ABSTRACT
The last chapter focused on anxieties surrounding political reform in nineties Malta. In doing so it revealed a tension in Maltese attitudes towards politicians and the political process, between a deeply committed support for particular parties-and personalitiesand a prevailing cynicism about politicians’ and public officers’ motives and trustworthiness. This chapter explores a parallel tension within the organisation responsible for St Paul’s festa-the Ghaqda tal¬ Pawlini (Association of Pawlini)—between members of Valletta ‘high’ society and il-poplu; between the clergy and the laity and between younger and older members of the Association.
