There was a time when the Nationalists cried blue murder when a former PM introduced water and electricity tariffs that would have left many people and businesses in the red.
There was a time when this person was attacked and accused of having lost his social conscience because of these bills! Well as they say, a week is a long time in politics and 10 years seem like a century.
Things do have the tendency to turn right around every now and then! For how on earth is this government acting differently from Alfred Sant?
Has the root of all evils suddenly become the Holy Grail? Have those poor, bankrupt-to-be businesses become millionaires who can afford any electricity bill all of a sudden?
Have pig-headedness and political arrogance changed their names to courage, solidarity and all the hogwash some ministers are trying to feed us?
How come the government acted as if it doesn't give a toss and "forgot" to draw up a social impact assessment? How come it is only now that the government has realised that Enemalta is in a shambles?
What has the government done to cut waste before passing the burden onto all those who work hard to earn a decent wage? How come all the bills are retroactive and we have to wait till God knows when to get some form of relief since the solar panel initiative is only open for the few who can afford it?
Why is this government being so hard-headed with the Unions? Is this the same party that accused Dr Sant of all things under the sun because he was hard-headed and thought he was Mr know-it-all on the EU issue? How is this government's attitude different?
It is only the completely blind who believe the PM when he says that the government did consult the social partners. Since when has dialogue been reduced to a power-point presentation and take-it-or-leave it offers?
Since when has dialogue become going on the table with a fait accompli? And why all this fuss dear ministers?
The price of oil is plummeting isn't it? Why do we get a whole chorus of teeth gnashing when the price of oil goes up and then a load of excuses when the price goes down? Why did the government have to mess with the surcharge now just as we had started to hope for some financial relief in the future?
Didn't Minister Gatt say that he will think about reducing the surcharge only when the price is below the $85 a barrel?
Oh yes I completely forgot! He was referring to the refined price not the one from the oil rig. I say, what a very convenient and timely bunny out of that hat!
Why throw more burdens on hotels which already have the daunting prospect of a bad 2009? Why kick an assaulted victim in the face instead of giving a helping hand?
At the time I'm writing this letter the PM has agreed to meet the unions after the historic protest in Valletta.
Whatever the results from this meeting (and I do hope we get some positive news or we're in for a hugely negative Christmas) the seed of insecurity has been sown, the foundations of fear and negativity well laid and the untold damage on the PN done! Congratulations are in order for all those responsible for this messy affair.