nothing but Socialist (Marxist related) nonsense, but a soldier of performance and results. This has been recognised by all the stakeholders in the tourism industry. Of course I am referring to Josef Formosa Gauci. But why does Labour continue to show its true vicious colours? And why has the Minister of Tourism given in to pressure from the re-appointed Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, or so it seems? The latter is craving for the Chief Executive role. This was made clear earlier in the year and is absolutely clear now, as evidenced by the comments released by the out-going CEO and others. And what credentials and experience does the MTA Chairman have in tourism, or, more so, in running such an organisation on a day to day basis? And doesn’t the Prime Minister have a say in all this? But then he is probably too busy globe-trotting, while his wife organises tea parties and fashion shows at Ghirgenti. It is truly a pity that the Labour Party will not learn and continues, day by day, to capriciously lose some of Malta’s best people. But that is Malta TaghnaLkoll – and, incidentally, if ever there was a slogan which will seriously misfire and boomerang into Labour’s face it is this. It served its purpose with the lackey minority groups and switchers, but then it is a time fuse which will eventually reach its tail.

I am not convinced that the Government does not have its heart in the Libyan crisis and, more important, the wellbeing of our citizens in the North African country. The attitude seems to be somewhat half-hearted, if not laissez faire. I hate to state this, but it is the impression I have. Government seems more intent on getting political mileage out of the situation, but then not doing much about it. The Martin Galea saga was a perfect example.

I do not wish to enter into the merits and various theories and interpretations put forward by different media, but I must say I was somewhat scandalised at the circus put up at the airport on this gentleman’s return. Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Home Security or whatever Minister (and no doubt the police catering corps somewhere in the background – whom we did not see – to provide good fare for a welcome reception). The poor man was not even allowed to meet his family before the members of Animal Farm.

During the 2011 revolution we were kept abreast of all developments by Prime Minister Gonzi and the efforts to assist all in Libya were genuine and concrete. Now we have a half-baked, pseudo civil servant running the show, constantly uncertain at what to say and what not to say. But then, I was surprised, if media reports can be relied upon, by a declaration by the Leader of the Opposition that the Government should order Maltese citizens to leave Libya. “Ma che?” Is he serious or am I reading wrongly? How can you order anyone to leave a country unless you are an authority (courts, etc) in that country itself.? There must be something seriously wrong!

I read somewhere that the Bonello Commission has been replaced by a Law Commission chaired by no one but Dr. Franco “Moses” Debono (having brought the tablets down from the mountain, but no promised tablets for schoolchildren). The members have remained the same as the Bonello lot, save for Judge Giovanni Bonello.

It would have been a humiliation and so many would have been shocked. But I am also disappointed at Judge Philip Sciberras, an erudite and well respected lawyer (as well as judge, of course), and Professor Kevin Aquilina, Dean of the Faculty of Laws, the highest post in the University where this faculty is concerned, and also a recognised all round academic in all senses.

Dr. Ramona Frendo, T.L. (which henceforth will be used as an abbreviation “TaghnaLkoll”) is best not mentioned. Quite frankly this is demeaning for these distinguished professionals. Why did they accept? I have had no information regarding remuneration or other benefits. And what are their terms of reference? And so on and so forth and on we go.

And while on the subject of law of sorts, I must make reference to a statement made by the Minister of Justice recently with regard to the promotion of mediation as a tool for dispute resolution. I welcome such a statement wholeheartedly, but I am very sceptical. We have had a Mediation Act since 2004 (10 whole years!).

It has not worked. We have had a Mediation Centre set up under this Act. It has not functioned. Doubt there is a full complement of Governors. Yes, so let’s get on with it. And get on with it properly on a voluntary basis. Imposing mandatory mediation, such as in the Family Court, just won’t work, and all in all just hasn’t worked. As a qualified commercial (not family) mediator myself (and there are only about half a dozen of us), I say it must be voluntary, though encouraged and even pushed by bodies such as the Courts and trade organisations (for their members). But I’m still sceptical.