I would have avoided replying to Giov. DeMartino’s letter (The Real Disservice, February 1), knowing he is in mourning following his sister’s passing away. I would like to express my deepest sympathy.

Regarding his reiteration, there is obviously a generation gap. When you go through all the internal structures and you realise the hierarchy is not looking at people straight in the face, actions speak louder than words.

Always having made sure government stability was not at stake (money Bills regarding ministers’ honoraria as MPs were carried during Budget estimates since 2008), I had to save the Nationalist Party’s blushes of being remembered for posterity, in the worst recession the world has ever known, for being so generous with parliamentarians and so tight with the people I meet every day, these having been so appreciative, especially many diehard Nationalists who showered me with appreciation for standing up to be counted.

Last year, I did the same when the government just couldn’t realise that, in the midst of such an economic downturn, the state couldn’t pass the buck of primary care to the private sector – that includes me as a private GP.

This is not masochism but a bit of altruism.

It is not about extremes – shame or hero – it is only about doing your duty as a sincere politician today.