I’m finding that detail very odd too. Manuel Mallia is a criminal lawyer. Mr. Smith must have engaged his services in the past for some reason.

He’s also not very up to date with current affairs in Malta since he didn’t know that Mallia was now a minister.

I’m starting to think that this was more than an argument about a car accident. It’s a bit strange that this should have escalated to a car chase and shooting on the streets, even when taking into account the “il-karozza il-mimmi t’ghajnejja” factor.

I’m suspecting a deal or a frame-up gone wrong.

Maybe for the driver to visit his mother officially…

But the minister’s driver was not.

I think he should have been forced to undergo a drugs test too.

Somebody who took out a wing-mirror was suspected of being under the influence of drink.

Somebody who drew a gun and began shooting at a retreating car because of a broken wing mirror should be suspected of being under the influence of cocaine.

This would be a reasonable suspicion in these circumstances.

If the minister’s driver was tested for neither drugs nor drink that night, then the public is right to suspect collusion by the police for whom his boss is responsible.

Well and truly said, my friend!

Arani Qisni Zobbuga 853 millimetres.

I agree with Ken. There is no need for two sets of plates. If it is the Minister’s official car then it should always be used on official duties.

A minister who removes the ministerial plates must have something to hide.

[Daphne – Wrong. They are actually obliged to remove the official plates when not on official business. This problem arises from one simple fact only: that they are allowed to keep and use their official car round the clock, in lieu of their personal car. Under more formal systems, the car is for official business only and when not on official business, the minister uses his own personal transport. However in Malta the official car is seen as a personal perk.]