A people's palace

The attractive suggestion by Dr Attard Montalto at the last sitting of the House of Representatives, that a state-of-the-art House of Parliament should be constructed, provided with modern equipment and a sufficient number of offices and ample facilities for the elected members and officials, merits serious critical constructive criticism.

The site proposed by Dr Attard Montalto is that of the now derelict Opera House, which at present is an eyesore, striking forcibly and unfavourably the eye of the foreign visitor to our capital city, and I dare say also dismays all of us native Maltese with any national pride in our capital city and country.

The reconstructed German parliament house in Berlin, built in close proximity to the imposing Brandenburg Gate, could be used as a parallel example to the suggested site in Valletta, just inside the main gate of the capital and at the head of the main street, the old Strada Reale, now Republic Street.

If one is permitted to proffer a further suggestion, it would be highly desirable if the exterior of the now defunct Opera House could be reproduced in the new building as faithfully as possible and feasible; thus the new building would arise and be reborn, as for the proverbial Phoenix, from the ashes, dust and rubble which is all that is left after its destruction by enemy action in World War II, to recall its former glory and majesty as handsomely and proudly recorded in thousands of photos, postcards, pictures and illustrated books not only in our own homes but throughout the world.

It is after all part of our cherished national heritage and it could serve as a fitting memorial dedicated to all those who suffered and perished on, above and around the Maltese islands in that memorable and terrible siege of the 1940s; moreover it would serve to preserve the memory of one of our magnificent and important historic buildings, even if it is comparatively modern in our internationally famous baroque capital city.

It is realised that the government of these islands is not exactly awash with cash but money could possibly be obtained from and donated by the banks, commercial and business organisations and individual philanthropists and benefactors; and similarly appeals could be made to international bodies including the EU, the British government, and the German and Italian republics.

The proposed site has been shamefully neglected and is long overdue for reconstruction. This must be only too obvious to every public spirited native citizen and educated foreign visitor (upon whom depends much of our economic welfare).

Here therefore is an attractive suggestion and an opportunity which should receive due critical consideration and not be dismissed lightly out of hand.