Silvio, with your reasoning, if Dr Farrugia was ‘just doing what was expected of her’ she did not need to be congratulated. Run of the mill dealing with terrorists. I wonder why Malta’s ambassador to Libya did not do the job himself if it was such an easy matter.

She did not need to receive instructions from someone hundreds of miles away. Hers were the only feet on the ground there and she was the only one dealing first hand with killers whilst others sat in comfort preparing for their long and dangerous trip from Castille to Luqa Airport to meet the press.

replying to Mr Loporto: She was not doing what was expecting of her but went above and beyond that. May I remind you that the same Government who roped her in urgently to perform what was quite a risky mission, had suspended her and persecuted her for months? Another might have said no, do your dirty work and let me enjoy see you flounder … She didn’t, she just did her job like the consummate professional she is.

Dear Daphne,it’s the third time you called me so.

How about being a little bit original?

I never said that Dr. Farrugia should not be congratulated, but after all she was just doing what was expected from her and I am certain she was given instructions on how she had to treat this delicate situation.

This is the usual procedure.

She was acting on behalf of her government and I don’t think she was given a free hand, she must have been consulting with the cabinet all the time.

What rubbish. Muscat was busy being photographed with Important People. He had no time for trivialities like someone else being kidnapped in Libya.

How on earth do you, Mr Silvio Loporto persist in dishing out such stupidities.

If Joseph Muscat was instructing Dr Farrugia, then he should have gone to Tripoli himself and conducted the operation there. Besides there were the other four big heads and two small ones who could have replaced him. They were there at the airport yesterday showing off.

Oh, sorry wait a moment – he couldn’t cancel his date with David Cameron and Prince Charles.

Vintage Loporto.

Che cagasotto.

This government suspended her from work and then had no choice but to eat humble pie and call her back for this mission.

Il-hobz tih lil min jaf jieklu, sur Prim Ministru.

If this incident has shown us anything about this nation, it’s that the professionals are few and far between. Microstates cannot and should not attempt to go it alone, blinded by patriotic pride. Asking for help from your allies (do we have any) is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of responsible government. And it earns you respect.

Daphne

I have to be honest with you, there have been times when I have felt embarrassed having to go up stairs behind a lady. Don’t ladies also feel it? I mean those short skirts and long legs?

[Daphne – I can’t remember, Chico. It’s been a while. http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ecclesiastes-3-1/%5D

Martin Galea made it an absolute point of thanking Dr Farrugia.

Visibly shaken, but not stirred.