[Daphne – Yes, a partner in Anglu Farrugia’s law firm.]

Same Edward Gatt?

[Daphne – Same as what or who?]

Personally, I find it hard for anyone to argue that the current salary is anywhere near apt, or befitting to MPs.

What is debatable to me is not the extent of the rise but rather the TIMING thereof.

At a time where MPs in many EU member states have agreed to a salary cut due to the austerity measures, our local MPs have defied the trend.

Of course one may argue that Maltese MPs are in a different position from their European counterparts, as no austerity measures have been implemented locally, and therefore, Maltese point are not bound to lead by example, as their foreign colleagues are, for example. Fair point.

The increase was, so we are told, agreed to in 2008, around the same time when we were coaxed by the usual electoral promise (isn’t that stale now?) of a reduction in income tax / adjustment in the income tax brackets (which is after all tantamount to an increase in one’s disposable income).

Fast-forward that a few years, and the aforesaid adjustment would, we were told (quite sensibly), have to wait since the country is not impervious to the global recession and we are not yet through the woods.

Good decision but how does all this tally with the implementation of a salary rise to MPs?

One gets the impression that what is discussed and apparently agreed to in Parliament in embossed in stone, and not susceptible to changes whatsoever, even if the global economic woes, are, by the Prime-minister’s own admission still on-going.

Yes, but pizza, not steak.