Promise One: Marsascala was promised tourist excursions to boost our ailing business outlets. But that particular promise, of course, was made before the last election. One day this nation will finally wake up to the fact that electoral manifestos have become highly imaginative exercises. We have already seen this government retract some of its most important promises and there will be more to follow. That is why they say a nation gets the government it deserves.

Promise Two: The government has now given Marsascala an upgraded multi-million-euro recycling plant, the EU money has been pocketed and the Union placated. What was threatened has been carried out. Marsascala can now proudly offer the few tourists that visit, the unparalleled odour that the residents of Marsascala have to endure each day.

Promise Three: All odours from the recycling plant will be a thing of the past. Well, that past seems to be very present as, believe it or not, the area still stinks.