Equal opportunities dream

IVA's Alec Lapira boldly declared (August 30) that the EU represents 'equal opportunities for all'. Over the past years, the government has implemented a rigorous review of Maltese legislation to align it to EU directives and therefore to the laws of EU member states. Only when this is achieved can Maltese citizens claim equal opportunities as their European brethren.

However, just a day before, I was witness to the glaring gap that exists in what the citizen understands by 'equal opportunities' and what the government has in mind. Minister Tonio Borg was the guest on RTK's radio programme Irrid Nistaqsi. The programme was almost entirely dedicated to the issue of illegal immigrants and Dr Borg sailed along comfortably.

In the last part of the programme a phone call was received from Stephen Petroni, who represents the gun owners' lobby that is currently involved in talks with the home affairs ministry over the proposed new gun law. The lobby has often stated that it is in favour of EU Arms Directive 477/91 so long as there is a faithful transposition of that directive into our law.

Mr Petroni asked a very direct question: What is the government's justification for placing over 30 weapon categories in the White Paper's prohibited schedule when the directive stipulates just five? Is this an indication that the government has so much less trust in its citizens than EU member states have in theirs?

The minister appeared to have been caught off guard by this phone call and after he regained some composure took refuge in the one clause of the EU directive that allows member countries to implement more stringent laws.

Again, Mr Petroni asked: "That is for countries that have internal problems, do we have ETA or the IRA here?" The minister's response was classic: "Malta is a small country!"

The minister has his own agenda, there is no doubt about this now. If I were in the lobby's leadership I would question the validity of holding any further talks and propose going on to the EU offensive immediately.

I am a target shooting enthusiast and personally in favour of EU membership. However, when I read between the lines and realise that my dream of 'equal opportunities' appears to be doomed to remain just a dream, then I am determined to vote 'No' in the referendum on EU membership and I urge the thousands of fellow enthusiasts to do likewise. I am either going to become an EU citizen with equal rights and opportunities, or bust! IVA campaigners please note!