Two episodes ago on Xarabank I assisted to two hours of pathetic, miserable, malicious hostility, from those who should give an example of how to face confrontation.

I imagined myself being projected back in time to a gladiator’s arena. But our panel had a more devastating weapon, that of the power of the word, whose effect is contagious and everlasting.

The emperor was the presenter, furtively orchestrating such a conflict to fruition, while the audience shrieked for blood.

Peppi Azzopardi should know better. I cannot comprehend why such a topic had to be aired. The incident which was to be discussed, and was not, was completely exhausted.

There had been a judicious enquiry, judgment passed and the sentence executed.

The incident had been discussed throughout the week by the media, by every possible means, debated and scrutinised to the minimum detail.

Unfortunately one element excelled in that programme, animosity and more animosity.

Hosting the politically involved wearing their smiling masks and telling anecdotes is permissible this festive fortnight, but beware the Ides of March.