Only in Malta!

Last night Tiffany made us proud. But why should political parties have to remind us that they are the alpha and omega of all that happens in Malta and beyond it by congratulating the young Anglo Maltese model?

James Debono 5 October 2010, 12:00am

2 min read

Can you ever imagine any party in Europe issuing a statement to congratulate the winner of the next top model competition? It is one of those things which happen only in Malta.

The Nationalist Party was the first to issue a statement congratulating Tiffany, saying she had made a name for herself and for Malta and that her determination and commitment made the country proud. The Labour Party followed suit.

I have to say that I enjoyed seeing a young smart Anglo Maltese girl winning a modelling competition. She won for her own good, earning a lucrative contact through her own merits. Incidentally she gave a sterling contribution to brand Malta. It was one of those fun occasions when you feel patriotic for the hell of it. I also got a kick seeing Malta branded by a sexy confident model rather than (Ira Losco apart) the usual Eurovision crappy looks. I also got a bigger kick from the British voting for a girl with Maltese roots...a sign that the notion of Britishness has become pleasently inclusive.

But come on its just a competition. Are we so inward looking to think that Tiffany has put Malta on the international map by winning a model’s competition?Why should we be so hungry for international recognition that we lose any sense of proportion?

Don’t we get enough recognition in the international press for our archaic censorship laws and the fact that we are one of two countries which do not allow divorce?

Any why should we always be reminded all the time that political parties are the alpha and omega of all that happens in this island and beyond it? Please give us a break and let us enjoy the fun. Political parties should learn to take the back seat for once.

James Debono is MaltaToday's chief reporter on environment, planning and land use issues, ...

More from James Debono

•

If this is your defense then I am very sorry to inform you that you are not even talented with the pen (or in this case the keyboard). In turn, my reply would just be a quote from your article with some added help to aid you with the analysis: "SEXY confident MODEL rather than (Ira Losco apart) the usual Eurovision crappy LOOKS."

Peter Cassar •

my reference to "eurovision crappy looks" was not directed to the physical appearance or figure of contestants but the whole kitsch package we often offer to the rest of the world. Back to eurovision, i recall that Lordi (dressed like ugly monsters) did not have boy band looks which many Maltese singers emulate but where in their own way cool. As regards myself, i do stick to the Pen that is what blogging is about. Singing or modelling are obviously beyond me.

•

You are mixing up two very different competitions here...not to mention being quite disrespectful to all Eurovision singers, as you put it, Ira Losco apart. Have you ever heard yourself in a recording, or looked in the mirror? You should quickly realise that you are neither Pavarotti, nor Brad Pitt, therefore may I suggest that you stick to the Pen and keep your Xarabank-like comments to yourself!

•

I don't see anything wrong that a political party congratulates one of their own when they do good, but tend to agree that they should take a back seat on such occassions, the problem is,that when one starts the ball rolling the other has to follow suit, can not afford not to.

•

In a country where general elections are decided by a handful of votes, every kind of party exposure is an asset - or so the story goes. I don't like it either but that's the reality.

•

it's so true , i always said that :why on every occasion they take the opportunity to show themselves ;-) Patronage maybe ?:P hehhee kidding

J Galea •

James, you're right, of course. It's the predicament of a country in which the small pockets of non-partisan resistance are culled while the Big Two move in rapidly to colonise the space. E' anche colpa nostra insomma.

•

I bet there will be an entourage of VIPs, ministers and majors when she decides to visit Malta. They feel that they own part of the success. Has anyone helped her to reach her ambition? If not, don't try to get any merit.

Grzegorz Tomski •

James, always a pleasure reading your blogs and newspaper articles. I like your objective views and in-depth analysis especially when you write about local and international politics. Keep up the good work.