Fresh from an EU special summit on defence, Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke on Malta's defence spending in words that alarmed some, and gave his opponents an opportunity to kick him again. But no one seems to have noticed that at long last the two main parties now seem to be singing from the same score on this vital issue.
Predictably, much hype was raised over the weekend that Malta was abandoning its neutrality Constitution and will be sending its sons and daughters off to wars, when it will be doing nothing of the sort.
The explanation is far simpler. At the special summit Malta must have been pointed out as one of the countries with the lowest spend on defence in the EU, 1.2% of GDP when many countries spend 2% or more.
The reality is that Malta had been hiding behind the neutrality clause in the Constitution to skimp on even simple maintenance of its hardware such as helicopters, RHIBs, etc. Let alone upgrading its weaponry and training on them.
Beyond the words of Abela and Grech (and even the Green Party) the country must understand it cannot remain to live in a dream world.
It must understand its primary duty is to defend itself and no one is obliged to defend it.
It must understand that the primary role of its armed forces (plus other auxiliary forces that may and should be set up) is to defend the country rather than appear smart in parades.
It must understand that we cannot remain playing with bows and arrows when all others around us have guns.
In a word, it must understand the reality of today's world and stop believing in a dream world.
Three 'national' feasts
Within a few days of each other, at the beginning of February, three peoples have been celebrating what we may call their national feasts.
Three peoples, all in the Mediterranean, all Catholics, celebrating their history and traditions. But in a very different way.
I should start in a chronological way but instead will start with what we know best, St Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta.
We know the church as it is on the feast day - red damask, gleaming chandeliers, shining silver, the epitome of the 18th Century at the time of the Knights, the Baroque music, the Gafa statue.
A time capsule. What we may not know is how much the feast as it is celebrated owes to the Order.
The date, first of all. The beginning of February does not normally bring with it the terrible Gregale of autumn. The beginning of February is more likely the date when ships, having wintered in a safe harbour, continue on their voyage. Then you are told the 10th of February was the birthday of a grand master and everything falls into place.
Not even the location is certain. It makes more sense to imagine that a ship dragged by a storm from Greece was driven on to the cliffs near Marsascala than the North of the island.
The time capsule feast. Like many others I used to like it when the orchestra played at the organ loft at the back of the church up near the ceiling with the Maestro facing the altar and directing the orchestra and the choir at his back. And personally I would have stuck with the Baroque masterpieces of giants like Paolo Nani rather than new compositions.
But times change. It used to be said of the Anglican church that it was the Conservative Party at prayer. Likewise St Paul's in Valletta could be said to be the Nationalist Party at prayer in the past.
Not any more. Officialdom has forced its way in regardless of party affiliation. Places are rigidly reserved according to status at national level. There is no issue of confessional belief - this is Malta and everyone is presumed to be Catholic. So everyone or almost takes the Host.
The liturgy is rigidly orthodox, the template coming directly from the Vatican. No girl altar servers - ma tarax.
It is when we consider the other feasts in other countries that we see how we have been impoverished. Or not allowed to grow.
Consider this: we have been drawn to condemn the British and all their 200+ years of domination. So what about an honest appraisal of the Order and its years in Malta?
The Maltese women made to service the knights' body needs. The Maltese men forced to look the other way or else sent to the galleys. The British whatever you say about them never did that.
But on religious matters, the liturgy etc the Knights were rigidly orthodox. And so it has remained. Hence the St Paul feast as it is celebrated.
But let's cross the Channel and five days before St Paul in Malta the church in Catania celebrates over a whole week St Agatha with all kinds of processions. Masses and crowds wherever you go.
A procession that lasts a whole night, a uniform white dress and a cap (now worn by women too), the strange Candelore, resembling a Carnival structure carried by men who race part of the way.
The 'statue' is an elaborate bejewelled affair, the 'fercolo', guarded throughout the entire celebration.
Other villages around Catania have their own traditions, some as strange or more. It's impressive what 60 miles or so can do.
But to get another perspective one has to go to Dubrovnik in Croatia which in the first days of February celebrates St Blaise who, the story goes, saved the city from an attack by, not the Turks, the Venetians.
It's bitterly cold but they hold the Mass outside. Then comes the procession but there is no statue, just a small relic carried under a baldachin.
The procession is a long one and it looks as if the entire population of the city is taking part. All are dressed in traditional garb, very colorful, slightly Turkish. Even children, even girls, men in traditional military garb with real muskets.
There are no fireworks, and very rudimental bands, just a few banners.
Yet you feel this is a real national celebration. You feel that the people of Catania celebrate St Agatha with feeling with mass attendance even at the Dawn Mass.
But as for St Paul, despite all involved doing their utmost, the demographics kick in. Valletta today is far from the thousands who used to live there in other times. Many families have moved out, other buildings have become offices or bnbs. And people age.
One final comment: you cannot have the Altar of Sacrifice, on which Mass is said, one moment there and gone the next.
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