At a time when Irish politicians are cutting their salaries by €14,000 and British MPs refused a pay increase, Maltese MPs and Cabinet ministers received a generous rise. This is how some quarters are presenting the current issue of the MPs’ honoraria increase. It may sound odd, insensitive and ill-timed but the truth is that both Irish TDs (MPs) and their British counterparts’ yearly salaries are in excess of €90,000 plus a generous package. On the other hand, Maltese MPs’ adjusted honoraria are still a third of what their opposite numbers receive. Nevertheless, the unexpected controversy presented the Leader of the Opposition with yet another opportunity to score some political points.

Unlike what some might think, most Maltese MPs work very hard in their constituency and for their constituents. The nature of the electoral system facilitates this kind of behaviour by our representatives. Although permitted to have a full-time job, a number of MPs from both sides of the House choose not to take a day job so as to focus on their political commitments. Some are making great financial sacrifices to serve their constituents adequately. That is why I found it odd when the Leader of the Opposition quickly dismissed the proposed honoraria increase.

Unsurprisingly, Joseph Muscat refused his raise in a hysterical fashion and some of his colleagues, although not looking very convincing, followed suit, possibly in the hope of some entitlement to a future booty. In typical Labour style of doing politics by “knee-jerk” action, he issued a quick statement, which may have conditioned his MPs. As another columnist pointed out, if the Labour leader wanted to do something good with his unwanted euros, he should have accepted the pay rise and donated the money to charity quietly. Well, it appears Dr Muscat has now decided to do the charity part minus the quiet bit. In any case, his handling of the issue may have compromised several of his own MPs

Unlike their leader, who for a number of years served in the European Parliament where the salary and perks are more than generous, a number of Labour MPs may not be as financially comfortable. I am pretty sure Dr Muscat’s decision irked some of his own because, although he left each MP with the option to decide for him/herself to accept or otherwise the increase, those who choose to take the rise will be seen as not toeing the party line. This is wrong and the Leader of the Opposition should have consulted his MPs before rushing to address the media.

We are now getting accustomed to the Labour leader’s political opportunism. This issue is a case in point. Of course, the timing of the pay rise may not be ideal but the truth is that the honoraria adjustment has long been overdue. Dr Muscat is however only interested in scoring political points. His strategy is predictable. As with the issue of divorce, when he promised to move a Private Member’s Bill and then offer a free vote to his MPs, in this matter he does not have the courage to acknowledge the increase is justified. Instead, he opposed it without giving due consideration to his MPs’ views and situations. He quickly gauged public opinion on the matter and went along with the public’s mood. That is not how policies and decisions ought to be taken by someone who aspires to become a Prime Minister.

On a completely different note, it will be Christmas tomorrow and the New Year is only just over a week away. This is a time when we put aside our political controversies and disagreements. It is a time when we all wish each other the very best. During the year we comment and criticise policies and decisions made by our political opponents. In the second half of December, however, we all unite and urge everyone to enjoy this special time of the year.

I too would like to express my special wishes. I wish a very happy Christmas to our political leaders who work tirelessly during the year. I hope they have a great and enjoyable time with their families this season. I would also like to express my gratitude and best wishes to the editor and staff of this newspaper. Finally, to all readers a very happy Christmas and I hope the New Year will bring you all joy, health and interesting reading. I am more than sure 2011 will not be short of debate and controversy!