For sure!

Although not part of the Party structure, the Nationalist Party owns a number of companies including a media company, Media.Link Communications.

This company runs NET Television and Radio 101, newspapers in Maltese (In-Nazzjon and Il-Mument), a media library and the online news portal Maltarightnow.

The main goals for the existence of these companies are propaganda and to raise funds for the party.

I saw him perhaps less surrounded and there were opportune moments in which a direct message could have been communicated (“the team” ‘does’ the web interventions, leaving a very personal and inviting touch), and I said to myself: “why bother.”

Everything about him says “diminutive.” I can’t for the life of me imagine that his reception of concepts or ideas changes mode.

Perception counts.

It started with Gonzi and his infuriatingly homely discourse, as if he were permanently addressing a kindergarten class. It wasn’t just a vote-catching measure to attract the lower classes, because even when engaging with the intellectuals, decision-makers and professionals, he never once matched his words accordingly.

If I didn’t know better, between the crock of evil shit that’s Labour and the hand-wringing kindergarten assistants that are the PN, I’d have stayed away from the polls altogether. So I voted out of sheer necessity, against Labour, as always.

I’m not holding out much hope with Simon Busuttil as leader. As soon as he hit Malta, he dumbed down his thoughts, words and actions. Hell, if they don’t want my vote then they can bloody well not have it.

The proverbial straw on the camel’s back now is that there is money available for the Independence Day festivities but not to pay the salaries of the party employees.

The people have mortages and household bills to honour, for God’s sake, and schools start within a few weeks.

[Daphne – Those are pressing considerations but they are also legally irrelevant. They are due their wages regardless of how many, or how few, bills they have to pay. And yes, I agree with you re Independence Day. They should lead by example and say that they are not holding the celebrations because they are using the money for a prior consideration: paying their staff. They should be astute enough to understand that nobody will give them money unless they put their priorities in order. You can’t ask people for donations when you’re throwing a large party but then not paying your people.]

Political parties are not business organizations.

Salaries, wages disappeared, and so did any form of thanks, gratitude or solidarity.

I agree with those who commented here that all present and former PN MPs should show their solidarity by donating part of their honoraria/MP’s pension to create a special fund for this purpose.

L-ezempju ikaxkar.

So you noticed it too.