I just watched the recording of the  live web conference by the Prime Minister. All I can say is if that he was literally answering questions as they came in from the public on the prominently-displayed laptop, then he must be the world ‘s fastest speed reader.
Why, he was barely glancing at the screen and yet he was absorbing the person’s name, the question and launching into his spiel without scarcely missing a beat. Was every question that concise and short that a mere swivel of the eyes was enough for the PM to register it?
His answers to the very generic questions were long-winded and complicated, and the words flowing out of his mouth were as smooth as the creamiest butter. Every once in  while we were regaled with that usual touch of Gonzi condescension “u le jahasra” coupled with a sigh, which makes him sound like a slightly exasperated schoolteacher who is faced with a particularly dim class of students. The self-satisfied chuckle was heard occasionally, although he was careful to rein it in quickly.

Of course, the whole thing was off-the-cuff (how dare you suspect that  it was all rehearsed, or that he was, ahem, coached). If, at times, his voice began to sound like the persistent monotonous drone of an airplane engine, I suppose that detail can be tweaked the next time around.

But truly, the man has a gift for impromptu question and answer sessions and for talking non-stop for one hour. I’m impressed.

If you missed it, it’s here