Too much friendliness between politicians and party executives should always be frowned upon because there is too much of a risk of favours and patronage.

When you enter politics you should do so because you would like to make a difference (for the better) in people’s lives and because you would like to serve.

Like a good judge, you must understand that there will be people who will befriend you not because you are a nice guy or good company but because they know you will be useful to them in the future (or the present) and so you must keep them at arm’s length no matter how amusing, entertaining or interesting you might find them.

Politicians must keep good relations with everyone because they must still serve and know what is happening in society and the economy, but as soon as that relationship starts becoming too cosy then the politician must choose between serving the nation or himself.

As the date approaches, all the pressure will be heaped on these professionals who will be subjected to consecutive sleepless nights, possibly with additional human resources whisked in at the last minute to patch things up.

At the end of it all, the event itself will probably not be any spectacular success but will go by without major disasters. Sure enough Mrs Muscat will be on hand to take all the credit.

Malta Taghna Lkoll pure and simple.

Mela ma ghadniex nitkazaw li Vassallo hareg lil Joe Saliba bil-boat?

The problem wasn’t Mintoff being a guest on the Noneta but the blatant and possibly irregular advantages obtained through that close friendship.