It has got to be admirable how debates on various subjects in Malta manage to take extreme positions. I would imagine that if a member of Parliament were to state that Malta should launch its space programme, 50 per cent of the Maltese population would say that this is the best idea since the wheel while the other 50 per cent would probably say that there exists nothing beyond Malta’s airspace!

One must admit that it is difficult to find a midway in many arguments, including the subject of the proposed tunnel between Malta and Gozo. There is either a link or there is none.

Of course, those proposing this project can come up with 1,001 reasons to justify it. My issue is finding a convincing justification. Beside the subject of whether the expected cost (ball park?) and time frame to complete it, are realistic, is a permanent link truly expected to improve the standard of living in Gozo? Would this theory still hold if all the young Gozitans were to continue seeking to come to work and settle in Malta, while the retirees are deciding to settle in Gozo?

Would such a tunnel make Gozo more attractive to someone like Lady Gaga to buy her own holiday home over there, when she can afford her own little helipad on the roof (subject to Mepa permit, of course)?

It is being stated that this link would help the Gozo economy. I wonder how, particularly if the “easier” link would turn Gozo into another overpopulated Malta on a smaller scale. Who would want to go to the once-peaceful Gozo for a holiday if it starts to feel like a trip to Sliema?

So would it perhaps make more sense if the same money was to be invested in assisting new businesses to set up and flourish in Gozo? Would it not be more advantageous for Gozo if its youngsters did not have to look at Malta for both work and leisure? Instead of subsidising transport, governments need to seek ways to encourage entrepreneurship.

And if the subject were to facilitate travel along our islands, would someone from Mellieħa who needs to go to work in Marsaxlokk have the right to ask for a six-lane highway so that he (or she) could get there in 10 minutes instead of 30?

I wonder what the criteria are for politicians to prioritise projects. How is this proposed tunnel or link expected to boost the Malta and Gozo economy? Should we expect more tourists to visit our country in the next 25 or 50 years thanks to this link?

Could we be risking that instead we purge Gozo of any further long-term investment and good brains?

But who knows… We might even strike oil while digging this tunnel!