Talking about a new resolution

The New Year ushers in a sense of renewal and the resolve to change our lives and situations for the better. The tradition of resolutions dates back to 153 BC, to the time of Janus, the mythical king of early Rome. This custom has been passed on, in its different variations, through the centuries, and whether you set yourself the challenge of resolutions, chances are everybody has a goal or objective they wish to realise. Ariadne Massa caught up with some of Malta's most recognised faces to establish if they had accomplished their goals for 2008, and what resolutions they made for 2009.

Eddie Fenech Adami, President
I had intended to keep going as fast as I could. I did, except for two short spurts when I had to slow down to enable doctors to put in two artery stents, one in June and one in November. When George Bonello du Puis (former Finance Minister) learned about my second mishap, he phoned to assure me that once I got my third stent I would start hopping around without effort! Of course, I regret missing a couple of meetings. As of April 4, I shall go on a permanent sabbatical.

Giannella Caruana Curran, criminal lawyer
In 2008, I tried to be more punctual. I don't know if being late is in my DNA (her father is President Emeritus Guido de Marco). This year I plan to try and set aside some more time to read - I keep buying books and they're piling up. I would also like to dedicate some of my energies to a deserving cause.

Joseph Calleja, tenor
I am not really a big fan of New Year resolutions since I believe that if something is wrong one has to act immediately to make amends. Having said that, I do need to be more patient and learn to be less impulsive and impetuous. Last year was a very good one, but 2009 proves to be even more exciting with three different appearances at the Metropolitan Opera New York, a new recording and a very exciting concert in Malta in July.

Joseph Muscat, Labour leader
In 2008, my resolution was an attempt to continue with my normal life, but I broke that - this was the year of the unexpected for me. I'm hoping 2009 will be a boring year, which will give me the chance to spend more quality time with my children and family.

Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister
On the eve of the January 1, 2008, my goal was to ensure that the euro celebrations ran smoothly. Everyone assured me that the ATM (from where he had to withdraw the first euro notes) was working well... except that at the crucial moment it didn't. At the time I had the urge to kick the machine, but instead I smiled. Despite this slight hitch, the euro changeover has helped the island in the face of the global financial crisis. Towards the end of this year I lost my mother, which makes you stop and reflect on the importance of spending more time with your loved ones. So despite the hectic schedule for 2009, that's what I plan to do.

Katrine Camilleri, Jesuit Refugee Services lawyer
I stopped making new year's resolutions years ago. I decided it was quite simply not worth the effort as few made it past January 1, and almost none past January 7. Resolutions apart, if I had to pick one thing I want to work on in the coming months it would be to give more priority to what is important, rather than being totally taken up by what is, or seems to be, urgent.

Stephanie Spiteri, television presenter
I always start the year with the same resolutions to lose weight and slow down, but somehow I keep breaking my resolve. This year, I truly plan not to take on so many commitments and to set aside some time for myself. I'd also want to try and take life less seriously, because I worry too much. Life's too short.

Moira Delia, television host/animal welfare campaigner
I'm quite positive so I set out to achieve my goals. However, in 2008 I feel that maybe I didn't manage to transmit my message enough against cruelty and the abandoning of animals. I'll try harder this year. I'm also pushing to see the 24-hour, weekend veterinary service of Happy Paws materialise in 2009. In my personal life, if 2009 is similar to 2008, then I'm sure it will be a good one.