There seems to be disagreement among mayors on whether they should be full-timers or not, though they acknowledge the matter is a delicate issue.

Local Councils Association president Mario Fava said on Wednesday mayors and their deputies across the island started discussing the matter two weeks ago.

“It is not a one-size-fits-all argument,” he said, adding that some local councils believed the decision should be based on various factors.

There were some who argued that it depended on the size of the locality. There again, localities like Munxar had a small number of residents but a large rural area, he noted.

Others might argue that the issue should depend on the locality’s residents or the number of councillors.

Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli thinks the matter should be an individual choice.

Pointing out that not all localities or councils worked in the same way, Prof. Dingli said the different circumstances meant it should be up to the mayor to choose what was best for the locality.

“It is a very complex and delicate matter. You can’t simply decide whether someone should be paid full-time or not,” he said.

He also argued that a small council might have a lot of activities going on, thus meriting a full-time post.

Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manchè agreed that it should be a personal choice.

He pointed out that some constituents might expect their mayor to be wholly dedicated to his/her job. However, some mayors might not want to give up their profession, he added.

Deeming the matter to be a grey area, Mr Borg Manchè suggested that the deputy mayor should be given a full-time post, thus ensuring that a local council member was available all the time.

The “very delicate” issue required public consultation, Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat said. The subject raised a series of questions: “Will the mayor be able to do a part-time job too? What about young students who become mayors? What if someone is made to resign?”