To what degree Malta should be independent.

I’m not sure what your intentions are in this entire argument, what to your mind is “the real question”.

The numbers are simply a detail.

Without having a system which inherently keeps the government in check (and this can only come about by separating the legislature from the executive), the parties and the electorate have been choosing the “right” representatives ever since democracy was born.

We ALWAYS choose the right representatives, with a minority swearing that they’re the wrong representatives. So nothing changes.

Let’s not throw out a relatively much better system on a detail which really and truly only has to do with budgetary constraints.

The case for fewer numbers can be made further down the line. The important point is to get enough momentum behind the realisation of the fact that the current system is DESIGNED to give us exactly what we’ve been having ever since it’s inception.

Ann Fenech is not standing for election. She is the party president. Therese Comodini Cachia is not standing for election to the national parliament either. She is a member of the European Parliament.

Your personal opinion about them is one thing (and I’m sure the fact that they are women is a particular problem), but at least get those facts right.

While you are right, your suggestion can never happen. It would require a Constitutional amendment with MPs voting to reduce their numbers.

I am afraid we are stuck with this system. It is up to the parties and the electorate to choose the right representatives and not the likes of Mario Demarco, Ann Fenech, Comodini Cachia and all those who stand for election with ulterior motives.

Mention one microstate which behaves like it isn’t. So the choice is between your Reset, which doesn’t address the real question, and more of the same.

This is not just about money. It is also about influence and professionally confidentiality.