Squeezed lemon

Lemon juice has many beneficial attributes, but what about the squeezed lemon?

Earlier this week, I congratulated Dr Anthony Buttigieg after he had announced his decision to stand for the leadership of the Democratic Party. He will possibly be taking up the vacancy created by Marlene Farrugia who opted to depart after just some months in the post.

Dr Buttigieg is a very sensible person. On the morning after the general election he was faced with a declaration by Marlene Farrugia that she would not exclude running for the position of PN leader after Simon Busuttil’s resignation. Dr Buttigieg resigned as PD deputy leader, thereby taking a clear public stand opposing the impulsiveness of Marlene Farrugia. He also stated that Farrugia’s declarations were contrary to his beliefs, maintaining that, in his view, the PD should always be separate and distinct from the PN.

As a result of his stance, he made it clear to one and all that he considered being willing to form a coalition did not in any way signify discarding his party’s distinct identity. Being a critical ally on the basis of an agreed political programme is the way forward and in no way is it comparable to the bootlicking attitude of some others.

Apparently Marlene Farrugia thinks otherwise, as she has already made it clear that she still harbours the thought of possibly leading the PN in five years’ time. In her view, all four candidates currently vying for the PN leadership are worthless! She thinks that, eventually, it is inevitable that she will have to take the plunge. This unfortunately conveys one clear and simple message: that the current PD leader only sees a future for herself and her party as an integral part of the PN. Marlene Farrugia effectively considers