People in high positions are usually so busy that they have no time to intermingle with common citizens to evaluate the feeling on the street. They depend on information provided by their collaborators. This in itself creates a most ambiguous situation where advisors can in a way manipulate the decisions taken by these high-positioned people.

Let’s take an example. Two people are talking to each other and one of them says that this or that person is unreliable and not to be trusted. The one listening, even if he has never met the individual, would be extremely careful how to deal with him when he does. So, the lingering doubt left by gossip will indirectly have its effect.

This is an example of what our country is passing through. The country’s nominees for European high posts have come under undue heavy criticism not because of personal capabilities or personal life, but because they were undermined by locals with foreigners.

The issue was not about the integrity or capabilities of the nominated individuals, but of what others may have done or haven’t done.

A story worth mentioning is that from the Roman era, when Antonio, the powerful leader of Rome was assassinated by Brutus. Antonio’s enemies discussed who should be chosen from among them to drive the dagger into Antonio’s heart. The choice fell on the person most trusted and closest to Antonio: Brutus.

It was this so-called friend of Antonio who drove the dagger into his back. Thus the famous phrase “Et tu, Brutus!”

This story keeps coming to my mind whenever a Maltese delegate is nominated by our administration to take up a position of trust in the EU. It is becoming crystal clear that the undermining is being done by locals with foreigners solely to achieve their own close-minded objectives to the ultimate detriment of our country’s good name and image. This is deplorable and should be condemned.

Who from among us all did not have an internal dispute/quarrel with his/her wife/husband?

Who would dare think of hanging his clothes on the roof without washing them first?

This reasoning is not heeded by some of our compatriots overseas.

The Maltese in general are always full of praise for their country and its people’s achievements. Throughout my life, I have never disgraced or downgraded my country or its people. So why is this being done now by people who appear to be intelligent?

What I didn’t like was the needless additional information that Leo Brincat gave to the first committee

We have made tremendous achievements since we have ruled our islands. When one compares the high standard of living we enjoy, one easily concludes that in Malta we enjoy one of the best (if not the best) tranquil, safe and comfortable life, not only in Europe, but in all the world.

Schools facilities are excellent – the educational system is progressive and safe. Hospitals, free medicine, free childcare centres… we have achieved this together through our leaders.

So why this hatred now? Why are there malicious innuendoes with foreigners about our own people?

A local saying goes like this: “Nobody washes your face to look better than him.” This is now becoming too obvious and a reality.

Leo Brincat’s nomination for an auditor’s post was approved by the committee concerned but refused by the general assembly. The Christian Democrats that voted against him included Maltese Democrat MEPs.

I find it totally unacceptable that Maltese representatives, elected to represent all Maltese, decided to vote against a fellow Maltese nominee. It is becoming apparent that their political inclinations supersede national interest. Shame on everyone who did this. Certain local information could only be supplied and given by locals. No one can say that Brincat is not capable for the post.

Nor can anyone doubt his integrity – for over 30 years he carried out his duties diligently and correctly.

Brincat, as a member of a political party, has and must follow the club’s rules and regulations.

That is it. If he doesn’t follow them there is only one option left for him – to leave the club.

What I didn’t like were some extra answers and needless additional information that Brincat gave to the firstcommittee. If he was in the positionof Konrad Mizzi, he would have either resigned or left the government until proven innocent.

Mr Brincat also uselessly added that he didn’t resign from the government as he would have become a hero for a short time and then left in the wilderness with no political punch whatsoever.

This was futile talk. He stayed inthe club out of his own choosing. I donot know Brincat as any championof anything.

So why the needless additional speeches which serve for nothing but to add coal to the fire burner?

What interests me and the majority of the people is that our national image is kept clean and not mudded by locals as happened in this instant.

The issue here is for an auditor position. Is Brincat capable and induced enough to occupy this position through merit and capabilities?

The answer is definitely in the positive. So why do issues concerning other persons have to bear on Brincat’s capabilities?

When are our politicians and political parties going to wake up?

As one Bible quotation goes: “Let those who are without sin throw the first stone.”

Nobody did.

Lino Debono is a former Labour MP.