No interest in consumer affairs

A particular issue I boringly harp on about is the lack of interest taken in consumer affairs by various sectors, the major factor being that most Maltese do not take an interest in consumer affairs unless they have a consumer problem. Besides, in many ways it is a thankless task.

However I believe in looking at the bright side of an issue. Indeed, on March 28 (two weeks after World Consumer Rights Day) I made a point of highlighting Consumer Affairs Minister Censu Galea's interest in consumer affairs with a particular focus on his direct involvement in positively concluding two campaigns we ran in this column.

Now we must also focus on our young generation's consumer orientation and I cannot refrain from complimenting Dr Roberta Tedesco Triccas, who is contesting the European Parliament election, on the keen interest she has shown in consumer affairs. Indeed, on May 14 when Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi held a meeting with NGOs she approached both Manwel Farrugia of the Consumers' Association and myself and showed a keen interest in consumer affairs.

She is even interested in organising some consumer-related activities. In no uncertain way she will have my support and I encourage consumers and/or anybody interested in consumer affairs to take part.