Life Goes On…
As Malta was gripped by a political and legal drama that could easily rival any Shakespearean tragedy, one man seemed completely unfazed by the chaos he left behind. While a former prime minister, public officers, and business associates were facing a courtroom reckoning and grappling with freezing orders worth tens of millions of euros, Sam Sittlington was miles away – in more ways than one. With his expert advice wrapped up, a good chunk of the hefty €11 million payday secured, and Malta left reeling, Sam was busy tending to his flock. And by “flock,” we mean literal sheep, not political scandals.
From Vitals to Villages
For those not in the know, Sittlington wasn’t your average sheep farmer. No, this was a man who played a pivotal role in the inquiry into Malta’s Vitals hospital deal – an inquiry that reportedly cost over €11 million, thanks in no small part to Sam’s expert services. So, while Maltese taxpayers were doing mental gymnastics to comprehend how an inquiry could rack up such a figure, Sam was back home in Northern Ireland, tending to his rams. And not just any rams – we’re talking prized Dorset Spotted Dutch rams. The kind that fetch £250 a pop. You could argue it’s a modest price for a man who earned €11 million advising the courts, but hey, who’s counting?
A Rural Retreat in Newtownards
In a quaint little corner of Northern Ireland, nestled within the historic town of Newtownards, Sam was enjoying his rural paradise. Now, Newtownards is the kind of place where life moves at a gentle pace. With a population of just over 28,000, this Northern Irish gem boasts a mix of historic sites and picturesque landscapes. The weather, much like the inhabitants, is mild and occasionally drizzly. It’s a town where the clock seems to tick a little slower – perfect for someone looking to escape the glare of Maltese headlines.
Newtownards is known for its tight-knit community, where sheep farming isn’t just a pastime; it’s practically a way of life. With rolling hills and fields as far as the eye can see, Sam couldn’t have picked a more idyllic place to retreat to. After all, what better way to unwind after advising on one of Malta’s most controversial inquiries than by selling lambs with “lovely dark wool”?
The €11 Million Question
As Malta continues to digest the shocking revelations from the inquiry and the charges that followed, some are left wondering whether the real winner of the entire saga was Sam himself. After all, with his share of a tidy sum of over €11 million in his pocket, it’s no wonder he’s content playing shepherd in the bucolic setting of Newtownards.
The inquiry, led by Magistrate Gabriella Vella, is expected to be one of the most scrutinised in Maltese legal history, touching on allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and scandalous contracts that are yet to be proven in court. And while Malta’s political elite scramble to pick up the pieces, Sittlington seems to have made a smooth transition from courtroom expert to rural entrepreneur. Maybe tending to sheep is the ultimate antidote to political drama.
A Man of Many Talents
Sittlington’s varied career as an anti-fraud expert, part-time actor, and now part-time sheep farmer is something to be admired – or at the very least, pondered over while reading this blog. Perhaps he’s the living embodiment of the phrase “jack of all trades,” or maybe he’s just someone who knows how to play his cards right.
The Curious Case of Sam’s Rams
And so, while the Maltese political elite brace themselves for more court hearings, we can only imagine Sam back in Newtownards, preparing his prized rams for sale, before heading back to Malta to answer thorny questions about his Vitals role.
Dorset Spotted Dutch rams, for those interested, are known for their sturdy build and quality wool. And at £250 each, it’s a bargain, really. We’re sure if his rams could talk, they’d have some pretty good insider information to share about their owner’s escapades in Malta.
But alas, they’re just sheep – much like the rest of us. Except these sheep seem to have the best life of all.
Endnote:
A special thank you goes out to the sharp-eyed anonymous reader who spotted Sam Sittlington’s Facebook ad for his prized rams and gave us the perfect excuse to inject a bit of humour into this otherwise weighty saga. Because, let’s face it, after €11 million and a political storm, who wouldn’t want to take a moment to appreciate a good-looking sheep? Keep those tips coming, and we promise to keep digging up the best (and woolliest) scoops!
