The national interest

I am not a member of the Republican National Alliance (ANR). I am a member of the Campaign For National Independence (CNI). On the question of illegal immigration I hold the same views as those of CNI and ANR.

I believe the way ANR's rally in Valletta recently was reported was unfair, particularly the photo published with the caption underneath it. Describing the crowd present as being "200", when it was definitely more, and adding that in ANR's first rally in October 2005 "thousands had attended", was just a figment of the imagination.

If I remember correctly, the figure given of ANR's October 2005 rally was in the region of 300 not "thousands"! Quite obviously the figure of "thousands" was quoted to give the wrong impression that support for ANR's position on illegal immigration has crashed, which certainly is not the case.

May I also take this opportunity to comment on Connie Vella's letter Far-Right Thinking (June 12). Why does she and others who do not seem to have credible arguments refer only to what Norman Lowell's group says about illegal immigration? There are other groups who cannot be considered as being "far right", which hold strong but reasonable views on this problem. CNI, which is definitely more left than right, holds similar views as ANR on this question. No one surely can describe Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, CNI's chairman, as being a "fascist" or "racist". He is the kindest and most humble and honest person I have ever met. But he and his CNI will always put the interest of Malta and the Maltese first and foremost on this problem.

While CNI agrees that help is given to illegal immigrants who may be in difficulties, the main purpose is to see that those illegal immigrants arrive at their preferred destination. If the countries involved refuse to take them, how can they pretend that our tiny island carries the burden with all the consequences which a very large presence of illegal immigrants in such a tiny island like Malta can create? This opinion is shared by the vast majority of the Maltese, be they from the right, left or centre! I believe ANR shares this view too. So please, do not mix reasonable and patriotic people with a group of rabble-rousers!