Those who promoted divorce and are now triumphantly stating that there have been no devastating side effects on Maltese society because of it, increasingly resemble the youngster who, having taken up smoking against his father’s wishes, after a year cheerfully tells the latter that he is as strong and healthy as the year before.

The foresighted parent would certainly retort that the consequences of smoking will take time to come about but, like death and taxes, the ill-effects of this habit will inevitably happen.

As for divorce, one only has to take a close look at the ravages that it has wrought in families and in society in countries similar to ours in culture and traditions, Ireland and Italy.

Regarding the joy and happiness that divorce has supposedly brought about in this country, one could perhaps ask how the large number of Maltese nationals whose spouses have filed for divorce against their wishes feel about this.

Or, could it be that now that divorce is safely in, the pain and suffering of these innocent parties are not worthy of compassion or even attention simply because they are considered as being some sort of “collateral damage” sacrificed upon the altar of the greater good?