Let’s face it. Malta is obsessed with Eurovision. Even people who have relocated here to find work are obsessed with it. They too have been brainwashed and set up their own parties every year, even going as far (with a lot of insistence from their local friends) to contact their friends and families to vote for our entry.

Those Maltese who say they hate the contest, secretly root for Malta to win, even if only to wonder how on earth we managed to do so, and more importantly how on earth we would ever organise it.

And that brings us to the matter at hand. It is very clear that no stone has been left unturned to secure a Malta and Ira victory. The budget seems to have been set at ‘let’s go for broke’ with a bankroll that has never been seen before. It’s been marketed and pushed through official channels as well as Malta’s enthusiastic fans who have taken to ever single online platform from Facebook to the comments section of the European Commission’s comments board (of all places) in a bid to “bring it home”.

Let’s face it, the package could not be sweeter. Walk on Water is a great song, but more importantly, Ira nails it. She looks more stunning than she did back in 2002 and her voice is spot on. This coupled with her friendly remarks about Malta’s LGBTI record (the Eurovision is a firm favourite within the community) and her pregnancy announcement makes Malta’s entry a good one.

And this also leads us into some questions. Ira looked fabulous in her outfit in the semi finals, so why the waste of money on a high-tech electronic dress that won’t even end up being used? Winning the Eurovision would be fantastic for Malta. First of all, we could have a damn good cheer about winning a fully fledged competitive international event and it would definitely give us a feel-good factor. Secondly, it might even propel a Maltese artist to international stardom. Thirdly, if we were to host it, we would do a great job. All we have to do is look at the successful CHOGM and Valletta Summit events. Even more so, as suggested in international media, it could be the Eurovision’s first ever outdoor event – similar to the Isle of MTV concerts.

While it would cost a packet to host, the government could dig deep and come up with the cash to front it, given that it will create work and employment to boost infrastructure. It will promote Malta as a tourist destination, as well as a good investment opportunity. It would allow us to shine and give us many returns in terms of finance as well as exposure.

More than what we have already mentioned, it would also be a great build-up for the launch of activities of Valletta 2018 Capital of Culture tenure. Oh, and there is, of course, the small matter of a general election around that time.

All in all, winning Eurovision will send Malta on good boost just about the same time that campaigning begins. With the PanamaPapers and a number of other scandals that have eroded trust in the government over the three years that it has been in power, a lucky break with winning Eurovision just before 2018 would propel the government back up the popularity ratings.  To think that we take this all so seriously might not be such a mad idea after all. It certainly exposes the Machiavellianism in us. And to wrap it up, it’s time to go a bit bonkers or hide in a cave – whichever your preference may be. We wish Ira the best of luck, we wish her team the best of luck, we wish Malta the best of luck. And yes, we also wish the promotional team and the government luck because for all the above mentioned reasons, it would be great to bring the trophy home and host next year’s event.