Was anyone surprised, the other day, when Joseph Muscat said that Dom Mintoff should be appreciated for his objectives and not for how he went about things? That's another way of saying that the ends justify the means.
As many people have now recognized, this government is Mintoffian in tooth and claw. Muscat cares far less than Mintoff about families struggling to make ends meet than he does about himself and his cronies. But the spirit of the 1970s and 80s, of gobbling up what you can, while you can, is alive and well.
The days of secret agreements are back. The men in power have their claws sharpened. Public-private partnerships no longer mean what they used to.
Nothing seems to be spared from the renewed centralisation of control. Not even charitable donations. Tax rebates for donations (of over €2,000) to the Community Chest Fund - a great initiative in itself but why the blatant discrimination against all NGOs doing splendid work in the social sector?
Back too are the budgets when the government gives you a little pocket money: rather less than what it takes from your other pocket and only a tiny fraction of what Labour pockets for itself.
Budget time, however, isn't just a period of stocktaking for the government. It is also a time when ordinary families can run an audit of the government and its promises. Mintoff had his faults but there's a custom of his - giving budgets a thematic name - that we can resurrect to celebrate Labour budgets.
It would be old-fashioned to give the budgets names like 'Rainbow' (tal-Qawsalla). But, in the age of X Factor, why not thematic songs that the public votes for?
So, here's my shortlist of five songs. You may vote on this site, my FB page, Twitter... any way in which you can get my attention. The winner will be announced next week. You are free to suggest your own song. If your song wins the popular vote, there's a special prize: a doubling of the COLA.
1. Wannabe
No wonder the Spice Girls had such a global hit with this number and its haunting refrain, "Let me tell you what I want, what I really, really want..." It's one for everyone - from Taghna Lkoll billboard meritocrats and journalists vainly waving the Freedom of Information Act. Vote for it if you really, really want to know what Sai Mizzi is up to in China.
2. It's raining men
The song for all those who think this is the government that gave real, virile men back to the nation... and put women back in their place, away from the board rooms. This song is a vote for the most feminist government in history, which evidently thinks that women are to be confined to girl power, rather than decision-making (what's that?) positions.
3. You were always on my mind
If you're missing your road map; thinking of your milestones and promises to resign; sparing a passing thought for Enemalta workers and their future working conditions under Chinese management; or simply sighing for Sai and her added value, this is the song for you.
4. Singin' in the Dejn
A natural choice for all those who think Muscat owes them more than he's giving them: Air Malta workers thinking about their future; all those of you stuck in traffic, or waiting for a bus, as the rain pours, and the expensive fuel tank empties.
This flexible song is also suitable for unfashionable worriers, such as those thinking about how unemployment is being kept down by enrolling thousands in the public sector. Banish that huge gurgling sound of money leaving your pockets and the public coffers by humming this tune full of phenomenal positive energy!
5. Seventh Wonder
This song is for those who are wondering, for the seventh time, why the economy is doing so well if Malta is the worst performing EU country in industrial production.
But hey, it's also for all those of you who want to affirm your admiration for Joseph, Konrad and Joe, Manuel and Owen (or any other minister of your choice).
My sad non-progressive aversion to conflicts of interest keeps me from suggesting my own Eurovision contribution, 'Desire'. But Ira's great song leaves nothing to be, er, desired.