All over the world where democratic systems are practised, it is the democratic-dictatorial system which is adopted in truth. Once every four to five years people have their say by voting. Once the new government is installed in office, the people are disregarded and most administrations do as they wish.

The people are not consulted in any way. An excellent example is the government's re-joining the Partnership for Peace, which was not on its electoral manifesto.

The Lisbon Treaty, the back door for the former European Constitution previously rejected by EU citizens, was adopted without a referendum except in one country, Ireland. Citizens are being ignored by their governments when basic, fundamental principles are at stake.

Laws which affect our country are being passed in the European Parliament without the Maltese Parliament ever debating them. Our lives are being arranged by others. This point was amply brought up by George Vella in Parliament.

Our parliamentary system also lacks professionalism. The Prime Minister has said that a lot of work is envisaged with Brussels during this legislature. How can this be if our Parliament is made up of 15 professional members and 54 part-timers? It's only the ministers and parliamentary secretaries that are on full-time basis.

It is time our country moved forward and adopted a system of full-time parliamentarians.

Isn't it ironic that Parliament holds only one session to approve the Lisbon Treaty but takes three months to discuss whether dogs should be allowed in apartments?