Montebello attacks, but obeys, provincial

Fr Mark Montebello, the controversial Dominican priest who has voiced opposition to European Union membership, has announced that his provincial had ordered all members of the province not to speak about the subject in public.

Fr Montebello made the announcement in a letter to the Campaign for National Independence explaining why he was having to turn down an invitation to speak at their meeting today.

He quoted the provincial, Fr Charles Fenech, as saying the order was given in the light of what the bishops had asked of them. Fr Montebello said he disagreed strongly that this was the case and called the decision arbitrary, abusive, and injust.

When contacted, Fr Fenech said the Dominican community's message was one of unity, and not divergence.

Fr Fenech would not comment on Fr Montebello's allegations that the decision was abusive, replying only that that was "his opinion".

"Our position is clear. We shouldn't express our opinions in the media," he said.