It’s amazing how obviously – and shamelessly – Muscat models his image on that of other politicians. He mimics Mintoff (e.g. interrupting his speeches with frequent long pauses), compares himself to Obama and Cameron and copies Fenech Adami’s catchwords and phrases. It is, however, all show and no substance.

I can’t agree with you there, Daphne. The cost of hair colour + perm + nails + eyebrow tattoo (????) would have put quite a few nutritious meals on the table. Common sense dictates that you don’t trade sustenance for vanity – but I don’t expect, in this case, there was much common sense present to dictate anything.

Someone should have stood up and told her to (1) find a job herself, (2) send her children above the age of 18 to work, and (3) she should have learnt something about contraception.

LOL how pathetic.

I was very surprised when I worked it out myself, even though I’m very careful with the use of my mobile.

And nobody seems to protest against the high cost of cable television, internet, mobile phones and fixed lines. The cost of fuel is negatively impacting the economies of the whole world. And we have to pay international prices. Which other country must depend on the heavy use of fuel to produce fresh, drinking water like we do?

Daphne, your comments regarding the cost of living are spot on. I have lived in the UK for nearly 20 years and I get quite annoyed when I hear remarks from my countrymen how expensive Malta has become.

My tax and national insurance contributions are at par, percentagewise, with the Maltese rates. I then have to pay approximately EUR200 per month to my local council as a direct tax. Granted that our roads, pavements and gardens are way beyond Maltese standards but we pay for them through the nose.

All the other costs are exactly what you pointed out – heating, transport, extra clothing for cold weather- much higher than Malta and all have to be paid for after paying tax. I might add road licence, TV licence, any insurance.

The cost of housing and rent, like for like, is double what you pay in Malta. So all the whining that goes on is ridiculous to say the least. I go into many people’s houses in my job and I can tell you that my Maltese countrymen have nothing to be ashamed of, and mostly a lot to be proud of. This is not to mention that my son will come out of university with EUR40,000 worth of debt while his Maltese counterpart has a monthly stipend credited to his account every month.

It’s about time my Maltese brethren grow up to the real world.

I guess that is the ray of hope that Labour brought with the rally it did in Valletta… by showing the difference between the PN and LP. I must congratulate the PM for the way he tackled his opponents’ comments, and I have a feeling that the figure of 600EUR for that hospital apparatus was a carrot for Gavin Gulia – who dutifully swallowed it whole so that the PM could throw it back at him at the way he did.

Our journalists are not worthy of the name. I would have asked those protesting yesterday if they had been on a holiday in 2010. I would also have asked what their major expenses consist of last year.

Only then would we have had a clear picture of how many people are starving. I am saying this because I happened to recognise some people who participated in that rally – and yes, they are starving.

Alice, sorry for doubting that the white rabbit exists.- to Wonderland, one way please.