Writing on the wall for spring hunting

In his efforts to put words in my mouth, Kevin Francica (June 29) achieves no more than the usual technique of those who attempt to defend the indefensible - when all else fails, try to discredit your critics.

Far from thinking that "Maltese nationals are second class citizens" - Mr Francica's said it, not I - I have a great affection for the Maltese people. I would hardly spend as much time on these islands as I do if I felt otherwise. I therefore passionately want Malta to succeed within the EU, and I happily concede that I do get frustrated when the prospects for such success are put in jeopardy by the likes of Mr Fancica and his fellow hunters in their pursuit of what is nothing more than a primitive hobby.

One of the key dynamics of the EU is social engineering and - Mr Francica's taking offence notwithstanding - there are two categories of member states:  those who drive this policy and those who don't. It has nothing to do with size, or national politics, or comparative economics. What matters is willingness to participate in partnership. I believe that Malta, for a whole raft of reasons too numerous to detail in one letter, has a golden opportunity to become one of the EU's lead member states on this issue...but that opportunity is greatly threatened by the continuing absurd support for the killing of migrating birds.

It's not even as if the hunting lobby has any chance of success.  Their cause is already lost. Mr Francica will no doubt question that assertion so, for provenance, I will point him to the front page banner headline of The Times on the very day his letter was published: (EU) Commission To Take Legal Action Against Malta (on spring hunting). And in letters on Page 10? Yet another letter from yet another foreign visitor who is doubtful about return. One of his reasons - hunting!

I quote: "I doubt if the Maltese people and the Maltese authorities appreciate the condemnation and horror felt worldwide at this appalling activity".

But perhaps the Maltese people do. For on page 8, we find the results of The Times online poll on the issue, with an almost 88 per cent vote for banning spring hunting. The hunting lobby will probably argue that this result does not reflect the support they actually have. But facts are facts, and a mere 12 per cent hardly indicates that their supporters are exactly rushing to stand up and be counted.

The writing is on the wall and even Mr Francica should be able to understand the message. Spring hunting (and possibly all hunting) is going to be banned in Malta, sooner or later. The only real issue is how much damage Mr Francica and his ilk are prepared to inflict on this country's reputation, its friendships and its economy in their defence of the indefensible.