Yes I know we're a way off actual half-term.

But it's time, I feel, that we need one. When Chuwseff and friends were given that huge mandate to govern back in 2013, we (and yes I admit, I was among the well conned) all looked forward to a "brave new world" and a fresh way of doing local politics. Well, we all know what happened to that notion, don't we? Even if the nats had run their course at the time.

And oh how have the mighty fallen. Along with the hapless Donald Trump's debacle as the worst ever US president, the fall and disgrace of Chuwseff must rank as one of the most precipitous tumbles in the history of politics. A veritable case of the emperor's new clothes. And yet... there are still those out there who would readily vote for the charlatan - (and one with access to Malta's very deep pockets) - whatever he's done; should he ever be allowed to stand again. As they say in northern England: "There's nowt so queer as folk." In other words: "There's one born every minute."

And one of Chuwseff's most unswerving disciples is a guy who, although nominally works for the government, moonlights as an odd-job man, who occasionally does some stuff for me. And, despite everything, he is still totally loyal to our erstwhile PM. He tells me he doesn't care about Chuwseff's many bouts of corruption. He said: "Mhux obvja. This is Malta ta... it's how we do things here. He done more for me than any of them 'nazzjonlistas'." But when I asked him for examples of Chuwseff's generosity, he was unable to give me a single one. He merely raised his voice a few decibels and reiterated his love - yes love - for the scoundrel.

But what about Chuwseff's anointed successor "bungling Bobby"? I think I speak for the majority when I say: So far... it looks as though the poor guy is in over his head and way out of his depth. Still, as long as he keeps on doing what Chuwseff tells him to do, I guess we're stuck with him.

So not a very optimistic half-term report for Bobby and co... but at least he's not as bad as his predecessor... yet.

* * *

Just one more week to go before Serie A kicks off and I get to see the state of my lot - Juventus - this year. So last weekend I had to make do with the English Premier League. And... on the basis of a handful of matches, I think it could be one of the better campaigns.

Malta's favourite English football team, I'm referring of course to Manchester United, seems to have strengthened their squad with a few judicious buys. I used to think their goalkeeper De Gea was one of the best in the league. Man U's Dutch manager  ten Hag, obviously didn't agree; so it will be interesting to see how their new, very expensive keeper, Andre Onana, copes with the pressure.

I tend to side with the little - no-hoper - teams in the English Premier League, teams like Fulham, Bournemouth, Brentford etc... I know they are never going to consistently upset the Man City's or the Liverpool's, but just occasionally they do and that is well worth waiting for.

So who do I think will be the Premier League champions this season? No idea: just pick one from Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Not, I fear Man Utd.