In the local political context there is hardly ever a dull moment.   But there are other events which merit reflection.   Let me begin with the political scenario.  The PL was in the process of filling the deputy leader post, left vacant after Louis Grech decided not to contest the last general election.   The PL delegates were again called on Saturday to cast their vote in favour of one of the remaining two contenders in the race.   Health Minister Chris Fearne won the contest. The PL top triumvirate is now formed.     

Late on Friday night, against all odds, Helena Dalli, Minister for European Affairs and Equality, was eliminated from the race.  Only hours before, Minister Dalli had been touted a hero by the gay community and the Prime Minister for piloting The Marriage Equality Act.  The Act legally recognises homosexual marriage.   MPs present in the House on Wednesday 12 July, except for one, voted in favour of the Act.   Minister Dalli has accomplished what is considered by the LGBTI community a milestone in the equality race, but it seems that this breakthrough was not appreciated by most of the PL delegates. 

Later that evening, the façade of the Office of the Prime Minister, the Auberge de Castille, was illuminated to add to the festive mood taking place in the open space in front of the Auberge.  The finely proportioned, strictly symmetrical and recently restored façade was illuminated with the words “We made History” in the rainbow colours closely associated with the gay community.  

But it would be very short-sighted of me, the gay community and not least our society as a whole if we conclude that The Marriage Equality Act has addressed all emotional, physical, legal and psychological issues emanating from relationships of whatever nature, not least between persons of the same sex.   

Legislation will only regulate the legal characteristics of the relationship.  The other issues will have to be dealt with by other professionals.  I will not touch on issues of conscience.  It is a purely personal matter and the debate is never ending, and all sides can and may have strong and valid points to support their claim. 

But ultimately we live in a democratic and in a secular state.  While it is understandable that Members of the House are duty-bound to reflect the changes in society, I will continue to follow my convictions notwithstanding that the House has enacted The Marriage Equality Act.  Even so, I wish everyone love and happiness.

Back to the vacant senior posts within the two leading political parties, while the PL had one post to fill, the PN has at a minimum six vacant positions to fill since all incumbents have tendered their resignation after the last election.  Rosette Thake, the PN’s outgoing General Secretary, will be receiving applications for the post of PN leader, among others.  

At the time of writing, late Sunday evening, four contestants have declared their interest to run for the post; in alphabetical order, Adrian Delia, Alex Perici Calascione, Chris Said and David Thake. By the closing date of 19 July, there may yet be others.  

Whoever wins the contest has an insurmountable task, but not an impossible one.  The PN needs to work with the grassroots assiduously.  Re-engineering the political agenda is not any easy task, but re-inventing the once open dialogue with all constituted bodies, trade unions and NGOs should be seriously considered while mistakes committed by former PN administrations have to be identified and ironed out.          

But in these sweltering hot summer days, various organisations sought the assistance and the generosity of the general public to continue with their sterling service to different causes.   I will mention some which come to mind, in no particular order.   

Forty players and more than 300 volunteers participated in 53 hours of continuous play during the Volleyball Marathon in aid of the Dar tal-Providenza.  Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, expressed his gratitude towards the public for its constant support.  A sum of over €650,000 was raised during the marathon. 

The Missionary Society of St Paul organised another annual marathon to raise money for several projects it has in Malta, and in Peru, Pakistan and the Philippines.  Members of the MSSP provide Peruvians with food, shelter and education.  A sum close to €200,000 was raised.

Between July 14 and 28, a group of well-trained cyclists from the LifeCycle Foundation will take another daunting challenge, with cyclists pedalling around 2,000 kilometres from Nairobi to Dar Es Salam through the wild African bush.  The aim of the Foundation is to assist renal patients in Malta.    

In aid of The Marigold Foundation on July 22, Mrs Michelle Muscat will swim, weather permitting, North to Port.  The proceeds from the swim will go to support different causes, including the athletes competing in the Special Olympics to be held in Abu Dhabi.

While the above initiatives are commendable, I am still ambivalent about such initiatives.  Perhaps our politicians should put the same effort and energy expended in The Marriage Act to find sufficient public funds to assist people in need from the national coffers.

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