It's offensive.

After the National Audit Office yesterday confirmed what we kind of already knew in the most damning way possible, there was only one possible acceptable outcome. The resignation of Michael Falzon, which was indeed what happened (although technically, the law demands that such resignation should be tendered in writing - we are waiting, Dr Falzon).

Being the only acceptable outcome does not make it praiseworthy. Which is why I'm amazed that people are falling over themselves to praise the former parliamentary secretary on social media.

Rather amazingly, bar the obvious statement from the Opposition, the main thing many social media users have taken from this story is respect to Michael Falzon. To which I can only eloquently reply, "say whaaaaat?".

The fact that this man was obliged to resign after being found guilty of collusion and irregularities seems to be escaping the majority. Let's not forget that there wasn't even a suggestion of resignation when The Sunday Times journalist Caroline Muscat first uncovered the shady dealings. Back then, it was all smug denials and injured photo-ops.

Have some respect for yourselves and do not attempt to turn someone like Falzon into a hero

Turning the former parliamentary secretary into a martyr goes against all logic and all common sense. Dr Falzon resigned only because he had no other option left open. He resigned because his own actions put him into an untenable position. He resigned because he went against everything that he had promised his constituents when he asked for their vote. He resigned not because he "did the honorable thing". He was simply clever enough to leave before being made to do so in an undignified manner.

OPM communications chief Kurt Farrugia took to Twitter in an attempt to make the best out a bad situation, but sometimes - such as when your party is glaringly in the wrong - it is infinitely less damaging to keep your mouth shut.

Still, to an extent I can understand Mr Farrugia's choice of tactic. It is, after all, the man's job to put a positive spin on anything that touches his party. An unenviable job, particularly given the fact that his bosses are not exactly giving him an easy ride, but there you have it.

What I don't understand is the legion of fools rushing in to defend the indefensible and turning greedy politicians who broke their trust into heroes, when this man has just inflicted untold damage on the party they support so blindly. Genuine Labourites should be seething at Dr Falzon for hammering another nail in the coffin. Respect and gentleman my foot.

Now, repeat after me.

Being forced to resign after being found guilty of such a scandal is not deserving of respect, but of contempt. Resignation is not an honorable choice; it is the only option left for someone who screwed things up so badly that he can only go hide under a rock until the voters' collective memory fades away.

Just take a look at what happens in other countries, where people do not act as though their politicians are rock stars who can do no wrong. A politician forced to resign due to corruption charges would be hauled over the coals. He, or she, would have their own mocking hashtag. So do we; ours reads #respect.

Which leads me to conclude that the majority of voters have none of it left for themselves. Respect, that is.

Repeat after me once again. Resigning in disgrace is not something to be lauded. It is exactly what it states. A disgrace for the person who had no choice but to take that route.

So, people of the Internet, have some respect for yourselves and do not attempt to turn someone like Falzon into a hero for what essentially amounts to indirectly being booted out for gross misbehaviour. And do not forget the most important moral of the story.

If he hadn't been caught, the man could still be up to no good today.

 

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.