Most of the news items during the past days were much like a ride on a roller-coaster, with more sheer drops than straight ups, and unexpected twists and sharp turns. The gruesome death of the captured Jordanian pilot kept coming back to me. Burning a person alive in a cage is barbaric and sickening. Loading this macabre act on social media is vile and despicable. There must be a hell after this life for these monsters, and perpetrators of similar acts. The international community must strive harder to put an end to these atrocities, and should not allow further carnage in the name of the merciful Allah, or for whatever cause for that matter.

The First Hall of the Constitutional Court ruling favoured the Nationalist Party. The court ordered that the PN is given two additional seats in Parliament within 30 days. Almost two years ago the PN filed a case where it alleged that the House of Representatives' composition was flawed because of a mistake in the counting process. All is well that ends well. What is stomach-turning is the initial reaction expressed by Government to this decision. I always had the impression and believed that the Electoral Commission is an independent body.  If anything, Government has to abide by Court decisions; it is up to the Electoral Commission to file an appeal if it has to. It was bad enough that the Opposition had to seek redress in court, but it becomes serious if Government has plans to usurp the Opposition's right to proportional representation.

The last news item which caught my attention for more reasons than one is the relocation of the open market in Valletta. This relocation and the design of the new stalls brought together a chorus of people and organisations.  The PL is once again caught in a fix of its own making.  The opinions expressed are quite clear. The open market is not best suited in Ordnance Street. I share this view.  The stalls' design is horrendous. Again, I share this view. Indeed, the renowned Renzo Piano Parliament project deserves to be enjoyed by the thousands of locals and visitors who visit our city.

However, the 75 Valletta open air market licensees do enjoy rights and their rights should not be trampled upon. Selling sportswear, handkerchiefs, sexy ladies underwear, pants, vests or whatever they may sell, if these items find buyers, then so be it.  

What I find revolting are some comments addressed at these hawkers, who once again are caught inthe crossfire. The monti hawkers, like many others had, years back,flocked to the PL folds. Unfortunately, the PN's elite and strategists showed them the door in 2007. Understandably, they sought shelter elsewhere. It was written on the wall. The PL welcomed them with open arms and promised them Ordnance Street.  This was wily; however, what I also find rather out of place is the similar promise made by a former PN Minister to the monti hawkers on election day.

An extra effort should be made by the PN new leadership team to better understand that people wearing shorts and flip-flops are equal to those wearing dark suits. They both have needs and wants, and when these are not addressed properly they flock to the other side of the fence.  Last minute secret promises should be avoided by both the PL and the PN.

Around May of 2007, in the first Gonzi-led administration, the open market was moved to behind the Grandmaster's Palace, presently housing Parliament, in Merchants Street. An agreement, at the time, was forced with yours truly. I was leading the negotiations on behalf of the monti hawkers and that was a bitter experience which unfortunately left many scarred, including myself. I could more than feel that Government had a tacit understanding with some of the Merchants Street shop owners. This was the major stumbling block during the long hours of negotiations. The PN government could not understand that the monti hawkers had their livelihoods at stake. Back then, the PN government used its most powerful big guns to force an agreement. Eight years later, that agreement has proved to be a serious setback to our heritage,culture, and a loss of the already limited open spaces in Valletta.

It would be useless for the PN leadership team to acknowledge past mistakes but stops short from making amends where and when necessary. Actions speak louder than words. A fresh proposal to the open market licensees may help.