Thank God that we can hopefully look forward to a summer where politics will take a backseat! After the over-exposure to continuous propaganda for the European Parliament Elections, it's time for life to return to normal.

It is also time to reflect on the way we are over-politicising every aspect of life in Malta. Politics impinges on every citizen's daily life and although political activity is positive, I think that it is high time that we reduce the way it infiltrates into everything that happens here in Malta.

Can we live a normal life as in the rest of Europe where people live their lives without having to discuss politics every single day, without having every utterance, every action analysed in a political light? Can we cut down on the political content in news bulletins?

Yes, I will be the first to admit that politics is important but too much over-exposure to it is negative and we have reached saturation point now after a General Election in 2008 and a European Parliament Election in 2009. Citizens need a break!

Corruption in Maltese football

As a person who enjoys watching a good game of football, I cannot but feel saddened at the state Maltese football has fallen into.

I am, of course, referring to the recent cases of corruption that have shaken the foundations of Maltese football and have had a severely negative effect on all genuine football supporters.

While it is true that we have heard tales of corruption everywhere in the world where football is played, it is also true that such cases nullify all the efforts of the hard-working officials of the Malta Football Association towards ameliorating local football.

What is particularly sad about all this is the fact that football is still so popular among a large part of the Maltese population.

One should also mention the sterling work being carried out at club nurseries where it is a joy to watch the enthusiasm of young footballers and their families as well as the club officials. Corruption cases in Maltese football are an insult to these people. Yet, human nature being what it is, one can only hope that the situation will improve, not deteriorate.

Museum fees

The recent controversy about the raising of some museum entrance fees is important not only because of the negative impact it can have on certain jobs but above all, in my opinion, because it will continue to exacerbate the problem of cultural impoverishment among the Maltese population.

We have to admit that there are many people who hardly know anything about our history and culture. This is really shameful in the age we are living in where the concept of the "learning society" has become part and parcel of everyday life and the concept of "lifelong learning" is the foundation-stone of our educational system.

While one appreciates the fact that some museum entrance fees have been reduced and one also understands the problem of the expenses incurred through capital projects and operational costs, still, the long-term effects of such a decision are bound to be negative.

Children at risk

A concerned parent was recently speaking to me about the fact that at a local feast, warlike and even dangerous items were being sold to children.

These included replicas of pistols which even fire small pellets. Obviously, when such undesirable "toys" find themselves in the hands of very young children, these will often use them in mock battles with other children. They may even use them to "hunt" animals like cats and small dogs.

It is imperative that inspections are carried out to ensure that items which are dangerous and which can serve to cultivate violent instincts in children do not find themselves on the market.

At a time when we are hearing on a weekly basis of cases of violent crimes, we should do our utmost to ensure that children are protected from unscrupulous people who exploit their innocence and expose them to undesirable behaviour for pecuniary ends. Parents should also be on the lookout for such "toys" and do their utmost to make sure that they do not fall into the hands of their children.

Helpful National Library staff

I have been pleasantly surprised with the positive attitude and help I am receiving whenever I go to the National Library in Valletta to carry out some research on a book I am writing about the late Sir Paul Boffa.

We sometimes hear about the negative attitude of certain public servants who make the members of the public feel unwelcome. I must say that not only do the staff at the National Library welcome you with a smile but they are also very polite in their interaction with researchers and are always willing to help when the latter encounter any difficulties in their work.

This is the sort of commitment which does the Maltese Public Service proud and which members of the general public expect. It is a refreshing departure from the stereotyped image of Public Officers as lazy workers with a "lets' get through the day by killing time" attitude which so many members of the public complain about. If only all Public Officers were to follow the example set by the National Library staff!