It is fascinating how things you've watched or heard as a child enter your head and seemingly disappear, only to appear later in life at moments when you least expect it.
Take advertising, for instance. I was particularly fond of slogans like the one for the popular vitamins - "One a day, every day". This catchphrase has begun to ring again in my ears. It's perfectly suited for life under Joseph Muscat.
Muscat and his cronies seem to be dishing out scandals, irregularities, you name it, just like the vitamins - one a day, every day. I'm not sure the office of the Auditor General can keep up with all the investigations. Frankly, nobody with an iota of integrity, dignity and sense of good governance can fail to be shocked at how low this government can go.
The latest questionable deal concerns Labour's bed partner, the General Workers' Union, and the leasing of space by the union to a government entity (ARMS), in breach of the contract between the same union and the previous government back in 1997. It is obvious to state that where there is smoke, there is fire. This case is yet another example of institutionalised corruption.
The NAO is now recommending judicial action against the GWU. I am curious as to where all this is going to lead to.
Of course, the NAO has published quite a list of reports under this government, a list we must not forget. The list is so long I will surely leave some important reports out. The ones I can obviously remember are those on legal services with respect to the granting of concessions to operate two casinos (Chris Cardona), the investigation of government's acquisition of the Café Premier (Joseph Muscat), and an analysis of Enemalta Corporation's hedging activity during 2014 (Konrad Mizzi). Naturally there is also the Gaffarena Old Mint Street case, which is getting dirtier by the minute, and which should be taken up by the NAO shortly.
Muscat and his cronies managed to do all this in just two and a half years of governing this country. Imagine what they will have done after five years or (God forbid) 10!
A vitamin a day is meant to keep the doctor away. A scandal a day, in which transparency and accountability are held in contempt, will keep real democracy away.
Dignity for all
On Wednesday night in Parliament, at committee level, we discussed the Mental Health Commissioner's annual report. It was a civilised discussion on the current state of affairs and future plans for this important sector. We focused mainly on the famous report which the commissioner concluded in February 2015, handed to the minister in March and, after much pressure by this newspaper, now discussed eight months later.
I am no expert in this field and I would never be so presumptuous or arrogant to even consider myself to be one. I am however blessed with the help of experts in the medical field, who guide me and assist me. I also have a very good relationship with the social partners and the NGOs who work so hard in the mental health sector as in other areas of health.
NGOs like Richmond Foundation and Mental Health Association keep me updated with the concerns of the patients and their informal carers - the service users. Their work is relentless and I admire their stamina and determination to seriously make a difference. Their approach is technical at times but never cold and aloof; their expertise comes with human warmth.
My point of view is their perspective, that of the patients and their families in the centre of the circle, surrounded by all the healthcare professionals who are dedicated to give the best service to the patient. I don't look at the hierarchy of the "powerful" looking down on the vulnerable and, frankly, I believe strongly that it is the way forward to achieve dignity for all.
Claudette Buttigieg is a PN MP – [email protected],
twitter: @ButClaudette
30 October 1961